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Hamdi M, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Câmara DR, Bollwein H, Rizos D, Bauersachs S, Almiñana C. Oviductal extracellular vesicles miRNA cargo varies in response to embryos and their quality. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:520. [PMID: 38802796 PMCID: PMC11129498 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence points to an active role of oviductal extracellular vesicles (oEVs) in the early embryo-maternal dialogue. However, it remains unclear whether oEVs contribute to the recognition of the presence of embryos and their quality in the oviduct. Hence, we examined whether the molecular cargo of oEVs secreted by bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC) differs depending on the presence of good (≥ 8 cells, G) or poor (< 8 cells, P) quality embryos. In addition, differences in RNA profiles between G and P embryos were analyzed in attempt to distinguish oEVs and embryonic EVs cargos. METHODS For this purpose, primary BOEC were co-cultured with in vitro produced embryos (IVP) 53 h post fertilization as follows: BOEC with G embryos (BGE); BOEC with P embryos (BPE); G embryos alone (GE); P embryos alone (PE); BOEC alone (B) and medium control (M). After 24 h of co-culture, conditioned media were collected from all groups and EVs were isolated and characterized. MicroRNA profiling of EVs and embryos was performed by small RNA-sequencing. RESULTS In EVs, 84 miRNAs were identified, with 8 differentially abundant (DA) miRNAs for BGE vs. B and 4 for BPE vs. B (P-value < 0.01). In embryos, 187 miRNAs were identified, with 12 DA miRNAs for BGE vs. BPE, 3 for G vs. P, 8 for BGE vs. GE, and 11 for BPE vs. PE (P-value < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that oEVs are involved in the oviductal-embryo recognition and pointed to specific miRNAs with signaling and supporting roles during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hamdi
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - José María Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diogo Ribeiro Câmara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Alagoas, Viçosa, AL, Brazil
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Almiñana
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland.
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Cañón-Beltrán K, Cajas YN, Almpanis V, Egido SG, Gutierrez-Adan A, González EM, Rizos D. MicroRNA-148b secreted by bovine oviductal extracellular vesicles enhance embryo quality through BPM/TGF-beta pathway. Biol Res 2024; 57:11. [PMID: 38520036 PMCID: PMC10960404 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargoes, including MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication. We previously demonstrated the upregulation of bta-mir-148b in EVs from oviductal fluid of cyclic cows. This miRNA is linked to the TGF-β pathway in the cell proliferation. Our aim was to verify whether miR-148b is taken up by embryos through gymnosis, validate its target genes, and investigate the effect of miR-148b supplementation on early embryo development and quality. METHODS Zygotes were cultured in SOF + 0.3% BSA (Control) or supplemented with: 1 µM miR-148b mimics during: D1-D7 (miR148b) or D1-D4 (miR148b-OV: representing miRNA effect in the oviduct) or D4-D7 (miR148b-UT: representing miRNA effect in the uterus) or 1 µM control mimics was used during: D1-D7 (CMimic). Embryos at ≥ 16-cells and D7 blastocysts (BD7) were collected to examine the mRNA abundance of transcripts linked to the TGF-β pathway (TGFBR2, SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD5, BMPR2, RPS6KB1, POU5F1, NANOG), total cell number (TC), trophectoderm (TE), and inner cell mass (ICM) were also evaluated. One-way ANOVA was used for all analyses. RESULTS We demonstrated that miR-148b can be taken up in both 16-cell embryos and BD7 by gymnosis, and we observed a decrease in SMAD5 mRNA, suggesting it's a potential target of miR-148b. Cleavage and blastocysts rates were not affected in any groups; however, supplementation of miR-148b mimics had a positive effect on TC, TE and ICM, with values of 136.4 ± 1.6, 92.5 ± 0.9, 43.9 ± 1.3 for miR148b and 135.3 ± 1.5, 92.6 ± 1.2, 42.7 ± 0.8, for miR148b-OV group. Furthermore, mRNA transcripts of SMAD1 and SMAD5 were decreased (P ≤ 0.001) in 16-cell embryos and BD7 from miR148b and miR148b-OV groups, while POU5F1 and NANOG were upregulated (P ≤ 0.001) in BD7 and TGFBR2 was only downregulated in 16-cell embryos. pSMAD1/5 levels were higher in the miR148b and miR148b-OV groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that supplementation of bta-miR-148b mimics during the entire culture period (D1 - D7) or from D1 - D4 improves embryo quality and influences the TGF-β signaling pathway by altering the transcription of genes associated with cellular differentiation and proliferation. This highlights the importance of miR-148b on embryo quality and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Programa de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Corporación Universitaria del Huila (CORHUILA), Grupo Kyron, Huila, Colombia
| | - Yulia N Cajas
- Department Agrarian Production, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), Loja, Ecuador
| | - Vasileios Almpanis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Guisado Egido
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Madrid, Spain.
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Pranomphon T, Mahé C, Demattei MV, Papillier P, Vitorino Carvalho A, Reynaud K, Almiñana C, Bauersachs S, Parnpai R, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. Characterization of oviduct epithelial spheroids for the study of embryo-maternal communication in cattle. Theriogenology 2024; 217:113-126. [PMID: 38271765 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Most in vitro models of oviduct epithelial cells (OEC) used thus far to gain insights into embryo-maternal communication induce cell dedifferentiation or are technically challenging. Moreover, although the presence of developing embryos has been shown to alter gene expression in OEC, the effect of embryos on OEC physiology remains largely unknown. Here, we propose a model based on bovine oviduct epithelial spheroids (OES) with specific shape and diameter (100-200 μm) criteria. The aims of this study were to i) determine the appropriate culture conditions of bovine OES cultured in suspension by evaluating their morphology, total cell number, viability, and activity of ciliated cells; ii) monitor gene expression in OES at the time of their formation (day 0) and over the 10 days of culture; and iii) test whether the vicinity of developing embryos affects OES quality criteria. On day 10, the proportions of vesicle-shaped OES (V-OES) were higher in M199/500 (500 μl of HEPES-buffered TCM-199) and synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF)/25 (25-μL droplet of SOF medium under mineral oil) than in M199/25 (25-μL droplet of M199 under mineral oil). The proportion of viable cells in V-OES was not affected by culture conditions and remained high (>80%) through day 10. The total number of cells per V-OES decreased over time except in SOF/25, while the proportions of ciliated cells increased over time in M199/500 but decreased in M199/25 and SOF/25. The movement amplitude of OES in suspension decreased over time under all culture conditions. Moreover, the gene expression of ANXA1, ESR1, HSPA8, and HSPA1A in OES remained stable during culture, while that of PGR and OVGP1 decreased from day 0 to day 10. Last, the co-culture of developing embryos with OES in SOF/25 increased the rates of blastocysts on days 7 and 8 compared to embryos cultured alone, and increased the proportion of V-OES compared to OES cultured alone. In conclusion, M199/500 and SOF/25 provided the optimal conditions for the long-time culture of OES. The supporting effect of OES on embryo development and of developing embryos on OES morphology was evidenced for the first time. Altogether, these results point OES as an easy-to-use, standardizable, and physiological model to study embryo-maternal interactions in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanya Pranomphon
- CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, 37380, France; Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Coline Mahé
- CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | | | | | | | - Karine Reynaud
- CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - Carmen Almiñana
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8315, Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8315, Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand.
| | | | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, 37380, France; Tours University, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Tours, 37200, France.
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4
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Juengel JL, Reader KL, Maclean PH, Quirke LD, Zellhuber-McMillan S, Haack NA, Heiser A. The role of the oviduct environment in embryo survival. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23171. [PMID: 38402905 DOI: 10.1071/rd23171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Declining fertility is an issue in multiple mammalian species. As the site of fertilisation and early embryo development, the oviduct plays a critical role in embryo survival, yet there is a paucity of information on how the oviduct regulates this process. AIMS We hypothesised that differences in steroid hormone signalling and/or immune function would be observed in a model of poor embryo survival, the peripubertal ewe. METHODS We examined expression of steroid hormones in systemic circulation, oviductal expression of oestrogen receptorαand genes important in steroid hormone signalling, and immune function in pregnant and cyclic peripubertal and adult ewes on day 3 after oestrus. KEY RESULTS Concentrations of progesterone, but not oestradiol, were decreased in the peripubertal ewe compared to the adult ewe. Oestrogen receptorαprotein expression was increased in the peripubertal ewe, but pathway analysis of gene expression revealed downregulation of the oestrogen signalling pathway compared to the adult ewe. Differential expression of several genes involved in immune function between the peripubertal and adult ewe was consistent with an unfavourable oviductal environment in the peripubertal ewe lamb. Oestradiol concentration was positively correlated with the expression of multiple genes involved in the regulation of immune function. CONCLUSIONS Differences in the immune environment of the oviduct, potentially linked to differential modulation by steroid hormones, may partially underly the poor fertilisation and early embryo survival observed in the peripubertal ewe. IMPLICATIONS A unfavourable oviductal environment may play an important role in limiting reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Juengel
- Agricultural Systems and Reproduction, AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9092, New Zealand
| | - Karen L Reader
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Paul H Maclean
- Bioinformatics and Statistics, AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Laurel D Quirke
- Agricultural Systems and Reproduction, AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9092, New Zealand
| | | | - Neville A Haack
- Animal Health Solutions, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Axel Heiser
- Animal Health Solutions, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Lopera-Vásquez R, Uribe-García F, Rondón-Barragán I. Effect of estrous cycle phases on gene expression in bovine oviduct epithelial cells. Vet World 2022; 15:1665-1675. [PMID: 36185535 PMCID: PMC9394134 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1665-1675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: The oviduct environment is of particular importance because it is the site of fertilization and early embryo development. The oviduct, as a component of the reproductive system, responds to ovarian hormone (estradiol [E2] and progesterone [P4]) stimuli depending on the estrous cycle phase. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of estrous cycle phases (follicular and early and late luteal phases) on gene expression patterns in bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs).
Materials and Methods: Oviducts were obtained from healthy slaughterhouse animals, corresponding to ipsilateral ovaries with dominant follicles or corpus luteum during early and late luteal phases. BOECs were recovered from the isthmus (IST) and ampulla (AMP), and the expression patterns of genes related to cytokinesis and mitosis mechanisms (rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase and cellular communication network factor 2 [CCN2]), growth factors (insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3, epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], vascular endothelial growth factor A, and EGFR), antioxidant mechanisms (glutathione peroxidase 4 [GPX4]), apoptosis (B-cell lymphoma 2), complement component (C3), energy metabolism (aldose reductase gene family 1-member b1 [AKRIB1] and solute carrier family 2), hormone receptors (estrogen receptor 1 and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor), and specific glycoproteins (oviductal glycoprotein 1) were analyzed.
Results: High P4 levels (late luteal phase) affected the expression of important genes related to antioxidant mechanisms (GPX4), energy metabolism (AKRIB1), growth factors (IGBP3 and EGFR), and cell growth regulation (CCN2) in the AMP. Low P4 levels (early luteal phase) affected the expression of AKR1B1, IGBP3, and CCN2. In addition, estrogen likely had an effect on OVPGP expression in the cattle oviduct.
Conclusion: Differential gene expression patterns of BOECs in the AMP during the luteal phase (antioxidant mechanisms, energy metabolism, growth factors, and immunological regulators) and in the IST during the follicular phase (glycoproteins) may influence their renewal and population proportions, modulating the oviduct environment as well as gamete and embryo physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricaurte Lopera-Vásquez
- Impronta Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics. Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Fabián Uribe-García
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Postal Code 730006299, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Iang Rondón-Barragán
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Postal Code 730006299, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
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6
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Aoki S, Inoue Y, Shinozawa A, Tanaka K, Shirasuna K, Iwata H. miR-17-5p in bovine oviductal fluid affects embryo development. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 551:111651. [PMID: 35452772 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study identified microRNAs (miRNAs) in bovine oviductal fluids (OFs) and examined the effect of miR-17-5p in OFs on embryonic development to the blastocyst stage. Small RNA-seq of extracellular vesicles of OFs revealed 242 miRNAs. Additionally, analyzing expressions of randomly selected OF-miRNAs with RT-qPCR in the culture medium of oviductal epithelial cells indicated that the abundance of miRNAs in OFs increased during the luteal phase. miR-17-5p mimic-treated eight-cell-stage zona pellucida-free embryos showed improved embryonic development to the blastocyst stage. The effect of the miR-17-5p mimic was confirmed using a dual-luciferase assay and immunostaining. In addition, RNA-seq of the miR-17-5p mimic- or control-treated embryos revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs), suggesting possible pathways that overlapped with the in silico-predicted pathways for miR-17-5p targeting genes. Furthermore, ingenuity pathway analysis of DEG predicted miR-17 to be a significant upstream regulator. Our results suggest that miR-17-5p in OFs regulates embryonic development in bovines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogo Aoki
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako, 1737, Atsugi City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Inoue
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako, 1737, Atsugi City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akihisa Shinozawa
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Sakuragaoka 1-1-1, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tanaka
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Sakuragaoka 1-1-1, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako, 1737, Atsugi City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako, 1737, Atsugi City, Kanagawa, Japan.
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Stamperna K, Giannoulis T, Cañon-Beltrán K, Dovolou E, Kalemkeridou M, Nanas I, Rizos D, Moutou KA, Mamuris Z, Amiridis GS. Oviductal epithelial cells transcriptome and extracellular vesicles characterization during thermoneutral and heat stress conditions in dairy cows. Theriogenology 2022; 187:152-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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8
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Aardema H, Bertijn I, van Tol HTA, Rijneveld A, Vernooij JCM, Gadella BM, Vos PLAM. Fatty Acid Supplementation During in vitro Embryo Production Determines Cryosurvival Characteristics of Bovine Blastocysts. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:837405. [PMID: 35356284 PMCID: PMC8959877 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.837405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro production (IVP) embryos have a reduced quality and poor cryotolerance in comparison to in vivo embryos. This study investigated whether free fatty acid (FFA) conditions, fatty acid free (FAF)- synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) without or with 25 μM of saturated stearic (C18:0) or unsaturated oleic (C18:1) acid during the first 5 IVP days, relate to quality and cryosurvival of day 8 blastocysts. Apart from the blastocyst scores, both 1) number and size of lipid droplets of fresh blastocysts and 2) total number and apoptotic and necrotic cells, before and after freezing-thawing, were scored by confocal microscopy. Blastocyst rates were significantly lower in the FAF SOF condition in comparison to other groups. Interestingly, blastocysts originating from the C18:1 group, with a significantly higher lipid content, and blastocysts from the FAF SOF group demonstrated a high cryosurvival rate (70.1 and 67.4%, respectively) comparable with in vivo blastocysts (68%), in contrast to the poor cryosurvival of C18:0 exposed embryos (17.6%). In all freeze-thawed embryos the average amount of apoptotic and necrotic cells increased albeit that the C18:0 condition rates were higher (43.2%) when compared to C18:1 (26.0%) and FAF SOF conditions (26.5%). The current data show that FFA administered during early embryonic development significantly affect the cryotolerance of blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Aardema
- *Correspondence: H. Aardema, ; B. M. Gadella,
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9
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Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Quirke LD, Maclean PH, Haack NA, Edwards SJ, Heiser A, Juengel JL. Characterization of local and peripheral immune system in pregnant and nonpregnant ewes. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6317661. [PMID: 34240172 PMCID: PMC8363041 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of the immune system is known to be important for successful pregnancy but how immune function might differ between the lymph nodes draining the reproductive tract and peripheral lymph nodes is not well understood. Additionally, if immune system changes in response to the presence of an embryo during early pregnancy, and if this response differs in local versus peripheral immune tissue, has not been well characterized. To address these questions, we examined expression of genes important for immune function using NanoString technology in the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct, endometrium, lymph nodes draining the reproductive tract (lumbo-aortic and medial iliac) as well as a peripheral lymph node (axillary), the spleen, and circulating immune cells from ewes on day 5 of the estrous cycle or pregnancy. Concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in plasma were also determined. Principal component analysis revealed separation of the local from the peripheral lymph nodes (MANOVA P = 3.245e-08, R2 = 0.3) as well as separation of tissues from pregnant and nonpregnant animals [lymph nodes (MANOVA P = 2.337e-09, R2 = 0.5), reproductive tissues (MANOVA P = 2.417e-14, R2 = 0.47)]. Nine genes were differentially (FDR < 0.10) expressed between lymph node types, with clear difference in expression of these genes between the lumbo-aortic and axillary lymph nodes. Expression of these genes in the medial iliac lymph node was not consistently different to either the axillary or the lumbo-aortic lymph node. Expression of IL10RB was increased (FDR < 0.05) by 24% in the reproductive tissue of the pregnant animals compared to nonpregnant animals. Analysis of gene categories revealed that expression of genes of the T-cell receptor pathway in reproductive tract tissues was associated (P < 0.05) with pregnancy status. In conclusion, assessment of gene expression of reproductive and immune tissue provides evidence for a specialization of the local immune system around the reproductive tract potentially important for successful establishment of pregnancy. Additionally, differences in gene expression patterns in reproductive tissue from pregnant and nonpregnant animals could be discerned as early as day 5 of pregnancy. This was found to be associated with expression of genes important for T-cell function and thus highlights the important role of these cells in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel D Quirke
- Reproduction, Animal Science, Invermay Agricultural Centre, AgResearch Ltd, Mosgiel, 9092, New Zealand
| | - Paul H Maclean
- Bioinformatics and Statistics, AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Neville A Haack
- Infectious Diseases, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Sara J Edwards
- Reproduction, Animal Science, Invermay Agricultural Centre, AgResearch Ltd, Mosgiel, 9092, New Zealand
| | - Axel Heiser
- Infectious Diseases, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer L Juengel
- Reproduction, Animal Science, Invermay Agricultural Centre, AgResearch Ltd, Mosgiel, 9092, New Zealand.,Infectious Diseases, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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11
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Nobiletin enhances the development and quality of bovine embryos in vitro during two key periods of embryonic genome activation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11796. [PMID: 34083641 PMCID: PMC8175487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro culture can alter the development and quality of bovine embryos. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether nobiletin supplementation during EGA improves embryonic development and blastocyst quality and if it affects PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro zygotes were cultured in SOF + 5% FCS (Control) or supplemented with 5, 10 or 25 µM nobiletin (Nob5, Nob10, Nob25) or with 0.03% dimethyl-sulfoxide (CDMSO) during minor (2 to 8-cell stage; MNEGA) or major (8 to 16-cell stage; MJEGA) EGA phase. Blastocyst yield on Day 8 was higher in Nob5 (42.7 ± 1.0%) and Nob10 (44.4 ± 1.3%) for MNEGA phase and in Nob10 (61.0 ± 0.8%) for MJEGA phase compared to other groups. Mitochondrial activity was higher and lipid content was reduced in blastocysts produced with nobiletin, irrespective of EGA phase. The mRNA abundance of CDK2, H3-3B, H3-3A, GPX1, NFE2L2 and PPARα transcripts was increased in 8-cells, 16-cells and blastocysts from nobiletin groups. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed immunoreactive proteins for p-AKT forms (Thr308 and Ser473) in bovine blastocysts produced with nobiletin. In conclusion, nobiletin supplementation during EGA has a positive effect on preimplantation bovine embryonic development in vitro and corroborates on the quality improvement of the produced blastocysts which could be modulated by the activation of AKT signaling pathway.
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12
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Oviduct as a sensor of embryo quality: deciphering the extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated embryo-maternal dialogue. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:685-697. [PMID: 33512581 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02042-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Embryo-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play a role in mediating the embryo-maternal dialogue at the oviduct, potentially carrying signals reflecting embryo quality. We investigated the effects of bovine embryo-derived EVs on the gene expression of bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs), and whether these effects are dependent on embryo quality. Presumptive zygotes were cultured individually in vitro in culture medium droplets until day 8 while their development was assessed at day 2, 5 and 8. Conditioned medium samples were collected at day 5 and pooled based on embryo development (good quality embryo media and degenerating embryo media). EVs were isolated from conditioned media by size exclusion chromatography and supplemented to primary BOEC monolayer cultures to evaluate the effects of embryo-derived EVs on gene expression profile of BOEC. Gene expression was quantified by RNA-seq and RT-qPCR. A total of 7 upregulated and 18 downregulated genes were detected in the BOECs supplemented with good quality embryo-derived EV compared to the control. The upregulated genes included interferon-τ-induced genes, such as OAS1Y, MX1 and ISG15, which have previously been reported as upregulated in the oviductal epithelial cells in the presence of embryos. Of the upregulated genes, OAS1Y and MX1 were validated with RT-qPCR. In contrast, only one differentially expressed gene was detected in BOECs in response to degenerating embryo-derived EVs, suggesting that oviductal responses are dependent on embryo quality. Our results support the hypothesis that embryo-derived EVs are involved in embryo-maternal communication at the oviduct and the oviductal response is dependant on the embryo quality. KEY MESSAGES: • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by individually cultured pre-implantation bovine embryos can alter the gene expression of primary oviductal epithelial cells. • The oviductal response, in terms of gene expression, to the bovine embryo-derived EVs varied depending on the embryo quality. • In vivo, the oviduct may have the ability to sense the quality of the pre-implantation embryos. • The observed effect of embryo-derived EVs on oviductal epithelial cells could serve as a non-invasive method of evaluating the embryo quality.
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13
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Lee SH, Saadeldin IM. Exosomes as a Potential Tool for Supporting Canine Oocyte Development. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10111971. [PMID: 33121043 PMCID: PMC7693116 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To date, extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, have markedly gained attention in scientific research because of their physiological homogeneity as well as stability for transporting regulatory molecules to recipient cells. Recently, it has been shown that exosomes impact gametes and embryo development in several mammalian species; however, there is still scant information on the physiological effects of exosomes on the canine reproduction system. In this regard, we elucidate the possible roles of exosomes involvement in oviduct and cumulus-oocyte complexes mutual communications and how oviduct regulates their development via molecular signaling pathways. Abstract The canine oviduct is a unique reproductive organ where the ovulated immature oocytes complete their maturation, while the other mammals ovulate matured gametes. Due to their peculiar reproductive characteristics, the in vitro maturation of dog oocytes is still not wellestablished compared with other mammals. Investigations of the microenvironment conditions in the oviductal canal are required to establish a reliable in vitro maturation system in the dog. Previous studies have suggested that the oviduct and its derivatives play a key role in improving fertilization as well as embryo development. In particular, the biological function of oviduct-derived exosomes on sperm and early embryo development has been investigated in porcine, bovine, and murine species. However, the information about their functions on canine cumulus-oocyte complexes is still elusive. Recent canine reproductive studies demonstrated how oviduct-derived extracellular vesicles such as microvesicles and exosomes interact with oocyte-cumulus complexes and how they can play roles in regulating canine cumulus/oocyte communications. In this review, we summarize the physiological characteristics of canine oviduct-derived exosomes and their potential effects on cumulus cells development as well as oocyte in vitro maturation via molecular signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Islam M. Saadeldin
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 44511, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Sidrat T, Khan AA, Joo MD, Wei Y, Lee KL, Xu L, Kong IK. Bovine Oviduct Epithelial Cell-Derived Culture Media and Exosomes Improve Mitochondrial Health by Restoring Metabolic Flux during Pre-Implantation Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207589. [PMID: 33066562 PMCID: PMC7593913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oviduct flushing is enriched by a wide variety of nutrients that guide the 3-4 days journey of pre-implantation embryo through the oviduct as it develops into a competent blastocyst (BL). However, little is known about the specific requirement and role of these nutrients that orchestrate the early stages of embryonic development. In this study, we aimed to characterize the effect of in vitro-derived bovine oviduct epithelial cell (BOECs) secretion that mimics the in vivo oviduct micro-fluid like environment, which allows successful embryonic development. In this study, the addition of an in vitro derived BOECs-condition media (CM) and its isolated exosomes (Exo) significantly enhances the quality and development of BL, while the hatching ability of BLs was found to be high (48.8%) in the BOECs-Exo supplemented group. Surprisingly, BOECs-Exo have a dynamic effect on modulating the embryonic metabolism by restoring the pyruvate flux into TCA-cycle. Our analysis reveals that Exo treatment significantly upregulates the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD1) expression, required for metabolic fine-tuning of the TCA-cycle in the developing embryos. Exo treatment increases the influx into TCA-cycle by strongly suppressing the PDH and GLUD1 upstream inhibitors, i.e., PDK4 and SIRT4. Improvement of TCA-cycle function was further accompanied by higher metabolic activity of mitochondria in BOECs-CM and Exo in vitro embryos. Our study uncovered, for the first time, the possible mechanism of BOECs-derived secretion in re-establishing the TCA-cycle flux by the utilization of available nutrients and highlighted the importance of pyruvate in supporting bovine in vitro embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabinda Sidrat
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (T.S.); (M.-D.J.); (Y.W.); (L.X.)
| | - Abdul Aziz Khan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack University Medical Center, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Myeon-Don Joo
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (T.S.); (M.-D.J.); (Y.W.); (L.X.)
| | - Yiran Wei
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (T.S.); (M.-D.J.); (Y.W.); (L.X.)
| | - Kyeong-Lim Lee
- The King Kong Corp. Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Lianguang Xu
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (T.S.); (M.-D.J.); (Y.W.); (L.X.)
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (T.S.); (M.-D.J.); (Y.W.); (L.X.)
- The King Kong Corp. Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea;
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-1942
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15
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Rodrigues Sousa E, Zoni E, Karkampouna S, La Manna F, Gray PC, De Menna M, Kruithof-de Julio M. A Multidisciplinary Review of the Roles of Cripto in the Scientific Literature Through a Bibliometric Analysis of its Biological Roles. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061480. [PMID: 32517087 PMCID: PMC7352664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cripto is a small glycosylphosphatidylinisitol (GPI)-anchored and secreted oncofetal protein that plays important roles in regulating normal physiological processes, including stem cell differentiation, embryonal development, and tissue growth and remodeling, as well as pathological processes such as tumor initiation and progression. Cripto functions as a co-receptor for TGF-β ligands such as Nodal, GDF1, and GDF3. Soluble and secreted forms of Cripto also exhibit growth factor-like activity and activate SRC/MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 kDa (GRP78) binds Cripto at the cell surface and has been shown to be required for Cripto signaling via both TGF-β and SRC/MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. To provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature related to Cripto, we performed, for the first time, a bibliometric analysis of the biological roles of Cripto as reported in the scientific literature covering the last 10 years. We present different fields of knowledge in comprehensive areas of research on Cripto, ranging from basic to translational research, using a keyword-driven approach. Our ultimate aim is to aid the scientific community in conducting targeted research by identifying areas where research has been conducted so far and, perhaps more importantly, where critical knowledge is still missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rodrigues Sousa
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Eugenio Zoni
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Karkampouna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Federico La Manna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marta De Menna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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16
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Talukder AK, Marey MA, Shirasuna K, Kusama K, Shimada M, Imakawa K, Miyamoto A. Roadmap to pregnancy in the first 7 days post-insemination in the cow: Immune crosstalk in the corpus luteum, oviduct, and uterus. Theriogenology 2020; 150:313-320. [PMID: 32088048 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first 7 days post-insemination are critical for establishment of pregnancy. The pre-ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces ovulation through disruption of the follicle structure that elucidates pro-inflammatory (Th1) responses. Various types of immune cells are recruited into the corpus luteum (CL) to regulate luteal angiogenesis and progesterone (P4) secretion into the circulation to establish pregnancy. The active sperm-uterine crosstalk also induces Th1 responses, mainly via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/4 signaling pathway in vitro. The endometrial glands serve as sensors for sperm signals, which trigger Th1 responses. Conversely, the sperm-oviduct binding generates anti-inflammatory (Th2) responses to support sperm survival until fertilization. It is well-established that embryo-maternal crosstalk starts after the embryo hatches out from the zona pellucida (ZP). However most recently, it was shown that the 16-cell stage bovine embryo starts to secrete interferon-tau (IFNT) that induces Th2 immune responses in the oviduct. Once developing embryos descend into the uterine horn, they induce Th2 responses with interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) expression in the uterine epithelium and local immune cells mainly via IFNT release. Likewise, multiple embryos in the uterus of superovulated donor cows on D7 post-insemination induce Th2 immune responses with ISGs expressions in circulating immune cells. These findings strongly suggest that the maternal immune system reacts to the embryo during the first 7 days post-insemination to induce fetal tolerance. It became evident that the innate immunity of the developing CL, oviduct, and uterus works together to provide optimal conditions for fertilization and early embryonic development during the first 7 days post-insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup K Talukder
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan; Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Mohamed A Marey
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhur University, Behera, Egypt
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0034, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kusama
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Masayuki Shimada
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto, 862-8652, Japan
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan.
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17
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Composing the Early Embryonic Microenvironment: Physiology and Regulation of Oviductal Secretions. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010223. [PMID: 31905654 PMCID: PMC6982147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviductal fluid is the first environment experienced by mammalian embryos at the very beginning of life. However, it has long been believed that the oviductal environment was not essential for proper embryonic development. Successful establishment of in vitro embryo production techniques (which completely bypass the oviduct) have reinforced this idea. Yet, it became evident that in vitro produced embryos differ markedly from their in vivo counterparts, and these differences are associated with lower pregnancy outcomes and more health issues after birth. Nowadays, researchers consider the oviduct as the most suitable microenvironment for early embryonic development and a substantial effort is made to understand its dynamic, species-specific functions. In this review, we touch on the origin and molecular components of the oviductal fluid in mammals, where recent progress has been made thanks to the wider use of mass spectrometry techniques. Some of the factors and processes known to regulate oviductal secretions, including the embryo itself, as well as ovulation, insemination, endogenous and exogenous hormones, and metabolic and heat stress, are summarized. Special emphasis is laid on farm animals because, owing to the availability of sample material and the economic importance of fertility in livestock husbandry, a large part of the work on this topic has been carried out in domestic animals used for dairy and/or meat production.
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18
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Rodríguez-Alonso B, Hamdi M, Sánchez JM, Maillo V, Gutierrez-Adan A, Lonergan P, Rizos D. An approach to study the local embryo effect on gene expression in the bovine oviduct epithelium in vivo. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1516-1523. [PMID: 31472078 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the local embryo effect on the transcriptomic response of the epithelial cells of the oviduct in vivo. Fifteen heifers were synchronized and artificially inseminated to a standing heat. All heifers were slaughtered on Day 2.5 after oestrus. The oviducts from 13 animals were isolated, trimmed free of tissue and divided between ampulla/isthmus. The ipsilateral isthmus was divided into smaller sections (2 cm). Each section was sequentially flushed until the embryo was located (4/13) and then opened and scraped longitudinally to obtain the epithelial cells. Cells were snap-frozen in LN2 for gene expression analysis. All recovered embryos were found at the beginning of the isthmus. The 2 cm sections selected for the transcriptomic analysis were as follows: embryo section (in which the embryo was found); proximal section (through which the embryo had passed); distal section (on the uterine side of the embryo); and contralateral section (section from the contralateral isthmus). The expression pattern of eight genes (STK32A, KERA, QRFPR, MCTP1, PRELP, VAT1L, SOCS3 and CCL20) differentially expressed between the isthmus of pregnant (multiple embryo model) and cyclic heifers were assessed by RT-qPCR. One-way ANOVA and t test was used for statistical analysis. Comparisons between ipsilateral and contralateral oviduct or along the ipsilateral oviduct resulted in no differences for all genes. Despite the failure to detect a site-specific response of a single embryo on the abundance of distinct transcripts in the bovine oviduct in vivo on Day 2.5, the current methodology with proposed modifications would be useful for future studies to examine the local embryo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rodríguez-Alonso
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Meriem Hamdi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Argañaraz ME, Zampini R, Apichela SA, Barraza DE, Angiono G, Lombardo D. Embryo presence regulates NODAL/LEFTY2 system in the rat oviduct in vivo. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1652-1662. [PMID: 31418961 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
To gain further insight in the mechanisms of the embryo-maternal dialog in the oviduct, expression of members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, NODAL, its inhibitor, LEFTY2, and their coreceptor, CFC1, were studied in the oviduct of 3-day post copula (3 dpc) females with and without embryos (E and NE), pseudopregnant rats (SP3), and in 3-day embryos. Nodal transcripts in SP3 oviducts showed a steady-state relative abundance when compared with proestrus stage and the 3 dpc. In contrast, Lefty2 and Cfc1 relative abundance levels in proestrus and 3 dpc were higher. When comparing E with NE oviducts, Nodal and Lefty2 expression levels decreased, while Cfc1 expression increased in the presence of embryos. Nodal messenger RNA (mRNA) was observed in the embryo, but Lefty2 and Cfc1 transcripts were not found. In addition, an increase in Lefty2 expression coincided with increased levels of matrix metalloproteinases 9 mRNA and protein in the oviduct and in the oviductal fluid, respectively. These observations have shed new light on the relevance of the NODAL/LEFTY2 pathway in the oviduct during early embryo development and the role of the embryo in modulating this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin E Argañaraz
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET UNT, and Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNT, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Renato Zampini
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET UNT, and Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNT, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Silvana A Apichela
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET UNT, and Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNT, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Zootecnia General I, Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Daniela E Barraza
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET UNT, and Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNT, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Georgina Angiono
- INITRA (Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Lombardo
- INITRA (Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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