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Middelkamp S, van Tol HTA, Spierings DCJ, Boymans S, Guryev V, Roelen BAJ, Lansdorp PM, Cuppen E, Kuijk EW. Sperm DNA damage causes genomic instability in early embryonic development. Sci Adv 2020; 6:eaaz7602. [PMID: 32494621 PMCID: PMC7159919 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz7602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Genomic instability is common in human embryos, but the underlying causes are largely unknown. Here, we examined the consequences of sperm DNA damage on the embryonic genome by single-cell whole-genome sequencing of individual blastomeres from bovine embryos produced with sperm damaged by γ-radiation. Sperm DNA damage primarily leads to fragmentation of the paternal chromosomes followed by random distribution of the chromosomal fragments over the two sister cells in the first cell division. An unexpected secondary effect of sperm DNA damage is the induction of direct unequal cleavages, which include the poorly understood heterogoneic cell divisions. As a result, chaotic mosaicism is common in embryos derived from fertilizations with damaged sperm. The mosaic aneuploidies, uniparental disomies, and de novo structural variation induced by sperm DNA damage may compromise fertility and lead to rare congenital disorders when embryos escape developmental arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjors Middelkamp
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht 3584 CG, Netherlands
| | - Helena T. A. van Tol
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, Utrecht 3584 CM, Netherlands
| | - Diana C. J. Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, Netherlands
| | - Sander Boymans
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht 3584 CG, Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, Netherlands
| | - Bernard A. J. Roelen
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, Utrecht 3584 CM, Netherlands
| | - Peter M. Lansdorp
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Edwin Cuppen
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht 3584 CG, Netherlands
- Hartwig Medical Foundation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ewart W. Kuijk
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht 3584 CG, Netherlands
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Middelkamp S, van Heesch S, Braat AK, de Ligt J, van Iterson M, Simonis M, van Roosmalen MJ, Kelder MJE, Kruisselbrink E, Hochstenbach R, Verbeek NE, Ippel EF, Adolfs Y, Pasterkamp RJ, Kloosterman WP, Kuijk EW, Cuppen E. Molecular dissection of germline chromothripsis in a developmental context using patient-derived iPS cells. Genome Med 2017; 9:9. [PMID: 28126037 PMCID: PMC5270341 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-017-0399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Germline chromothripsis causes complex genomic rearrangements that are likely to affect multiple genes and their regulatory contexts. The contribution of individual rearrangements and affected genes to the phenotypes of patients with complex germline genomic rearrangements is generally unknown. Methods To dissect the impact of germline chromothripsis in a relevant developmental context, we performed trio-based RNA expression analysis on blood cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and iPSC-derived neuronal cells from a patient with de novo germline chromothripsis and both healthy parents. In addition, Hi-C and 4C-seq experiments were performed to determine the effects of the genomic rearrangements on transcription regulation of genes in the proximity of the breakpoint junctions. Results Sixty-seven genes are located within 1 Mb of the complex chromothripsis rearrangements involving 17 breakpoints on four chromosomes. We find that three of these genes (FOXP1, DPYD, and TWIST1) are both associated with developmental disorders and differentially expressed in the patient. Interestingly, the effect on TWIST1 expression was exclusively detectable in the patient’s iPSC-derived neuronal cells, stressing the need for studying developmental disorders in the biologically relevant context. Chromosome conformation capture analyses show that TWIST1 lost genomic interactions with several enhancers due to the chromothripsis event, which likely led to deregulation of TWIST1 expression and contributed to the patient’s craniosynostosis phenotype. Conclusions We demonstrate that a combination of patient-derived iPSC differentiation and trio-based molecular profiling is a powerful approach to improve the interpretation of pathogenic complex genomic rearrangements. Here we have applied this approach to identify misexpression of TWIST1, FOXP1, and DPYD as key contributors to the complex congenital phenotype resulting from germline chromothripsis rearrangements. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13073-017-0399-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjors Middelkamp
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan van Heesch
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, Berlin, 13125, Germany
| | - A Koen Braat
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, 3584CT, The Netherlands
| | - Joep de Ligt
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van Iterson
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden, 2333ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Simonis
- Cergentis B.V., Yalelaan 62, Utrecht, 3584CM, The Netherlands
| | - Markus J van Roosmalen
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J E Kelder
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Evelien Kruisselbrink
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology & Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre, Lundlaan 6, Utrecht, 3584EA, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Hochstenbach
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke E Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, Utrecht, 3584EA, The Netherlands
| | - Elly F Ippel
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, Utrecht, 3584EA, The Netherlands
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - Wigard P Kloosterman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - Ewart W Kuijk
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands.
| | - Edwin Cuppen
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3584CG, The Netherlands.
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van Heesch S, Simonis M, van Roosmalen MJ, Pillalamarri V, Brand H, Kuijk EW, de Luca KL, Lansu N, Braat AK, Menelaou A, Hao W, Korving J, Snijder S, van der Veken LT, Hochstenbach R, Knegt AC, Duran K, Renkens I, Alekozai N, Jager M, Vergult S, Menten B, de Bruijn E, Boymans S, Ippel E, van Binsbergen E, Talkowski ME, Lichtenbelt K, Cuppen E, Kloosterman WP. Genomic and functional overlap between somatic and germline chromosomal rearrangements. Cell Rep 2014; 9:2001-10. [PMID: 25497101 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic rearrangements are a common cause of human congenital abnormalities. However, their origin and consequences are poorly understood. We performed molecular analysis of two patients with congenital disease who carried de novo genomic rearrangements. We found that the rearrangements in both patients hit genes that are recurrently rearranged in cancer (ETV1, FOXP1, and microRNA cluster C19MC) and drive formation of fusion genes similar to those described in cancer. Subsequent analysis of a large set of 552 de novo germline genomic rearrangements underlying congenital disorders revealed enrichment for genes rearranged in cancer and overlap with somatic cancer breakpoints. Breakpoints of common (inherited) germline structural variations also overlap with cancer breakpoints but are depleted for cancer genes. We propose that the same genomic positions are prone to genomic rearrangements in germline and soma but that timing and context of breakage determines whether developmental defects or cancer are promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan van Heesch
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Simonis
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Markus J van Roosmalen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vamsee Pillalamarri
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Harrison Brand
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ewart W Kuijk
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kim L de Luca
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nico Lansu
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A Koen Braat
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Androniki Menelaou
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wensi Hao
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Snijder
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lars T van der Veken
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ron Hochstenbach
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alida C Knegt
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karen Duran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ivo Renkens
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Najla Alekozai
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Myrthe Jager
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah Vergult
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ewart de Bruijn
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Boymans
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elly Ippel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen van Binsbergen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michael E Talkowski
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Klaske Lichtenbelt
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Edwin Cuppen
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Wigard P Kloosterman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Teklenburg G, Weimar CHE, Fauser BCJM, Macklon N, Geijsen N, Heijnen CJ, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Kuijk EW. Cell lineage specific distribution of H3K27 trimethylation accumulation in an in vitro model for human implantation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32701. [PMID: 22412909 PMCID: PMC3296731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Female mammals inactivate one of their two X-chromosomes to compensate for the difference in gene-dosage with males that have just one X-chromosome. X-chromosome inactivation is initiated by the expression of the non-coding RNA Xist, which coats the X-chromosome in cis and triggers gene silencing. In early mouse development the paternal X-chromosome is initially inactivated in all cells of cleavage stage embryos (imprinted X-inactivation) followed by reactivation of the inactivated paternal X-chromosome exclusively in the epiblast precursors of blastocysts, resulting temporarily in the presence of two active X-chromosomes in this specific lineage. Shortly thereafter, epiblast cells randomly inactivate either the maternal or the paternal X-chromosome. XCI is accompanied by the accumulation of histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) marks on the condensed X-chromosome. It is still poorly understood how XCI is regulated during early human development. Here we have investigated lineage development and the distribution of H3K27me3 foci in human embryos derived from an in-vitro model for human implantation. In this system, embryos are co-cultured on decidualized endometrial stromal cells up to day 8, which allows the culture period to be extended for an additional two days. We demonstrate that after the co-culture period, the inner cell masses have relatively high cell numbers and that the GATA4-positive hypoblast lineage and OCT4-positive epiblast cell lineage in these embryos have segregated. H3K27me3 foci were observed in ∼25% of the trophectoderm cells and in ∼7.5% of the hypoblast cells, but not in epiblast cells. In contrast with day 8 embryos derived from the co-cultures, foci of H3K27me3 were not observed in embryos at day 5 of development derived from regular IVF-cultures. These findings indicate that the dynamics of H3K27me3 accumulation on the X-chromosome in human development is regulated in a lineage specific fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Teklenburg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte H. E. Weimar
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart C. J. M. Fauser
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nick Macklon
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Developmental Origins of Adult Disease, University of Southampton, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Niels Geijsen
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University School for Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cobi J. Heijnen
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ewart W. Kuijk
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Kuijk EW, van Tol LTA, Van de Velde H, Wubbolts R, Welling M, Geijsen N, Roelen BAJ. The roles of FGF and MAP kinase signaling in the segregation of the epiblast and hypoblast cell lineages in bovine and human embryos. Development 2012; 139:871-82. [PMID: 22278923 DOI: 10.1242/dev.071688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
At the blastocyst stage of mammalian pre-implantation development, three distinct cell lineages have formed: trophectoderm, hypoblast (primitive endoderm) and epiblast. The inability to derive embryonic stem (ES) cell lines in a variety of species suggests divergence between species in the cell signaling pathways involved in early lineage specification. In mouse, segregation of the primitive endoderm lineage from the pluripotent epiblast lineage depends on FGF/MAP kinase signaling, but it is unknown whether this is conserved between species. Here we examined segregation of the hypoblast and epiblast lineages in bovine and human embryos through modulation of FGF/MAP kinase signaling pathways in cultured embryos. Bovine embryos stimulated with FGF4 and heparin form inner cell masses (ICMs) composed entirely of hypoblast cells and no epiblast cells. Inhibition of MEK in bovine embryos results in ICMs with increased epiblast precursors and decreased hypoblast precursors. The hypoblast precursor population was not fully ablated upon MEK inhibition, indicating that other factors are involved in hypoblast differentiation. Surprisingly, inhibition of FGF signaling upstream of MEK had no effects on epiblast and hypoblast precursor numbers in bovine development, suggesting that GATA6 expression is not dependent on FGF signaling. By contrast, in human embryos, inhibition of MEK did not significantly alter epiblast or hypoblast precursor numbers despite the ability of the MEK inhibitor to potently inhibit ERK phosphorylation in human ES cells. These findings demonstrate intrinsic differences in early mammalian development in the role of the FGF/MAP kinase signaling pathways in governing hypoblast versus epiblast lineage choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewart W Kuijk
- Hubrecht Institute-Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kuijk EW, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Geijsen N, Macklon N, Roelen BA. The different shades of mammalian pluripotent stem cells. Hum Reprod Update 2011; 17:254-71. [PMID: 20705693 PMCID: PMC3039219 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmq035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pluripotent stem cells have been derived from a variety of sources such as from the inner cell mass of preimplantation embryos, from primordial germ cells, from teratocarcinomas and from male germ cells. The recent development of induced pluripotent stem cells demonstrates that somatic cells can be reprogrammed to a pluripotent state in vitro. METHODS This review summarizes our current understanding of the origins of mouse and human pluripotent cells. We pay specific attention to transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in pluripotent cells and germ cells. Furthermore, we discuss developmental aspects in the germline that seem to be of importance for the transition of germ cells towards pluripotency. This review is based on literature from the Pubmed database, using Boolean search statements with relevant keywords on the subject. RESULTS There are distinct molecular mechanisms involved in the generation and maintenance of the various pluripotent cell types. Furthermore, there are important similarities and differences between the different categories of pluripotent cells in terms of phenotype and epigenetic modifications. Pluripotent cell lines from various origins differ in growth characteristics, developmental potential, transcriptional activity and epigenetic regulation. Upon derivation, pluripotent stem cells generally acquire new properties, but they often also retain a 'footprint' of their tissue of origin. CONCLUSIONS In order to further our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying self-renewal and pluripotency, a thorough comparison between different pluripotent stem cell types is required. This will progress the use of stem cells in basic biology, drug discovery and future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewart W. Kuijk
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Niels Geijsen
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nick Macklon
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Developmental Origins of Adult Disease, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Southampton, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Bernard A.J. Roelen
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Paris DBBP, Kuijk EW, Roelen BAJ, Stout TAE. Establishing reference genes for use in real-time quantitative PCR analysis of early equine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:353-63. [DOI: 10.1071/rd10039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is invaluable for investigating changes in gene expression during early development, since it can be performed on the limited quantities of mRNA contained in individual embryos. However, the reliability of this method depends on the use of validated stably expressed reference genes for accurate data normalisation. The aim of the present study was to identify and validate a set of reference genes suitable for studying gene expression during equine embryo development. The stable expression of four carefully selected reference genes and one developmentally regulated gene was examined by qPCR in equine in vivo embryos from morula to expanded blastocyst stage. SRP14, RPL4 and PGK1 were identified by geNorm analysis as stably expressed reference genes suitable for data normalisation. RPL13A expression was less stable and changed significantly during the period of development examined, rendering it unsuitable as a reference gene. As anticipated, CDX2 expression increased significantly during embryo development, supporting its possible role in trophectoderm specification in the horse. In summary, it was demonstrated that evidence-based selection of potential reference genes can reduce the number needed to validate stable expression in an experimental system; this is particularly useful when dealing with tissues that yield small amounts of mRNA. SRP14, RPL4 and PGK1 are stable reference genes suitable for normalising expression for genes of interest during in vivo morula to expanded blastocyst development of horse embryos.
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Kuijk EW, van Mil A, Brinkhof B, Penning LC, Colenbrander B, Roelen BAJ. PTEN and TRP53 independently suppress Nanog expression in spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2010; 19:979-88. [PMID: 19845468 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2009.0276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogonial stem cells are a special type of adult stem cells because they can contribute to the next generation. Knockout studies have indicated a role for TRP53 and PTEN in insulating male germ cells from pluripotency, but the mechanism by which this is achieved is largely unknown. To get more insight in these processes, an RNAi experiment was performed on the mouse spermatogonial stem cell line GSDG1. Lipofectaminemediated transfection of siRNAs directed against Trp53 and Pten resulted in decreased expression levels as determined by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting. The effects of knockdown were examined by determining the expression levels of genes that are involved in reprogramming and pluripotency of cells, specifically Nanog, Eras, c-Myc, Klf4, Oct4, and Sox2. Additionally, the effects of TRP53 or PTEN knockdown on Plzf and Ddx4 expression were measured, which are highly expressed in spermatogonial stem cells and differentiating male germ cells, respectively. The main finding of this study is that knockdown of Trp53 and Pten independently resulted in significantly higher expression levels of the pluripotency-associated gene Nanog, and we hypothesize that TRP53 and PTEN mediated repression is important for the insulation of male germ cells from pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewart W Kuijk
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kuijk EW, de Gier J, Lopes SMCDS, Chambers I, van Pelt AMM, Colenbrander B, Roelen BAJ. A distinct expression pattern in mammalian testes indicates a conserved role for NANOG in spermatogenesis. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10987. [PMID: 20539761 PMCID: PMC2881870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2010] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NANOG is a key player in pluripotency and its expression is restricted to pluripotent cells of the inner cell mass, the epiblast and to primordial germ cells. Spermatogenesis is closely associated with pluripotency, because through this process highly specialized sperm cells are produced that contribute to the formation of totipotent zygotes. Nevertheless, it is unknown if NANOG plays a role in this process. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the current study, NANOG expression was examined in testes of various mammals, including mouse and human. Nanog mRNA and NANOG protein were detected by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Furthermore, eGFP expression was detected in the testis of a transgenic Nanog eGFP-reporter mouse. Surprisingly, although NANOG expression has previously been associated with undifferentiated cells with stem cell potential, expression in the testis was observed in pachytene spermatocytes and in the first steps of haploid germ cell maturation (spermiogenesis). Weak expression in type A spermatogonia was also observed. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current study strongly suggest a conserved role for NANOG in meiotic and post-meiotic stages of male germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewart W Kuijk
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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10
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Teklenburg G, Salker M, Molokhia M, Lavery S, Trew G, Aojanepong T, Mardon HJ, Lokugamage AU, Rai R, Landles C, Roelen BAJ, Quenby S, Kuijk EW, Kavelaars A, Heijnen CJ, Regan L, Brosens JJ, Macklon NS. Natural selection of human embryos: decidualizing endometrial stromal cells serve as sensors of embryo quality upon implantation. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10258. [PMID: 20422011 PMCID: PMC2858159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy is widely viewed as dependent upon an intimate dialogue, mediated by locally secreted factors between a developmentally competent embryo and a receptive endometrium. Reproductive success in humans is however limited, largely because of the high prevalence of chromosomally abnormal preimplantation embryos. Moreover, the transient period of endometrial receptivity in humans uniquely coincides with differentiation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) into highly specialized decidual cells, which in the absence of pregnancy invariably triggers menstruation. The role of cyclic decidualization of the endometrium in the implantation process and the nature of the decidual cytokines and growth factors that mediate the crosstalk with the embryo are unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings We employed a human co-culture model, consisting of decidualizing ESCs and single hatched blastocysts, to identify the soluble factors involved in implantation. Over the 3-day co-culture period, approximately 75% of embryos arrested whereas the remainder showed normal development. The levels of 14 implantation factors secreted by the stromal cells were determined by multiplex immunoassay. Surprisingly, the presence of a developing embryo had no significant effect on decidual secretions, apart from a modest reduction in IL-5 levels. In contrast, arresting embryos triggered a strong response, characterized by selective inhibition of IL-1β, -6, -10, -17, -18, eotaxin, and HB-EGF secretion. Co-cultures were repeated with undifferentiated ESCs but none of the secreted cytokines were affected by the presence of a developing or arresting embryo. Conclusions Human ESCs become biosensors of embryo quality upon differentiation into decidual cells. In view of the high incidence of gross chromosomal errors in human preimplantation embryos, cyclic decidualization followed by menstrual shedding may represent a mechanism of natural embryo selection that limits maternal investment in developmentally impaired pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Teklenburg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Madhuri Salker
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariam Molokhia
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Lavery
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Trew
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tepchongchit Aojanepong
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen J. Mardon
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amali U. Lokugamage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raj Rai
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Landles
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Siobhan Quenby
- Department of Reproductive and Developmental Health, Liverpool Women's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ewart W. Kuijk
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Kavelaars
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cobi J. Heijnen
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lesley Regan
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Nick S. Macklon
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, Princess Anne Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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11
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Salker M, Teklenburg G, Molokhia M, Lavery S, Trew G, Aojanepong T, Mardon HJ, Lokugamage AU, Rai R, Landles C, Roelen BAJ, Quenby S, Kuijk EW, Kavelaars A, Heijnen CJ, Regan L, Macklon NS, Brosens JJ. Natural selection of human embryos: impaired decidualization of endometrium disables embryo-maternal interactions and causes recurrent pregnancy loss. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10287. [PMID: 20422017 PMCID: PMC2858209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), defined as 3 or more consecutive miscarriages, is widely attributed either to repeated chromosomal instability in the conceptus or to uterine factors that are poorly defined. We tested the hypothesis that abnormal cyclic differentiation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) into specialized decidual cells predisposes to RPL, based on the observation that this process may not only be indispensable for placenta formation in pregnancy but also for embryo recognition and selection at time of implantation. Methodology/Principal Findings Analysis of mid-secretory endometrial biopsies demonstrated that RPL is associated with decreased expression of the decidual marker prolactin (PRL) but increased levels of prokineticin-1 (PROK1), a cytokine that promotes implantation. These in vivo findings were entirely recapitulated when ESCs were purified from patients with and without a history of RPL and decidualized in culture. In addition to attenuated PRL production and prolonged and enhanced PROK1 expression, RPL was further associated with a complete dysregulation of both markers upon treatment of ESC cultures with human chorionic gonadotropin, a glycoprotein hormone abundantly expressed by the implanting embryo. We postulated that impaired embryo recognition and selection would clinically be associated with increased fecundity, defined by short time-to-pregnancy (TTP) intervals. Woman-based analysis of the mean and mode TTP in a cohort of 560 RPL patients showed that 40% can be considered “superfertile”, defined by a mean TTP of 3 months or less. Conclusions Impaired cyclic decidualization of the endometrium facilitates implantation yet predisposes to subsequent pregnancy failure by disabling natural embryo selection and by disrupting the maternal responses to embryonic signals. These findings suggest a novel pathological pathway that unifies maternal and embryonic causes of RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Salker
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gijs Teklenburg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mariam Molokhia
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Lavery
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Trew
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tepchongchit Aojanepong
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen J. Mardon
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amali U. Lokugamage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raj Rai
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Landles
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Siobhan Quenby
- Department of Reproductive and Developmental Health, Liverpool Women's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ewart W. Kuijk
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Kavelaars
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cobi J. Heijnen
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lesley Regan
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick S. Macklon
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, Princess Anne Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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12
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Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has been increasing over the past three decades, and, in developed countries, ART account for 1-3% of annual births. In an attempt to compensate for inefficiencies in IVF procedures, patients undergo ovarian stimulation using high doses of exogenous gonadotrophins to allow retrieval of multiple oocytes in a single cycle. Although ovarian stimulation has an important role in ART, it may also have detrimental effects on oogenesis, embryo quality, endometrial receptivity and perinatal outcomes. In this review, we consider the evidence for these effects and address possible underlying mechanisms. We conclude that such mechanisms are still poorly understood, and further knowledge is needed in order to increase the safety of ovarian stimulation and to reduce potential effects on embryo development and implantation, which will ultimately be translated into increased pregnancy rates and healthy offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Avo Santos
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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13
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Abstract
Cell lines from neonate porcine testis were cultured and characterized and the effect of growth factors were investigated, in order to determine the requirements for the establishment of porcine male germ cell lines. In primary cultures, three different colony types with distinctive morphologies could be recognized. From colonies resembling mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), two cell lines were derived and maintained for nine passages after which proliferation stopped. Growth of these cell lines depended on the growth factors leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). In both cell lines NANOG, promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger (PLZF), and EPCAM, were expressed at higher levels and GFRA1, ITGA6, and THY1 at lower levels than in neonate porcine testis. Primary cultures of neonate pig testis were subjected to a factorial design of the growth factors LIF, GDNF, EGF, and FGF. EGF and FGF had a positive effect on the number and size of the SSC-like colonies. Addition of EGF and FGF to primary cell cultures of neonate pig testis affected the expression of NANOG, PLZF, POU5F1, and GATA4, whereas effects of LIF or GDNF could not be detected. FGF decreased the expression levels of NANOG, a marker for pluripotency also expressed in neonatal porcine male germ cells. FGF decreased expression of PLZF and enhanced the expression of pluripotency-related gene POU5F1 and Sertoli cell marker GATA4. EGF had a positive effect on PLZF expression levels and counteracted the positive effect of FGF on GATA4 expression. These results suggest that FGF can impede successful derivation of porcine SSCs from neonate pig testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewart W Kuijk
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Zijlstra C, Kidson A, Schoevers EJ, Daemen AJJM, Tharasanit T, Kuijk EW, Hazeleger W, Ducro-Steverink DWB, Colenbrander B, Roelen BAJ. Blastocyst morphology, actin cytoskeleton quality and chromosome content are correlated with embryo quality in the pig. Theriogenology 2008; 70:923-35. [PMID: 18614224 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2008] [Revised: 05/09/2008] [Accepted: 05/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Embryo survival rates obtained after transfer of in vitro produced porcine blastocysts are very poor. This is probably related to poor quality of the embryos. The aim of the present study was to determine markers for good quality blastocysts. Therefore, we tried to link blastocyst morphology to several morphological and cell biological properties, and evaluated the survival of in vitro produced, morphologically classified, blastocysts following non-surgical transfer. In vitro and in vivo produced blastocysts were allocated to two groups (classes A and B) on the basis of morphological characteristics. The quality of their actin cytoskeleton, their total cell number, their ability to re-expand after cytochalasin-B treatment and the occurrence of numerical chromosome aberrations were studied and compared. In vivo produced blastocysts were used as a control. Our results indicate that the ability of blastocysts to re-expand after cytochalasin-B-induced actin depolymerization was positively correlated with the morphology of the blastocyst, and associated with the quality of the actin cytoskeleton. Chromosome analysis revealed that mosaicism is inherent to the in vitro production of porcine embryos, but also that in vivo produced blastocysts contained some non-diploid cells. In non-surgical embryo transfer experiments more recipients receiving class A blastocysts were pregnant on Day 20 than those receiving class B blastocysts. One recipient gave birth to six piglets from class A in vitro produced blastocysts, providing a verification of the enhanced viability of blastocysts that were scored as 'good' on the basis of their morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zijlstra
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, Utrecht 3584 CM, The Netherlands
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15
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Kuijk EW, Colenbrander B, Roelen BA. Isolation, Culture, and Characterization of Porcine Germ Cells. Biol Reprod 2008. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/78.s1.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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