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Zivi E, Eldar-Geva T, Rubinstein E, Dekel N, Schonberger O, Ben-Ami I. Impact of pre-treatment in GnRH-antagonist cycles triggered with GnRH agonist on reproductive outcomes. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024; 28:2-8. [PMID: 37850846 PMCID: PMC10936906 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20230022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pre-treatment (PT) therapies in IVF are known to be used as pre-stimulation modality to improve cycle outcomes. This study aims to assess whether PT in GnRH antagonist cycles triggered with GnRH-agonist impact oocyte maturation response. METHODS Data were retrospectively collected for patients who underwent GnRH antagonist cycle with agonist triggering with and without PT. The patients were allocated to groups according to their PT status. The primary outcome evaluated was suboptimal maturation response. Suboptimal maturation to trigger was defined as no oocyte upon retrieval when adequate response was expected. RESULTS The study population included 196 patients who underwent GnRH antagonist cycle with agonist triggering. The study group included 69 patients who received PT. The control group included 127 patients with no PT. In univariate analysis, the PT group significantly displayed suboptimal response compared to the controls (p = 0.008). All the patients in the study group with suboptimal response (with or without hCG re-triggering) were treated with GnRH-agonist as PT. Basal and pre-trigger LH values were significantly lower in the study group compared to controls (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that PT with GnRH agonist was a significant predictor for suboptimal response. CONCLUSIONS Pre-treatment, and particularly the use of GnRH-agonist as PT in antagonist cycles triggered with agonist, increases the risk of suboptimal response to GnRH-agonist trigger. This might be explained by prolonged pituitary suppression, which lasts beyond the PT cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Zivi
- IVF and infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Shaare Zedek Medical Center (affiliated with the Hebrew University School of
Medicine) Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Talia Eldar-Geva
- IVF and infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Shaare Zedek Medical Center (affiliated with the Hebrew University School of
Medicine) Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Esther Rubinstein
- IVF and infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Shaare Zedek Medical Center (affiliated with the Hebrew University School of
Medicine) Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- IVF and infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Shaare Zedek Medical Center (affiliated with the Hebrew University School of
Medicine) Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oshrat Schonberger
- IVF and infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Shaare Zedek Medical Center (affiliated with the Hebrew University School of
Medicine) Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ido Ben-Ami
- IVF and infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Shaare Zedek Medical Center (affiliated with the Hebrew University School of
Medicine) Jerusalem, Israel
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2
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Stroganov S, Harris T, Fellus-Alyagor L, Ben Moyal L, Plitman Mayo R, Golani O, Hirsch D, Ben-Dor S, Brandis A, Mehlman T, Kovo M, Biron-Shental T, Dekel N, Neeman M. The differential regulation of placenta trophoblast bisphosphoglycerate mutase in fetal growth restriction: preclinical study in mice and observational histological study of human placenta. eLife 2024; 13:e82631. [PMID: 38314803 PMCID: PMC10883672 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a pregnancy complication in which a newborn fails to achieve its growth potential, increasing the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Chronic maternal gestational hypoxia, as well as placental insufficiency are associated with increased FGR incidence; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying FGR remain unknown. Methods Pregnant mice were subjected to acute or chronic hypoxia (12.5% O2) resulting in reduced fetal weight. Placenta oxygen transport was assessed by blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The placentae were analyzed via immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Human placentae were selected from FGR and matched controls and analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Maternal and cord sera were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Results We show that murine acute and chronic gestational hypoxia recapitulates FGR phenotype and affects placental structure and morphology. Gestational hypoxia decreased labyrinth area, increased the incidence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the labyrinth while expanding the placental spiral arteries (SpA) diameter. Hypoxic placentae exhibited higher hemoglobin-oxygen affinity compared to the control. Placental abundance of Bisphosphoglycerate mutase (BPGM) was upregulated in the syncytiotrophoblast and spiral artery trophoblast cells (SpA TGCs) in the murine gestational hypoxia groups compared to the control. Hif1α levels were higher in the acute hypoxia group compared to the control. In contrast, human FGR placentae exhibited reduced BPGM levels in the syncytiotrophoblast layer compared to placentae from healthy uncomplicated pregnancies. Levels of 2,3 BPG, the product of BPGM, were lower in cord serum of human FGR placentae compared to control. Polar expression of BPGM was found in both human and mouse placentae syncytiotrophoblast, with higher expression facing the maternal circulation. Moreover, in the murine SpA TGCs expression of BPGM was concentrated exclusively in the apical cell side, in direct proximity to the maternal circulation. Conclusions This study suggests a possible involvement of placental BPGM in maternal-fetal oxygen transfer, and in the pathophysiology of FGR. Funding This work was supported by the Weizmann Krenter Foundation and the Weizmann - Ichilov (Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center) Collaborative Grant in Biomedical Research, by the Minerva Foundation, by the ISF KillCorona grant 3777/19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Stroganov
- Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Talia Harris
- Chemical Research Support Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Lital Ben Moyal
- Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Romina Plitman Mayo
- Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- Life Science Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dana Hirsch
- Life Science Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shifra Ben-Dor
- Life Science Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexander Brandis
- Life Science Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tevie Mehlman
- Life Science Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Kovo
- OBGYN, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Tel Aviv University, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Biron-Shental
- OBGYN, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Tel Aviv University, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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3
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Michailov Y, Nemerovsky L, Ghetler Y, Finkelstein M, Schonberger O, Wiser A, Raziel A, Saar-Ryss B, Ben-Ami I, Kaplanski O, Miller N, Haikin Herzberger E, Mashiach Friedler Y, Levitas-Djerbi T, Amsalem E, Umanski N, Tamadaev V, Ovadia YS, Peretz A, Sacks G, Dekel N, Zaken O, Levi M. Stain-Free Sperm Analysis and Selection for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Complying with WHO Strict Normal Criteria. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2614. [PMID: 37892988 PMCID: PMC10604130 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This multi-center study evaluated a novel microscope system capable of quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) for label-free sperm-cell selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Seventy-three patients were enrolled in four in vitro fertilization (IVF) units, where senior embryologists were asked to select 11 apparently normal and 11 overtly abnormal sperm cells, in accordance with current clinical practice, using a micromanipulator and 60× bright field microscopy. Following sperm selection and imaging via QPM, the individual sperm cell was chemically stained per World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 protocols and imaged via bright field microscopy for subsequent manual measurements by embryologists who were blinded to the QPM measurements. A comparison of the two modalities resulted in mean differences of 0.18 µm (CI -0.442-0.808 µm, 95%, STD-0.32 µm) for head length, -0.26 µm (CI -0.86-0.33 µm, 95%, STD-0.29 µm) for head width, 0.17 (CI -0.12-0.478, 95%, STD-0.15) for length-width ratio and 5.7 for acrosome-head area ratio (CI -12.81-24.33, 95%, STD-9.6). The repeatability of the measurements was significantly higher in the QPM modality. Surprisingly, only 19% of the subjectively pre-selected normal cells were found to be normal according to the WHO2021 criteria. The measurements of cells imaged stain-free through QPM were found to be in good agreement with the measurements performed on the reference method of stained cells imaged through bright field microscopy. QPM is non-toxic and non-invasive and can improve the clinical effectiveness of ICSI by choosing sperm cells that meet the strict criteria of the WHO2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Michailov
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Luba Nemerovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel
| | - Yehudith Ghetler
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel
| | - Maya Finkelstein
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon 5822012, Israel
| | - Oshrat Schonberger
- IVF Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Amir Wiser
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel
| | - Arie Raziel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon 5822012, Israel
| | - Bozhena Saar-Ryss
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Ido Ben-Ami
- IVF Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Olga Kaplanski
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel
| | - Netanella Miller
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel
| | - Einat Haikin Herzberger
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel
| | - Yardena Mashiach Friedler
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel
| | - Tali Levitas-Djerbi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon 5822012, Israel
| | - Eden Amsalem
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Natalia Umanski
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Valeria Tamadaev
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Yaniv S Ovadia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel
| | - Aharon Peretz
- IVF Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Gilat Sacks
- IVF Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- IVF Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Odelya Zaken
- IVF Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Mattan Levi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel
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Tsafrir A, Ben-Ami I, Eldar-Geva T, Gal M, Dekel N, Levi H, Schonberger O, Srebnik N, Weintraub A, Goldberg D, Hyman J. Clinical outcome of planned oocyte cryopreservation at advanced age. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2625-2633. [PMID: 36264444 PMCID: PMC9723084 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report outcome of planned oocyte cryopreservation (POC) in the first 8 years of this treatment in our center. METHODS A retrospective study in a university-affiliated medical center. RESULTS A total of 446 women underwent POC during 2011-2018. Fifty-seven (13%) women presented to use these oocytes during the study period (until June 2021). POC was performed at a mean age of 37.9 ± 2.0 (range 33-41). Age at thawing was 43.3 ± 2.1 (range 38-49). A total of 34 (60%) women transferred their oocytes for thawing at other units. Oocyte survival after thawing was significantly higher at our center than following shipping to ancillary sites (78 vs. 63%, p = 0.047). Forty-nine women completed their treatment, either depleting their cryopreserved oocytes without conceiving (36) or attaining a live birth (13)-27% live birth rate per woman. Only one of eleven women who cryopreserved oocytes aged 40 and older had a live birth using thawed oocytes. CONCLUSION Women should be advised to complete planned oocyte cryopreservation before age 40, given low success rates in women who underwent cryopreservation at advanced reproductive age. In this study, oocyte shipping was associated with lower survival rate. These findings may be relevant for women considering POC and utilization of cryopreserved oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Tsafrir
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Ido Ben-Ami
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Talia Eldar-Geva
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Gal
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hadassah Levi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oshrat Schonberger
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Naama Srebnik
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amir Weintraub
- IVF Unit, Laniado Medical Center and the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine-Technion, Netanya, Israel
| | - Doron Goldberg
- Clalit Health Services, Fertility clinic, Modi'in Illit, Israel
| | - Jordana Hyman
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Shmu'el Bait St 12, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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5
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Gindi N, Grossman H, Bar-Joseph H, Miller I, Nemerovsky L, Hadas R, Nevo N, Galiani D, Dekel N, Shalgi R. Fyn and argonaute 2 participate in maternal-mRNA degradation during mouse oocyte maturation. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:792-804. [PMID: 35104175 PMCID: PMC8973342 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2031427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization triggers physiological degradation of maternal-mRNAs, which are then replaced by embryonic transcripts. Ample evidence suggests that Argonaut 2 (AGO2) is a possible post-fertilization regulator of maternal-mRNAs degradation; but its role in degradation of maternal-mRNAs during oocyte maturation remains obscure. Fyn, a member of the Src family kinases (SFKs), and an essential factor in oocyte maturation, was reported to inhibit AGO2 activity in oligodendrocytes. Our aim was to examine the role of Fyn and AGO2 in degradation of maternal-mRNAs during oocyte maturation by either suppressing their activity with SU6656 - an SFKs inhibitor; or by microinjecting DN-Fyn RNA for suppression of Fyn and BCl-137 for suppression of AGO2. Batches of fifteen mouse oocytes or embryos were analyzed by qPCR to measure the expression level of nine maternal-mRNAs that were selected for their known role in oocyte growth, maturation and early embryogenesis. We found that Fyn/SFKs are involved in maintaining the stability of at least four pre-transcribed mRNAs in oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, whereas AGO2 had no role at this stage. During in-vivo oocyte maturation, eight maternal-mRNAs were significantly degraded. Inhibition of AGO2 prevented the degreadation of at least five maternal-mRNAs, whereas inhibition of Fyn/SFK prevented degradation of at least five Fyn maternal-mRNAs and two SFKs maternal-mRNAs; pointing at their role in promoting the physiological degradation which occurs during in-vivo oocyte maturation. Our findings imply the involvement of Fyn/SFKs in stabilization of maternal-mRNA at the GV stage and the involvement of Fyn, SFKs and AGO2 in degradation of maternal mRNAs during oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Gindi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-AvivIsrael
| | - Hadas Grossman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-AvivIsrael
| | - Hadas Bar-Joseph
- The Unit for Tmcr, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-AvivIsrael
| | - Irit Miller
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-AvivIsrael
| | - Luba Nemerovsky
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-AvivIsrael
| | - Ron Hadas
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, RehovotIsrael
| | - Nava Nevo
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, RehovotIsrael
| | - Dalia Galiani
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, RehovotIsrael
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, RehovotIsrael
| | - Ruth Shalgi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-AvivIsrael,CONTACT Ruth Shalgi Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv69978, Israel
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6
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You Y, Stelzl P, Joseph DN, Aldo PB, Maxwell AJ, Dekel N, Liao A, Whirledge S, Mor G. TNF-α Regulated Endometrial Stroma Secretome Promotes Trophoblast Invasion. Front Immunol 2021; 12:737401. [PMID: 34790194 PMCID: PMC8591203 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.737401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful implantation requires the coordinated migration and invasion of trophoblast cells from out of the blastocyst and into the endometrium. This process relies on signals produced by cells in the maternal endometrium. However, the relative contribution of stroma cells remains unclear. The study of human implantation has major technical limitations, therefore the need of in vitro models to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. Using a recently described 3D in vitro models we evaluated the interaction between trophoblasts and human endometrial stroma cells (hESC), we assessed the process of trophoblast migration and invasion in the presence of stroma derived factors. We demonstrate that hESC promotes trophoblast invasion through the generation of an inflammatory environment modulated by TNF-α. We also show the role of stromal derived IL-17 as a promoter of trophoblast migration through the induction of essential genes that confer invasive capacity to cells of the trophectoderm. In conclusion, we describe the characterization of a cellular inflammatory network that may be important for blastocyst implantation. Our findings provide a new insight into the complexity of the implantation process and reveal the importance of inflammation for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan You
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Patrick Stelzl
- Department for Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital Linz, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Dana N Joseph
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Paulomi B Aldo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Anthony J Maxwell
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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7
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Fellus-Alyagor L, Biton IE, Dafni H, Bochner F, Rotkopf R, Dekel N, Neeman M. Prediction of Ovarian Follicular Dominance by MRI Phenotyping of Hormonally Induced Vascular Remodeling. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:711810. [PMID: 34490300 PMCID: PMC8417579 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.711810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian female, only a small subset of ovarian follicles, known as the dominant follicles (DFs), are selected for ovulation in each reproductive cycle, while the majority of the follicles and their resident oocytes are destined for elimination. This study aimed at characterizing early changes in blood vessel properties upon the establishment of dominance in the mouse ovary and application of this vascular phenotype for prediction of the follicles destined to ovulate. Sexually immature mice, hormonally treated for induction of ovulation, were imaged at three different stages by dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI: prior to hormonal administration, at the time of DF selection, and upon formation of the corpus luteum (CL). Macromolecular biotin-bovine serum albumin conjugated with gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (b-BSA-GdDTPA) was intravenously injected, and the dynamics of its extravasation from permeable vessels as well as its accumulation in the antral cavity of the ovarian follicles was followed by consecutive T1-weighted MRI. Permeability surface area product (permeability) and fractional blood volume (blood volume) were calculated from b-BSA-GdDTPA accumulation. We found that the neo-vasculature during the time of DF selection was characterized by low blood volume and low permeability values as compared to unstimulated animals. Interestingly, while the vasculature of the CL showed higher blood volume compared to the DF, it exhibited a similar permeability. Taking advantage of immobilized ovarian imaging, we combined DCE-MRI and intravital light microscopy, to reveal the vascular properties of follicles destined for dominance from the non-ovulating subordinate follicles (SFs). Immediately after their selection, permeability of the vasculature of DF was attenuated compared to SF while the blood volume remained similar. Furthermore, DFs were characterized by delayed contrast enhancement in the avascular follicular antrum, reflecting interstitial convection, whereas SFs were not. In this study, we showed that although DF selection is accompanied by blood vessel growth, the new vasculature remained relatively impermeable compared to the vasculature in control animal and compared to SF. Additionally, DFs show late signal enhancement in their antrum. These two properties may aid in clinical prediction of follicular dominance at an early stage of development and help in their diagnosis for possible treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Fellus-Alyagor
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Inbal E Biton
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hagit Dafni
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Filip Bochner
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Rotkopf
- Department of Life Science Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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8
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Tsafrir A, Holzer H, Miron-Shatz T, Eldar-Geva T, Gal M, Ami IB, Dekel N, Weintruab A, Goldberg D, Schonberger O, Srebnik N, Hyman J. 'Why have women not returned to use their frozen oocytes?': a 5-year follow-up of women after planned oocyte cryopreservation. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:1137-1145. [PMID: 34686418 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the reproductive choices and retrospective reflections of women at least 4 years after planned oocyte cryopreservation (POC)? DESIGN This was an internet survey, using the REDCap application, of women who underwent POC, at a single-centre university-affiliated IVF unit, 4-8 years before the survey. The questionnaire addressed reproductive choices and outcomes following POC. RESULTS Seventy-nine women who underwent POC during 2011-2014 were invited to participate, and 70 (89%) responded. Mean age at cryopreservation was 37.1 ± 2.4 (range 30-41) years, mean age at study participation 42.6 ± 2.6 (range 35-48) years, and mean time from first cryopreservation cycle to study participation 5.5 ± 1.3 (range 4-8) years. The main retrospectively reported reason for POC was not wanting to become pregnant without a partner (59, 84%). During the follow-up period, 44 women (63%) attempted to conceive either naturally or by assisted reproductive technology using fresh or cryopreserved oocytes. Of those, 28 women achieved a live birth (64% of those who tried to conceive). Fourteen respondents (20% of all respondents) reported using their cryopreserved oocytes, and three (21%) achieved a birth using those oocytes. Fifteen women (34%) of those who tried to conceive used donor spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS The most common reasons for not using frozen oocytes were achieving pregnancy without frozen oocytes or preferring not to have a child without a partner. A considerable proportion of women who had POC and were not interested in being a single parent by choice eventually try to conceive using donor spermatozoa several years later.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tsafrir
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - H Holzer
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel
| | - T Miron-Shatz
- Ono Academic College, Center for Medical Decision Making, Kiryat Ono, Israel; Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Information, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - T Eldar-Geva
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel
| | - M Gal
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel
| | - I Ben Ami
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel
| | - N Dekel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel
| | - A Weintruab
- IVF Unit, Laniado Medical Center, Netanya, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Haifa, Israel
| | - D Goldberg
- Clalit Health Services, Fertility Clinic - Central district, Modi'in Illit, Israel
| | - O Schonberger
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel
| | - N Srebnik
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel
| | - J Hyman
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel
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Srebnik N, Rotem R, Sverdlik Y, Amosi DV, Dekel N, Rotshinker K, Eldar-Geva T, Be. Ami I, Shonberger O, Michaeli J. P–579 Pregnancies following preimplantation Genetic Testing have an increased risk for post-partum complications. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Do preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) pregnancies have higher pregnancy and delivery complications compared to naturally conceived (NC) pregnancies?
Summary answer
PGT pregnancies do not have increase pregnancy complications but do have increased post-partum complications.
What is known already
There is limited data about the outcome of PGT cycles regarding pregnancy complications.
Previous reports show that PGT pregnancies are similar to NC pregnancies regarding birth weight and preterm delivery rate.
Patients performing PGT are less likely to have infertility as a background problem, and therefore it is important to evaluate pregnancy complications in this specific population.
Study design, size, duration
A retrospective cohort study, between 2008–2020 in Shaare Zedek Medical center (SZMC). Demographic, background variables, treatment cycle information, and delivery data were collected from computerized hospital databases and patient files.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
All patients aged 18–45 that conceived following PGT treatment in the IVF unit and gave birth in SZMC were included in the study.
We used two control groups: (1) women with spontaneous pregnancies (SP) who gave birth in SZMC. We used four “neighborhood control” for each PGT patient (two women delivered before and two after the case delivery). (2) pregnancies following ICSI with four neighborhood control for each.
Main results and the role of chance
135 deliveries following PGT, 924 ICSI, and 4199 NC. Demographic variables were similar except PGT, and ICSI women were slightly older (30.93 ±4.33 PGT, 31.70±4.98 ICSI, 28.75±5.69 spontaneous, p < 0.01). PGT pregnancies had similar rates of placental complications (hypertensive disorder, preeclampsia (PET), placental abruption) as NC (p = 0.8), while ICSI pregnancies had significantly higher rates of gestational hypertension (p < 0.01) and abruption (p = 0.05). We found a higher rate of preterm delivery <37 weeks in both PGT and ICSI pregnancies (23.7%, 22.7%, 12.1%, p < 0.01 for PGT, ICSI, NC respectively), but only in ICSI was preterm delivery < 34 weeks increased (2.2% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.9, for PGT and NC, 4.3% for ICSI p < 0.01). Post-partum complications were more prevalent in both PGT and ICSI: longer third stage of labor (13.27±12.81, 12.58±10.08, 10.58±8.14, p < 0.05), manual lysis of placenta (6.7%, 2.3%, 1.4% p < 0.05), post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) (5.9%, 4.2%, 2.5% p = 0.02) and need for blood products (3.7%, 4.5%, 1.3% p = 0.02) for PGT, ICSI, NC respectively. The aOR for composite post-partum complications (PPH, hemoglobin drop>3 gram, revision or lysis) was 2.4, 95%CI [1.6–3.7].
We did not find any difference between fresh and frozen cycles in either placental complications, preterm delivery, or post-partum complications in the PGT group.
Limitations, reasons for caution
A single-center retrospective study. Included only pregnancies both conceived and delivered in SZMC.
Wider implications of the findings: Physicians should be aware of PGT pregnancies as risk factors for post-partum placental complications and handle the third stage of the delivery with caution.
Trial registration number
0351–18-SZMC
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Affiliation(s)
- N Srebnik
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, In Vitro Fertilization, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - R Rotem
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Y Sverdlik
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - D Victo Amosi
- Hebrew University, Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - N Dekel
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, In Vitro Fertilization, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - K Rotshinker
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, In Vitro Fertilization, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - T Eldar-Geva
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, In Vitro Fertilization, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - I Be. Ami
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, In Vitro Fertilization, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - O Shonberger
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, In Vitro Fertilization, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - J Michaeli
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center Hebrew University Medical school, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
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10
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Tsafrir A, Ben-Ami I, Eldar-Geva T, Gal M, Weintraub A, Goldberg D, Dekel N, Levi H, Schonbeger O, Srebnik N, Nabulsi R, Buhbut I, Hyman J. P–448 Clinical outcome of social oocyte cryopreservation at advanced age. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
What are the success rates of social oocyte cryopreservation (SOC) at advanced age?
Summary answer
In this study, one in four women who underwent SOC above age 35 had a delivery.
What is known already
While SOC is gaining popularity, reports on delivery rates are limited due to low utilization rates.
Study design, size, duration
Retrospective data collection of all woman who underwent SOC between 2011–2018, and presented for treatment using cryopreserved oocytes until January 2021. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Review of patient records (including both IVF and antenatal/postnatal) and laboratory data in a university affiliated hospital-based IVF unit. Main results and the role of chance: A total of 448 women underwent SOC during 2011–2018. 50 (11.2%) women returned to use these oocytes until the end of January 2021. Women who returned to use their oocytes underwent cryopreservation at mean age of 38.2±2.2. 46 (92%) of participants were above 35 at time of cryopreservation. Number of oocytes cryopreserved was 11.3±9.7. Mean time from cryopreservation to thawing was 5.5±1.8years (range 1–9 years). and age at thawing was 43.4±2.1 (range 40–49). Nearly half of patients initially attempted to conceive before using their cryopreserved oocytes, mostly by ART using fresh oocytes. Mean number of oocytes thawed and oocytes survived per women was 9.7±6.2 and 6.1±4.9 respectively (post thawing survival rate 65.4±35%).
Mean number of embryos transferred, at one or more attempts was 2.6±2.1 per women. Eleven women gave birth or had an ongoing pregnancy > 20 weeks at time of analysis. All deliveries resulted from cryopreservation at age 36 and older (delivery rate 23.9% per women). Limitations, reasons for caution: We report our initial experience of women who underwent SOC at a single center. Most women who returned to use their oocytes had undergone SOC at advanced age, therefore not necessarily reflecting outcome for younger patients attempting to preserve fertility using this technology. Wider implications of the findings: Considering modest success rates of SOC in our cohort, women considering SOC are advised to do so at an earlier age.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tsafrir
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - I Ben-Ami
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - T Eldar-Geva
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - M Gal
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - A Weintraub
- Laniado Medical Center- and the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine- Technion, IVF unit, Netania, Israel
| | - D Goldberg
- Clalit Health Services, Fertility clinic, Modi’in Illit, Israel
| | - N Dekel
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - H Levi
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - O Schonbeger
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - N Srebnik
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - R Nabulsi
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - I Buhbut
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - J Hyman
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, IVF Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
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11
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Hadas R, Gershon E, Cohen A, Atrakchi O, Lazar S, Golani O, Dassa B, Elbaz M, Cohen G, Eilam R, Dekel N, Neeman M. Hyaluronan control of the primary vascular barrier during early mouse pregnancy is mediated by uterine NK cells. JCI Insight 2020; 5:135775. [PMID: 33208556 PMCID: PMC7710306 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.135775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful implantation is associated with a unique spatial pattern of vascular remodeling, characterized by profound peripheral neovascularization surrounding a periembryo avascular niche. We hypothesized that hyaluronan controls the formation of this distinctive vascular pattern encompassing the embryo. This hypothesis was evaluated by genetic modification of hyaluronan metabolism, specifically targeted to embryonic trophoblast cells. The outcome of altered hyaluronan deposition on uterine vascular remodeling and postimplantation development were analyzed by MRI, detailed histological examinations, and RNA sequencing of uterine NK cells. Our experiments revealed that disruption of hyaluronan synthesis, as well as its increased cleavage at the embryonic niche, impaired implantation by induction of decidual vascular permeability, defective vascular sinus folds formation, breach of the maternal-embryo barrier, elevated MMP-9 expression, and interrupted uterine NK cell recruitment and function. Conversely, enhanced deposition of hyaluronan resulted in the expansion of the maternal-embryo barrier and increased diffusion distance, leading to compromised implantation. The deposition of hyaluronan at the embryonic niche is regulated by progesterone-progesterone receptor signaling. These results demonstrate a pivotal role for hyaluronan in successful pregnancy by fine-tuning the periembryo avascular niche and maternal vascular morphogenesis. Hyaluronan fine-tunes the periembryo avascular niche and maternal vascular morphogenesis during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Hadas
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Gershon
- Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Israel
| | - Aviad Cohen
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Gynecology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Ofir Atrakchi
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shlomi Lazar
- Department of Pharmacology, The Israel Institute for Biological Research, Nes Ziona, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities and
| | | | - Michal Elbaz
- Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Israel
| | - Gadi Cohen
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Raya Eilam
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
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12
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Gershon E, Maimon I, Galiani D, Elbaz M, Karasenti S, Dekel N. High cGMP and low PDE3A activity are associated with oocyte meiotic incompetence. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2629-2640. [PMID: 31401933 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1652472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumption of meiosis in mammalian oocytes, defined as oocyte maturation, is stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH). Fully grown oocytes can also mature spontaneously, upon their release from the ovarian follicle. However, growing oocytes fail to resume meiosis in vitro and the mechanism underlying their meiotic incompetence is unknown. It is commonly accepted that a drop in intraoocyte cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) resulting in the elevated activity of the oocyte-specific PDE3A leads to a decrease in cAMP content, essential for reinitiation of meiosis. We explored the regulation of these cyclic nucleotides and their degrading PDE3A in growing oocytes. Our research addressed the LH-induced rather than spontaneous oocyte maturation. We examined 16-21 as compared to 25-day-old, PMSG-primed rats, treated with the LH analog, hCG. The effect of LH was also examined ex vivo, in isolated ovarian follicles. We found that hCG failed to induce oocyte maturation and ovulation in the younger animals and that ovulation-associated genes were not upregulated in response to this gonadotropin. Furthemore, the drop of intraoocyte cGMP and cAMP observed in fully grown oocytes upon exposure of the ovary to LH, was not detected in growing oocytes. Interestingly, whereas the global expression of PDE3A in growing and fully grown oocytes is similar, a significantly lower activity of this enzyme was determined in growing oocytes. Our findings show that meiotic incompetence is associated with a relatively high oocyte cGMP concentration and a low activity of PDE3A, which in follicle-enclosed oocytes may represent the failure of the somatic follicle cells to respond to LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Gershon
- Department of Ruminant Science, Agricultural Research Organization , Bet Dagan , Israel
| | - Iris Maimon
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot , Israel
| | - Dalia Galiani
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot , Israel
| | - Michal Elbaz
- Department of Ruminant Science, Agricultural Research Organization , Bet Dagan , Israel
| | - Sharon Karasenti
- Department of Ruminant Science, Agricultural Research Organization , Bet Dagan , Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot , Israel
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13
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Priner S, Altarescu G, Schonberger O, Holzer H, Rubinstein E, Dekel N, Peretz A, Eldar-Geva T. The effect of repeated biopsy on pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases (PGT-M) treatment outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 36:159-164. [PMID: 30402730 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1359-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the outcome of repeated biopsy for pre-implantation genetic testing in case of failed genetic diagnosis in the first biopsy. METHODS The study group included 81 cycles where embryos underwent re-biopsy because there were no transferable embryos after the first biopsy: in 55 cycles, the first procedure was polar body biopsy (PBs) and the second cleavage-stage (BB); in 26 cycles, the first was BB and the second trophectoderm (BLAST) biopsy. The control group included 77 cycles where embryos underwent successful genetic diagnosis following the first biopsy, matched by maternal age, egg number, genetic inheritance type, and embryonic stage at the first biopsy. We measured genetic diagnosis rate, clinical pregnancy rates (PRs), live-birth rates (LBRs), gestational age, and birth weight. RESULTS For repeated biopsy, genetic diagnosis was received in 67/81 cycles (82.7%); at a higher rate in PB + BB than in BB + BLAST (49/55, 89.1% and 18/26, 69.2% respectively, p = 0.055). Transferable embryos were found in 47 and 68 cycles in the study and the control groups. PRs/ET were 20/47 (42.6%) and 36/68 (52.9%) (p = 0.27), 16/36 (44.4%) following PB + BB, and 4/11 (36.4%) following BB + BLAST (p = 0.74). LBRs/ET were 13/47 (27.7%) in study group, and 28/68 (41.2%) in the controls (p = 0.14), 10/36 (27.8%) following PB + BB group, and 3/11 (27.3%) following BB + BLAST (p > 0.99). Gestational age and birth weight were similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS Re-biopsy of embryos when no genetic diagnosis could be reached following the first biopsy, achieved high rates of genetic diagnosis, pregnancies, and live births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Priner
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics Unit, Infertility and IVF Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Gheona Altarescu
- Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
- Medical Genetics Institute, ZOHAR PGD Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oshrat Schonberger
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics Unit, Infertility and IVF Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hananel Holzer
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics Unit, Infertility and IVF Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Esther Rubinstein
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics Unit, Infertility and IVF Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics Unit, Infertility and IVF Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aharon Peretz
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics Unit, Infertility and IVF Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Talia Eldar-Geva
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics Unit, Infertility and IVF Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
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14
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Rimon-Dahari N, Heinemann-Yerushalmi L, Hadas R, Kalich-Philosoph L, Ketter D, Nevo N, Galiani D, Dekel N. Vasorin: a newly identified regulator of ovarian folliculogenesis. FASEB J 2018; 32:2124-2136. [PMID: 29259033 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700057rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Members of the TGF-β superfamily take part in the control of folliculogenesis. Vasorin (Vasn) is a newly identified negative regulator of TGF-β signaling whose possible involvement in ovarian physiology has never been studied. Here, we demonstrate that Vasn is expressed in the ovary by somatic cells of follicles, and that its expression is up-regulated by LH. We established a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model in which Vasn is deleted specifically in granulosa cells of growing follicles from the secondary stage onwards. Using this model, we show that, upon hormonal stimulation, follicle ovulation size is almost 2-fold higher. This enhanced ovulatory response is associated with overactivation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and a lower number of atretic antral follicles. Of importance, we demonstrate that the number of primordial follicles is reduced in prepubertal cKO mouse ovaries, which suggests that the production of VASN by growing follicles protects the ovarian reserve. Finally, analysis of systemic KO mice revealed that the ovarian reserve is almost 2.5-fold higher, which implies that Vasn may also play a role in primordial follicle formation. Overall, our findings reveal that Vasn is a new regulator that exerts an effect on several key ovarian functions, including folliculogenesis, maintenance of the ovarian reserve, and ovulation.-Rimon-Dahari, N., Heinemann-Yerushalmi, L., Hadas, R., Kalich-Philosoph, L., Ketter, D., Nevo, N., Galiani, D., Dekel, N. Vasorin: a newly identified regulator of ovarian folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Rimon-Dahari
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Ron Hadas
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Dafna Ketter
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Nevo
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dalia Galiani
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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15
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Zaidan H, Ramaswami G, Golumbic YN, Sher N, Malik A, Barak M, Galiani D, Dekel N, Li JB, Gaisler-Salomon I. A-to-I RNA editing in the rat brain is age-dependent, region-specific and sensitive to environmental stress across generations. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:28. [PMID: 29310578 PMCID: PMC5759210 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4409-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is an epigenetic modification catalyzed by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs), and is especially prevalent in the brain. We used the highly accurate microfluidics-based multiplex PCR sequencing (mmPCR-seq) technique to assess the effects of development and environmental stress on A-to-I editing at 146 pre-selected, conserved sites in the rat prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Furthermore, we asked whether changes in editing can be observed in offspring of stress-exposed rats. In parallel, we assessed changes in ADARs expression levels. RESULTS In agreement with previous studies, we found editing to be generally higher in adult compared to neonatal rat brain. At birth, editing was generally lower in prefrontal cortex than in amygdala. Stress affected editing at the serotonin receptor 2c (Htr2c), and editing at this site was significantly altered in offspring of rats exposed to prereproductive stress across two generations. Stress-induced changes in Htr2c editing measured with mmPCR-seq were comparable to changes measured with Sanger and Illumina sequencing. Developmental and stress-induced changes in Adar and Adarb1 mRNA expression were observed but did not correlate with editing changes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that mmPCR-seq can accurately detect A-to-I RNA editing in rat brain samples, and confirm previous accounts of a developmental increase in RNA editing rates. Our findings also point to stress in adolescence as an environmental factor that alters RNA editing patterns several generations forward, joining a growing body of literature describing the transgenerational effects of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Zaidan
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gokul Ramaswami
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yaela N Golumbic
- Faculty of Education in Technology and Science, Technion, Haifa, Israel.,Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Noa Sher
- Bioinformatics Core Unit, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Assaf Malik
- Bioinformatics Core Unit, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Barak
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Dalia Galiani
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jin B Li
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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16
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Abstract
Timely degradation of protein regulators of the cell cycle is essential for the completion of cell division. This degradation is promoted by the E3 anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and mediated by the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (Ube2s). Unlike the ample information gathered regarding the meiotic E3 APC/C, the E2s participating in this cell division have never been studied. We identified Ube2C, -S, and -D3 as the E2 enzymes that regulate APC/C activity during meiosis of mouse oocytes. Their depletion reduces the levels of the first meiotic cytokinesis by 50%, and their overexpression doubles and accelerates its completion (50% as compared with 4% at 11 h). We also demonstrated that these E2s take part in ensuring appropriate spindle formation. It is noteworthy that high levels of Ube2C bring about the resumption of the first meiotic division, regardless of the formation of the spindle, overriding the spindle assembly checkpoint. Thus, alongside their canonical function in protein degradation, Ube2C and -S also control the extrusion of the first polar body. Overall, our study characterizes new regulators and unveils the novel roles they play during the meiotic division. These findings shed light on faithful chromosome segregation in oocytes and may contribute to better understanding of aneuploidy and its consequent genetic malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Ben-Eliezer
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Pomerantz
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dalia Galiani
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Nevo
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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17
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Gnainsky Y, Granot I, Aldo P, Barash A, Or Y, Mor G, Dekel N. Biopsy-induced inflammatory conditions improve endometrial receptivity: the mechanism of action. Reproduction 2014; 149:75-85. [PMID: 25349438 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A decade ago, we first reported that endometrial biopsy significantly improves the success of pregnancy in IVF patients with recurrent implantation failure, an observation that was later confirmed by others. Recently, we have demonstrated that this treatment elevated the levels of endometrial pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased the abundance of macrophages (Mac) and dendritic cells (DCs). We therefore hypothesised that the biopsy-related successful pregnancy is secondary to an inflammatory response, and aimed at deciphering its mechanism of action. Supporting our hypothesis, we found that the pro-inflammatory TNFα stimulated primary endometrial stromal cells to express cytokines that attracted monocytes and induced their differentiation into DCs. These monocyte-derived DCs stimulated endometrial epithelial cells to express the adhesive molecule SPP1 (osteopontin (OPN)) and its receptors ITGB3 and CD44, whereas MUC16, which interferes with adhesion, was downregulated. Other implantation-associated genes, such as CHST2, CCL4 (MIP1B) and GROA, were upregulated by monocyte-derived Mac. These findings suggest that uterine receptivity is mediated by the expression of molecules associated with inflammation. Such an inflammatory milieu is not generated in some IVF patients with recurrent implantation failure in the absence of local injury provoked by the biopsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Gnainsky
- Department of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetric, and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, IsraelDepartment of ObstetricGynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - I Granot
- Department of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetric, and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, IsraelDepartment of ObstetricGynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - P Aldo
- Department of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetric, and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, IsraelDepartment of ObstetricGynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - A Barash
- Department of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetric, and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, IsraelDepartment of ObstetricGynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Y Or
- Department of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetric, and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, IsraelDepartment of ObstetricGynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - G Mor
- Department of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetric, and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, IsraelDepartment of ObstetricGynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - N Dekel
- Department of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetric, and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, IsraelDepartment of ObstetricGynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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18
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Lutwak E, Price CA, Abramovich SS, Rabinovitz S, Granot I, Dekel N, Ron D. Expression and regulation of the tumor suppressor, SEF, during folliculogenesis in humans and mice. Reproduction 2014; 148:507-17. [PMID: 25118304 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Similar expression to FGF (Sef or IL17-RD), is a tumor suppressor and an inhibitor of growth factors as well as of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. In this study, we examined the regulation of Sef expression by gonadotropins during ovarian folliculogenesis. In sexually immature mice, in situ hybridization (ISH) localized Sef gene expression to early developing oocytes and granulosa cells (GC) but not to theca cells. Sef was also expressed in mouse ovarian endothelial cells, in the fallopian tube epithelium as well as in adipose tissue venules. SEF protein expression, determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), correlated well with Sef mRNA expression in GC, while differential expression was noticed in oocytes. High Sef mRNA but undetectable SEF protein levels were observed in the oocytes of primary/secondary follicles, while an inverse correlation was found in the oocytes of preantral and small antral follicles. Sef mRNA expression dropped after pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) administration, peaked at 6-8 h after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment, and declined by 12 h after this treatment. ISH and IHC localized the changes to oocytes and mural GC following PMSG treatment, whereas Sef expression increased in mural GC and declined in granulosa-lutein cells upon hCG treatment. The ovarian expression of SEF was confirmed using human samples. ISH localized SEF transcripts to human GC of antral follicles but not to corpora lutea. Furthermore, SEF mRNA was detected in human GC recovered from preovulatory follicles. These results are the first to demonstrate SEF expression in a healthy ovary during folliculogenesis. Hormonal regulation of its expression suggests that SEF may be an important factor involved in intra-ovarian control mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ela Lutwak
- Department of BiologyTechnion, Israel Institute of Technology, 32000 Haifa, IsraelFaculté de Médecine VétérinaireCentre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center (Affiliated to the Medical School of the Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem), Rehovot, Israel
| | - Christopher A Price
- Department of BiologyTechnion, Israel Institute of Technology, 32000 Haifa, IsraelFaculté de Médecine VétérinaireCentre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center (Affiliated to the Medical School of the Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem), Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sagit-Sela Abramovich
- Department of BiologyTechnion, Israel Institute of Technology, 32000 Haifa, IsraelFaculté de Médecine VétérinaireCentre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center (Affiliated to the Medical School of the Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem), Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shiri Rabinovitz
- Department of BiologyTechnion, Israel Institute of Technology, 32000 Haifa, IsraelFaculté de Médecine VétérinaireCentre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center (Affiliated to the Medical School of the Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem), Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irit Granot
- Department of BiologyTechnion, Israel Institute of Technology, 32000 Haifa, IsraelFaculté de Médecine VétérinaireCentre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center (Affiliated to the Medical School of the Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem), Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of BiologyTechnion, Israel Institute of Technology, 32000 Haifa, IsraelFaculté de Médecine VétérinaireCentre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center (Affiliated to the Medical School of the Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem), Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dina Ron
- Department of BiologyTechnion, Israel Institute of Technology, 32000 Haifa, IsraelFaculté de Médecine VétérinaireCentre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Biological RegulationThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIVF UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center (Affiliated to the Medical School of the Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem), Rehovot, Israel
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19
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Gnainsky Y, Dekel N, Granot I. Implantation: mutual activity of sex steroid hormones and the immune system guarantee the maternal-embryo interaction. Semin Reprod Med 2014; 32:337-45. [PMID: 24959815 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1376353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Implantation is strictly dependent on the mutual interaction between a receptive endometrium and the blastocyst. Hence, synchronization between blastocyst development and the acquisition of endometrial receptivity is a prerequisite for the success of this process. This review depicts the cellular and molecular events that coordinate these complex activities. Specifically, the involvement of the sex steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, as well as components of the immune system, such as cytokines and specific blood cells, is elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Gnainsky
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irit Granot
- IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Center, Herzliya, Israel
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20
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Cohen-Fredarow A, Tadmor A, Raz T, Meterani N, Addadi Y, Nevo N, Solomonov I, Sagi I, Mor G, Neeman M, Dekel N. Ovarian dendritic cells act as a double-edged pro-ovulatory and anti-inflammatory sword. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:1039-54. [PMID: 24825398 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovulation and inflammation share common attributes, including immune cell invasion into the ovary. The present study aims at deciphering the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Using a CD11c-EYFP transgenic mouse model, ovarian transplantation experiments, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses, we demonstrate that CD11c-positive, F4/80-negative cells, representing DCs, are recruited to the ovary under gonadotropin regulation. By conditional ablation of these cells in CD11c-DTR transgenic mice, we revealed that they are essential for expansion of the cumulus-oocyte complex, release of the ovum from the ovarian follicle, formation of a functional corpus luteum, and enhanced lymphangiogenesis. These experiments were complemented by allogeneic DC transplantation after conditional ablation of CD11c-positive cells that rescued ovulation. The pro-ovulatory effects of these cells were mediated by up-regulation of ovulation-essential genes. Interestingly, we detected a remarkable anti-inflammatory capacity of ovarian DCs, which seemingly serves to restrict the ovulatory-associated inflammation. In addition to discovering the role of DCs in ovulation, this study implies the extended capabilities of these cells, beyond their classic immunologic role, which is relevant also to other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adva Cohen-Fredarow
- Department of Biological Regulation (A.C.-F., A.T., N.M., Y.A., N.N., I.So., I.Sa., M.N., N.D.), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Koret School of Veterinary Medicine (T.R.), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel; B-nano Ltd (Y.A.), Rehovot 76326, Israel; and Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Science (G.M.), Reproductive Immunology Unit, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
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21
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Dekel N, Gnainsky Y, Granot I, Racicot K, Mor G. The role of inflammation for a successful implantation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:141-7. [PMID: 24809430 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of all human embryo implantations result in failed pregnancy. Multiple factors may contribute to this failure, including genetic or metabolic abnormalities of the embryo. However, many of these spontaneous early abortion cases are attributed to poor uterine receptivity. Furthermore, although many fertility disorders have been overcome by a variety of assisted reproductive techniques, implantation remains the rate-limiting step for the success of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. We, as well as others, have demonstrated that endometrial biopsies performed either during the spontaneous, preceding cycle, or during the IVF cycle itself, significantly improve the rate of implantation, clinical pregnancies, and live births. These observations suggest that mechanical injury of the endometrium may enhance uterine receptivity by provoking the immune system to generate an inflammatory reaction. In strong support of this idea, we recently found that dendritic cells (DCs), an important cellular component of the innate immune system, play a critical role in successful implantation in a mouse model. In this review, we discuss the hypothesis that the injury-derived inflammation in the biopsy-treated patients generates a focus for uterine DCs and Mac accumulation that, in turn, enhance the endometrial expression of essential molecules that facilitate the interaction between the embryo and the uterine epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
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22
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Plaks V, Gershon E, Zeisel A, Jacob-Hirsch J, Neeman M, Winterhager E, Rechavi G, Domany E, Dekel N. Blastocyst implantation failure relates to impaired translational machinery gene expression. Reproduction 2014; 148:87-98. [PMID: 24700326 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte quality is a well-established determinant of embryonic fate. However, the molecular participants and biological markers that affect and may predict adequate embryonic development are largely elusive. Our aim was to identify the components of the oocyte molecular machinery that part take in the production of a healthy embryo. For this purpose, we used an animal model, generated by us previously, the oocytes of which do not express Cx43 (Cx43(del/del)). In these mice, oogenesis appears normal, fertilisation does occur, early embryonic development is successful but implantation fails. We used magnetic resonance imaging analysis combined with histological examination to characterise the embryonic developmental incompetence. Reciprocal embryo transfer confirmed that the blastocyst evolved from the Cx43(del/del) oocyte is responsible for the implantation disorder. In order to unveil the genes, the impaired expression of which brings about the development of defective embryos, we carried out a genomic screening of both the oocytes and the resulting blastocysts. This microarray analysis revealed a low expression of Egr1, Rpl21 and Eif4a1 in Cx43(del/del) oocytes and downregulation of Rpl15 and Eif4g2 in the resulting blastocysts. We propose that global deficiencies in genes related to the expression of ribosomal proteins and translation initiation factors in apparently normal oocytes bring about accumulation of defects, which significantly compromise their developmental capacity. The blastocysts resulting from such oocytes, which grow within a confined space until implantation, may be unable to generate enough biological mass to allow their expansion. This information could be implicated to diagnosis and treatment of infertility, particularly to IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eran Gershon
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Amit Zeisel
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Jasmine Jacob-Hirsch
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Gideon Rechavi
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eytan Domany
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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23
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Abstract
Meiosis in oocytes consists of two consecutive asymmetric cell divisions, each completed by the extrusion of one set of chromosomes into a small polar body. First polar body (PBI) extrusion is triggered by the inactivation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), following the degradation of its regulatory subunit cyclin B1 by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. The present review covers the sequence of events leading to PBI extrusion, and compares them to the corresponding events in mitotic cell division. The latest findings regarding the contribution of ubiquitin chain topology, separase, securin, cyclin B1, CDK1, Polo-like kinase 1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 to the regulation of meiosis are discussed.
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24
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Abstract
Implantation failure, which is presently the major barrier in human fertility, is attributed, in many cases, to the failure of the uterus to acquire receptivity. The transition into a receptive uterus includes cellular changes in the endometrium and the modulated expression of different cytokines, growth factors, transcription factors, and prostaglandins. These molecules partake in the generation of an inflammatory response followed by the recruitment of immune cells. These cells have shown to be involved in the maternal immune tolerance toward the implanted embryo as well as in the maternal–fetus interaction during pregnancy. Most of the accumulated evidence indicates that embryo implantation is associated with an active Th1 inflammatory response while a Th2-humoral inflammation is required for pregnancy maintenance. Yet, recent findings suggest that a Th1 inflammatory response is also necessary for the acquisition of uterine receptivity. This notion was originally suggested by reports from our and other clinical centers worldwide that IVF patients with repeated implantation failure subjected to endometrial biopsy exhibit a substantial improvement in their chances to conceive. These findings, followed by the demonstration of an elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression, as well as an increased abundance of immune cells, in the endometrium of these patients, raised the idea that acquisition of uterine receptivity is closely associated with an inflammatory response. This review summarizes the molecular and biochemical evidence that confirm this notion and proposes a mechanism by which injury-induced inflammation improves uterine receptivity and the subsequent pregnancy outcome.
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25
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Pomerantz Y, Elbaz J, Ben-Eliezer I, Reizel Y, David Y, Galiani D, Nevo N, Navon A, Dekel N. From ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation to CDK1 inactivation: requirements for the first polar body extrusion in mouse oocytes. FASEB J 2012; 26:4495-505. [PMID: 22859367 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-209866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Completion of the first meiotic division, manifested by extrusion of the first polar body (PBI), depends on proteasomal degradation of cyclin B1 and securin and the subsequent respective CDK1 inactivation and chromosome segregation. We aimed at identifying the polyubiquitin signal that mediates proteasomal action and at a better characterization of the role of CDK1 inactivation at this stage of meiosis. Microinjections of mutated ubiquitin proteins into mouse oocytes revealed that interference with lysine-11 polyubiquitin chains abrogated chromosome segregation and reduced PBI extrusion by 63% as compared to WT ubiquitin-injected controls. Inactivation of CDK1 in oocytes arrested at first metaphase by a proteasome inhibitor fully rescued PBI extrusion. However, removal of CDK1 inhibition failed to allow progression to the second metaphase, rather, inducing PBI reengulfment in 62% of the oocytes. Inhibition of either PLK1 or MEK1/2 during the first anaphase changed spindle dimensions. The PLK1 inhibitor also blocked PBI emission and prevented RhoA translocation. Our results identified lysine-11 rather than the canonic lysine-48 ubiquitin chains as the degradation signal in oocytes resuming meiosis, further disclosing that CDK1 inactivation is necessary and sufficient for PBI emission. This information significantly contributes to our understanding of faulty chromosome segregation that may lead to aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Pomerantz
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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26
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Cohen-fredarow A, Tadmor A, Raz T, Neemam M, Mor G, Dekel N. Dendritic Cells Are Indispensable for Ovulation. Biol Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/87.s1.487] [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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27
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Kirenberg I, Shahar-Pomerantz Y, Elbaz J, Galiani D, Nevo N, Dekel N. New Insights into the Ubiquitin-proteasome Pathway in Oocytes Resuming Meiosis. Biol Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/87.s1.126] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
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28
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Meirow D, Raanani H, Brengauz M, Dor J, Tsafrir A, Goldberg D, Eldar-Geva T, Gal M, Ben-Chetrit A, Weintroub A, Varshaver I, Dekel N, Kopeika J, Abdel-Reda H, Khalil M, Khalaf Y, Reddy N, Anderson RA, McLaughlin M, Wallace WHB, Telfer EE, Fujimoto A, Ichinose M, Osuga Y, Oishi H, Hirata T, Harada M, Hasegawa A, Morishima K, Sakurabashi A, Kawana K, Yano T, Kozuma S, Taketani Y, Kim SS, Herraiz S, Novella-Maestre E, Pellicer A. SESSION 73: FEMALE FERTILITY PRESERVATION. Hum Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/27.s2.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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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29
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Gnainsky Y, Granot I, Barash A, Or Y, Levin D, Mor G, Dekel N. Acquisition of uterine receptivity: Partaking of inflammation. J Reprod Immunol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.03.262] [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: 11/24/2022]
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30
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Reizel Y, Itzkovitz S, Adar R, Elbaz J, Jinich A, Chapal-Ilani N, Maruvka YE, Nevo N, Marx Z, Horovitz I, Wasserstrom A, Mayo A, Shur I, Benayahu D, Skorecki K, Segal E, Dekel N, Shapiro E. Cell lineage analysis of the mammalian female germline. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002477. [PMID: 22383887 PMCID: PMC3285577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fundamental aspects of embryonic and post-natal development, including maintenance of the mammalian female germline, are largely unknown. Here we employ a retrospective, phylogenetic-based method for reconstructing cell lineage trees utilizing somatic mutations accumulated in microsatellites, to study female germline dynamics in mice. Reconstructed cell lineage trees can be used to estimate lineage relationships between different cell types, as well as cell depth (number of cell divisions since the zygote). We show that, in the reconstructed mouse cell lineage trees, oocytes form clusters that are separate from hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, both in young and old mice, indicating that these populations belong to distinct lineages. Furthermore, while cumulus cells sampled from different ovarian follicles are distinctly clustered on the reconstructed trees, oocytes from the left and right ovaries are not, suggesting a mixing of their progenitor pools. We also observed an increase in oocyte depth with mouse age, which can be explained either by depth-guided selection of oocytes for ovulation or by post-natal renewal. Overall, our study sheds light on substantial novel aspects of female germline preservation and development. Many aspects of mammalian female germline development during embryogenesis and throughout adulthood are either unknown or under debate. In this study we applied a novel method for the reconstruction of cell lineage trees utilizing microsatellite mutations, accumulated during mouse life, in oocytes and other cells, sampled from young and old mice. Analysis of the reconstructed cell lineage trees shows that oocytes are clustered separately from bone-marrow derived cells, that oocytes from different ovaries share common progenitors, and that oocyte depth (number of cell divisions since the zygote) increases significantly with mouse age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitzhak Reizel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shalev Itzkovitz
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rivka Adar
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Judith Elbaz
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Adrian Jinich
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noa Chapal-Ilani
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosef E. Maruvka
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Nevo
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zipora Marx
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Inna Horovitz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Adam Wasserstrom
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Avi Mayo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irena Shur
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Dafna Benayahu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Karl Skorecki
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eran Segal
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail: (ND); (ES)
| | - Ehud Shapiro
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail: (ND); (ES)
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Abstract
PROBLEM Implantation remains the rate-limiting step for the success of in vitro fertilization. Appropriate models to study the molecular aspects of human implantation are necessary in order to improve fertility. METHODS First trimester trophoblast cells are differentiated into blastocyst-like spheroids (BLS) by culturing them in low attachment plates. Immortalized human endometrial stromal cells and epithelial cells (ECC-1) were stably transfected with GFP or tdTomato. Co-culture experiments were monitored using Volocity imaging analysis system. RESULTS This method demonstrates attachment and invasion of BLS, formed by trophoblast cells, into stromal cells, but not to uterine epithelial cells. CONCLUSION We have developed an in vitro model of uterine implantation. The manipulation of this system allows for dual color monitoring of the cells over time. Additionally, specific compounds can be added to the culture media to test how this may affect implantation and invasion. This model is a helpful tool in understanding the complexity of human implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie C. Holmberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06510
| | - Severina Haddad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06510
| | - Vera Wünsche
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06510
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06510
| | - Paulomi B. Aldo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06510
| | - Yulia Gnainsky
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Irit Granot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06510
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Plaks V, Sapoznik S, Berkovitz E, Haffner-Krausz R, Dekel N, Harmelin A, Neeman M. Functional phenotyping of the maternal albumin turnover in the mouse placenta by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Mol Imaging Biol 2011; 13:481-492. [PMID: 20686857 PMCID: PMC3087877 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-010-0390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a tool for functional phenotyping of the maternal circulation in the mouse placenta. Procedures In utero macromolecular dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was performed on embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5), E13.5, and E18.5. Fluorescence analysis was also used for validation of the results. Results The initial rate of contrast enhancement revealed an increased maternal blood volume fraction as the pregnancy progressed. Serial imaging of E10.5 and E13.5 placentas revealed a loss of contrast enhancement due to phagocytic uptake. A key application of macromolecular DCE-MRI would be to follow mouse pregnancies during fetal and placental manipulation including embryo transfer, tetraploid complementation, and fetal resorptions. We were able to resolve strain differences in ICR outbred mice carrying both ICR and C57Bl/6J embryos and to differentiate in utero resorptions from functional placentas. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of the functional in utero analysis of placental vascularization in physiological phenotyping of transgenic mice and suggest MRI, particularly macromolecular DCE-MRI, as a non-invasive tool for the analysis of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Stav Sapoznik
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Elina Berkovitz
- Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | | | - Nava Dekel
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Alon Harmelin
- Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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Reizel Y, Chapal-Ilani N, Adar R, Itzkovitz S, Elbaz J, Maruvka YE, Segev E, Shlush LI, Dekel N, Shapiro E. Colon stem cell and crypt dynamics exposed by cell lineage reconstruction. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002192. [PMID: 21829376 PMCID: PMC3145618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell dynamics in vivo are often being studied by lineage tracing methods. Our laboratory has previously developed a retrospective method for reconstructing cell lineage trees from somatic mutations accumulated in microsatellites. This method was applied here to explore different aspects of stem cell dynamics in the mouse colon without the use of stem cell markers. We first demonstrated the reliability of our method for the study of stem cells by confirming previously established facts, and then we addressed open questions. Our findings confirmed that colon crypts are monoclonal and that, throughout adulthood, the process of monoclonal conversion plays a major role in the maintenance of crypts. The absence of immortal strand mechanism in crypts stem cells was validated by the age-dependent accumulation of microsatellite mutations. In addition, we confirmed the positive correlation between physical and lineage proximity of crypts, by showing that the colon is separated into small domains that share a common ancestor. We gained new data demonstrating that colon epithelium is clustered separately from hematopoietic and other cell types, indicating that the colon is constituted of few progenitors and ruling out significant renewal of colonic epithelium from hematopoietic cells during adulthood. Overall, our study demonstrates the reliability of cell lineage reconstruction for the study of stem cell dynamics, and it further addresses open questions in colon stem cells. In addition, this method can be applied to study stem cell dynamics in other systems. The study of stem cell and tissue dynamics in vivo is often carried out by lineage tracing methods that depend on the presence of specific markers and on the availability of stem cells. In the current study, we applied a novel method for the reconstruction of cell lineage trees from microsatellite mutations accumulated during mouse life. We focused on the intestinal epithelium, since its stem cells were intensively studied by various tracing methods that clarified many aspects of their dynamics. We first showed the reliability of our method by confirming three previously established facts: the existence of “monoclonal conversion,” the absence of an immortal strand mechanism in colon stem cells, and the separation of the colon into small domains each with a common ancestor. We also answered a few open questions, showing that the colon's lineage is separated from other lineages such as the hematopoietic and pancreatic lineages. Overall, our work presents a new approach for the study of stem cell dynamics and can similarly be used for studying stem cell dynamics in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitzhak Reizel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noa Chapal-Ilani
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rivka Adar
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shalev Itzkovitz
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Judith Elbaz
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosef E. Maruvka
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elad Segev
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Liran I. Shlush
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ehud Shapiro
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Plaks V, Berkovitz E, Vandoorne K, Berkutzki T, Damari GM, Haffner R, Dekel N, Hemmings BA, Neeman M, Harmelin A. Survival and size are differentially regulated by placental and fetal PKBalpha/AKT1 in mice. Biol Reprod 2010; 84:537-45. [PMID: 20980686 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of placental circulation is exemplified by the correlation of placental size and blood flow with fetal weight and survival during normal and compromised human pregnancies in such conditions as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Using noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated the role of PKBalpha/AKT1, a major mediator of angiogenesis, on placental vascular function. PKBalpha/AKT1 deficiency reduced maternal blood volume fraction without affecting the integrity of the fetomaternal blood barrier. In addition to angiogenesis, PKBalpha/AKT1 regulates additional processes related to survival and growth. In accordance with reports in adult mice, we demonstrated a role for PKBalpha/AKT1 in regulating chondrocyte organization in fetal long bones. Using tetraploid complementation experiments with PKBalpha/AKT1-expressing placentas, we found that although placental PKBalpha/AKT1 restored fetal survival, fetal PKBalpha/AKT1 regulated fetal size, because tetraploid complementation did not prevent intrauterine growth retardation. Histological examination of rescued fetuses showed reduced liver blood vessel and renal glomeruli capillary density in PKBalpha/Akt1 null fetuses, both of which were restored by tetraploid complementation. However, bone development was still impaired in tetraploid-rescued PKBalpha/Akt1 null fetuses. Although PKBalpha/AKT1-expressing placentas restored chondrocyte cell number in the hypertrophic layer of humeri, fetal PKBalpha/AKT1 was found to be necessary for chondrocyte columnar organization. Remarkably, a dose-dependent phenotype was exhibited for PKBalpha/AKT1 when examining PKBalpha/Akt1 heterozygous fetuses as well as those complemented by tetraploid placentas. The differential role of PKBalpha/AKT1 on mouse fetal survival and growth may shed light on its roles in human IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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35
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Abstract
Approximately half of all human embryo implantations result in failed pregnancy. Multiple factors may contribute to this failure, including genetic or metabolic abnormalities of the embryo. However, many of these spontaneous early abortion cases are attributed to poor uterine receptivity. Furthermore, although many fertility disorders have been overcome by a variety of assisted reproductive techniques, implantation remains the rate-limiting step for the success of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. It has been demonstrated that endometrial biopsies performed either during the spontaneous, preceding cycle, or during the IVF cycle itself, significantly improve the rate of implantation, clinical pregnancies and live births. These observations suggest that mechanical injury of the endometrium may enhance uterine receptivity by provoking the immune system to generate an inflammatory reaction. In strong support of this idea, we recently found that dendritic cells (DCs), an important cellular component of the innate immune system, play a critical role in successful implantation in a mouse model. In this review, we discuss the hypothesis that the injury-derived inflammation in the biopsy-treated patients generates a focus for uterine DCs accumulation that, in turn, enhances the endometrial expression of essential molecules, which facilitate the interaction between the embryo and the uterine epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, the Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
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Elbaz J, Reizel Y, Nevo N, Galiani D, Dekel N. Epithelial cell transforming protein 2 (ECT2) depletion blocks polar body extrusion and generates mouse oocytes containing two metaphase II spindles. Endocrinology 2010; 151:755-65. [PMID: 19996184 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Completion of the first meiosis in oocytes is achieved by the extrusion of the first polar body (PBI), a particular example of cell division. In mitosis, the small GTPase RhoA, which is activated by epithelial cell transforming protein 2 (ECT2), orchestrates contractile ring constriction, thus enabling cytokinesis. However, the involvement of this pathway in mammalian oocytes has not been established. To characterize the role of ECT2 in PBI emission in mouse oocytes, the small interfering RNA approach was employed. We found that ECT2 depletion significantly reduces PBI emission, induces first metaphase arrest, and generates oocytes containing two properly formed spindles of the second metaphase. Moreover, we describe, for the first time, that before PBI emission, RhoA forms a ring that is preceded by a dome-like accumulation at the oocyte cortex, next to the spindle. This unique mode of RhoA translocation failed to occur in the absence of ECT2. We further found that the Rho-dependent kinase, a main RhoA effector, is essential for PBI emission. In addition, we demonstrate herein that ECT2 is subjected to phosphorylation/dephosphorylation throughout meiosis in oocytes and further reveal that PBI emission is temporally associated with ECT2 dephosphorylation. Our data provide the first demonstration that an active cyclin-dependent kinase 1, the catalytic subunit of the maturation-promoting factor, phosphorylates ECT2 during the first meiotic metaphase and that cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inactivation at anaphase allows ECT2 dephosphorylation. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the indispensable role of the maturation-promoting factor/ECT2/RhoA pathway in PBI extrusion in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Elbaz
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Biological Regulation, Herzel Street 1, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Reizel Y, Elbaz J, Dekel N. Sustained activity of the EGF receptor is an absolute requisite for LH-induced oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion. Mol Endocrinol 2009; 24:402-11. [PMID: 20009084 DOI: 10.1210/me.2009-0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian reproduction depends on the release of a mature oocyte from the ovarian follicle. Maturation of the oocyte and rupture of the follicle wall constitute part of the responses to the preovulatory surge of LH, which also include cumulus expansion and granulosa cell luteinization. It was previously shown that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mediates the ovulatory response to LH in the ovarian follicle. We hypothesized that it is a sustained activity of the EGFR that generates oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion. We demonstrated that, whereas a transient exposure of rat isolated, intact, preovulatory follicles to either LH or forskolin was sufficient to induce oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion, these LH-induced responses were only generated upon a prolonged activity of the EGFR. In addition, the continuous activity of the EGFR is essential for the chronic phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 downstream signaling molecules, which were shown to be essential for oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion. Interestingly, EGFR-sustained activity was also necessary to maintain the up-regulation of Ptgs2, a gene essential for cumulus expansion. The unusual prolonged duration of ERK1/2 activity may possibly be attributed to the late induction of the ERK-specific phosphatase 3, demonstrated herein. These new data shed light on the unique characteristics of EGFR-ERK1/2 activity in the ovarian follicle and emphasize the fact that the ovulatory process involves a nonclassical activation of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitzhak Reizel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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38
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, the Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
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39
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Shkolnik K, Ben-Dor S, Dekel N. Ncoa7B: A Novel LH-Dependent Oxidation Resistance Protein? Biol Reprod 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.502] [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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40
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Reizel Y, Elbaz J, Dekel N. Sustained Activation of the EGFR Is Necessary for the Induction of Oocyte Maturation and Cumulus Expansion by LH. Biol Reprod 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.46] [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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41
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Zeisel A, Plaks V, Gershon E, Winterhager E, Neeman M, Domany E, Dekel N. Implantation disorder related to impaired translation in the oocyte and in the resulting embryo. Dev Biol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.05.114] [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: 11/28/2022]
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42
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Elbaz J, Nevo N, Galiani D, Dekel N. Maturation Promoting Factor Governs the First Polar Body Extrusion Through the ECT2-RhoA-ROCK Signaling Pathway in Mouse Oocytes. Biol Reprod 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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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43
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Plaks V, Berkovitz E, Vandoorne K, Sharir A, Zelzer E, Wehrli FW, Dekel N, Hemmings BA, Neeman M, Harmelin A. Vascular function and growth is differentially regulated by fetal and placental PKBalpha/Akt1 in a gene dosage dependent manner: Non-invasive dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. Dev Biol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.05.423] [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: 10/20/2022]
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44
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Litichever N, Gershon E, Dekel N, Koch Y. Hormonal Regulation of GnRH and LHβ mRNA Expression in Cultured Rat Granulosa Cells. J Mol Neurosci 2009; 39:78-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-009-9185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2009] [Accepted: 02/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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45
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Plaks V, Birnberg T, Berkutzki T, Sela S, BenYashar A, Kalchenko V, Mor G, Keshet E, Dekel N, Neeman M, Jung S. Uterine DCs are crucial for decidua formation during embryo implantation in mice. J Clin Invest 2008; 118:3954-65. [PMID: 19033665 DOI: 10.1172/jci36682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation is a key stage during pregnancy, as the fate of the embryo is often decided upon its first contact with the maternal endometrium. Around this time, DCs accumulate in the uterus; however, their role in pregnancy and, more specifically, implantation, remains unknown. We investigated the function of uterine DCs (uDCs) during implantation using a transgenic mouse model that allows conditional ablation of uDCs in a spatially and temporally regulated manner. Depletion of uDCs resulted in a severe impairment of the implantation process, leading to embryo resorption. Depletion of uDCs also caused embryo resorption in syngeneic and T cell-deficient pregnancies, which argues against a failure to establish immunological tolerance during implantation. Moreover, even in the absence of embryos, experimentally induced deciduae failed to adequately form. Implantation failure was associated with impaired decidual proliferation and differentiation. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI revealed perturbed angiogenesis characterized by reduced vascular expansion and attenuated maturation. We suggest therefore that uDCs directly fine-tune decidual angiogenesis by providing two critical factors, sFlt1 and TGF-beta1, that promote coordinated blood vessel maturation. Collectively, uDCs appear to govern uterine receptivity, independent of their predicted role in immunological tolerance, by regulating tissue remodeling and angiogenesis. Importantly, our results may aid in understanding the limited implantation success of embryos transferred following in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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46
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Sela-Abramovich S, Galiani D, Nevo N, Dekel N. Inhibition of Rat Oocyte Maturation and Ovulation by Nitric Oxide: Mechanism of Action1. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:1111-8. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.065490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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47
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Shkolnik K, Ben-Dor S, Galiani D, Hourvitz A, Dekel N. Molecular characterization and bioinformatics analysis of Ncoa7B, a novel ovulation-associated and reproduction system-specific Ncoa7 isoform. Reproduction 2008; 135:321-33. [PMID: 18299425 DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we employed bioinformatics search tools to select ovulation-associated cDNA clones with a preference for those representing putative novel genes. Detailed characterization of one of these transcripts, 6C3, by real-time PCR and RACE analyses led to identification of a novel ovulation-associated gene, designated Ncoa7B. This gene was found to exhibit a significant homology to the Ncoa7 gene that encodes a conserved tissue-specific nuclear receptor coactivator. Unlike Ncoa7, Ncoa7B possesses a unique and highly conserved exon at the 5' end and encodes a protein with a unique N-terminal sequence. Extensive bioinformatics analysis has revealed that Ncoa7B has one identifiable domain, TLDc, which has recently been suggested to be involved in protection from oxidative DNA damage. An alignment of TLDc domain containing proteins was performed, and the closest relative identified was OXR1, which also has a corresponding, highly related short isoform, with just a TLDc domain. Moreover, Ncoa7B expression, as seen to date, seems to be restricted to mammals, while other TLDc family members have no such restriction. Multiple tissue analysis revealed that unlike Ncoa7, which was abundant in a variety of tissues with the highest expression in the brain, Ncoa7B mRNA expression is restricted to the reproductive system organs, particularly the uterus and the ovary. The ovarian expression of Ncoa7B was stimulated by human chorionic gonadotropin. Additionally, using real-time PCR, we demonstrated the involvement of multiple signaling pathways for Ncoa7B expression on preovulatory follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketty Shkolnik
- Department of, Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, PO Box 26, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Kalma Y, Granot I, Gnainsky Y, Or Y, Czernobilsky B, Dekel N, Barash A. Endometrial biopsy-induced gene modulation: first evidence for the expression of bladder-transmembranal uroplakin Ib in human endometrium. Fertil Steril 2008; 91:1042-9, 1049.e1-9. [PMID: 18355812 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the possibility that endometrial injury modulates the expression of specific genes that may increase uterine receptivity. DESIGN Controlled clinical study. SETTING Clinical IVF unit and academic research center. PATIENT(S) IVF patients with 28- to 30-day menstrual cycles. INTERVENTION(S) Endometrial biopsies from two groups of patients were collected on days 20-21 of their spontaneous menstrual cycle. The experimental, but not the control, group underwent biopsies on days 11-13 and 21-24 of their preceding cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Global endometrial gene expression and specific analysis of uroplakin Ib (UPIb) mRNA level throughout the menstrual cycle. RESULT(S) Local injury modulated the expression of a wide variety of genes. One of the prominently up-regulated genes was the bladder transmembranal protein, UPIb, whose expression by the endometrium is shown here for the first time. Endometrial UPIb mRNA increases after biopsy in the same cycle wct 2with an additional elevation in the following cycle. Immunohistochemical analysis localized the UPIb protein to the glandular-epithelial cells. Genes encoding other membrane proteins such as adipose differentiation-related protein and mucin 1, transmembrane, were also up-regulated. CONCLUSION(S) The biopsy-induced increase in the expression of UPIb and other genes encoding membrane proteins supports the possible importance of the membrane structure and stability during implantation. The specific role of UPIb in uterine receptivity should be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Kalma
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Abstract
The gonadotropic hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are synthesized by and released from the anterior pituitary in response to the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling. In the female, LH and FSH affect folliculogenesis, ovarian steroid production, oocyte maturation, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. We have recently studied the expression of GnRH and its receptor in the rat ovary and found organ-specific, estrous cycle-dependant, fluctuations. Subsequently, we wished to determine whether rat ovaries also express gonadotropic hormones. Using RT-PCR, we detected LHbeta, FSHbeta and the common alpha-subunit mRNA's in intact follicles, theca cells, corpora lutea and in meiotically competent and incompetent oocytes. Granulosa cells, however, express mRNA's for LHbeta and the common alpha-subunit, but not for FSHbeta. We cloned and sequenced the ovarian LHbeta transcript and found it to be longer (2.3kb) than the one produced by pituitary gonadotropes (0.8kb), due to a longer 5'-UTR. We studied the regulation of ovarian LHbeta mRNA in sexually immature female rats administered with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and in adult cyclic rats. PMSG administration caused a significant decrease in LHbeta mRNA expression, detected by real-time PCR. Similarly, LHbeta mRNA levels were lower on estrous morning versus proestrous evening. Interestingly, ovarian content of LH remained unchanged following hypophysectomy, although ovarian weight was immensely reduced. Taken together, it seems probable that ovarian LH is heterologously/homologously regulated by pituitary, and possibly also by local gonadotropins. Thus, these findings may imply the existence of a local GnRH-gonadotropin axis in the mammalian ovary that may be involved in the management of processes that lead to ovulation.
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Abstract
Gap junctions that allow the direct communication between cytoplasmic compartments of neighboring cells are present in a variety of tissues and organs and play pivotal roles in a wide range of physiological processes. In the ovary, gap junctions consist mainly of connexin (Cx) 43 and Cx37, and their indispensable role in regulating folliculogenesis and oogenesis is well established. The ovarian Cx43 is regulated by gonadotropins at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels whereas the regulation of the ovarian Cx37 is yet unknown. In addition to their involvement in normal ovarian functions, gap junction proteins, particularly Cx43, seem to act as cancer suppressors. A summary of our present knowledge regarding gap junctional communication (GJC) and the ovarian gap junction proteins in normally developing ovaries and under pathological conditions is presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Gershon
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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