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Longobardi S, Klinger FG, Zheng W, Campitiello MR, D’Hooghe T, La Marca A. Gonadotropin Activity during Early Folliculogenesis and Implications for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7520. [PMID: 39062762 PMCID: PMC11277126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility depends on the ovarian reserve of follicles, which is determined at birth. Primordial follicle development and oocyte maturation are regulated by multiple factors and pathways and classified into gonadotropin-independent and gonadotropin-dependent phases, according to the response to gonadotropins. Folliculogenesis has always been considered to be gonadotropin-dependent only from the antral stage, but evidence from the literature highlights the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) during early folliculogenesis with a potential role in the progression of the pool of primordial follicles. Hormonal and molecular pathway alterations during the very earliest stages of folliculogenesis may be the root cause of anovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in PCOS-like phenotypes related to antiepileptic treatment. Excessive induction of primordial follicle activation can also lead to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), a condition characterized by menopause in women before 40 years of age. Future treatments aiming to suppress initial recruitment or prevent the growth of resting follicles could help in prolonging female fertility, especially in women with PCOS or POI. This review will briefly introduce the impact of gonadotropins on early folliculogenesis. We will discuss the influence of LH on ovarian reserve and its potential role in PCOS and POI infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Health Sciences, Saint Camillus International, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosaria Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, 84124 Salerno, Italy
| | - Thomas D’Hooghe
- Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany (T.D.)
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Department of Maternal-Child and Adult Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Dey P, Monferini N, Donadini L, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Luciano AM. Method of Isolation and In Vitro Culture of Primordial Follicles in Bovine Animal Model. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2770:171-182. [PMID: 38351454 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3698-5_13] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is a substantial source of oocytes arranged into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis, from the primordial to the ovulatory ones. Primordial follicles constitute the most abundant source of gametes inside the mammalian ovary at any given time.The isolation of a high number of primordial follicles, together with the development of protocols for in vitro follicle growth, would provide a powerful tool to fully exploit the female reproductive potential and boost the rescue and restoration of fertility in assisted reproduction technologies in human medicine, animal breeding, and preservation of threatened species. However, the most significant limitation is the lack of efficient methods for isolating a healthy and homogeneous population of viable primordial follicles suitable for in vitro culture. Here, we provide a fast and high-yield strategy for the mechanical isolation of primordial follicles from limited portions of the ovarian cortex in the bovine animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritha Dey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Monferini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovica Donadini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Dai W, Yang H, Xu B, He T, Liu L, Ma X, Ma J, Yang G, Si R, Pei X, Du X, Fu X. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) alleviate excessive autophagy of ovarian granular cells through VEGFA/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in premature ovarian failure rat model. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:198. [PMID: 37777781 PMCID: PMC10542694 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01278-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian failure (POF) is one of the leading causes of female infertility and is accompanied by abnormal endocrine, seriously affecting female quality of life. Previous studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for POF. However, the mechanism remains obscure. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on ovarian function in the POF rat model and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The ovarian function was evaluated by ovarian morphology, histology, estrous cycle, hormone levels (AMH, E2, FSH, and LH), and fertility ability to investigate the effect of hUC-MSCs on the POF rats model. The cytokines levels were assayed in serum using protein array to explore the mechanisms of hUC-MSCs therapy for POF. The excessive autophagy levels were evaluated using a co-culture system of 3D MSCs spheroids with human ovarian granulosa cell line (KGN) or primary ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) to understand the paracrine effect of hUC-MSCs on GCs. The related proteins expression of autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was detected using Western Blotting and/or in various inhibitors supplement to further demonstrate that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) secreted by hUC-MSCs can alleviate excessive autophagy of ovarian GCs via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The ovarian culture model in vitro was applied to confirm the mechanism. RESULTS The ovarian function of POF and the excessive autophagy of ovarian GCs were restored after hUC-MSCs transplantation. The protein array result demonstrated that VEGF and PI3K/AKT might improve ovarian function. in vitro experiments demonstrated that VEGFA secreted by hUC-MSCs could decrease oxidative stress and inhibit excessive autophagy of ovarian GCs via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The ovarian culture model results confirmed this mechanism in vitro. CONCLUSION The hUC-MSCs can alleviate excessive autophagy of ovarian GCs via paracrine VEGFA and regulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby improving the ovarian function of POF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Dai
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Tiantian He
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jiaxue Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Guoqin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Rui Si
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiuying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xing Du
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Xufeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Stringer JM, Alesi LR, Winship AL, Hutt KJ. Beyond apoptosis: evidence of other regulated cell death pathways in the ovary throughout development and life. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:434-456. [PMID: 36857094 PMCID: PMC10320496 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulated cell death is a fundamental component of numerous physiological processes; spanning from organogenesis in utero, to normal cell turnover during adulthood, as well as the elimination of infected or damaged cells throughout life. Quality control through regulation of cell death pathways is particularly important in the germline, which is responsible for the generation of offspring. Women are born with their entire supply of germ cells, housed in functional units known as follicles. Follicles contain an oocyte, as well as specialized somatic granulosa cells essential for oocyte survival. Follicle loss-via regulated cell death-occurs throughout follicle development and life, and can be accelerated following exposure to various environmental and lifestyle factors. It is thought that the elimination of damaged follicles is necessary to ensure that only the best quality oocytes are available for reproduction. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Understanding the precise factors involved in triggering and executing follicle death is crucial to uncovering how follicle endowment is initially determined, as well as how follicle number is maintained throughout puberty, reproductive life, and ovarian ageing in women. Apoptosis is established as essential for ovarian homeostasis at all stages of development and life. However, involvement of other cell death pathways in the ovary is less established. This review aims to summarize the most recent literature on cell death regulators in the ovary, with a particular focus on non-apoptotic pathways and their functions throughout the discrete stages of ovarian development and reproductive life. SEARCH METHODS Comprehensive literature searches were carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar for human, animal, and cellular studies published until August 2022 using the following search terms: oogenesis, follicle formation, follicle atresia, oocyte loss, oocyte apoptosis, regulated cell death in the ovary, non-apoptotic cell death in the ovary, premature ovarian insufficiency, primordial follicles, oocyte quality control, granulosa cell death, autophagy in the ovary, autophagy in oocytes, necroptosis in the ovary, necroptosis in oocytes, pyroptosis in the ovary, pyroptosis in oocytes, parthanatos in the ovary, and parthanatos in oocytes. OUTCOMES Numerous regulated cell death pathways operate in mammalian cells, including apoptosis, autophagic cell death, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. However, our understanding of the distinct cell death mediators in each ovarian cell type and follicle class across the different stages of life remains the source of ongoing investigation. Here, we highlight recent evidence for the contribution of non-apoptotic pathways to ovarian development and function. In particular, we discuss the involvement of autophagy during follicle formation and the role of autophagic cell death, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos during follicle atresia, particularly in response to physiological stressors (e.g. oxidative stress). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Improved knowledge of the roles of each regulated cell death pathway in the ovary is vital for understanding ovarian development, as well as maintenance of ovarian function throughout the lifespan. This information is pertinent not only to our understanding of endocrine health, reproductive health, and fertility in women but also to enable identification of novel fertility preservation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Stringer
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren R Alesi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy L Winship
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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The process of ovarian aging: it is not just about oocytes and granulosa cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:783-792. [PMID: 35352316 PMCID: PMC9051003 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02478-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian age is classically considered the main cause of female reproductive infertility. In women, the process proceeds as an ongoing decline in the primordial follicle stockpile and it is associated with reduced fertility in the mid-thirties, irregular menstruation from the mid-forties, cessation of fertility, and, eventually, menopause in the early fifties. Reproductive aging is historically associated with changes in oocyte quantity and quality. However, besides the oocyte, other cellular as well as environmental factors have been the focus of more recent investigations suggesting that ovarian decay is a complex and multifaceted process. Among these factors, we will consider mitochondria and oxidative stress as related to nutrition, changes in extracellular matrix molecules, and the associated ovarian stromal compartment where immune cells of both the native and adaptive systems seem to play an important role. Understanding such processes is crucial to design treatment strategies to slow down ovarian aging and consequently prolong reproductive lifespan and, more to this, alleviaingt side effects of menopause on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
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Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis of Human Small Antral Follicles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111955. [PMID: 34769386 PMCID: PMC8584910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ovarian folliculogenesis is a highly regulated and complex process. Characterization of follicular cell signatures during this dynamic process is important to understand follicle fate (to grow, become dominant, or undergo atresia). The transcriptional signature of human oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) in early-growing and ovulatory follicles have been previously described; however, that of oocytes with surrounding GCs in small antral follicles have not been studied yet. Here, we have generated a unique dataset of single-cell transcriptomics (SmartSeq2) consisting of the oocyte with surrounding GCs from several individual (non-dominant) small antral follicles isolated from adult human ovaries. We have identified two main types of (healthy) follicles, with a distinct oocyte and GC signature. Using the CellphoneDB algorithm, we then investigated the bi-directional ligand–receptor interactions regarding the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), wingless-type (MMTV)-integration site (WNT), NOTCH, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) signaling pathways between oocyte and GCs within each antral follicle type. Our work not only revealed the diversity of small antral follicles, but also contributes to fill the gap in mapping the molecular landscape of human folliculogenesis and oogenesis.
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Salvatore G, De Felici M, Dolci S, Tudisco C, Cicconi R, Campagnolo L, Camaioni A, Klinger FG. Human adipose-derived stromal cells transplantation prolongs reproductive lifespan on mouse models of mild and severe premature ovarian insufficiency. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:537. [PMID: 34629095 PMCID: PMC8504050 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02590-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although recent studies have investigated the ability of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) to alleviate short-term ovarian damage in animal models of chemotherapy-induced Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), no data are available on reproductive lifespan recovery, especially in a severe POI condition. For this reason, we investigated the potential of MSCs isolated from human adipose tissue (hASCs), since they are easy to harvest and abundant, in ameliorating the length and performance of reproductive life in both mild and severe chemotherapy-induced murine POI models.
Methods Mild and severe POI models were established by intraperitoneally administering a light (12 mg/kg busulfan + 120 mg/kg cyclophosphamide) or heavy (30 mg/kg busulfan + 120 mg/kg cyclophosphamide) dose of chemotherapy, respectively, in CD1 mice. In both cases, a week later, 1 × 106 hASCs were transplanted systemically through the tail vein. After four additional weeks, some females were sacrificed to collect ovaries for morphological evaluation. H&E staining was performed to assess stroma alteration and to count follicle numbers; immunofluorescence staining for αSMA was used to analyse vascularization. Of the remaining females, some were mated after superovulation to collect 2-cell embryos in order to evaluate their pre-implantation developmental capacity in vitro, while others were naturally mated to monitor litters and reproductive lifespan length. F1 litters’ weight, ovaries and reproductive lifespan were also analysed. Results hASC transplantation alleviated ovarian weight loss and size decrease and reduced alterations on ovarian stroma and vasculature, concurrently preventing the progressive follicle stockpile depletion caused by chemotherapy. These effects were associated with the preservation of the oocyte competence to develop into blastocyst in vitro and, more interestingly, with a significant decrease of chemotherapy-induced POI features, like shortness of reproductive lifespan, reduced number of litters and longer time to plug (the latter only presented in the severe POI model). Conclusion Human ASC transplantation was able to significantly reduce all the alterations induced by the chemotherapeutic treatment, while improving oocyte quality and prolonging reproductive functions, thus counteracting infertility. These results, strengthened by the use of an outbred model, support the potential applications of hASCs in women with POI, nowadays mainly induced by anticancer therapies. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02590-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Salvatore
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Tudisco
- Department of Clinical Surgery and Translational Medicine, Sports Traumatology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Camaioni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Siu KK, Serrão VHB, Ziyyat A, Lee JE. The cell biology of fertilization: Gamete attachment and fusion. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202102146. [PMID: 34459848 PMCID: PMC8406655 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilization, sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development. In mammals, fertilization involves multiple ordered steps, including the acrosome reaction, zona pellucida penetration, sperm-egg attachment, and membrane fusion. Given the success of in vitro fertilization, one would think that the mechanisms of fertilization are understood; however, the precise details for many of the steps in fertilization remain a mystery. Recent studies using genetic knockout mouse models and structural biology are providing valuable insight into the molecular basis of sperm-egg attachment and fusion. Here, we review the cell biology of fertilization, specifically summarizing data from recent structural and functional studies that provide insights into the interactions involved in human gamete attachment and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K. Siu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vitor Hugo B. Serrão
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
- Service d’Histologie, d’Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey E. Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ben Maamar M, Nilsson EE, Skinner MK. Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance, gametogenesis and germline development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:570-592. [PMID: 33929020 PMCID: PMC8444706 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important developing cell types in any biological system is the gamete (sperm and egg). The transmission of phenotypes and optimally adapted physiology to subsequent generations is in large part controlled by gametogenesis. In contrast to genetics, the environment actively regulates epigenetics to impact the physiology and phenotype of cellular and biological systems. The integration of epigenetics and genetics is critical for all developmental biology systems at the cellular and organism level. The current review is focused on the role of epigenetics during gametogenesis for both the spermatogenesis system in the male and oogenesis system in the female. The developmental stages from the initial primordial germ cell through gametogenesis to the mature sperm and egg are presented. How environmental factors can influence the epigenetics of gametogenesis to impact the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic and physiological change in subsequent generations is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millissia Ben Maamar
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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PI3K/PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathways in Germ Cell Development and Their Involvement in Germ Cell Tumors and Ovarian Dysfunctions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189838. [PMID: 34575999 PMCID: PMC8467417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies indicate that the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling pathways are critical regulators of ovarian function including the formation of the germ cell precursors, termed primordial germ cells, and the follicular pool maintenance. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the functional role of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathways during primordial germ cell development and the dynamics of the ovarian primordial follicle reserve and how dysregulation of these signaling pathways may contribute to the development of some types of germ cell tumors and ovarian dysfunctions.
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11
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State of Drosophila melanogaster Ovaries after a Full Cycle of Gametogenesis under Microgravity Modeling: Cellular Respiration and the Content of Cytoskeletal Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179234. [PMID: 34502148 PMCID: PMC8431292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of weightlessness on gametogenesis and the functional state of female germ cells are still poorly understood. We studied the ovaries of Drosophila melanogaster, the full development cycle of which (from zygote to sexually mature adults) passed under simulated microgravity by a random positioning machine. The rate of cellular respiration was studied by polarography as a parameter reflecting the functional state of mitochondria. The content of cytoskeletal proteins and histones was determined using Western blotting. The relative content of mRNA was determined using qRT-PCR. The results obtained indicated an increase in the rate of cellular respiration under simulated microgravity conditions during the full cycle of gametogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster due to complex I of the respiratory chain. In addition, an increase in the contents of actin cytoskeleton components was observed against the background of an increase in the mRNA content of the cytoskeleton’s encoding genes. Moreover, we observed an increase in the relative content of histone H3 acetylated at Lys9 and Lys27, which may explain the increase in the expression of cytoskeletal genes. In conclusion, the formation of an adaptive pattern of functioning of the Drosophila melanogaster ovaries that developed under simulated microgravity includes structural and functional changes and epigenetic regulation.
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Effects of low-dose X-ray medical diagnostics on female gonads: Insights from large animal oocytes and human ovaries as complementary models. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253536. [PMID: 34166427 PMCID: PMC8224917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic imaging has significantly grown over the last thirty years as indispensable support for diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic and monitoring procedures of human diseases. This study explored the effects of low-dose X-ray medical diagnostics exposure on female fertility. To aim this, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) recovered from the ovaries of juvenile sheep and human ovaries were used as complementary models for in vitro studies. In the sheep model, the effects of low-dose X-rays on oocyte viability and developmental competence were evaluated. In human ovaries originated from two age group (21–25 and 33–36 years old) subjects with gender dysphoria, X-rays effects on tissue morphology, follicular density and expression of apoptosis-related (NOXA, PUMA, Bcl2, Bak, γH2AX) and cell cycle-related genes (p21 and ki67) were investigated. It was noted that in sheep, the minimum dose of 10 mGy did not influence most of examined parameters at oocyte and embryo levels, whereas 50 and 100 mGy X-ray exposure reduced oocyte bioenergetic/oxidative activity but without any visible effects on oocyte and embryo development. In addition, blastocyst bioenergetic/oxidative status was reduced with all used doses. Overall data on human ovaries showed that low-dose X-rays, similarly as in sheep, did not alter any of examined parameters. However, in women belonging to the 33–36 year group, significantly reduced follicular density was observed after exposure to 50 and 100 mGy, and increased NOXA and Bax expression after exposure at 50 mGy. In conclusion, used low-doses of X-ray exposure, which resemble doses used in medical diagnostics, produce weak damaging effects on female fertility with increased susceptibility in advanced age.
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Liu Y, He QK, Xu ZR, Xu CL, Zhao SC, Luo YS, Sun X, Qi ZQ, Wang HL. Thiamethoxam Exposure Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Affects Ovarian Function and Oocyte Development in Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:1942-1952. [PMID: 33533595 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides in modern agriculture, and their residues have been found in the environment and food. Previous studies reported that neonicotinoids exert toxic effects in various tissues, but whether they interfered with the female reproductive process remains unknown. In our present research, thiamethoxam was selected as a representative neonicotinoid to establish a mouse toxicity model with gavage. We found that thiamethoxam decreased the ovarian coefficient and disrupted the expression of female hormone receptors, subsequently affecting follicle development. Ovarian granulosa cells from the thiamethoxam exposure group underwent a high level of apoptosis. Using transcriptome analysis, we showed that thiamethoxam exposure altered the expression of multiple oocyte genes related to inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Thiamethoxam also adversely affected oocyte and embryo development. Western blotting and fluorescence staining results confirmed that thiamethoxam affected the integrity of DNA, triggered apoptosis, promoted oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and impaired mitochondrial function. Collectively, our results indicated that thiamethoxam exposure disrupts ovarian homeostasis and decreases oocyte quality via endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People's Republic of China
| | - Quan-Kuo He
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Ran Xu
- Center for Translational Medicine Research, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Long Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center of Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530031, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Cheng Zhao
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Shen Luo
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Sun
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Quan Qi
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Long Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, People's Republic of China
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14
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Sun X, Klinger FG, Liu J, De Felici M, Shen W, Sun X. miR-378-3p maintains the size of mouse primordial follicle pool by regulating cell autophagy and apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:737. [PMID: 32913213 PMCID: PMC7483766 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02965-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primordial follicle pool provides all available oocytes throughout the whole reproductive life span. Abnormal regulation in primordial follicle assembly leads to abnormal size of primordial follicle pool, even causes infertility. Here, miR-378-3p was proved to regulate mouse primordial follicle assembly both in vivo and in vitro. The expression of miR-378-3p significantly increased in mice ovaries from 17.5 dpc (days post coitum) up to 3 dpp (day post partum) compared with the expression of 16.5 dpc ovaries, which suggested that miR-378-3p was involved in primordial follicle assembly. To uncover the underlying mechanism, newborn mice ovaries were cultured in vitro in the presence of rapamycin and 3-methyladenine, which showed that the expression of miR-378-3p changed together with the percentage of primordial follicle. Moreover, during the normal process of primordial follicle assembly between 17.6 dpc and 3 dpp, autophagy is activated, while, apoptosis is inhibited. The in vivo results showed that newborn mice starved for 1.5 days showing the increased miR-378-3p, activated autophagy and inhibited apoptosis in the ovaries, had more percentage of primordial follicles. Over-expression of miR-378-3p using miR-378-3p agomir caused increased percentage of primordial follicle, increased level of autophagy, and decreased level of apoptosis. Knockdown of miR-378-3p by miR-378-3p antiagomir had the opposite results. Using pmirGLO Dual-Luciferase miRNA Target Expression system, we confirmed both PDK1 and Caspase9 were targets of miR-378-3p, which suggested that miR-378-3p activated autophagy by targeting PDK1 and inhibited apoptosis by targeting Caspase9. MiR-378-3p could be used as a biomarker of diseases caused by abnormal size of primordial follicle pool for diagnosis, prevention, or therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.,College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Jing Liu
- Central laboratory of Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xiaofeng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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15
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Abedini A, Sayed C, Carter LE, Boerboom D, Vanderhyden BC. Non-canonical WNT5a regulates Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in the mouse ovarian surface epithelium. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9695. [PMID: 32546756 PMCID: PMC7298016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66559-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) is a monolayer that covers the ovarian surface and is involved in ovulation by rupturing and enabling release of a mature oocyte and by repairing the wound after ovulation. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a mechanism that may promote wound healing after ovulation. While this process is poorly understood in the OSE, in other tissues wound repair is known to be under the control of the local microenvironment and different growth factors such as the WNT signaling pathway. Among WNT family members, WNT4 and WNT5a are expressed in the OSE and are critical for the ovulatory process. The objective of this study was to determine the potential roles of WNT4 and WNT5a in regulating the OSE layer. Using primary cultures of mouse OSE cells, we found WNT5a, but not WNT4, promotes EMT through a non-canonical Ca2+-dependent pathway, up-regulating the expression of Vimentin and CD44, enhancing cell migration, and inhibiting the CTNNB1 pathway and proliferation. We conclude that WNT5a is a stimulator of the EMT in OSE cells, and acts by suppressing canonical WNT signaling activity and inducing the non-canonical Ca2+ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Abedini
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Céline Sayed
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren E Carter
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Barbara C Vanderhyden
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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16
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Bolobolova EU, Dorogova NV, Fedorova SA. Major Scenarios of Genetically Regulated Cell Death during Oogenesis in Drosophilamelanogaster. RUSS J GENET+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795420060034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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17
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Marcozzi S, Rossi V, Salvatore G, Di Rella F, De Felici M, Klinger FG. Distinct effects of epirubicin, cisplatin and cyclophosphamide on ovarian somatic cells of prepuberal ovaries. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10532-10556. [PMID: 31711044 PMCID: PMC6914390 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In vitro culture models were used to characterize the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and of LH on somatic cells from prepuberal mouse ovaries. All cell types (pre- and granulosa cells, pre-thecal and OSE cells) underwent apoptosis following Epirubicin (0.5μM) exposure for 24hrs (about 60%) and 48hrs (>80%). Cisplatin (10μM) and the Cyclophosphamide active metabolite, Phosphoramide Mustard (10μM), didn’t cause apoptosis in 90% of pre-thecal and pre-granulosa cells up to 72hrs of exposure, although they suffered extensive DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, and acquired stress induced premature senescence (SIPS) features. Cultured granulosa cells didn’t show evident DNA damage and remained viable without acquiring SIPS features; OSE cells were resistant to apoptosis and SIPS but not to DNA damage. These latter, like pre-thecal and pre-granulosa cells, were able of efficient DNA repair involving MLH1-dependent MMR pathways. SIPS features were also observed in ovary after in vivo treatment with Cisplatin. LH (200mIU/mL) didn’t significantly influence apoptosis, SIPS and DNA damage but favoured DNA repair. These results show that somatic cells of prepuberal ovary response to drugs in different ways, either undergoing apoptosis or SIPS, either showing resistance to Cisplatin and Phosphoramide Mustard. Moreover, a new role of LH in promoting DNA repair was shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Marcozzi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Salvatore
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Rella
- Medical Oncology, Department of Senology, National Cancer Institute, IRCCS Foundation G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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