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Liu B, Liu Y, Li S, Chen P, Zhang J, Feng L. Depletion of placental brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is attributed to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in mice offspring. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:141. [PMID: 38982490 PMCID: PMC11232340 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01467-4] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the causes of female infertility. Unexplained POI is increasingly affecting women in their reproductive years. However, the etiology of POI is diverse and remains elusive. We and others have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in adult ovarian function. Here, we report on a novel role of BDNF in the Developmental Origins of POI. METHODS Placental BDNF knockout mice were created using CRISPR/CAS9. Homozygous knockout (cKO(HO)) mice didn't survive, while heterozygous knockout (cKO(HE)) mice did. BDNF reduction in cKO(HE) mice was confirmed via immunohistochemistry and Western blots. Ovaries were collected from cKO(HE) mice at various ages, analyzing ovarian metrics, FSH expression, and litter sizes. In one-month-old mice, oocyte numbers were assessed using super-ovulation, and oocyte gene expression was analyzed with smart RNAseq. Ovaries of P7 mice were studied with SEM, and gene expression was confirmed with RT-qPCR. Alkaline phosphatase staining at E11.5 and immunofluorescence for cyclinD1 assessed germ cell number and cell proliferation. RESULTS cKO(HE) mice had decreased ovarian function and litter size in adulthood. They were insensitive to ovulation induction drugs manifested by lower oocyte release after superovulation in one-month-old cKO(HE) mice. The transcriptome and SEM results indicate that mitochondria-mediated cell death or aging might occur in cKO(HE) ovaries. Decreased placental BDNF led to diminished primordial germ cell proliferation at E11.5 and ovarian reserve which may underlie POI in adulthood. CONCLUSION The current results showed decreased placental BDNF diminished primordial germ cell proliferation in female fetuses during pregnancy and POI in adulthood. Our findings can provide insights into understanding the underlying mechanisms of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Reproduction, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuman Li
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingping Chen
- Department of Reproduction, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Song Y, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Wang J, Lv Q, Zhang J. Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Development-Specific Networks at Distinct Synchronized Antral Follicle Sizes in Sheep Oocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:910. [PMID: 38255985 PMCID: PMC10815039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020910] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of the ovarian antral follicle is a complex, highly regulated process. Oocytes orchestrate and coordinate the development of mammalian ovarian follicles, and the rate of follicular development is governed by a developmental program intrinsic to the oocyte. Characterizing oocyte signatures during this dynamic process is critical for understanding oocyte maturation and follicular development. Although the transcriptional signature of sheep oocytes matured in vitro and preovulatory oocytes have been previously described, the transcriptional changes of oocytes in antral follicles have not. Here, we used single-cell transcriptomics (SmartSeq2) to characterize sheep oocytes from small, medium, and large antral follicles. We characterized the transcriptomic landscape of sheep oocytes during antral follicle development, identifying unique features in the transcriptional atlas, stage-specific molecular signatures, oocyte-secreted factors, and transcription factor networks. Notably, we identified the specific expression of 222 genes in the LO, 8 and 6 genes that were stage-specific in the MO and SO, respectively. We also elucidated signaling pathways in each antral follicle size that may reflect oocyte quality and in vitro maturation competency. Additionally, we discovered key biological processes that drive the transition from small to large antral follicles, revealing hub genes involved in follicle recruitment and selection. Thus, our work provides a comprehensive characterization of the single-oocyte transcriptome, filling a gap in the mapping of the molecular landscape of sheep oogenesis. We also provide key insights into the transcriptional regulation of the critical sizes of antral follicular development, which is essential for understanding how the oocyte orchestrates follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Sheep & Goat Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Y.S.)
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Bharati J, Kumar S, Mohan NH, Chandra Das B, Devi SJ, Gupta VK. Ovarian follicle transcriptome dynamics reveals enrichment of immune system process during transition from small to large follicles in cyclic Indian Ghoongroo pigs. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 160:104164. [PMID: 37924675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104164] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian follicular development is a critical determinant of reproductive performance in litter bearing species like pigs, wherein economic gains depend on litter size. The study aimed to gain insight into the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signalling pathways regulating follicular growth and maturation in Ghoongroo pigs. Transcriptome profiling of porcine small follicles (SF) and large follicles (LF) was conducted using NovaSeq600 sequencing platform and DEGs were identified using DESeq2 with threshold of Padj. < 0.05 and log2 fold change cut off 0.58 (LF vs. SF). Functional annotations and bioinformatics analysis of DEGs were performed to find out biological functions, signalling pathways and hub genes regulating follicular dynamics. Transcriptome analysis revealed 709 and 479 genes unique to SF and LF stages, respectively, and 11,993 co-expressed genes in both the groups. In total, 507 DEGs (284 upregulated and 223 downregulated) were identified, which encoded for diverse proteins including transcription factors (TFs). These DEGs were functionally linked to response to stimulus, lipid metabolic process, developmental process, extracellular matrix organisation along with the immune system process, indicating wide-ranging mechanisms associated with follicular transition. The enriched KEGG pathways in LF stage consisted of ovarian steroidogenesis, cholesterol and retinol metabolism, cell adhesion molecules, cytokine receptor interaction and immune signalling pathways, depicting intra-follicular control of varied ovarian function. The hub gene analysis revealed APOE, SCARB1, MMP9, CYP17A1, TYROBP as key regulators of follicular development. This study identified candidate genes and TFs providing steroidogenic advantage to LFs which makes them fit for selection into the ovulatory pool of follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Bharati
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, 781131 Guwahati, Assam, India.
| | - Satish Kumar
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, 781131 Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - N H Mohan
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, 781131 Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bikash Chandra Das
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, 781131 Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Salam Jayachitra Devi
- Computer Applications and Information Technology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, 781131 Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, 781131 Guwahati, Assam, India
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Zhang WY, Wang HB, Deng CY. Intermittent spontaneous ovulation in patients with premature ovarian failure: Three case reports and review of literature. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:7647-7655. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i31.7647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian failure (POF) is the end-stage of a decline in ovarian function prior to the age of 40 years that involves symptoms associated with low estradiol (E2) levels and a minimal probability of pregnancy. This increases the physical and psychological burden experienced by young women of reproductive age, particularly with regards to over-diagnosis.
CASE SUMMARY Here, we report three cases (29, 22, and 33 years-of-age) diagnosed with POF after experiencing secondary amenorrhea for more than one year, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) > 40 IU/L on two occasions with an interval of more than 4 wk, and negative progesterone withdrawal tests. All three patients were intermittently administered with drugs to create an artificial cycle. During the subsequent discontinuation period, the patients experienced intermittent follicular growth and spontaneous ovulation. One patient experienced two natural pregnancies (both with embryo arrest).
CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that young patients with POF can experience unpredictable and intermittent spontaneous follicular development, ovulation, and even natural pregnancy. Clinicians should provide appropriate medical guidance and individualized treatments according to fertility requirements, genetic risks and hypoestrogenic symptoms as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Han-Bi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Cheng-Yan Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
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Pöhland R, Vanselow J, Sterza FM. Translocation of Oocytic HES1 into Surrounding Cumulus Cells in Bovine: Mechanism of Cellular Interaction during IVM? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11932. [PMID: 37569307 PMCID: PMC10418482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
HES1 (hairy and enhancer of split-1, effector of the NOTCH pathway) plays a role in oocyte maturation and has been detected so far mainly in somatic follicular cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether HES1 is present in both compartments of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and whether in vitro maturation itself has an effect on its distribution. We investigated the abundance of HES1 mRNA and protein in bovine COCs characterized by Brilliant-Cresyl-Blue (BCB) stainability by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence before and after in vitro maturation (IVM). To study the interaction of the compartments and the possible translocation of HES1, we injected GFP-HES1 mRNA into oocytes before maturation and analyzed fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The results showed that HES1 mRNA was detectable in oocytes but not in cumulus cells. The number of transcripts increased with maturation, especially in BCB-positive oocytes. In contrast, the protein was mainly visible in cumulus cells both before and after maturation. After GFP-HES1-mRNA injection into oocytes, a signal could be detected not only in the oocytes but also in cumulus cells. Our result shows a nearly exclusive distribution of HES1 mRNA and protein in oocytes and cumulus cells, respectively, that might be explained by the transfer of the protein from the oocyte into cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Pöhland
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany;
| | - Jens Vanselow
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany;
| | - Fabiana Melo Sterza
- Animal Science, State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), Aquidauana 79200-000, MS, Brazil;
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Sgueglia G, Longobardi S, Valerio D, Campitiello MR, Colacurci N, Di Pietro C, Battaglia R, D'Hooghe T, Altucci L, Dell'Aversana C. The impact of epigenetic landscape on ovarian cells in infertile older women undergoing IVF procedures. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:76. [PMID: 37143127 PMCID: PMC10161563 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The constant decline in fertility and older reproductive age is the major cause of low clinical pregnancy rates in industrialised countries. Epigenetic mechanisms impact on proper embryonic development in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) protocols. Here, we describe the main epigenetic modifications that may influence female reproduction and could affect IVF success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Sgueglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Programma di Epigenetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Valerio
- Outpatient Fertility Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nicola Colacurci
- Outpatient Fertility Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138, Naples, Italy
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Special Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics "Giovanni Sichel", University of Catania, 95123, Catania, CT, Italy
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics "Giovanni Sichel", University of Catania, 95123, Catania, CT, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Programma di Epigenetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Naples, Italy.
- BIOGEM, Ariano Irpino, Italy.
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'Gaetano Salvatore' (IEOS)-National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.
| | - Carmela Dell'Aversana
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Programma di Epigenetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Naples, Italy.
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'Gaetano Salvatore' (IEOS)-National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.
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