1
|
Badrhan S, Karanwal S, Pal A, Chera JS, Chauhan V, Patel A, Bhakat M, Datta TK, Kumar R. Differential protein repertoires related to sperm function identified in extracellular vesicles (EVs) in seminal plasma of distinct fertility buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) bulls. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1400323. [PMID: 39135778 PMCID: PMC11318068 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1400323] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Buffalo bulls are backbone of Indian dairy industry, and the quality of semen donating bulls determine the overall production efficiency of dairy farms. Seminal plasma harbor millions of lipid bilayer nanovesicles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs carry a heterogenous cargo of essential biomolecules including fertility-associated proteins which contribute to fertilizing potential of spermatozoa. In this study, we explored size, concentration, and complete proteome profiles of SP EVs from two distinct fertility groups to uncover proteins influencing bull fertility. Through Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) it was found that purified EVs were present in 7-14 size exclusion chromatographic (SEC) fractions with sizes ranging from 146.5 to 258.7 nm in high fertile (HF) and low fertile (LF) bulls. Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) confirmed the size of seminal EVs up to 200 nm, and concentrations varying from 2.84 to 6.82 × 1011 and 3.57 to 7.74 × 1011 particles per ml in HF and LF bulls, respectively. No significant difference was observed in size and concentration of seminal EVs between two groups. We identified a total of 1,862 and 1,807 proteins in seminal EVs of HF and LF bulls, respectively using high throughput LC-MS/MS approach. Out of these total proteins, 1,754 proteins were common in both groups and about 87 proteins were highly abundant in HF group while 1,292 were less abundant as compared to LF bulls. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, revealed that highly abundant proteins in HF group were mainly part of the nucleus and involved in nucleosome assembly along with DNA binding. Additionally, highly abundant proteins in EVs of HF group were found to be involved in spermatogenesis, motility, acrosome reaction, capacitation, gamete fusion, and cryotolerance. Two highly abundant proteins, protein disulfide-isomerase A4 and gelsolin, are associated with sperm-oocyte fusion and acrosome reaction, respectively, and their immunolocalization on spermatozoa may indicate that these proteins are transferred through EVs. Our evidences support that proteins in EVs and subsequently their presence on sperm, are strongly associated with sperm functions. Altogether, our investigation indicates that SPEVs possess crucial protein repertoires that are essential for enhancing sperm fertilizing capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Badrhan
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Seema Karanwal
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Ankit Pal
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Jatinder Singh Chera
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vitika Chauhan
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Aditya Patel
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Mukesh Bhakat
- ICAR- Central Institute of Research on Goat, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tirtha K. Datta
- Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Id-Lahoucine S, Casellas J, Suárez-Vega A, Fonseca PAS, Schenkel FS, Sargolzaei M, Cánovas A. Unravelling transmission ratio distortion across the bovine genome: identification of candidate regions for reproduction defects. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:383. [PMID: 37422635 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09455-6] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological mechanisms affecting gametogenesis, embryo development and postnatal viability have the potential to alter Mendelian inheritance expectations resulting in observable transmission ratio distortion (TRD). Although the discovery of TRD cases have been around for a long time, the current widespread and growing use of DNA technologies in the livestock industry provides a valuable resource of large genomic data with parent-offspring genotyped trios, enabling the implementation of TRD approach. In this research, the objective is to investigate TRD using SNP-by-SNP and sliding windows approaches on 441,802 genotyped Holstein cattle and 132,991 (or 47,910 phased) autosomal SNPs. RESULTS The TRD was characterized using allelic and genotypic parameterizations. Across the whole genome a total of 604 chromosomal regions showed strong significant TRD. Most (85%) of the regions presented an allelic TRD pattern with an under-representation (reduced viability) of carrier (heterozygous) offspring or with the complete or quasi-complete absence (lethality) for homozygous individuals. On the other hand, the remaining regions with genotypic TRD patterns exhibited the classical recessive inheritance or either an excess or deficiency of heterozygote offspring. Among them, the number of most relevant novel regions with strong allelic and recessive TRD patterns were 10 and 5, respectively. In addition, functional analyses revealed candidate genes regulating key biological processes associated with embryonic development and survival, DNA repair and meiotic processes, among others, providing additional biological evidence of TRD findings. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed the importance of implementing different TRD parameterizations to capture all types of distortions and to determine the corresponding inheritance pattern. Novel candidate genomic regions containing lethal alleles and genes with functional and biological consequences on fertility and pre- and post-natal viability were also identified, providing opportunities for improving breeding success in cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Id-Lahoucine
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Joaquim Casellas
- Departament de Ciència Animal I Dels Aliments, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aroa Suárez-Vega
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Pablo A S Fonseca
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Flavio S Schenkel
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Mehdi Sargolzaei
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Select Sires, Inc, Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | - Angela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Indriastuti R, Pardede BP, Gunawan A, Ulum MF, Arifiantini RI, Purwantara B. Sperm Transcriptome Analysis Accurately Reveals Male Fertility Potential in Livestock. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2955. [PMID: 36359078 PMCID: PMC9657999 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, selection of superior male candidates in livestock as a source of frozen semen based on sperm quality at the cellular level is not considered accurate enough for predicting the potential of male fertility. Sperm transcriptome analysis approaches, such as messenger RNA levels, have been shown to correlate with fertility rates. Using this technology in livestock growth has become the principal method, which can be widely applied to predict male fertility potential in the livestock industry through the analysis of the sperm transcriptome. It provides the gene expression to validate the function of sperm in spermatogenesis, fertilization, and embryo development, as the parameters of male fertility. This review proposes a transcriptomic analysis approach as a high-throughput method to predict the fertility potential of livestock more accurately in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhesti Indriastuti
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
- Tuah Sakato Technology and Resource Development Center, Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of West Sumatra, Payakumbuh 26229, Indonesia
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Asep Gunawan
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ugur MR, Guerreiro DD, Moura AA, Memili E. Identification of biomarkers for bull fertility using functional genomics. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220004. [PMID: 35573862 PMCID: PMC9083437 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prediction of bull fertility is critical for the sustainability of both dairy and beef cattle production. Even though bulls produce ample amounts of sperm with normal parameters, some bulls may still suffer from subpar fertility. This causes major economic losses in the cattle industry because using artificial insemination, semen from one single bull can be used to inseminate hundreds of thousands of cows. Although there are several traditional methods to estimate bull fertility, such methods are not sufficient to explain and accurately predict the subfertility of individual bulls. Since fertility is a complex trait influenced by a number of factors including genetics, epigenetics, and environment, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive methodological approach to clarify uncertainty in male subfertility. The present review focuses on molecular and functional signatures of bull sperm associated with fertility. Potential roles of functional genomics (proteome, small noncoding RNAs, lipidome, metabolome) on determining male fertility and its potential as a fertility biomarker are discussed. This review provides a better understanding of the molecular signatures of viable and fertile sperm cells and their potential to be used as fertility biomarkers. This information will help uncover the underlying reasons for idiopathic subfertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Mississippi State University, USA; Prairie View A&M University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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
|
6
|
Chen T, Mu S, Guo M, Zhang Z, Kang X. Dynamics of hyperacetylated histone H4 (H4Kac) during spermatogenesis in four decapod crustaceans. Tissue Cell 2021; 73:101594. [PMID: 34333381 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101594] [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: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, the transition from histone to protamine is highly conserved in most invertebrates and vertebrates. Thus far, a large and growing body of literature has demonstrated that histones and histone modifications still exist in the sperm nucleus of decapod crustaceans. H4Kac is believed to play an important role in the process of sperm chromatin condensation. However, the dynamics of hyperacetylated histone H4 (H4Kac) during spermatogenesis in decapoda are still unknown. In this paper, the distribution of H4Kac in four decapod crustaceans (Eriocheir sinensis, Charybdis japonica, Procambarus clarkii, and Macrobrachium nipponense) were investigated via immunofluorescence. Our results indicated that H4Kac was visible in the mature sperm nucleus of E. sinensis, C. japonica, and M. nipponense. Unlike the other three species, H4Kac was translocated from the nuclei to cytoplasm in mid-spermatids of P. clarkii. Eventually, H4Kac were not present in mature spermatozoa of P. clarkii. Importantly, we observed for the first time that H4Kac was distributed outside the nucleus, which reminds us that H4Kac may participate in the formation of acrosome structure in decapod crustaceans and may be a prerequisite for proper chromatin decondensation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingrong Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China
| | - Shumei Mu
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China
| | - Mingshen Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Central Hospital of Baoding, 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Xianjiang Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Central Hospital of Baoding, 071000, Hebei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Özbek M, Hitit M, Kaya A, Jousan FD, Memili E. Sperm Functional Genome Associated With Bull Fertility. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:610888. [PMID: 34250055 PMCID: PMC8262648 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.610888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bull fertility is an important economic trait in sustainable cattle production, as infertile or subfertile bulls give rise to large economic losses. Current methods to assess bull fertility are tedious and not totally accurate. The massive collection of functional data analyses, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, helps researchers generate extensive knowledge to better understand the unraveling physiological mechanisms underlying subpar male fertility. This review focuses on the sperm phenomes of the functional genome and epigenome that are associated with bull fertility. Findings from multiple sources were integrated to generate new knowledge that is transferable to applied andrology. Diverse methods encompassing analyses of molecular and cellular dynamics in the fertility-associated molecules and conventional sperm parameters can be considered an effective approach to determine bull fertility for efficient and sustainable cattle production. In addition to gene expression information, we also provide methodological information, which is important for the rigor and reliability of the studies. Fertility is a complex trait influenced by several factors and has low heritability, although heritability of scrotal circumference is high and that it is a known fertility maker. There is a need for new knowledge on the expression levels and functions of sperm RNA, proteins, and metabolites. The new knowledge can shed light on additional fertility markers that can be used in combination with scrotal circumference to predict the fertility of breeding bulls. This review provides a comprehensive review of sperm functional characteristics or phenotypes associated with bull fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Memmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Artificial Insemination and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Frank Dean Jousan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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
|
9
|
Wu C, Blondin P, Vigneault C, Labrecque R, Sirard MA. Sperm miRNAs- potential mediators of bull age and early embryo development. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:798. [PMID: 33198638 PMCID: PMC7667858 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07206-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm miRNAs were reported to regulate spermatogenesis and early embryonic development in some mammals including bovine. The dairy cattle breeding industry now tends to collect semen from younger bulls under high selection pressure at a time when semen quality may be suboptimal compared to adult bulls. Whether the patterns of spermatic miRNAs are affected by paternal age and/or impact early embryogenesis is not clear. Hence, we generated small non-coding RNA libraries of sperm collected from same bulls at 10, 12, and 16 months of age, using 16 months as control for differential expression and functional analysis. RESULTS We firstly excluded all miRNAs present in measurable quantity in oocytes according to the literature. Of the remaining miRNAs, ten sperm-borne miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in younger bulls (four in the 10 vs 16 months contrast and six in the 12 vs 16 months contrast). Targets of miRNAs were identified and compared to the transcriptomic database of two-cell embryos, to genes related to two-cell competence, and to the transcriptomic database of blastocysts. Ingenuity pathway analysis of the targets of these miRNAs suggested potential influence on the developmental competence of two-cell embryos and on metabolism and protein synthesis in blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that miRNA patterns in sperm are affected by the age of the bull and may mediate the effects of paternal age on early embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chongyang Wu
- 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, Québec, 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, Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu C, Sirard MA. Parental Effects on Epigenetic Programming in Gametes and Embryos of Dairy Cows. Front Genet 2020; 11:557846. [PMID: 33173533 PMCID: PMC7591718 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.557846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The bovine represents an important agriculture species and dairy breeds have experienced intense genetic selection over the last decades. The selection of breeders focused initially on milk production, but now includes feed efficiency, health, and fertility, although these traits show lower heritability. The non-genetic paternal and maternal effects on the next generation represent a new research topic that is part of epigenetics. The evidence for embryo programming from both parents is increasing. Both oocytes and spermatozoa carry methylation marks, histones modifications, small RNAs, and chromatin state variations. These epigenetic modifications may remain active in the early zygote and influence the embryonic period and beyond. In this paper, we review parental non-genetic effects retained in gametes on early embryo development of dairy cows, with emphasis on parental age (around puberty), the metabolism of the mother at the time of conception and in vitro culture (IVC) conditions. In our recent findings, transcriptomic signatures and DNA methylation patterns of blastocysts and gametes originating from various parental and IVC conditions revealed surprisingly similar results. Embryos from all these experiments displayed a metabolic signature that could be described as an "economy" mode where protein synthesis is reduced, mitochondria are considered less functional. In the absence of any significant phenotype, these results indicated a possible similar adaptation of the embryo to younger parental age, post-partum metabolic status and IVC conditions mediated by epigenetic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - 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 City, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rivera RM. Consequences of assisted reproductive techniques on the embryonic epigenome in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:65-81. [PMID: 32188559 DOI: 10.1071/rd19276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Procedures used in assisted reproduction have been under constant scrutiny since their inception with the goal of improving the number and quality of embryos produced. However, invitro production of embryos is not without complications because many fertilised oocytes fail to become blastocysts, and even those that do often differ in the genetic output compared with their invivo counterparts. Thus only a portion of those transferred complete normal fetal development. An unwanted consequence of bovine assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the induction of a syndrome characterised by fetal overgrowth and placental abnormalities, namely large offspring syndrome; a condition associated with inappropriate control of the epigenome. Epigenetics is the study of chromatin and its effects on genetic output. Establishment and maintenance of epigenetic marks during gametogenesis and embryogenesis is imperative for the maintenance of cell identity and function. ARTs are implemented during times of vast epigenetic reprogramming; as a result, many studies have identified ART-induced deviations in epigenetic regulation in mammalian gametes and embryos. This review describes the various layers of epigenetic regulation and discusses findings pertaining to the effects of ART on the epigenome of bovine gametes and the preimplantation embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Melissa Rivera
- Division of Animal Science University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA.
| |
Collapse
|