1
|
Leme LDO, Carvalho JO, Mendes CM, Assumpção MEOD, Caetano AR, Franco MM, Dode MAN. Impact of sperm sex sorting on sperm quality and in vitro embryo production in bovine. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 270:107604. [PMID: 39332062 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that environmental exposures can modify epigenetic marks in the germline, leading to the transmission of abnormal post-fertilization sperm epigenetic indicators and affecting embryonic development. Given the pivotal role of sperm cells in determining embryo quality, there is growing interest in understanding the potential effects of sperm sex sorting on embryo quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of bovine sperm sexing on in vitro embryo production (IVP) and to associate molecular aspects of embryos analysis. Frozen semen samples from five Nellore bulls were used, with each bull contributing unsexed sperm (conventional semen - CV treatment) and female and male sexed sperm pooled after thawing (SX treatment). First, semen quality was assessed, including motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, and chromatin integrity to denaturation. Then, IVP was carried out, focusing on embryonic production and developmental kinetics. In the third experiment, embryo quality was evaluated by examining the gene expression of key markers (OCT4, NANOG, DNMT3A, TET1, and Fematrin-1) and the methylation pattern of the Satellite-1 and α-Satellite genes in blastocysts. Differences between CV and SX semen were only observed in motility, which was lower in SX compared with CV (P < 0.05). Although cleavage was similar, the SX groups showed lower blastocyst production than CV (P < 0.05). Of the genes evaluated, only NANOG showed high expression in the CV blastocysts compared with the SX blastocysts, but the methylation pattern revealed no differences. In conclusion, sex sorting markedly affects sperm motility and in vitro embryo production but showed no significant impact on embryo quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ligiane de Oliveira Leme
- UFES, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Alto Universitario, S/N - Guararema, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil
| | - José Oliveira Carvalho
- UFES, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Alto Universitario, S/N - Guararema, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Camilla Motta Mendes
- USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 - Butantã, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Rodrigues Caetano
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia - Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB s/nº Av. W5 Norte (final) - PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Maurício Machaim Franco
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia - Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB s/nº Av. W5 Norte (final) - PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia - Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB s/nº Av. W5 Norte (final) - PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Babaei K, Aziminezhad M, Mirzajani E, Mozdarani H, Sharami SH, Norollahi SE, Samadani AA. A critical review of the recent concept of regulatory performance of DNA Methylations, and DNA methyltransferase enzymes alongside the induction of immune microenvironment elements in recurrent pregnancy loss. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:546-563. [PMID: 38798987 PMCID: PMC11127471 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.05.001] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy Loss (RPL)is a frequent and upsetting condition. Besides the prevalent cause of RPL including chromosomal defects in the embryo,the effect of translational elements like alterations of epigenetics are of great importance. The emergence of epigenetics has offered a fresh outlook on the causes and treatment of RPL by focusing on the examination of DNA methylation. RPL may arise as a result of aberrant DNA methylation of imprinted genes, placenta-specific genes, immune-related genes, and sperm DNA, which may have a direct or indirect impact on embryo implantation, growth, and development. Moreover, the distinct immunological tolerogenic milieu established at the interface between the mother and fetus plays a crucial role in sustaining pregnancy. Given this, there has been a great deal of interest in the regulation of DNA methylation and alterations in the cellular components of the maternal-fetal immunological milieu. The research on DNA methylation's role in RPL incidence and the control of the mother-fetal immunological milieu is summed up in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosar Babaei
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Mohsen Aziminezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- UMR INSERM U 1122, IGE-PCV, Interactions Gène-Environment En Physiopathologie Cardiovascular Université De Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Ebrahim Mirzajani
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Hossein Mozdarani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Hajar Sharami
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Elham Norollahi
- Cancer Research Center and Department of Immunology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Samadani
- Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang Z. Molecular and cellular programs underlying the development of bovine pre-implantation embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:34-42. [PMID: 38064195 PMCID: PMC10962643 DOI: 10.1071/rd23146] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic mortality is a major cause of infertility in cattle, yet the underlying molecular causes remain a mystery. Over the past half century, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilisation and somatic cell nuclear transfer have been used to improve cattle reproductive efficiency; however, reduced embryo developmental potential is seen compared to their in vivo counterparts. Recent years have seen exciting progress across bovine embryo research, including genomic profiling of embryogenesis, new methods for improving embryo competence, and experimenting on building bovine embryos from stem cell cultures. These advances are beginning to define bovine embryo molecular and cellular programs and could potentially lead to improved embryo health. Here, I highlight the current status of molecular determinants and cellular programs of bovine embryo development and new opportunities to improve the bovine embryo health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rabaglino MB, Forde N, Besenfelder U, Havlicek V, Blum H, Graf A, Wolf E, Lonergan P. Maternal metabolic status and in-vitro culture conditions during embryonic genome activation deregulate the expression of energy-related genes in the bovine 16-cells embryo. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290689. [PMID: 37624829 PMCID: PMC10456174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular consequences of the metabolic stress caused by milk production of dairy cows in the early embryo are largely unknown. The objective was to determine the impact of dam metabolic status or in vitro culture during embryonic genome activation (EGA) on the transcriptomic profiles of bovine 16-cell stage embryos. Two days after synchronized oestrus, in vitro produced 2- to 4-cell stage embryos were endoscopically transferred in pools of 50 into the oviduct ipsilateral to the corpus luteum of lactating (LACT, n = 3) or nonlactating (i.e. dried off immediately at calving; DRY, n = 3) dairy cows. On Day 4, the oviducts were flushed to recover the embryos. Pools of five Day-2 embryos (n = 5) and Day-4 16-cell stage embryos obtained in vitro (n = 3) or from LACT or DRY cows were subjected to RNAseq. Temporally differentially expressed genes (DEG; FDR<0.05) between Day-2 and Day-4 embryos were determined considering the differences between the three conditions under which EGA occurred. Also, DEG between Day-4 embryos derived from the three conditions were identified. Functional analysis of the temporal DEG demonstrated that genes involved in ribosome, translation and oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria were strongly more expressed in Day-4 than Day-2 embryos. Comparison of Day-4 embryos that underwent EGA in vitro, or in LACT or DRY cows, identified DEG enriching for mitochondrial respiration and protein translation, including the mTOR pathway. In conclusion, exposure of the embryo to an unfavourable maternal metabolic status during EGA influences its transcriptome and potentially the competence for pregnancy establishment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria B. Rabaglino
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Forde
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vitezslav Havlicek
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Graf
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang J, Sheng H, Hu C, Li F, Cai B, Ma Y, Wang Y, Ma Y. Effects of DNA Methylation on Gene Expression and Phenotypic Traits in Cattle: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11882. [PMID: 37569258 PMCID: PMC10419045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression in cells is determined by the epigenetic state of chromatin. Therefore, the study of epigenetic changes is very important to understand the regulatory mechanism of genes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. DNA methylation is one of the most studied epigenetic modifications, which plays an important role in maintaining genome stability and ensuring normal growth and development. Studies have shown that methylation levels in bovine primordial germ cells, the rearrangement of methylation during embryonic development and abnormal methylation during placental development are all closely related to their reproductive processes. In addition, the application of bovine male sterility and assisted reproductive technology is also related to DNA methylation. This review introduces the principle, development of detection methods and application conditions of DNA methylation, with emphasis on the relationship between DNA methylation dynamics and bovine spermatogenesis, embryonic development, disease resistance and muscle and fat development, in order to provide theoretical basis for the application of DNA methylation in cattle breeding in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junxing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hui Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Chunli Hu
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Fen Li
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Bei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yanfen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yachun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lafontaine S, Labrecque R, Blondin P, Cue RI, Sirard MA. Comparison of cattle derived from in vitro fertilization, multiple ovulation embryo transfer, and artificial insemination for milk production and fertility traits. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:4380-4396. [PMID: 37028966 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of assisted-reproduction technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) is increasing, particularly in dairy cattle. The question of consequences in later life has not yet been directly addressed by studies on large animal populations. Studies on rodents and early data from humans and cattle suggest that in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos could result in long-term alteration of metabolism, growth, and fertility. Our goal was to better describe these presumed consequences in the population of dairy cows produced by IVF in Québec (Canada) and to compare them to animals conceived by artificial insemination (AI) or multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET). To do so, we leveraged a large phenotypic database (2.5 million animals and 4.5 million lactations) from milk records in Québec aggregated by Lactanet (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada) and spanning 2012 to 2019. We identified 304,163, 12,993, and 732 cows conceived by AI, MOET, and IVF, respectively, for a total of 317,888 Holstein animals from which we retrieved information for 576,448, 24,192, and 1,299 lactations (total = 601,939), respectively. Genetic energy-corrected milk yield (GECM) and Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) of the parents of cows were used to normalize for genetic potential across animals. When compared with the general Holstein population, MOET and IVF cows outperformed AI cows. However, when comparing those same MOET and IVF cows with only herdmates and accounting for their higher GECM in the models, we found no statistical difference between the conception methods for milk production across the first 3 lactations. We also found that the rate of Lifetime Performance Index improvement of the IVF population during the 2012 to 2019 period was less than the rate observed in the AI population. Fertility analysis revealed that MOET and IVF cows also scored 1 point lower than their parents on the daughter fertility index and had a longer interval from first service to conception, with an average of 35.52 d compared with 32.45 for MOET and 31.87 for AI animals. These results highlight the challenges of elite genetic improvement while attesting to the progress the industry has made in minimizing epigenetic disturbance during embryo production. Nonetheless, additional work is required to ensure that IVF animals can maintain their performance and fertility potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lafontaine
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Rémi Labrecque
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Roger I Cue
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Montréal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gómez E, Murillo A, Carrocera S, Pérez-Jánez JJ, Benedito JL, Martín-González D, Gimeno I. Fitness of calves born from in vitro-produced fresh and cryopreserved embryos. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1006995. [PMID: 36504844 PMCID: PMC9730881 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1006995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, vitrified/warmed (V/W) and frozen/thawed (F/T), in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos, differ in their physiology and survival from fresh embryos. In this study, we analyzed the effects of embryo cryopreservation techniques on the offspring. IVP embryos cultured with albumin and with or without 0.1% serum until Day 6, and thereafter in single culture without protein, were transferred to recipients on Day 7 as F/T, V/W, or fresh, resulting in N = 24, 14, and 13 calves, respectively. Calves were clinically examined at birth, and blood was analyzed before and after colostrum intake (Day 0), and subsequently on Day 15 and Day 30. On Day 0, calves from V/W and F/T embryos showed increased creatinine and capillary refill time (CRT) and reduced heartbeats. Calves from F/T embryos showed lower PCO2, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume than calves from V/W embryos while V/W embryos led to calves with increased Na+ levels. Colostrum effects did not differ between calves from fresh and cryopreserved embryos, indicating similar adaptive ability among calves. However, PCO2 did not decrease in calves from V/W embryos after colostrum intake. Serum in culture led to calves with affected (P < 0.05) temperature, CRT, HCO 3 - , base excess (BE), TCO2, creatinine, urea, and anion gap. On Day 15, the effects of embryo cryopreservation disappeared among calves. In contrast, Day 30 values were influenced by diarrhea appearance, mainly in calves from V/W embryos (i.e., lower values of TCO2, HCO 3 - , and BE; and increased glucose, anion gap, and lactate), although with no more clinical compromise than calves from fresh and F/T embryos. Diarrhea affected PCO2 and Na+ in all groups. Embryo cryopreservation, and/or culture, yield metabolically different calves, including effects on protein and acid-base metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain,*Correspondence: Enrique Gómez
| | - Antonio Murillo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | | | - Jose Luis Benedito
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary School, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | - Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sharman P, Young AJ, Wilson AJ. Evidence of maternal and paternal age effects on speed in thoroughbred racehorses. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220691. [PMID: 36249332 DOI: 10.5061/dryad.qbzkh18m0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Effects of parental age on offspring viability have been reported in a wide range of species. However, to what extent parental age influences offspring traits beyond viability remains unclear. Moreover, previous research has primarily focused on maternal age effects. The purpose of this study was to test for paternal and maternal age effects on offspring speed in thoroughbred racehorses. We analysed over 900 000 race performances by over 100 000 horses on British racecourses between 1996 and 2019. With knowledge of the age of all 41 107 dams and 2 887 sires at offspring conception, we jointly modelled maternal and paternal age effects using a 'within-individual centring' approach. Within-parents, we identified a significant effect of maternal age on offspring speed of -0.017 yards s-1 yr-1 and a corresponding paternal age effect of -0.011 yards s-1 yr-1. Although maternal age effects were stronger (more negative), the existence and magnitude of paternal effects is particularly noteworthy, given thoroughbred sires have no involvement in parental care. Our results also suggest that the selective disappearance of both sires and dams is ongoing. These findings could potentially be used to optimize thoroughbred racehorse breeding decisions, and more generally, add to the increasing body of evidence that both maternal and paternal age affect a range of offspring characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sharman
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Andrew J Young
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Alastair J Wilson
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sharman P, Young AJ, Wilson AJ. Evidence of maternal and paternal age effects on speed in thoroughbred racehorses. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220691. [PMID: 36249332 PMCID: PMC9532991 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Effects of parental age on offspring viability have been reported in a wide range of species. However, to what extent parental age influences offspring traits beyond viability remains unclear. Moreover, previous research has primarily focused on maternal age effects. The purpose of this study was to test for paternal and maternal age effects on offspring speed in thoroughbred racehorses. We analysed over 900 000 race performances by over 100 000 horses on British racecourses between 1996 and 2019. With knowledge of the age of all 41 107 dams and 2 887 sires at offspring conception, we jointly modelled maternal and paternal age effects using a 'within-individual centring' approach. Within-parents, we identified a significant effect of maternal age on offspring speed of -0.017 yards s-1 yr-1 and a corresponding paternal age effect of -0.011 yards s-1 yr-1. Although maternal age effects were stronger (more negative), the existence and magnitude of paternal effects is particularly noteworthy, given thoroughbred sires have no involvement in parental care. Our results also suggest that the selective disappearance of both sires and dams is ongoing. These findings could potentially be used to optimize thoroughbred racehorse breeding decisions, and more generally, add to the increasing body of evidence that both maternal and paternal age affect a range of offspring characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sharman
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Andrew J. Young
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Alastair J. Wilson
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sharman P, Young AJ, Wilson AJ. Evidence of maternal and paternal age effects on speed in thoroughbred racehorses. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220691. [PMID: 36249332 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6228607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Effects of parental age on offspring viability have been reported in a wide range of species. However, to what extent parental age influences offspring traits beyond viability remains unclear. Moreover, previous research has primarily focused on maternal age effects. The purpose of this study was to test for paternal and maternal age effects on offspring speed in thoroughbred racehorses. We analysed over 900 000 race performances by over 100 000 horses on British racecourses between 1996 and 2019. With knowledge of the age of all 41 107 dams and 2 887 sires at offspring conception, we jointly modelled maternal and paternal age effects using a 'within-individual centring' approach. Within-parents, we identified a significant effect of maternal age on offspring speed of -0.017 yards s-1 yr-1 and a corresponding paternal age effect of -0.011 yards s-1 yr-1. Although maternal age effects were stronger (more negative), the existence and magnitude of paternal effects is particularly noteworthy, given thoroughbred sires have no involvement in parental care. Our results also suggest that the selective disappearance of both sires and dams is ongoing. These findings could potentially be used to optimize thoroughbred racehorse breeding decisions, and more generally, add to the increasing body of evidence that both maternal and paternal age affect a range of offspring characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sharman
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Andrew J Young
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Alastair J Wilson
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li X, Wang M, Liu S, Chen X, Qiao Y, Yang X, Yao J, Wu S. Paternal transgenerational nutritional epigenetic effect: A new insight into nutritional manipulation to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal feeding. ANIMAL NUTRITION 2022; 11:142-151. [PMID: 36204282 PMCID: PMC9527621 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of antibiotics in animal feeding has been banned in many countries because of increasing concerns about the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and potential issues on food safety. Searching for antibiotic substitutes is essential. Applying transgenerational epigenetic technology to animal production could be an alternative. Some environmental changes can be transferred to memory-like responses in the offspring through epigenetic mechanisms without changing the DNA sequence. In this paper, we reviewed those nutrients and non-nutritional additives that have transgenerational epigenetic effects, including some amino acids, vitamins, and polysaccharides. The paternal transgenerational nutritional epigenetic regulation was particularly focused on mechanism of the substantial contribution of male stud animals to the animal industries. We illustrated the effects of paternal transgenerational epigenetics on the metabolism and immunity in farming animals and proposed strategies to modulate male breeding livestock or poultry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
| | - Mengya Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shimin Liu
- Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yu Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Department of Animal Engineering, Yangling Vocational and Technical College, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Junhu Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Shengru Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rabaglino MB, Secher JBM, Hyttel P, Kadarmideen HN. In vitro and in vivo-produced male dairy calves show molecular differences in the hepatic and muscular energy regulation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1113-1124. [PMID: 35766406 PMCID: PMC9562124 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, the in vitro production (IVP) of embryos is becoming more relevant than embryos produced in vivo, i.e. after multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET). However, the effects of IVP on the developmental programming of specific organs in the postnatal calves are yet unknown. Previously, we reported an epigenomic and transcriptomic profile of the hypothalamus–pituitary–testicular axis compatible with its earlier activation in IVP calves compared to MOET animals. Here, we studied the hepatic and muscular epigenome and transcriptome of those same male dairy calves (n = 4 per group). Tissue samples from liver and semitendinosus muscle were obtained at 3 months of age, and the extracted gDNA and RNA were sequenced through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA-sequencing, respectively. Next, bioinformatic analyses determined differentially methylated cytosines or differentially expressed genes [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] for each Omic dataset; and nonparametrically combined genes (NPCG) for both integrated omics (P < 0.05). KEGG pathways enrichment analysis showed that NPCG upregulated in the liver and the muscle of the IVP calves were involved in oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In contrast, ribosome and translation were upregulated in the liver but downregulated in the muscle of the IVP calves compared to the MOET calves (FDR < 0.05). A model considering the effect of the methylation levels and the group on the expression of all the genes involved in these pathways confirmed these findings. In conclusion, the multiomics data integration approach indicated an altered hepatic and muscular energy regulation in phenotypically normal IVP calves compared to MOET calves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María B Rabaglino
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jan Bojsen-Møller Secher
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 7, 1870 Frederiksberg C
| | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 7, 1870 Frederiksberg C
| | - Haja N Kadarmideen
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ibeagha-Awemu EM, Kiefer H, McKay S, Liu GE. Editorial: Epigenetic Variation Influences on Livestock Production and Disease Traits. Front Genet 2022; 13:942747. [PMID: 35783264 PMCID: PMC9241065 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.942747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eveline M. Ibeagha-Awemu
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Eveline M. Ibeagha-Awemu,
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Stephanie McKay
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - George E. Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Diaz-Lundahl S, Sundaram AYM, Gillund P, Gilfillan GD, Olsaker I, Krogenæs A. Gene Expression in Embryos From Norwegian Red Bulls With High or Low Non Return Rate: An RNA-Seq Study of in vivo-Produced Single Embryos. Front Genet 2022; 12:780113. [PMID: 35096004 PMCID: PMC8795813 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.780113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, paternal effects on embryo development have been found to have greater importance than previously believed. In domestic cattle, embryo mortality is an issue of concern, causing huge economical losses for the dairy cattle industry. In attempts to reveal the paternal influence on embryo death, recent approaches have used transcriptome profiling of the embryo to find genes and pathways affected by different phenotypes in the bull. For practical and economic reasons, most such studies have used in vitro produced embryos. The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences in the global transcriptome of in vivo produced embryos, derived from sires with either high or low field fertility measured as the non-return rate (NRR) on day 56 after first AI of the inseminated cows. Superovulated heifers (n = 14) in the age span of 12–15 months were artificially inseminated with semen from either high fertility (n = 6) or low fertility (n = 6) bulls. On day seven after insemination, embryos were retrieved through uterine flushing. Embryos with first grade quality and IETS stage 5 (early blastocyst), 6 (blastocyst) or 7 (expanded blastocyst) were selected for further processing. In total, RNA extracted from 24 embryos was sequenced using Illumina sequencing, followed by differential expression analysis and gene set enrichment analysis. We found 62 genes differentially expressed between the two groups (adj.p-value<0.05), of which several genes and their linked pathways could explain the different developmental capacity. Transcripts highly expressed in the embryos from low fertility bulls were related to sterol metabolism and terpenoid backbone synthesis, while transcripts highly expressed in the high fertility embryos were linked to anti-apoptosis and the regulation of cytokine signaling. The leukocyte transendothelial migration and insulin signaling pathways were associated with enrichments in both groups. We also found some highly expressed transcripts in both groups which can be considered as new candidates in the regulation of embryo development. The present study is an important step in defining the paternal influence in embryonic development. Our results suggest that the sire’s genetic contribution affects several important processes linked to pre-and peri implantation regulation in the developing embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Diaz-Lundahl
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Arvind Y M Sundaram
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Gillund
- Geno Breeding and AI Association, Hamar, Norway
| | - Gregor Duncan Gilfillan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Olsaker
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Anette Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kiefer H, Sellem E, Bonnet-Garnier A, Pannetier M, Costes V, Schibler L, Jammes H. The epigenome of male germ cells and the programming of phenotypes in cattle. Anim Front 2021; 11:28-38. [PMID: 34934527 PMCID: PMC8683155 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Amélie Bonnet-Garnier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Valentin Costes
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.,R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | | | - Hélène Jammes
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon INAF, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon INAF, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sirard MA. How the environment affects early embryonic development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:203-213. [PMID: 35231267 DOI: 10.1071/rd21266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of animal reproduction, the environment associated with gametes and embryos refers to the parents' condition as well as conditions surrounding gametes and embryos in vivo or in vitro . This environment is now known to influence not only the functionality of the early embryo but potentially the future phenotype of the offspring. Using transcriptomic and epigenetic molecular analysis, and the bovine model, recent research has shown that both the female and the male metabolic status, for example age, can affect gene expression and gene programming in the embryo. Evidence demonstrates that milking cows, which are losing weight at the time of conception, generates compromised embryos and offspring with a unique metabolic signature. A similar phenomenon has been associated with different culture conditions and the IVF procedure. The general common consequence of these situations is an embryo behaving on 'economy' mode where translation, cell division and ATP production is reduced, potentially to adapt to the perceived future environment. Few epidemiological studies have been done in bovines to assess if these changes result in a different phenotype and more studies are required to associate specific molecular changes in embryos with visible consequences later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abeysinghe P, Turner N, Morean Garcia I, Mosaad E, Peiris HN, Mitchell MD. The Role of Exosomal Epigenetic Modifiers in Cell Communication and Fertility of Dairy Cows. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239106. [PMID: 33266010 PMCID: PMC7731370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal uterine function affects conception rate and embryo development, thereby leading to poor fertility and reproduction failure. Exosomes are a nanosized subclass of extracellular vesicles (EV) that have important functions as intercellular communicators. They contain and carry transferable bioactive substances including micro RNA (miRNA) for target cells. Elements of the cargo can provide epigenetic modifications of the recipient cells and may have crucial roles in mechanisms of reproduction. The dairy industry accounts for a substantial portion of the economy of many agricultural countries. Exosomes can enhance the expression of inflammatory mediators in the endometrium, which contribute to various inflammatory diseases in transition dairy cows. This results in reduced fertility which leads to reduced milk production and increased cow maintenance costs. Thus, gaining a clear knowledge of exosomal epigenetic modifiers is critical to improving the breeding success and profitability of dairy farms. This review provides a brief overview of how exosomal miRNA contributes to inflammatory diseases and hence to poor fertility, particularly in dairy cows.
Collapse
|