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Zhong J, Han C, Chen P, Liu R. SGAE: single-cell gene association entropy for revealing critical states of cell transitions during embryonic development. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad366. [PMID: 37833841 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad366] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The critical point or pivotal threshold of cell transition occurs in early embryonic development when cell differentiation culminates in its transition to specific cell fates, at which the cell population undergoes an abrupt and qualitative shift. Revealing such critical points of cell transitions can track cellular heterogeneity and shed light on the molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation. However, precise detection of critical state transitions proves challenging when relying on single-cell RNA sequencing data due to their inherent sparsity, noise, and heterogeneity. In this study, diverging from conventional methods like differential gene analysis or static techniques that emphasize classification of cell types, an innovative computational approach, single-cell gene association entropy (SGAE), is designed for the analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data and utilizes gene association information to reveal critical states of cell transitions. More specifically, through the translation of gene expression data into local SGAE scores, the proposed SGAE can serve as an index to quantitatively assess the resilience and critical properties of genetic regulatory networks, consequently detecting the signal of cell transitions. Analyses of five single-cell datasets for embryonic development demonstrate that the SGAE method achieves better performance in facilitating the characterization of a critical phase transition compared with other existing methods. Moreover, the SGAE value can effectively discriminate cellular heterogeneity over time and performs well in the temporal clustering of cells. Besides, biological functional analysis also indicates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayuan Zhong
- School of Mathematics and Big Data, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Chongyin Han
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Pei Chen
- School of Mathematics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Mathematics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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2
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Canse C, Yildirim E, Yaba A. Overview of junctional complexes during mammalian early embryonic development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1150017. [PMID: 37152932 PMCID: PMC10158982 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1150017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell junctions form strong intercellular connections and mediate communication between blastomeres during preimplantation embryonic development and thus are crucial for cell integrity, polarity, cell fate specification and morphogenesis. Together with cell adhesion molecules and cytoskeletal elements, intercellular junctions orchestrate mechanotransduction, morphokinetics and signaling networks during the development of early embryos. This review focuses on the structure, organization, function and expressional pattern of the cell-cell junction complexes during early embryonic development. Understanding the importance of dynamic junction formation and maturation processes will shed light on the molecular mechanism behind developmental abnormalities of early embryos during the preimplantation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Canse
- Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ecem Yildirim
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Aylin Yaba
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- *Correspondence: Aylin Yaba,
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3
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Electrophysiology and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Approaches for Evaluating Gamete and Embryo Functionality in Animals and Humans. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111685. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review has examined two of the techniques most used by our research group for evaluating gamete and embryo functionality in animal species, ranging from marine invertebrates to humans. Electrophysiology has given access to fundamental information on some mechanisms underpinning the biology of reproduction. This technique demonstrates the involvement of ion channels in multiple physiological mechanisms, the achievement of homeostasis conditions, and the triggering of profound metabolic modifications, often functioning as amplification signals of cellular communication. Fluorescence spectrometry using fluorescent probes to mark specific cell structures allows detailed information to be obtained on the functional characteristics of the cell populations examined. The simple and rapid execution of this methodology allowed us to establish a panel helpful in elucidating functional features in living cells in a simultaneous and multi-parameter way in order to acquire overall drafting of gamete and embryo functionality.
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Misner MJ, Taborek A, Dufour J, Sharifi L, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. Effects of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Oocyte Competence and Early Embryonic Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 3:647918. [PMID: 35295104 PMCID: PMC8915882 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.647918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent changes in legal status and public perception of cannabis have contributed to an increase use amongst women of reproductive age. Concurrently, there is inadequate evidence-based knowledge to guide clinical practice regarding cannabis and its effects on fertility and early embryonic development. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), during oocyte maturation, and its impact on the developing embryo. Bovine oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 h under clinically relevant doses of THC mimicking plasma levels achieved after therapeutic (0.032 μM) and recreational (0.32 and 3.2 μM) cannabis use. THC-treated oocytes were assessed for development and quality parameters at both the oocyte and embryo level. Characteristics of oocytes treated with cannabinoid receptor antagonists were also assessed. Oocytes treated with 0.32 and 3.2 μM THC, were significantly less likely to reach metaphase II (p < 0.01) and consequently had lower cleavage rates at day 2 post-fertilization (p < 0.0001). Treatment with cannabinoid receptor antagonists restored this effect (p < 0.05). Oocytes that did reach MII showed no differences in spindle morphology. Oocytes treated with 0.032 μM THC had significantly lower connexin mRNA (p < 0.05) (correlated with decreased quality), but this was not confirmed at the protein level. At the blastocyst stage there were no significant differences in developmental rates or the proportion of trophectoderm to inner cell mass cells between the control and treatment groups. These blastocysts, however, displayed an increased level of apoptosis in the 0.32 and 3.2 μM groups (p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest a possible disruptive effect of cannabis on oocyte maturation and early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Misner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Afton Taborek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jaustin Dufour
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lea Sharifi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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5
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Connexin 43 Gene Ablation Does Not Alter Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Germ Lineage Specification. Biomolecules 2021; 12:biom12010015. [PMID: 35053163 PMCID: PMC8773696 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryonic germ layer development, cells communicate with each other and their environment to ensure proper lineage specification and tissue development. Connexin (Cx) proteins facilitate direct cell–cell communication through gap junction channels. While previous reports suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication may contribute to germ layer formation, there have been limited comprehensive expression analyses or genetic ablation studies on Cxs during human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) germ lineage specification. We screened the mRNA profile and protein expression patterns of select human Cx isoforms in undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and after directed differentiation into the three embryonic germ lineages: ectoderm, definitive endoderm, and mesoderm. Transcript analyses by qPCR revealed upregulation of Cx45 and Cx62 in iPSC-derived ectoderm; Cx45 in mesoderm; and Cx30.3, Cx31, Cx32, Cx36, Cx37, and Cx40 in endoderm relative to control human iPSCs. Generated Cx43 (GJA1) CRISPR-Cas9 knockout iPSCs successfully differentiated into cells of all three germ layers, suggesting that Cx43 is dispensable during directed iPSC lineage specification. Furthermore, qPCR screening of select Cx transcripts in our GJA1-/- iPSCs showed no significant Cx upregulation in response to the loss of Cx43 protein. Future studies will reveal possible compensation by additional Cxs, suggesting targets for future CRISPR-Cas9 ablation studies in human iPSC lineage specification.
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González-Casanova JE, Durán-Agüero S, Caro-Fuentes NJ, Gamboa-Arancibia ME, Bruna T, Bermúdez V, Rojas-Gómez DM. New Insights on the Role of Connexins and Gap Junctions Channels in Adipose Tissue and Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212145. [PMID: 34830025 PMCID: PMC8619175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the inability to curb the excessive increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight, it is necessary to comprehend in more detail the factors involved in the pathophysiology and to appreciate more clearly the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of obesity. Thus, understanding the biological regulation of adipose tissue is of fundamental relevance. Connexin, a protein that forms intercellular membrane channels of gap junctions and unopposed hemichannels, plays a key role in adipogenesis and in the maintenance of adipose tissue homeostasis. The expression and function of Connexin 43 (Cx43) during the different stages of the adipogenesis are differentially regulated. Moreover, it has been shown that cell–cell communication decreases dramatically upon differentiation into adipocytes. Furthermore, inhibition of Cx43 degradation or constitutive overexpression of Cx43 blocks adipocyte differentiation. In the first events of adipogenesis, the connexin is highly phosphorylated, which is likely associated with enhanced Gap Junction (GJ) communication. In an intermediate state of adipocyte differentiation, Cx43 phosphorylation decreases, as it is displaced from the membrane and degraded through the proteasome; thus, Cx43 total protein is reduced. Cx is involved in cardiac disease as well as in obesity-related cardiovascular diseases. Different studies suggest that obesity together with a high-fat diet are related to the production of remodeling factors associated with expression and distribution of Cx43 in the atrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Enrique González-Casanova
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (J.E.G.-C.); (N.J.C.-F.)
| | - Samuel Durán-Agüero
- Facultad de Ciencias Para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Los Leones, Lota 2465, Providencia, Santiago 7500000, Chile;
| | - Nelson Javier Caro-Fuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (J.E.G.-C.); (N.J.C.-F.)
| | - Maria Elena Gamboa-Arancibia
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Av. Libertador Bernardo O’higgins 3363, Estación Central, Santiago 9170022, Chile;
| | - Tamara Bruna
- Centro de Investigación Austral Biotech, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Avenida Ejercito 146, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Valmore Bermúdez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia;
| | - Diana Marcela Rojas-Gómez
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370321, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-226618559
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Residiwati G, Azari-Dolatabad N, Tuska HSA, Sidi S, Van Damme P, Benedetti C, Montoro AF, Luceno NL, Budiono, Pavani KC, Opsomer G, Van Soom A, Bogado Pascottini O. Effect of lycopene supplementation to bovine oocytes exposed to heat shock during in vitro maturation. Theriogenology 2021; 173:48-55. [PMID: 34332201 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of the antioxidant lycopene supplemented into the in vitro maturation medium (TCM-199 with 20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor and 50 mg/mL gentamycin) in a heat shock (HS) model to mimic in vivo heat stress conditions. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were supplemented with 0.2 μM lycopene (or not supplemented; control) under HS (40.5 °C) and non-HS (NHS; 38.5 °C) during maturation. After 22 h of maturation, we evaluated the nuclear status of the oocytes, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the respective blastocyst development and quality (via differential staining). Data were fitted in logistic and linear regression models, and the replicates were set as a random effect. The nuclear maturation was higher in NHS (84.0 ± 3.2%; least square mean ± standard error) than HS control (60.4 ± 4.3%; P < 0.001). Remarkably, the nuclear maturation in HS lycopene (71.7 ± 4.1%) was similar to NHS control (P = 0.7). Under HS conditions lycopene reduced ROS production (27.4 ± 4.8; relative fluorescence units (RFU)) in comparison to HS control (33.8 ± 1.8 RFU; P = 0.009). However, the ROS production in NHS lycopene (18.9 ± 2.0 RFU) was similar to NHS control (18.7 ± 1.8 RFU; P = 0.9). The cleavage rate in HS lycopene (76.1 ± 3.3%) was not lower than NHS lycopene (83.3 ± 2.5%; P > 0.1). On the day 8 of embryo development, the blastocyst rate was higher for NHS lycopene (55.2 ± 4.7%) versus NHS control (44.5 ± 4.7%; P = 0.04), but under HS the day 8 blastocyst rate was similar between control (29.9 ± 4.2%) and lycopene (32.3 ± 4.2%; P = 0.9). Lycopene supplementation increased the cell number of the embryos (total cell, trophectoderm, and inner cell mass numbers) under NHS conditions (P > 0.03). The apoptotic cell ratio was lower in lycopene (NHS and HS) versus control (NHS and HS) (P > 0.04). Lycopene has the ability to scavenge oocyte ROS and improved the cleavage rate of embryos under HS conditions. However, this could not be translated to a higher blastocyst development, which remained lower under HS. Results of our study indicate that antioxidant supplementation like lycopene during the maturation of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes may be routinely used to improve blastocyst rate and quality under standard maturation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Residiwati
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - N Azari-Dolatabad
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - H S A Tuska
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - S Sidi
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - P Van Damme
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C Benedetti
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - A F Montoro
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - N L Luceno
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Budiono
- Gajayana University, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | - K C Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - G Opsomer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - A Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - O Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Center, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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8
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Sabry R, Apps C, Reiter-Saunders JA, Saleh AC, Balachandran S, St. John EJ, Favetta LA. BPA and BPS Affect Connexin 37 in Bovine Cumulus Cells. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:321. [PMID: 33672423 PMCID: PMC7926832 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol S (BPS) is used as an alternative plasticizer to Bisphenol A (BPA), despite limited knowledge of potential adverse effects. BPA exhibits endocrine disrupting effects during development. This article focuses on the impact of bisphenols during oocyte maturation. Connexins (Cx) are gap junctional proteins that may be affected by bisphenols, providing insight into their mechanism during development. Cxs 37 and 43 are crucial in facilitating cell communication between cumulus cells and oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), denuded oocytes, and cumulus cells were exposed to 0.05 mg/mL BPA or BPS for 24 h. Both compounds had no effect on Cx43. Cumulus cells exhibited a significant increase in Cx37 expression following BPA (p = 0.001) and BPS (p = 0.017) exposure. COCs treated with BPA had increased Cx37 protein expression, whilst BPS showed no effects, suggesting BPA and BPS act through different mechanisms. Experiments conducted in in vitro cultured cumulus cells, obtained by stripping germinal vesicle oocytes, showed significantly increased expression of Cx37 in BPA, but not the BPS, treated group. BPA significantly increased Cx37 protein expression, while BPS did not. Disrupted Cx37 following BPA exposure provides an indication of possible effects of bisphenols on connexins during the early stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura A. Favetta
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.S.); (C.A.); (J.A.R.-S.); (A.C.S.); (S.B.); (E.J.S.J.)
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9
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Cuello C, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Parrilla I, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Effects of Vitrification on the Blastocyst Gene Expression Profile in a Porcine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031222. [PMID: 33513717 PMCID: PMC7865857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the impact of vitrification on the transcriptome profile of blastocysts using a porcine (Sus scrofa) model and a microarray approach. Blastocysts were collected from weaned sows (n = 13). A total of 60 blastocysts were vitrified (treatment group). After warming, vitrified embryos were cultured in vitro for 24 h. Non-vitrified blastocysts (n = 40) were used as controls. After the in vitro culture period, the embryo viability was morphologically assessed. A total of 30 viable embryos per group (three pools of 10 from 4 different donors each) were subjected to gene expression analysis. A fold change cut-off of ±1.5 and a restrictive threshold at p-value < 0.05 were used to distinguish differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The survival rates of vitrified/warmed blastocysts were similar to those of the control (nearly 100%, n.s.). A total of 205 (112 upregulated and 93 downregulated) were identified in the vitrified blastocysts compared to the control group. The vitrification/warming impact was moderate, and it was mainly related to the pathways of cell cycle, cellular senescence, gap junction, and signaling for TFGβ, p53, Fox, and MAPK. In conclusion, vitrification modified the transcriptome of in vivo-derived porcine blastocysts, resulting in minor gene expression changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Josep M. Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Maria A. Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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McEvoy E, Han YL, Guo M, Shenoy VB. Gap junctions amplify spatial variations in cell volume in proliferating tumor spheroids. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6148. [PMID: 33262337 PMCID: PMC7708487 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19904-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained proliferation is a significant driver of cancer progression. Cell-cycle advancement is coupled with cell size, but it remains unclear how multiple cells interact to control their volume in 3D clusters. In this study, we propose a mechano-osmotic model to investigate the evolution of volume dynamics within multicellular systems. Volume control depends on an interplay between multiple cellular constituents, including gap junctions, mechanosensitive ion channels, energy-consuming ion pumps, and the actomyosin cortex, that coordinate to manipulate cellular osmolarity. In connected cells, we show that mechanical loading leads to the emergence of osmotic pressure gradients between cells with consequent increases in cellular ion concentrations driving swelling. We identify how gap junctions can amplify spatial variations in cell volume within multicellular spheroids and, further, describe how the process depends on proliferation-induced solid stress. Our model may provide new insight into the role of gap junctions in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin McEvoy
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yu Long Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vivek B Shenoy
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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11
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Sonakowska-Czajka L, Śróbka J, Ostróżka A, Rost-Roszkowska M. Postembryonic development and differentiation of the midgut in the freshwater shrimp Neocaridina davidi (Crustacea, Malacostraca, Decapoda) larvae. J Morphol 2020; 282:48-65. [PMID: 33074574 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Neocaridina davidi is a freshwater shrimp that originates from Taiwan and is commonly bred all over the word. Like all decapods, which develop indirectly, this species has pelagic larvae that may differ entirely in their morphology and habits from adult specimens. To fill a gap of knowledge about the developmental biology of freshwater shrimps we decided to document the 3D-localization of the midgut inside the body cavity of larval stages of N. davidi using X-ray microtomography, and to describe all structural and ultrastructural changes of the midgut epithelium (intestine and hepatopancreas) which occur during postembryonic development of N. davidi using light and transmission electron microscopy. We laid emphasis on stem cell functioning and cell death processes connected with differentiation. Our study revealed that while the intestine in both larval stages of N. davidi has the form of a fully developed organ, which resembles that of adult specimens, the hepatopancreas undergoes elongation and differentiation. E-cells, which are midgut stem cells, due to their proliferation and differentiation are responsible for the above-mentioned processes. Our study revealed that apoptosis is a common process in both larval stages of N. davidi in the intestine and proximal region of the hepatopancreas. In zoea III, autophagy as a survival factor is activated in order to protect cells against their death. However, when there are too many autophagic structures in epithelial cells, necrosis as passive cell death is activated. The presence of all types of cell death in the midgut in the zoea III stage confirms that this part of the digestive tract is fully developed and functional. Here, we present the first description of apoptosis, autophagy and necrosis in the digestive system of larval stages of Malacostraca and present the first description of their hepatopancreas elongation and differentiation due to midgut stem cell functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Sonakowska-Czajka
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Śróbka
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Ostróżka
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Katowice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Rost-Roszkowska
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Katowice, Poland
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12
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Tocci A. The unknown human trophectoderm: implication for biopsy at the blastocyst stage. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2699-2711. [PMID: 32892265 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophectoderm biopsy is increasingly performed for pre-implantation genetic testing of aneuploidies and considered a safe procedure on short-term clinical outcome, without strong assessment of long-term consequences. Poor biological information on human trophectoderm is available due to ethical restrictions. Therefore, most studies have been conducted in vitro (choriocarcinoma cell lines, embryonic and pluripotent stem cells) and on murine models that nevertheless poorly reflect the human counterpart. Polarization, compaction, and blastomere differentiation (e.g., the basis to ascertain trophectoderm origin) are poorly known in humans. In addition, the trophectoderm function is poorly known from a biological point of view, although a panoply of questionable and controversial microarray studies suggest that important genes overexpressed in trophectoderm are involved in pluripotency, metabolism, cell cycle, endocrine function, and implantation. The intercellular communication system between the trophectoderm cells and the inner cell mass, modulated by cell junctions and filopodia in the murine model, is obscure in humans. For the purpose of this paper, data mainly on primary cells from human and murine embryos has been reviewed. This review suggests that the trophectoderm origin and functions have been insufficiently ascertained in humans so far. Therefore, trophectoderm biopsy should be considered an experimental procedure to be undertaken only under approved rigorous experimental protocols in academic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Tocci
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gruppo Donnamed, Via Giuseppe Silla 12, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Shin KT, Nie ZW, Zhou W, Zhou D, Kim JY, Ock SA, Niu YJ, Cui XS. Connexin 43 Knockdown Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Affects Early Developmental Competence in Porcine Embryos. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:287-296. [PMID: 32036801 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620000033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (CX43) is a component of gap junctions. The lack of functional CX43 induces oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis in somatic cells. However, the role of CX43 in the early development of porcine embryos is still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of CX43, and its underlying molecular mechanisms, on the developmental competence of early porcine embryos. We performed CX43 knockdown by microinjecting dsRNA into parthenogenetically activated porcine parthenotes. The blastocyst development rate and the total number of cells in the blastocysts were significantly reduced by CX43 knockdown. Results from FITC-dextran assays showed that CX43 knockdown significantly increased membrane permeability. ZO-1 protein was obliterated in CX43 knockdown blastocysts. Mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production were significantly reduced following CX43 knockdown. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly increased in the CX43 knockdown group compared to those in control embryos. Moreover, CX43 knockdown induced autophagy and apoptosis. Our findings indicate that CX43 is essential for the development and preimplantation of porcine embryos and maintains mitochondrial function, cell junction structure, and cell homeostasis by regulating membrane permeability, ROS generation, autophagy, and apoptosis in early embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Tae Shin
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Zheng-Wen Nie
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun A Ock
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ying-Jie Niu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
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14
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Sciorio R, Thong KJ, Pickering SJ. Spontaneous blastocyst collapse as an embryo marker of low pregnancy outcome: A Time-Lapse study. JBRA Assist Reprod 2020; 24:34-40. [PMID: 31397550 PMCID: PMC6993169 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study we investigate the correlation between spontaneous blastocyst collapse and pregnancy outcome. METHODS This is a retrospective study performed at Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK. Embryos were cultured individually in 6.0% CO2, 5.0% O2, 89.0% N2, using single step medium (GTL™ Vitrolife, Göteborg, Sweden) and selected for transfer using standard morphological criteria. Using the EmbryoScope™ time-lapse monitoring (TLM), blastocysts collapse was analyzed by measuring the maximum volume reduction and defined as having collapsed if there was >50% volume reduction. Couples undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment and having an elective single embryo transfer (eSET) at blastocyst stage were included in this study. After the embryo transfer, retrospectively, each blastocyst was allocated to one of two groups (collapsed or not collapsed). 62 blastocysts collapsed once or more during development (17.4%), the remaining 294 showed no collapse (82.6%). RESULTS A significantly higher implantation rate (IR) of 61.2% and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of 53.7% was observed when blastocysts which had not collapsed were replaced compared to cycles in which collapsed blastocysts were replaced (IR rate 22.6% and OPR 17.7%). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that human blastocysts which collapse spontaneously during in vitro development are less likely to implant and generate a pregnancy compared with embryos which do not. Although this is a retrospective study, the results establish the utility of collapse episodes as new marker of embryo selection following eSET at blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - K J Thong
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Susan J Pickering
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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15
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Sciorio R, Herrer Saura R, Thong KJ, Esbert Algam M, Pickering SJ, Meseguer M. Blastocyst collapse as an embryo marker of low implantation potential: a time-lapse multicentre study. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:1-9. [PMID: 31928572 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous blastocyst collapse during in vitro embryo development has been suggested as a novel marker of embryo quality. Therefore, the aim of this multicentre study was to carry out a retrospective multicentre analysis to investigate the correlation between blastocyst collapse and pregnancy outcome. Here, 1297 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF) fresh cycles, with an elective single blastocyst transfer (eSET) were included in this study. Embryos were cultured individually in 6.0% CO2, 5.0% O2, 89.0% N2, using single step medium (GTLTM VitroLife, Sweden) or sequential medium (CookTM, Cook Medical, Australia) and selected for transfer using standard morphological criteria. With the use of time-lapse monitoring (TLM), blastocysts were analyzed by measuring the maximum volume reduction and defined as having collapsed, if there was ≥ 50% volume reduction from the expanded blastocyst and the collapse event. Following embryo replacement, each blastocyst was retrospectively allocated to one of two groups (collapsed or not collapsed). Here, 259 blastocysts collapsed once or more during development (19.9%) and the remaining 1038 either contracted minimally or not collapsed (80.1%). A significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of 51.9% (95% CI 48.9-59.9%) was observed when blastocysts that had not collapsed were replaced compared with cycles in which collapsed blastocysts were transferred 37.5% (95% CI 31.6-43.4%). This study suggests that human blastocysts that collapse spontaneously during development are less likely to implant and generate a pregnancy compared with embryos that do not. Although this is a retrospective study, the results demonstrated the utility of collapse episodes as new marker of embryo selection following eSET at blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - K Joo Thong
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Susan Jane Pickering
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
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16
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Esseltine JL, Brooks CR, Edwards NA, Subasri M, Sampson J, Séguin C, Betts DH, Laird DW. Dynamic regulation of connexins in stem cell pluripotency. Stem Cells 2019; 38:52-66. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.3092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Esseltine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Memorial University of Newfoundland; St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador Canada
| | - Courtney R. Brooks
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Nicole A. Edwards
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Mathushan Subasri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Jacinda Sampson
- Department of Neurology; Stanford University Medical Center; Palo Alto California
| | - Cheryle Séguin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Dean H. Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Dale W. Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
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17
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Battaglia R, Palini S, Vento ME, La Ferlita A, Lo Faro MJ, Caroppo E, Borzì P, Falzone L, Barbagallo D, Ragusa M, Scalia M, D'Amato G, Scollo P, Musumeci P, Purrello M, Gravotta E, Di Pietro C. Identification of extracellular vesicles and characterization of miRNA expression profiles in human blastocoel fluid. Sci Rep 2019; 9:84. [PMID: 30643155 PMCID: PMC6331601 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36452-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated the presence of microRNAs and extracellular vesicles in human blastocoel fluid. The bioinformatic and comparative analyses identified the biological function of blastocoel fluid microRNAs and suggested a potential role inside the human blastocyst. We found 89 microRNAs, expressed at different levels, able to regulate critical signaling pathways controlling embryo development, such as pluripotency, cell reprogramming, epigenetic modifications, intercellular communication, cell adhesion and cell fate. Blastocoel fluid microRNAs reflect the miRNome of embryonic cells and their presence, associated with the discovery of extracellular vesicles, inside blastocoel fluid, strongly suggests their important role in mediating cell communication among blastocyst cells. Their characterization is important to better understand the earliest stages of embryogenesis and the complex circuits regulating pluripotency. Moreover, blastocoel fluid microRNA profiles could be influenced by blastocyst quality, therefore, microRNAs might be used to assess embryo potential in IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - S Palini
- Reproductive and IVF Unit- PTA "F Jaia", Department of Maternal and Child Health, Conversano, Italy.,IVF Unit Cervesi Hospital Cattolica, Cattolica, RN, Italy
| | - M E Vento
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - A La Ferlita
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M J Lo Faro
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy.,IPCF-CNR, viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy
| | - E Caroppo
- Reproductive and IVF Unit- PTA "F Jaia", Department of Maternal and Child Health, Conversano, Italy
| | - P Borzì
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - L Falzone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - D Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - M Scalia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G D'Amato
- Reproductive and IVF Unit- PTA "F Jaia", Department of Maternal and Child Health, Conversano, Italy
| | - P Scollo
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - P Musumeci
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - E Gravotta
- Merck Serono s.p.a. Medical Affairs Department, Fertility, Endocrinology and General Medicine, Roma, Italy
| | - C Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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18
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Ortiz-Escribano N, Szymanska KJ, Bol M, Vandenberghe L, Decrock E, Van Poucke M, Peelman L, Van den Abbeel E, Van Soom A, Leybaert L. Blocking connexin channels improves embryo development of vitrified bovine blastocysts. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:288-301. [PMID: 28203704 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are required for normal embryo development and implantation. They form gap junctions (GJs) connecting the cytoplasm of adjacent cells and hemichannels (HCs), which are normally closed but open in response to stress conditions. Excessive HC opening is detrimental for cell function and may lead to cell death. We found that hatching of in vitro-produced bovine embryos, matured in serum-containing conditions, was significantly improved when vitrification/warming was done in the presence of Gap26 that targets GJA1 (Cx43) and GJA4 (Cx37). Further work showed that HCs from blastocysts produced after oocyte maturation in the presence of serum were open shortly after vitrification/warming, and this was prevented by Gap26. Gap26, applied for the exposure times used, inhibited Cx43 and Cx37 HCs while it did not have an effect on GJs. Interestingly, Gap26 had no effect on blastocyst degeneration or cell death. We conclude that blocking HCs protects embryos during vitrification and warming by a functional effect not linked to cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melissa Bol
- Physiology group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lynn Vandenberghe
- Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Elke Decrock
- Physiology group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mario Van Poucke
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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19
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Sutton-McDowall ML, Gosnell M, Anwer AG, White M, Purdey M, Abell AD, Goldys EM, Thompson JG. Hyperspectral microscopy can detect metabolic heterogeneity within bovine post-compaction embryos incubated under two oxygen concentrations (7% versus 20%). Hum Reprod 2017; 32:2016-2025. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie L. Sutton-McDowall
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Martin Gosnell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Quantitative Pty Ltd, Mount Victoria, New South Wales 2786, Australia
| | - Ayad G. Anwer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Melissa White
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Malcolm Purdey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Abell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Ewa M. Goldys
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
| | - Jeremy G. Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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20
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Johnson ML, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP, Grazul-Bilska AT. Gap junctional connexin messenger RNA expression in the ovine uterus and placenta: effects of estradiol-17β-treatment, early pregnancy stages, and embryo origin. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2017; 58:104-112. [PMID: 27835804 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions play a major role in direct, contact-dependent cell-cell communication, and they have been implicated in the regulation of cellular metabolism and the coordination of cellular functions during growth and differentiation of organs and tissues. Gap junctional channels, composed of connexin (Cx) proteins, have been detected and shown to be influenced by hormones (eg, estrogen and progesterone) in uterine and placental tissues in several species. We hypothesized that (1) the messenger RNA (mRNA) for Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 is expressed in the uterus of ovariectomized sheep treated with estradiol-17β (E2) and in ovine placenta during early pregnancy, (2) E2-treatment of ovariectomized ewes would cause time-specific changes in Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA expression (experiment 1), and (3) expression of these 4 Cx would vary across the days of early pregnancy (experiment 2) and will be affected by embryo origin (ie, after application of assisted reproductive technologies [ARTs]; experiment 3). Thus, we collected uterine tissues at 0 to 24 h after E2 treatments (experiment 1), and placental tissues during days 14 to 30 of early pregnancy after natural (NAT) breeding (experiment 2) and on day 22 of early pregnancy established after transfer of embryos generated through natural breeding (NAT-ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or in vitro activation (IVA, parthenotes; experiment 3). In experiment 1, the expression of Cx26, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA increased (P < 0.05) and Cx32 mRNA decreased (P < 0.06) in both caruncular and intercaruncular tissues after E2 treatment. In experiment 2, during early pregnancy, there were significant changes (P < 0.01) across days in the expression of Cx26, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA in the maternal placenta, accompanied by changes (P < 0.001) in Cx37 and Cx43 mRNA in the fetal placenta. In experiment 3, in maternal placenta, Cx32 mRNA expression was decreased (P < 0.001) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA groups compared to the NAT group; but in fetal placenta, Cx32 mRNA expression was increased (P < 0.05) in NAT-ET, IVF and IVF groups, and Cx26 mRNA expression was increased (P < 0.05) in IVA compared to NAT group. These data suggest that Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 play specific roles in E2-regulated uterine function and in placental development during early gestation both after natural mating and with application of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - D A Redmer
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - L P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - A T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
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21
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Wörsdörfer P, Bosen F, Gebhardt M, Russ N, Zimmermann K, Komla Kessie D, Sekaran T, Egert A, Ergün S, Schorle H, Pfeifer A, Edenhofer F, Willecke K. Abrogation of Gap Junctional Communication in ES Cells Results in a Disruption of Primitive Endoderm Formation in Embryoid Bodies. Stem Cells 2016; 35:859-871. [PMID: 27870307 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) has been suggested to be involved in early embryonic development but the actual functional role remained elusive. Connexin (Cx) 43 and Cx45 are co-expressed in embryonic stem (ES) cells, form gap junctions and are considered to exhibit adhesive function and/or to contribute to the establishment of defined communication compartments. Here, we describe the generation of Cx43/Cx45-double deficient mouse ES cells to achieve almost complete breakdown of GJIC. Cre-loxP induced deletion of both, Cx43 and Cx45, results in a block of differentiation in embryoid bodies (EBs) without affecting pluripotency marker expression and proliferation in ES cells. We demonstrate that GJIC-incompetent ES cells fail to form primitive endoderm in EB cultures, representing the inductive key step of further differentiation events. Lentiviral overexpression of either Cx43 or Cx45 in Cx43/45 mutants rescued the observed phenotype, confirming the specificity and indicating a partially redundant function of both connexins. Upon differentiation GJIC-incompetent ES cells exhibit a strikingly altered subcellular localization pattern of the transcription factor NFATc3. Control EBs exhibit significantly more activated NFATc3 in cellular nuclei than mutant EBs suggesting that Cx-mediated communication is needed for synchronized NFAT activation to induce orchestrated primitive endoderm formation. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of NFATc3 activation by Cyclosporin A, a well-described inhibitor of calcineurin, phenocopies the loss of GJIC in control cells. Stem Cells 2017;35:859-871.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wörsdörfer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Martina Gebhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Russ
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - David Komla Kessie
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thileepan Sekaran
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Angela Egert
- Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Genomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biology, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck (LFUI), Innsbruck, Austria
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22
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Microvesicles provide a mechanism for intercellular communication by embryonic stem cells during embryo implantation. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11958. [PMID: 27302045 PMCID: PMC4912619 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication between the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophoblast layer of the blastocyst is known to occur, but its functional consequences on early developmental events is unclear. Here we demonstrate that embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from the ICM generate and shed microvesicles (MVs), a major class of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which influence trophoblast behaviour during the implantation process. The MV cargo proteins laminin and fibronectin interact with integrins along the surfaces of the trophoblasts, triggering the activation of two signalling kinases, JNK and FAK, and stimulating trophoblast migration. We further show that injecting MVs isolated from ES cells into blastocysts results in an increase in their implantation efficiency. Thus, these findings highlight a unique mechanism by which ES cells communicate with trophoblasts within the blastocyst to increase their ability to migrate into the uterus, thereby promoting one of the earliest and most important steps during pregnancy. It is unclear how embryonic stem cells (ESC) communicate with surrounding cells during implantation. Here, the authors show that microvesicles (MV) are shed from ESCs, activating integrin and JNK/FAK kinases in trophoblasts, stimulating migration in vitro, and injecting MVs enhances blastocyst implantation.
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23
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Cheng X, Xu S, Song C, He L, Lian X, Liu Y, Wei J, Pang L, Wang S. Roles of ERα during mouse trophectoderm lineage differentiation: revealed by antagonist and agonist of ERα. Dev Growth Differ 2016; 58:327-38. [PMID: 27037955 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
During mouse early embryogenesis, blastomeres increase in number by the morula stage. Among them, the outer cells are polarized and differentiated into trophectoderm (TE), while the inner cells remain unpolarized and give rise to inner cell mass (ICM). TE provides an important liquid environment for ICM development. In spite of extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying TE formation are still obscure. In order to investigate the roles of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in this course, mouse 8-cell embryos were collected and cultured in media containing ERα specific antagonist MPP and/or agonist PPT. The results indicated that MPP treatment inhibits blastocyst formation in a dose-dependent manner, while PPT, at proper concentration, promotes the cavitation ratio of mouse embryos. Immunofluorescence staining results showed that MPP significantly decreased the nuclear expression of CDX2 in morula, but no significant changes of OCT4 were observed. Moreover, after MPP treatment, the expression levels of the genes related to TE specification, Tead4, Gata3 and Cdx2, were significantly reduced. Overall, these results indicated that ERα might affect mouse embryo cavitation by regulating TE lineage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiang Cheng
- Cellular and Developmental Engineering Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Songhua Xu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Chanchan Song
- Cellular and Developmental Engineering Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Xiuli Lian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Cellular and Developmental Engineering Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Jianen Wei
- Cellular and Developmental Engineering Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Lili Pang
- Cellular and Developmental Engineering Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Shie Wang
- Cellular and Developmental Engineering Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
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24
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Gene expression, oocyte nuclear maturation and developmental competence of bovine oocytes and embryos produced after in vivo and in vitro heat shock. ZYGOTE 2016; 24:748-59. [PMID: 27019120 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199416000071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Three assays were performed. In assay 1, oocytes harvested during the winter months were subjected to kinetic heat shock by stressing the oocytes at 39.5°C (HS1) or at 40.5°C (HS2) for either 6, 12, 18 or 24 h and then matured at control temperature (38.5°C). The nuclear maturation rates (NMR) of all oocytes were recorded after 24 h. In assay 2, oocytes collected year-round maturated, were implanted via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and developed for 9 days. Gene expression analysis was performed on target genes (Cx43, CDH1, DNMT1, HSPA14) with reference to the two housekeeping genes (GAPDH and SDHA) in embryos. Similarly, in assay 3, genetic analysis was performed on the embryos produced from heat-stressed oocytes (from HS1 and HS2). In assay 1, the duration of heat stress resulted in a significant decline in NMR (P < 0.05) with HS1 for maturated oocytes at 86.4 ± 4.3; 65.5 ± 0.7; 51.3 ± 0.9; 38.1 ± 1.9 and 36.3 ± 0.9, for control, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h and 24 h, respectively. For assays 2 and 3, results demonstrated that DNMT1, Cx43 and HSPA14 were down-regulated in the embryos produced in the warm with respect to the cold months (P < 0.05). A constant up- and down-regulation of DNMT1 and HSPA14 genes were observed in both HS-treated samples. Also, an inconsistent pattern of gene expression was observed in Cx43 and CDH1 genes (P < 0.05). Targeted gene expression was aberrant in embryo development, which can provide evidence on early embryo arrest and slowed embryo development.
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25
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Yang Y, Xu Y, Ding C, Khoudja RY, Lin M, Awonuga AO, Dai J, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA, Zhou C. Comparison of 2, 5, and 20 % O2 on the development of post-thaw human embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:919-27. [PMID: 27007876 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of 2, 5, and 20 % O2 on post-thaw day 3 human embryo culture until blastocyst stage. METHODS One hundred fifty-five day 3 human embryos were used. One hundred twenty out of 155 embryos were recovered after thawing. Surviving embryos were distributed into 2, 5, or 20 % O2 groups and cultured for 2.5 days. At the end of culture, blastocyst formation was assessed, and then, embryos were collected for RT-qPCR or immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Using visible blastocoel to define blastocyst formation, 58.7 % (27/46) of surviving day 3 embryos formed blastocyst at 2 % O2, 63.6 % (28/44) at 5 % O2, and 66.7 % (20/30) at 20 % O2. The difference in blastocyst formation rates was not significant. Average blastocyst cell number was 119.44 ± 11.64 at 2 % O2, 142.55 ± 22.47 at 5 % O2, and 97.29 ± 14.87 at 20 % O2. Average apoptotic rate was 4.7 % ± 0.4 % for blastocyst formed at 2 % O2, 3.5 % ± 0.7 % at 5 % O2, and 5.8 % ± 1.1 % at 20 % O2. Apoptosis rate was significantly lower for blastocysts formed at 5 % O2 (p < 0.05). Compared with gene expression levels at 5 % O2, which were arbitrarily set as "1," 20 % O2 is associated with significantly higher expression of BAX (2.14 ± 0.47), G6PD (2.92 ± 1.06), MnSOD (2.87 ± 0.88), and HSP70.1 (8.68 ± 4.19). For all genes tested, no significant differences were found between 2 and 5 % O2. CONCLUSION The result suggests that development of cryopreserved human embryos from day 3 to blastocyst stage benefits from culture at 5 % O2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Ob/Gyn, Wayne State University Medical School, 275 East Hancock Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Reproductive Sciences/Physiology, Wayne State University Medical School, 540 East Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenhui Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rabea Youcef Khoudja
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingmei Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Awoniyi O Awonuga
- Ob/Gyn, Wayne State University Medical School, 275 East Hancock Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Jing Dai
- Ob/Gyn, Wayne State University Medical School, 275 East Hancock Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Puscheck
- Ob/Gyn, Wayne State University Medical School, 275 East Hancock Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Daniel A Rappolee
- Ob/Gyn, Wayne State University Medical School, 275 East Hancock Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Reproductive Sciences/Physiology, Wayne State University Medical School, 540 East Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.
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26
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Tosti E, Boni R, Gallo A. Ion currents in embryo development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 108:6-18. [PMID: 26989869 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels are proteins expressed in the plasma membrane of electrogenic cells. In the zygote and blastomeres of the developing embryo, electrical modifications result from ion currents that flow through these channels. This phenomenon implies that ion current activity exerts a specific developmental function, and plays a crucial role in signal transduction and the control of embryogenesis, from the early cleavage stages and during growth and development of the embryo. This review describes the involvement of ion currents in early embryo development, from marine invertebrates to human, focusing on the occurrence, modulation, and dynamic role of ion fluxes taking place on the zygote and blastomere plasma membrane, and at the intercellular communication between embryo cell stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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Neganova I, Shmeleva E, Munkley J, Chichagova V, Anyfantis G, Anderson R, Passos J, Elliott DJ, Armstrong L, Lako M. JNK/SAPK Signaling Is Essential for Efficient Reprogramming of Human Fibroblasts to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2016; 34:1198-212. [PMID: 26867034 PMCID: PMC4982072 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Reprogramming of somatic cells to the phenotypic state termed “induced pluripotency” is thought to occur through three consecutive stages: initiation, maturation, and stabilisation. The initiation phase is stochastic but nevertheless very important as it sets the gene expression pattern that permits completion of reprogramming; hence a better understanding of this phase and how this is regulated may provide the molecular cues for improving the reprogramming process. c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)/stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPKs) are stress activated MAPK kinases that play an essential role in several processes known to be important for successful completion of the initiation phase such as cellular proliferation, mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) and cell cycle regulation. In view of this, we postulated that manipulation of this pathway would have significant impacts on reprogramming of human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells. Accordingly, we found that key components of the JNK/SAPK signaling pathway increase expression as early as day 3 of the reprogramming process and continue to rise in reprogrammed cells throughout the initiation and maturation stages. Using both chemical inhibitors and RNA interference of MKK4, MKK7 and JNK1, we tested the role of JNK/SAPK signaling during the initiation stage of neonatal and adult fibroblast reprogramming. These resulted in complete abrogation of fully reprogrammed colonies and the emergence of partially reprogrammed colonies which disaggregated and were lost from culture during the maturation stage. Inhibition of JNK/SAPK signaling resulted in reduced cell proliferation, disruption of MET and loss of the pluripotent phenotype, which either singly or in combination prevented establishment of pluripotent colonies. Together these data provide new evidence for an indispensable role for JNK/SAPK signaling to overcome the well‐established molecular barriers in human somatic cell induced reprogramming. Stem Cells2016;34:1198–1212
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Neganova
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life and Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition
| | - Evgenija Shmeleva
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life and Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition
| | - Jennifer Munkley
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life and Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition
| | - Valeria Chichagova
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life and Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition
| | - George Anyfantis
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life and Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition
| | - Rhys Anderson
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University
| | - Joao Passos
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University
| | - David J Elliott
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life and Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life and Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life and Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition
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28
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Serrano M, Crawshaw AD, Dembek M, Monteiro JM, Pereira FC, Pinho MG, Fairweather NF, Salgado PS, Henriques AO. The SpoIIQ-SpoIIIAH complex of Clostridium difficile controls forespore engulfment and late stages of gene expression and spore morphogenesis. Mol Microbiol 2016; 100:204-28. [PMID: 26690930 PMCID: PMC4982068 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Engulfment of the forespore by the mother cell is a universal feature of endosporulation. In Bacillus subtilis, the forespore protein SpoIIQ and the mother cell protein SpoIIIAH form a channel, essential for endosporulation, through which the developing spore is nurtured. The two proteins also form a backup system for engulfment. Unlike in B. subtilis, SpoIIQ of Clostridium difficile has intact LytM zinc‐binding motifs. We show that spoIIQ or spoIIIAH deletion mutants of C. difficile result in anomalous engulfment, and that disruption of the SpoIIQ LytM domain via a single amino acid substitution (H120S) impairs engulfment differently. SpoIIQ and SpoIIQH120S interact with SpoIIIAH throughout engulfment. SpoIIQ, but not SpoIIQH120S, binds Zn2+, and metal absence alters the SpoIIQ‐SpoIIIAH complex in vitro. Possibly, SpoIIQH120S supports normal engulfment in some cells but not a second function of the complex, required following engulfment completion. We show that cells of the spoIIQ or spoIIIAH mutants that complete engulfment are impaired in post‐engulfment, forespore and mother cell‐specific gene expression, suggesting a channel‐like function. Both engulfment and a channel‐like function may be ancestral functions of SpoIIQ‐SpoIIIAH while the requirement for engulfment was alleviated through the emergence of redundant mechanisms in B. subtilis and related organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Serrano
- Microbial Development, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, Avenida da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Adam D Crawshaw
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marcin Dembek
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - João M Monteiro
- Bacterial Cell Biology Laboratory, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, Avenida da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Fátima C Pereira
- Microbial Development, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, Avenida da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Mariana Gomes Pinho
- Bacterial Cell Biology Laboratory, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, Avenida da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Neil F Fairweather
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paula S Salgado
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Adriano O Henriques
- Microbial Development, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, Avenida da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
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29
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Shimoda Y, Kumagai J, Anzai M, Kabashima K, Togashi K, Miura Y, Shirasawa H, Sato W, Kumazawa Y, Terada Y. Time-lapse monitoring reveals that vitrification increases the frequency of contraction during the pre-hatching stage in mouse embryos. J Reprod Dev 2016; 62:187-93. [PMID: 26806421 PMCID: PMC4848576 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Contraction during the blastocyst stage is observed during embryonic development of various mammals, including humans, but the physiological role of this process is not well understood. Using time-lapse monitoring (TLM), we studied the influence of vitrification and contractions on embryonic development in mice. Mouse embryos were cultured at the 2-cell stage. At the 8-cell stage, embryos were randomly divided into a fresh group (FG) and vitrified group (VG) and observed for up to 144 h. Strong contractions (i.e., contractions causing a decrease in volume of more than 20% and expansion of the perivitelline space) occurred significantly more often in unhatched embryos than hatching embryos in both groups. Regarding hatching embryos, contractions in the pre-hatching stage were significantly more frequent in the VG than the FG. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of genes related to contractions were determined at three time points, the 8-cell stage, early blastocyst stage, and 20 h after blastocoel formation, with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. There was no significant difference in Hspa1a expression between the FG and VG, but Hspa1a overexpression was observed just after thawing and tended to decrease gradually thereafter in some blastocysts. Furthermore, in the VG, Atp1a1 tended to show higher expression in the strong contraction group than in the weak contraction group. Overall, vitrification is an excellent method for cryopreservation but could increase contractions in the pre-hatching stage and may increase energy demands of the embryo. Observation of contraction by TLM may improve the evaluation of embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Shimoda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita 010-8543, Japan
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Kibschull M, Gellhaus A, Carette D, Segretain D, Pointis G, Gilleron J. Physiological roles of connexins and pannexins in reproductive organs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2879-98. [PMID: 26100514 PMCID: PMC11114083 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive organs are complex and well-structured tissues essential to perpetuate the species. In mammals, the male and female reproductive organs vary on their organization, morphology and function. Connectivity between cells in such tissues plays pivotal roles in organogenesis and tissue functions through the regulation of cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Connexins and pannexins can be seen as major regulators of these physiological processes. In the present review, we assembled several lines of evidence demonstrating that these two families of proteins are essential for male and female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Kibschull
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Canada
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Diane Carette
- UMR S1147, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Versailles, 78035 Saint Quentin, France
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Dominique Segretain
- UMR S1147, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Versailles, 78035 Saint Quentin, France
| | - Georges Pointis
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Jerome Gilleron
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
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31
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Absence of connexin43 and connexin45 does not disturb pre- and peri-implantation development. ZYGOTE 2015; 24:457-64. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199415000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryGap junctional intercellular communication is assumed to play an important role during pre- and peri-implantation development. In this study, we eliminated connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin45 (Cx45), major gap junctional proteins in the pre- and peri-implantation embryo. We generated Cx43−/−Cx45−/− embryos by Cx43+/−Cx45+/− intercrossing, because mice deficient in Cx43 (Cx43−/−) exhibit perinatal lethality and those deficient in Cx45 (Cx45−/−) exhibit early embryonic lethality. Wild-type, Cx43−/−, Cx45−/−, and Cx43−/−Cx45−/− blastocysts all showed similar outgrowths in in vitro culture. Moreover, Cx43−/−Cx45−/− embryos were obtained at the expected Mendelian ratio up to embryonic day 9.5, when the Cx45−/− mutation proved lethal. The Cx43−/−Cx45−/− embryos seemed to have no additional developmental abnormalities in comparison with the single knockout strains. Thus, pre- and peri-implantation development does not require Cx43 and Cx45. Other gap junctional proteins are expressed around these stages and these may compensate for the lack of Cx43 and Cx45.
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Togashi K, Kumagai J, Sato E, Shirasawa H, Shimoda Y, Makino K, Sato W, Kumazawa Y, Omori Y, Terada Y. Dysfunction in gap junction intercellular communication induces aberrant behavior of the inner cell mass and frequent collapses of expanded blastocysts in mouse embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:969-76. [PMID: 25917498 PMCID: PMC4491087 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0479-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the role of gap junctions (GJs) in embryological differentiation, and observed the morphological behavior of the inner cell mass (ICM) by time-lapse movie observation (TLM) with gap junction inhibitors (GJis). METHODS ICR mouse embryos were exposed to two types of GJis in CZB medium: oleamide (0 to 50 μM) and 1-heptanol (0 to 10 mM). We compared the rate of blastocyst formation at embryonic day 4.5 (E4.5) with E5.5. We also observed and evaluated the times from the second cleavage to each embryonic developing stage by TLM. We investigated embryonic distribution of DNA, Nanog protein, and Connexin 43 protein with immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS In the comparison of E4.5 with E5.5, inhibition of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) delayed embryonic blastocyst formation. The times from the second cleavage to blastocyst formation were significantly extended in the GJi-treated embryos (control vs with oleamide, 2224 ± 179 min vs 2354 ± 278 min, p = 0.013). Morphological differences were traced in control versus GJi-treated embryos until the hatching stage. Oleamide induced frequent severe collapses of expanded blastocysts (77.4 % versus 26.3 %, p = 0.0001) and aberrant ICM divisions connected to sticky strands (74.3 % versus 5.3 %, p = 0.0001). Immunofluorescent staining indicated Nanog-positive cells were distributed in each divided ICM. CONCLUSIONS GJIC plays an important role in blastocyst formation, collapses of expanded blastocysts, and the ICM construction in mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazue Togashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Genecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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Funk RHW. Endogenous electric fields as guiding cue for cell migration. Front Physiol 2015; 6:143. [PMID: 26029113 PMCID: PMC4429568 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review covers two topics: (1) "membrane potential of low magnitude and related electric fields (bioelectricity)" and (2) "cell migration under the guiding cue of electric fields (EF)."Membrane potentials for this "bioelectricity" arise from the segregation of charges by special molecular machines (pumps, transporters, ion channels) situated within the plasma membrane of each cell type (including eukaryotic non-neural animal cells). The arising patterns of ion gradients direct many cell- and molecular biological processes such as embryogenesis, wound healing, regeneration. Furthermore, EF are important as guiding cues for cell migration and are often overriding chemical or topographic cues. In osteoblasts, for instance, the directional information of EF is captured by charged transporters on the cell membrane and transferred into signaling mechanisms that modulate the cytoskeleton and motor proteins. This results in a persistent directional migration along an EF guiding cue. As an outlook, we discuss questions concerning the fluctuation of EF and the frequencies and mapping of the "electric" interior of the cell. Another exciting topic for further research is the modeling of field concepts for such distant, non-chemical cellular interactions.
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Winterhager E, Kidder GM. Gap junction connexins in female reproductive organs: implications for women's reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:340-52. [PMID: 25667189 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexins comprise a family of ~20 proteins that form intercellular membrane channels (gap junction channels) providing a direct route for metabolites and signalling molecules to pass between cells. This review provides a critical analysis of the evidence for essential roles of individual connexins in female reproductive function, highlighting implications for women's reproductive health. METHODS No systematic review has been carried out. Published literature from the past 35 years was surveyed for research related to connexin involvement in development and function of the female reproductive system. Because of the demonstrated utility of genetic manipulation for elucidating connexin functions in various organs, much of the cited information comes from research with genetically modified mice. In some cases, a distinction is drawn between connexin functions clearly related to the formation of gap junction channels and those possibly linked to non-channel roles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Based on work with mice, several connexins are known to be required for female reproductive functions. Loss of connexin43 (CX43) causes an oocyte deficiency, and follicles lacking or expressing less CX43 in granulosa cells exhibit reduced growth, impairing fertility. CX43 is also expressed in human cumulus cells and, in the context of IVF, has been correlated with pregnancy outcome, suggesting that this connexin may be a determinant of oocyte and embryo quality in women. Loss of CX37, which exclusively connects oocytes with granulosa cells in the mouse, caused oocytes to cease growing without acquiring meiotic competence. Blocking of CX26 channels in the uterine epithelium disrupted implantation whereas loss or reduction of CX43 expression in the uterine stroma impaired decidualization and vascularization in mouse and human. Several connexins are important in placentation and, in the human, CX43 is a key regulator of the fusogenic pathway from the cytotrophoblast to the syncytiotrophoblast, ensuring placental growth. CX40, which characterizes the extravillous trophoblast (EVT), supports proliferation of the proximal EVTs while preventing them from differentiating into the invasive pathway. Furthermore, women with recurrent early pregnancy loss as well as those with endometriosis exhibit reduced levels of CX43 in their decidua. The antimalaria drug mefloquine, which blocks gap junction function, is responsible for increased risk of early pregnancy loss and stillbirth, probably due to inhibition of intercellular communication in the decidua or between trophoblast layers followed by an impairment of placental growth. Gap junctions also play a critical role in regulating uterine blood flow, contributing to the adaptive response to pregnancy. Given that reproductive impairment can result from connexin mutations in mice, it is advised that women suffering from somatic disease symptoms associated with connexin gene mutations be additionally tested for impacts on reproductive function. Better knowledge of these essential connexin functions in human female reproductive organs is important for safeguarding women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario and Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
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The effect of vitrification of immature bovine oocytes to the subsequent in vitro development and gene expression. ZYGOTE 2014; 23:933-42. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199414000653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryImmature bovine oocytes were vitrified using the cryotop method and their post-warming survivability and capability to undergo in vitro maturation, fertilization and subsequent embryonic development were evaluated. In addition throughout the embryonic 2-cell, 4-cell, morula and blastocyst stages, the expression of four developmentally important genes (Cx43, CDH1, DNMT1 and HSPA14) was analysed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immature oocytes (n = 550) were randomly assigned to non-vitrified (fresh) or cryotop vitrification groups using ethylene glycol (EG) with 1,2 propanediol (PROH) or dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO). After warming, oocytes survivability, embryo cleavage and embryonic developmental rates were not statistically different between the two cryoprotectants groups. However, the DMSO group had a lower (P < 0.05) oocyte maturation rate compared with the fresh and PROH groups. For morula and blastocyst rates, the DMSO group achieved a lower (P < 0.05) morula rate compared with the fresh group, while at the blastocyst stage, there were no differences between fresh and both cryoprotectants groups. For molecular analysis, at the 4-cell stage, most studied genes showed an inconsistent pattern of expression either from the PROH or DMSO groups. Noteworthily, these differences were limited at the morula and blastocyst stages. In conclusion, the cryotop method is sufficient for vitrification of immature bovine oocytes, both for embryonic developmental competence and at the molecular level. Moreover, PROH showed some advantage over DMSO as a cryoprotectant.
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Sozen B, Can A, Demir N. Cell fate regulation during preimplantation development: a view of adhesion-linked molecular interactions. Dev Biol 2014; 395:73-83. [PMID: 25176042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the developmental process of the early mammalian embryo, it is crucial to understand how the identical cells in the early embryo later develop different fates. Along with existing models, many recently discovered molecular, cellular and developmental factors play roles in cell position, cell polarity and transcriptional networks in cell fate regulation during preimplantation. A structuring process known as compaction provides the "start signal" for cells to differentiate and orchestrates the developmental cascade. The proper intercellular junctional complexes assembled between blastomeres act as a conducting mechanism governing cellular diversification. Here, we provide an overview of the diversification process during preimplantation development as it relates to intercellular junctional complexes. We also evaluate transcriptional differences between embryonic lineages according to cell- cell adhesion and the contributions of adhesion to lineage commitment. These series of processes indicate that proper cell fate specification in the early mammalian embryo depends on junctional interactions and communication, which play essential roles during early morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Sozen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Campus, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Alp Can
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Sihhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Necdet Demir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Campus, 07070 Antalya, Turkey.
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Muto T, Tien T, Kim D, Sarthy VP, Roy S. High glucose alters Cx43 expression and gap junction intercellular communication in retinal Müller cells: promotes Müller cell and pericyte apoptosis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:4327-37. [PMID: 24938518 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-14606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether high glucose (HG) alters connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) activity in retinal Müller cells, and promotes Müller cell and pericyte loss. METHODS Retinal Müller cells (rMC-1) and cocultures of rMC-1 and retinal pericytes were grown in normal (N) or HG (30 mM glucose) medium. Additionally, rMC-1 transfected with Cx43 small interfering RNA (siRNA) were grown as cocultures with pericytes, and rMC-1 transfected with Cx43 plasmid were grown in HG. Expression of Cx43 was determined by Western blotting and immunostaining and GJIC was assessed by scrape-loading dye transfer (SLDT) technique. Apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL or differential staining assay, and Akt activation by assessing Akt phosphorylation. RESULTS In monocultures of rMC-1 and cocultures of rMC-1 and pericytes, Cx43 protein level, number of Cx43 plaques, GJIC, and Akt phosphorylation were significantly reduced in HG medium. Number of TUNEL-positive cells was also significantly increased in rMC-1 monocultures and in rMC-1 and pericyte cocultures grown in HG medium. Importantly, when rMC-1 transfected with Cx43 siRNA were grown as cocultures with pericytes, a significant decrease in GJIC, and increase in TUNEL-positive cells was observed, concomitant with decreased Akt phosphorylation. Upregulation of Cx43 rescued rMC-1 from HG-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Gap junction communication between Müller cells and pericytes is essential for their survival. Downregulation of Cx43 that is HG induced and impairment of GJIC activity in Müller cells contributes to loss of glial and vascular cells associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Muto
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Thomas Tien
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dongjoon Kim
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Vijay P Sarthy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Sayon Roy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Brison DR, Sturmey RG, Leese HJ. Metabolic heterogeneity during preimplantation development: the missing link? Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:632-40. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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Farahani E, Patra HK, Jangamreddy JR, Rashedi I, Kawalec M, Rao Pariti RK, Batakis P, Wiechec E. Cell adhesion molecules and their relation to (cancer) cell stemness. Carcinogenesis 2014; 35:747-59. [PMID: 24531939 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgu045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of search for anticancer drugs targeting solid tumors, this group of diseases remains largely incurable, especially if in advanced, metastatic stage. In this review, we draw comparison between reprogramming and carcinogenesis, as well as between stem cells (SCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs), focusing on changing garniture of adhesion molecules. Furthermore, we elaborate on the role of adhesion molecules in the regulation of (cancer) SCs division (symmetric or asymmetric), and in evolving interactions between CSCs and extracellular matrix. Among other aspects, we analyze the role and changes of expression of key adhesion molecules as cancer progresses and metastases develop. Here, the role of cadherins, integrins, as well as selected transcription factors like Twist and Snail is highlighted, not only in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition but also in the avoidance of anoikis. Finally, we briefly discuss recent developments and new strategies targeting CSCs, which focus on adhesion molecules or targeting tumor vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensieh Farahani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Cell Biology and Integrative Regenerative Medicine Center (IGEN) and
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Teleki I, Krenacs T, Szasz MA, Kulka J, Wichmann B, Leo C, Papassotiropoulos B, Riemenschnitter C, Moch H, Varga Z. The potential prognostic value of connexin 26 and 46 expression in neoadjuvant-treated breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:50. [PMID: 23374644 PMCID: PMC3583680 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several classification systems are available to assess pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer, but reliable biomarkers to predict the efficiency of primary systemic therapy (PST) are still missing. Deregulation of gap junction channel forming connexins (Cx) has been implicated in carcinogenesis and tumour progression through loss of cell cycle control. In this study we correlated Cx expression and cell proliferation with disease survival and pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancers using existing classification systems. METHODS The expression of Cx26, Cx32, Cx43, Cx46 and Ki67 was evaluated in 96 breast cancer patients prior to and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy using duplicate cores in tissue microarrays (TMA). Cx plaques of <1μm were detected with multilayer, multichannel fluorescence digital microscopy. Current classifications to assess residual tumour burden after primary systemic therapy included the EWGBSP, CPS-EG, Miller-Payne, Sataloff and NSABP systems. RESULTS In our cohort dominated by hormone receptor (ER/PR) positive and HER2 negative cases, only the CPS-EG classification showed prognostic relevance: cases with scores 1-2 had significantly better overall survival (p=0.015) than cases with scores 3-5. Pre-chemotherapy Cx43 expression correlated positively with hormone receptor status both before and after chemotherapy and had a negative correlation with HER2 expression pre-chemotherapy. There was a positive correlation between Cx32 and HER2 expression pre-chemotherapy and between Cx32 and Ki67 expression post-chemotherapy. A negative correlation was found between post-chemotherapy Cx46 and Ki67 expression. Decreased post-chemotherapy Cx26 expression (<5%) statistically correlated with better overall survival (p=0.011). Moderate or higher Cx46 expression (>20%) pre- and post-chemotherapy correlated with significantly better survival in the intermediate prognostic subgroups of EWGBSP TR2b (p(pre-chemo)=0.006; Sataloff TB (p(pre-chemo)=0.005; p(post-chemo)=0.029) and in Miller-Payne G3 (p(pre-chemo)=0.002; p(post-chemo)=0.012) classifications. Pre-chemotherapy, Cx46 expression was the only marker that correlated with overall survival within these subgroups. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that Cx46 and Cx26 expression in breast cancer may improve the assessment of pathological response and refine intermediate prognostic subgroups of residual tumour classifications used after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivett Teleki
- 1st Department of Pathology & Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Krenacs
- 1st Department of Pathology & Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Tumour Progression Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marcell A Szasz
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Janina Kulka
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barna Wichmann
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Cornelia Leo
- Division of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Holger Moch
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zsuzsanna Varga
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Aktuğ H, Bozok Çetintaş V, Uysal A, Oltulu F, Yavaşoğlu A, Akarca SÖ, Kosova B. Evaluation of the Effects of STZ-Induced Diabetes on In Vitro Fertilization and Early Embryogenesis Processes. J Diabetes Res 2013; 2013:603813. [PMID: 23671879 PMCID: PMC3647572 DOI: 10.1155/2013/603813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of experimentally induced diabetes on (a) germ cells, (b) in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rate, and (c) gap junction and cell adhesion molecule gene and protein expressions during the early blastocyst period. Germ cells were obtained from healthy and diabetic rats, analyzed for number, motility, and morphology, and used for IVF. After reaching the early blastocyst stage, the expressions of genes encoding gap junction proteins and cell adhesion molecules were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Histomorphologically and immunohistochemically analyses were also performed. Diabetes significantly affected sperm number and motility and the development of oocytes. Gene expressions of β -catenin and connexin family members and protein expressions of E-cadherin and connexin-43 significantly decreased in groups including germ cells isolated from diabetic rats. Connective tissue growth factor expression increased in groups that included sperm cells isolated from diabetic male rats, whereas mucin-1 expression increased in the group that included oocytes isolated from diabetic female rats paired with sperm cells isolated from healthy male rats. In summary, experimentally induced diabetes was found to influence gap junctions, cell adhesion molecules, and associated proteins which all have important roles in germ cell maturation, fertilization, and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Aktuğ
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Medical School, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
- *Hüseyin Aktuğ:
| | | | - Ayşegül Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Medical School, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatih Oltulu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Medical School, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Altuğ Yavaşoğlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Medical School, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Saadet Özen Akarca
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Medical School, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Buket Kosova
- Department of Medical Biology, Ege University Medical School, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
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Insights into the role of cell-cell junctions in physiology and disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 306:187-221. [PMID: 24016526 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407694-5.00005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Contacting cells establish different classes of intricate structures at the cell-cell junctions. These structures are of increasing research interest as they regulate a broad variety of processes in development and disease. Further, in vitro studies are revealing that various cell-cell interaction proteins are involved not only in cell-cell processes but also in many additional aspects of physiology, such as migration and apoptosis. This chapter reviews the basic classification of cell-cell junctional structures and some of their representative proteins. Their roles in development and disease are briefly outlined, followed by a section on contemporary methods for probing cell-cell interactions and some recent developments. This chapter concludes with a few suggestions for potential research directions to further develop this promising area of study.
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Sun P, Liu Y, Ying H, Li S. Action of db-cAMP on the bystander effect and chemosensitivity through connexin 43 and Bcl-2-mediated pathways in medulloblastoma cells. Oncol Rep 2012; 28:969-76. [PMID: 22766741 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.1900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common malignant brain tumors of childhood and is associated with a poor prognosis. Gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is an important mode for cell-to-cell communication. Dysfunctional GJIC is exhibited in most cancer cells. There is significant evidence that GJIC is important in at least some prodrug/suicide gene systems by augmenting the bystander effect (BE). GJIC is made up of connexins (Cxs), among which Cx43 is present in most tissues. Bcl-2, an important apoptosis blocker, is closely associated with the sensitivity to anticancer drugs. Our study showed that dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (db-cAMP) upregulated the Cx43 expression and GJIC function in Daoy medulloblastoma cells. It directly enhanced the BE using a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV‑tk)/ganciclovir (GCV) system, which was blocked by a Cx43 inhibitor. In addition, db-cAMP increased the cytotoxicity of temozolomide and teniposide, possibly by downregulating the Bcl-2 expression and inducing apoptosis. Taken together, we demonstrated the beneficial effect of db-cAMP in treating medulloblastoma depending on the upregulation of BE and chemosensitivity through Cx43 and Bcl-2-mediated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixin Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China
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Terashita Y, Sugimura S, Kudo Y, Amano R, Hiradate Y, Sato E. Improving the Quality of Miniature Pig Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Blastocysts: Aggregation of SCNT Embryos at the Four-cell Stage. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:189-96. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01614.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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45
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Sharovskaya YY. Intercellular interactions through gap junctions in embryonic stem cells. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2011. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350911010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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46
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Dhali A, Anchamparuthy VM, Butler SP, Mullarky IK, Pearson RE, Gwazdauskas FC. Development and quality of bovine embryos produced in vitro using growth factor supplemented serum-free system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2011.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Kang KS, Trosko JE. Stem cells in toxicology: fundamental biology and practical considerations. Toxicol Sci 2010; 120 Suppl 1:S269-89. [PMID: 21163910 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfq370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This "Commentary" has examined the use of human stem cells for detection of toxicities of physical, chemical, and biological toxins/toxicants in response to the challenge posed by the NRC Report, "Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A vision and Strategy." Before widespread application of the use of human embryonic, pluripotent, "iPS," or adult stem cells be considered, the basic characterization of stem cell biology should be undertaken. Because no in vitro system can mimic all factors that influence cells in vivo (individual genetic, gender, developmental, immunological and diurnal states; niche conditions; complex intercellular interactions between stem, progenitor, terminal differentiated cells, and the signaling from extracellular matrices, oxygen tensions, etc.), attempts should be made to use both embryonic and adult stem cells, grown in three dimension under "niche-like" conditions. Because many toxins and toxicants work by "epigenetic" mechanisms and that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in regulating gene expression and in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, epigenetic toxicity must be incorporated in toxicity testing. Because modulation of gap junctional intercellular communication by epigenetic agents plays a major role in homeostatic regulation of both stem and progenitor cells in normal tissues, the modulation of this biological process by both endogenous and endogenous chemicals should be incorporated as an end point to monitor for potential toxicities or chemo-preventive attributes. In addition, modulation of quantity, as well as the quality, of stem cells should be considered as potential source of a chemical's toxic potential in affecting any stem cell-based pathology, such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Sun Kang
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, Laboratory for Stem Cell and Tumor Biology, Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Sillim-Dong, Seoul 151-742, Korea
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Li R, Liang J, Ni S, Zhou T, Qing X, Li H, He W, Chen J, Li F, Zhuang Q, Qin B, Xu J, Li W, Yang J, Gan Y, Qin D, Feng S, Song H, Yang D, Zhang B, Zeng L, Lai L, Esteban MA, Pei D. A mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition initiates and is required for the nuclear reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts. Cell Stem Cell 2010; 7:51-63. [PMID: 20621050 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2010.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 896] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2010] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process important for cell fate determination. Fibroblasts, a product of EMT, can be reset into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) via exogenous transcription factors but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here we show that the generation of iPSCs from mouse fibroblasts requires a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) orchestrated by suppressing pro-EMT signals from the culture medium and activating an epithelial program inside the cells. At the transcriptional level, Sox2/Oct4 suppress the EMT mediator Snail, c-Myc downregulates TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptor 2, and Klf4 induces epithelial genes including E-cadherin. Blocking MET impairs the reprogramming of fibroblasts whereas preventing EMT in epithelial cells cultured with serum can produce iPSCs without Klf4 and c-Myc. Our work not only establishes MET as a key cellular mechanism toward induced pluripotency, but also demonstrates iPSC generation as a cooperative process between the defined factors and the extracellular milieu. PAPERCLIP:
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghui Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Group, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
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Huang CL, Cheng JC, Kitajima K, Nakano T, Yeh CF, Chong KY, Tseng CP. Disabled-2 is required for mesoderm differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells. J Cell Physiol 2010; 225:92-105. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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