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Han Y, Qu X, Chen X, Lv Y, Zhang Y, Jin Y. Effects of follicular fluid exosomes on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2757-2765. [PMID: 36036234 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2114084] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are related to effective communication between cells. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of porcine follicular fluid exosomes (FF-Exo) on cumulus expansion, oocyte mitochondrial membrane potential, and maturation in in vitro culture. We used different concentrations of FF-Exo (Exo-0, Exo-1, Exo-10, Exo-20, and Exo-40) and added them to an oocyte maturation medium. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blot (WB) showed that the isolated samples were exosomes. Immunofluorescence showed that exosomes could be taken up by cumulus cells. Compared with the Exo-0 group, there was no significant difference in oocyte maturation rate in the Exo-1 group (p > 0.05), while the Exo-10 group (p < 0.05), Exo-20 group (p < 0.01) and Exo-40 group (p < 0.01) significantly increased. The maturation rate of the Exo-20 and Exo-40 groups was the highest, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, different concentrations of treatment could not effectively induce cumulus expansion and the results of JC1 showed that it had no significant effect on mitochondrial membrane potential (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest that porcine FF-Exo are involved in oocyte nuclear maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Han
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xinglin Qu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yanqiu Lv
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yuyang Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yi Jin
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, China
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Bicici E, Satilmis F, Bodu M, Demirel MA, Karakas Alkan K, Alkan H. Effect of putrescine supplementation to in vitro maturation medium on embryo development and quality in cattle. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:3887-3896. [PMID: 37466367 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2236660] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of putrescine supplementation to maturation medium during in vitro embryo production in cattle on maturation and embryo development/quality. Oocytes obtained from the ovaries of Holstein cattle were used in the study. Obtained cumulus-oocyte complexes were evaluated according to morphological structure, cytoplasmic features, and cumulus cell number, and only Category-I ones were used in the study. Before the in vitro maturation step, oocytes were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group (Putrescine group, n = 159), 0.5 mM putrescine was added to the maturation medium before in vitro maturation. No addition was applied to the maturation medium of the second group (Control group, n = 149). Cumulus expansion degrees of oocytes following maturation (Grade I: poor, Grade II: partial, and Grade III: complete) were determined. In addition, the meiosis of oocytes after maturation was evaluated by differential staining. Then the oocytes were left for fertilization with sperm and finally, possible zygotes were transferred to the culture medium. After determining the developmental stages and quality of the embryos after in vitro culture, only the embryos at the blastocyst stage were stained with the differential staining method to determine the cell numbers. When the cumulus expansion degrees of the groups were evaluated, the Grade III cumulus expansion rate in the putrescine group was higher than the control group (74.21% and 60.4%; respectively) and the Grade I expansion rate (11.95% and 26.17%; respectively) was found lower (p < .05). When the resumption of meiosis was evaluated according to the cumulus expansion degrees, it was determined that the rate of resumption of meiosis increased as the cumulus expansion increased. In addition, the cleavage rates of oocytes and reaching the blastocyst in the putrescine group were found to be higher than in the control group (p < .05). Moreover, inner cell mass, trophectoderm cells, and total cell counts were found to be higher in blastocysts obtained after the putrescine supplementation to the maturation medium compared to the control group (p < .05). As a result, it was determined that the putrescine supplementation to the maturation medium during in vitro embryo production in cattle increased the degree of cumulus expansion and the rate of resumption of meiosis. In addition, putrescine supplementation was thought to increase the rate of reaching the blastocyst of oocytes due to better cell development in embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Bicici
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Satilmis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Bodu
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | | | | | - Hasan Alkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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Babayev E, Suebthawinkul C, Gokyer D, Parkes WS, Rivas F, Pavone ME, Hall AR, Pritchard MT, Duncan FE. Cumulus expansion is impaired with advanced reproductive age due to loss of matrix integrity and reduced hyaluronan. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e14004. [PMID: 37850336 PMCID: PMC10652338 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14004] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive aging is associated with ovulatory defects. Age-related ovarian fibrosis partially contributes to this phenotype as short-term treatment with anti-fibrotic compounds improves ovulation in reproductively old mice. However, age-dependent changes that are intrinsic to the follicle may also be relevant. In this study, we used a mouse model to demonstrate that reproductive aging is associated with impaired cumulus expansion which is accompanied by altered morphokinetic behavior of cumulus cells as assessed by time-lapse microscopy. The extracellular matrix integrity of expanded cumulus-oocyte complexes is compromised with advanced age as evidenced by increased penetration of fluorescent nanoparticles in a particle exclusion assay and larger open spaces on scanning electron microscopy. Reduced hyaluronan (HA) levels, decreased expression of genes encoding HA-associated proteins (e.g., Ptx3 and Tnfaip6), and increased expression of inflammatory genes and matrix metalloproteinases underlie this loss of matrix integrity. Importantly, HA levels are decreased with age in follicular fluid of women, indicative of conserved reproductive aging mechanisms. These findings provide novel mechanistic insights into how defects in cumulus expansion contribute to age-related infertility and may serve as a target to extend reproductive longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Chanakarn Suebthawinkul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Dilan Gokyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Wendena S. Parkes
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Therapeutics, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental SciencesUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Felipe Rivas
- Virginia Tech‐Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and SciencesWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Adam R. Hall
- Virginia Tech‐Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and SciencesWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Michele T. Pritchard
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Therapeutics, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental SciencesUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Dipali SS, Suebthawinkul C, Burdette JE, Pavone ME, Duncan FE. Human follicular fluid elicits select dose- and age-dependent effects on mouse oocytes and cumulus-oocyte complexes in a heterologous in vitro maturation assay. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad039. [PMID: 37950499 PMCID: PMC10674105 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad039] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular fluid (FF) is a primary microenvironment of the oocyte within an antral follicle. Although several studies have defined the composition of human FF in normal physiology and determined how it is altered in disease states, the direct impacts of human FF on the oocyte are not well understood. The difficulty of obtaining suitable numbers of human oocytes for research makes addressing such a question challenging. Therefore, we used a heterologous model in which we cultured mouse oocytes in human FF. To determine whether FF has dose-dependent effects on gamete quality, we performed in vitro maturation of denuded oocytes from reproductively young mice (6-12 weeks) in 10%, 50%, or 100% FF from participants of mid-reproductive age (32-36 years). FF impacted meiotic competence in a dose-dependent manner, with concentrations >10% inhibiting meiotic progression and resulting in spindle and chromosome alignment defects. We previously demonstrated that human FF acquires a fibro-inflammatory cytokine signature with age. Thus, to determine whether exposure to an aging FF microenvironment contributes to the age-dependent decrease in gamete quality, we matured denuded oocytes and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in FF from reproductively young (28-30 years) and old (40-42 years) participants. FF decreased meiotic progression of COCs, but not oocytes, from reproductively young and old (9-12 months) mice in an age-dependent manner. Moreover, FF had modest age-dependent impacts on mitochondrial aggregation in denuded oocytes and cumulus layer expansion dynamics in COCs, which may influence fertilization or early embryo development. Overall, these findings demonstrate that acute human FF exposure can impact select markers of mouse oocyte quality in both dose- and age-dependent manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta S Dipali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chanakarn Suebthawinkul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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5
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Hao X, Yuan F, Cui Y, Zhang M. Oocyte-secreted factor TGFB2 enables mouse cumulus cell expansion in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:554-562. [PMID: 36128893 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23646] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cumulus expansion is necessary for the release of a fertilizable oocyte from the ovary, which is critical for the normal fertilization of mammals. Cumulus expansion requires cooperation between epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factors and oocyte paracrine factors. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are well-known paracrine factors secreted by oocytes. In addition, transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFB2) was primarily expressed in oocytes and its membrane receptors type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) and type 2 receptor (TGFBR2) were located in cumulus cells. In our present study, TGFB2 induced expansion of oocytectomized (OOX) complexes and increased the expression of expansion-related genes in the presence of EGF, suggesting that TGFB2 enables cumulus expansion. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling with SD208 blocked TGFB2-promoted cumulus expansion. Furthermore, in the culture of OOX complexes from mice of Tgfbr2-specific depletion in granulosa cells, TGFB2-promoted cumulus expansion and the expression of expansion-related genes were impaired. These results suggest that TGFB2 could induce cumulus expansion through TGFBR-SMAD2/3 signaling. Tgfb2-specific depletion in oocytes using Zp3-Cre mice had no effect on cumulus expansion in vivo, possibly due to the compensatory effect of other cumulus expansion-enabling factors. Taken together, TGFB2 is involved in expansion-related gene expression and consequent cumulus expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiong Hao
- Department of Physiology, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China.,Division of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feifei Yuan
- Division of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanying Cui
- Division of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meijia Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Suebthawinkul C, Babayev E, Zhou LT, Lee HC, Duncan FE. Quantitative morphokinetic parameters identify novel dynamics of oocyte meiotic maturation and cumulus expansion. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1097-1112. [PMID: 35810327 PMCID: PMC9562117 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac139] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic maturation and cumulus expansion are essential for the generation of a developmentally competent gamete, and both processes can be recapitulated in vitro. We used a closed time-lapse incubator (EmbryoScope+™) to establish morphokinetic parameters of meiotic progression and cumulus expansion in mice and correlated these outcomes with egg ploidy. The average time to germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), time to first polar body extrusion (PBE), and duration of meiosis I were 0.91 ± 0.01, 8.82 ± 0.06, and 7.93 ± 0.06 h, respectively. The overall rate of cumulus layer expansion was 0.091 ± 0.002 μm/min, and the velocity of expansion peaked during the first 8 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) and then slowed. IVM of oocytes exposed to Nocodazole, a microtubule disrupting agent, and cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) to 4-methylumbelliferone, a hyaluronan synthesis inhibitor, resulted in a dose-dependent perturbation of morphokinetics, thereby validating the system. The incidence of euploidy following IVM was >90% for both denuded oocytes and intact COCs. No differences were observed between euploid and aneuploid eggs with respect to time to GVBD (0.90 ± 0.22 vs. 0.97 ± 0.19 h), time to PBE (8.89 ± 0.98 vs. 9.10 ± 1.42 h), duration of meiosis I (8.01 ± 0.91 vs. 8.13 ± 1.38 h), and overall rate and kinetics of cumulus expansion (0.089 ± 0.02 vs 0.088 ± 0.03 μm/min) (P > 0.05). These morphokinetic parameters provide novel quantitative and non-invasive metrics for the evaluation of meiotic maturation and cumulus expansion and will enable screening compounds that modulate these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakarn Suebthawinkul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
| | - Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Luhan Tracy Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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Kanke T, Fujii W, Naito K, Sugiura K. Effect of fibroblast growth factor signaling on cumulus expansion in mice in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:281-289. [PMID: 35678749 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23616] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The expansion of cumulus cells associated with oocytes is an essential phenomenon in normal mammalian ovulation. Indeed, attenuated expression of cumulus expansion-related genes, including Has2, Ptgs2, Ptx3, and Tnfaip6, results in ovulation failure, leading to female subfertility or infertility. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that proteins of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, produced within ovarian follicles, regulate the development and function of cumulus cells; however, the effects of FGF signaling on cumulus expansion have not been investigated extensively. Herein, we investigate the effects of FGF signaling, particularly those of FGF8 secreted by oocytes, on epidermal growth factor-induced cumulus expansion in mice. The phosphorylation level of MAPK3/1, an intracellular mediator of FGF signaling, was significantly decreased in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) following treatment with NVP-BGJ398, an FGF receptor inhibitor. Moreover, even though NVP-BGJ398 treatment did not affect cumulus cell expansion, it significantly upregulated the expression of Ptgs2 and Ptx3. In contrast, treatment with recombinant FGF8 did not affect the degree of cumulus expansion or the expression of expansion-related genes in COCs or oocytectomized cumulus cell complexes. Collectively, these results suggest that FGFs, other than FGF8, exert suppressive effects on the cumulus expansion process in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Kanke
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Naito
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Sugiura
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Han X, Zhang M, Yuan HJ, Wang GL, Zhao XY, Li ZB, Gong S, Tan JH. Expression profiling and function analysis identified new microRNAs regulating cumulus expansion and apoptosis in cumulus cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 28:6468626. [PMID: 34919712 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although miRNAs expressed in cumulus cells (CCs) may be used to select competent oocytes/embryos, only a limited number of such miRNAs has been reported. To identify more miRNAs that regulate cumulus expansion (CE) and CC apoptosis, we first established that mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) cultured in expansion-supporting medium supported full CE while undergoing mild apoptosis, whereas mouse oocytectomized COCs (OOXs) cultured in apoptosis-triggering medium underwent severe apoptosis while supporting no CE. RNA- and miRNA-sequencing and bioinformatics using CCs from these cultured COCs/OOXs identified candidate apoptosis- and/or CE-regulating miRNAs. Transfection of COCs/OOXs with miRNA mimic or inhibitor validated that miR-212-5p and 149-5p promoted CE by facilitating Has2 expression; miR-31-5p and 27a-3p promoted CE by increasing both Has2 and Ptx3 expression; and miR-351-5p and 503-5p inhibited CE by suppressing Ptx3 expression. Furthermore, miR-212-5p, 149-5p and Nov798 inhibited CC apoptosis, involving both Bcl2/Bax and Fas signaling. Analysis using in vivo matured COCs further verified the above apoptosis- and/or CE-regulating miRNAs, except for miR-149-5p. In conclusion, this study identified and validated new CE- and apoptosis-regulating miRNAs in CCs, which could be used as biomarkers to select competent oocytes/embryos and for elucidating how the oocyte-derived factors regulate CE and CC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Jie Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Bin Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Jing-He Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
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Yin Z, Sun JT, Cui HD, Jiang CQ, Zhang YT, Lee S, Liu ZH, Jin JX. Tannin Supplementation Improves Oocyte Cytoplasmic Maturation and Subsequent Embryo Development in Pigs. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1594. [PMID: 34679729 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10101594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effects of tannins (TA) on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), different concentrations of TA (0, 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL) were supplemented with a maturation medium and the COCs and subsequent embryonic development were examined. The results showed that 10 µg/mL TA significantly improved the cumulus expansion index (CEI), cumulus-expansion-related genes (PTGS1, PTGS2, PTX-3, TNFAIP6 and HAS2) expression and blastocyst formation rates after parthenogenetic activation (PA), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) compared to the control groups, but not oocyte nuclear maturation. Nevertheless, 10 µg/mL TA dramatically enhanced the mRNA expression of oocyte-development-related genes (BMP15, GDF9, CDC2 and CYCLIN B1), GSH, ATP, SOD1, PGC1α, BMP15, GDF9 and CDC2 levels and reduced intracellular ROS level in porcine oocytes. These results indicated that porcine oocyte cytoplasmic maturation was improved by 10 µg/mL TA treatment during IVM. In contrast, a high concentration of TA (100 μg/mL) significantly decreased the CEI and PTGS1, PTGS2, PTX-3 and HAS2 mRNA expressions in cumulus cells, and reduced oocyte nuclear maturation and the total cell numbers/blastocyst. In general, these data showed that 10 μg/mL TA supplementation has beneficial effects on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent embryonic development in pigs.
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10
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Liu H, Zhou D, Liu C, Zhuan Q, Luo Y, Mo X, Fu X, Hou Y. The Calcium-Sensing Receptor Is Involved in Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Induced Cumulus Expansion in in vitro Cultured Porcine Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:625036. [PMID: 34095106 PMCID: PMC8173154 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.625036] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CASR) is a G protein-coupled receptor of the C family that reportedly promotes maturation of porcine oocytes. However, its role in cumulus expansion of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) is not well known. This study was conducted to determine the role of CASR and potential mechanisms involved during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine COCs. After culture of COCs in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-supplement maturation medium for 24 h, the time of breakdown of the germinal vesicle (GVBD), indicative of initiation of meiotic maturation, resulted in an increased (p < 0.05) CASR mRNA expression level in cumulus cells. Moreover, IVM of COCs in 10 μM of the CASR agonist NPS R-568 promoted (p < 0.05) cumulus expansion but only in FSH-containing medium. Conversely, 20 μM of the CASR inhibitor NPS2390 precluded cumulus expansion. We next tested the effect of the CASR agonist/inhibitor on the expression of cumulus expansion-related genes. The CASR agonist significantly upregulated the expression of hyaluronan acid synthase 2 (HAS2), whereas the CASR inhibitor downregulated the expression of all HAS2, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and tumor necrosis factor a-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6). Altogether, these results suggest that CASR activity is involved in FSH-stimulated porcine cumulus expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huage Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingrui Zhuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianhong Mo
- College of Life Sciences, Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Zhang H, Lu S, Xu R, Tang Y, Liu J, Li C, Wei J, Yao R, Zhao X, Wei Q, Ma B. Mechanisms of Estradiol-induced EGF-like Factor Expression and Oocyte Maturation via G Protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5929646. [PMID: 33068422 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen is an important modulator of reproductive activity through nuclear receptors and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Here, we observed that both estradiol and the GPER-specific agonist G1 rapidly induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production in cumulus cells, leading to transient stimulation of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), which was conducive to the transcription of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factors, amphiregulin, epiregulin, and betacellulin. Inhibition of GPER by G15 significantly reduced estradiol-induced CREB phosphorylation and EGF-like factor gene expression. Consistently, the silencing of GPER expression in cultured cumulus cells abrogated the estradiol-induced CREB phosphorylation and EGF-like factor transcription. In addition, the increase in EGF-like factor expression in the cumulus cells is associated with EGF receptor (EFGR) tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GPER-mediated phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK1/2 was involved in reduced gap junction communication, cumulus expansion, increased oocyte mitochondrial activity and first polar body extrusion. Overall, our study identified a novel function for estrogen in regulating EGFR activation via GPER in cumulus cells during oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sihai Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaju Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Juncai Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoe Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohua Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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12
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Liu J, Yao R, Lu S, Xu R, Zhang H, Wei J, Zhao C, Tang Y, Li C, Liu H, Zhao X, Wei Q, Ma B. Synergistic effect between LH and estrogen in the acceleration of cumulus expansion via GPR30 and EGFR pathways. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:20801-20816. [PMID: 33113510 PMCID: PMC7655205 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104029] [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: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The estrogen membrane receptor GPR30 (also known as G-protein coupled receptor 30) has recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion. However, whether GPR30 expression is regulated by gonadotropin stimulation and how it participates in the regulation of the maturation process is still not clear. In this study, we explored the mechanism underlying the synergy between luteinizing hormone and 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) to improve the epidermal growth factor (EGF) response in cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) during oocyte maturation in mice. The expression and distribution of GPR30, EGFR, and EGF-like growth factors were examined by real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. Lyso-Tracker Red labeling was performed to detect the lysosomal activity in follicle granular cells (FGCs). Cumulus expansion of COCs was evaluated after in vitro maturation for 16 h. We found that EGF-like growth factors transmit LH signals to increase GRP30 levels by inhibiting protein degradation in lysosomes. Meanwhile, 17β-E2 stimulates the GPR30 signaling pathway to increase EGF receptor levels, enhancing the response ability of EGF signaling in COCs and thus promoting cumulus expansion. In conclusion, our study reveals the synergistic mechanism between LH and estrogen in the regulation of cumulus expansion during oocyte maturation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ru Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sihai Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juncai Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunrui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaju Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haokun Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoe Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baohua Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100 Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
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Ramirez G, Palomino J, Aspee K, De los Reyes M. GDF-9 and BMP-15 mRNA Levels in Canine Cumulus Cells Related to Cumulus Expansion and the Maturation Process. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030462. [PMID: 32164341 PMCID: PMC7143337 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The knowledge of physiological events associated with canine reproduction involving oocyte developmental potential is essential to increase the success of reproductive biotechnologies in this species. In mammals, the oocytes are closely surrounded by a group of cells known as the cumulus cells. Although it is not well-known how these cells interact with the oocyte to promote maturation, they may provide important answers concerning oocyte development. The competence to undergo expansion is a unique characteristic of cumulus cells which is critical for normal oocyte maturation, however, the complete expansion of these cells takes longer in canines, which has been associated with the lengthy maturation process of the oocyte. Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF-9) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 (BMP-15) are described as relevant players in the oocyte–cumulus cells’ regulatory mechanisms. Cumulus cells express many important genes from a very early stage, therefore, we proposed to study the gene expression of GDF-9 and BMP-15 in canine cumulus cells in relation to cumulus expansion and the maturation process. We demonstrate, for the first time, that these genes are differentially expressed in canine cumulus cells throughout the estrous cycle and that this expression is related to cumulus expansion and maturity status, suggesting specific regulation. Abstract The competence to undergo expansion is a characteristic of cumulus cells (CCs). The aim was to investigate the expression of GDF-9 and BMP-15 mRNA in canine cumulus cells in relation to cumulus expansion and meiotic development over the estrous cycle. CCs were recovered from nonmatured and in vitro-matured (IVM) dog cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs), which were obtained from antral follicles at different phases of the estrous cycle. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) was used to evaluate the relative abundance of GDF-9 and BMP-15 transcripts from the CCs with or without signs of expansion. The results were evaluated by ANOVA and logistic regression. The maturity of the oocyte and the expansion process affected the mRNA levels in CCs. There were differences (p < 0.05) in GDF-9 and BMP-15 gene expression in CCs isolated from nonmatured COCs when comparing the reproductive phases. Lower mRNA levels (p < 0.05) were observed in anestrus and proestrus in comparison to those in estrus and diestrus. In contrast, when comparing GDF-9 mRNA levels in IVM COCs, no differences were found among the phases of the estrous cycle in expanded and nonexpanded CCs (p < 0.05). However, the highest (p < 0.05) BMP-15 gene expression in CCs that did not undergo expansion was exhibited in anestrus and the lowest (p < 0.05) expression was observed in estrus in expanded CCs. Although the stage of the estrous cycle did not affect the second metaphase (MII )rates, the expanded CCs obtained at estrus coexisted with higher percentages of MII (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the differential expression patterns of GDF-9 and BMP-15 mRNA transcripts might be related to cumulus expansion and maturation processes, suggesting specific regulation and temporal changes in their expression.
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Lee S, Jin JX, Taweechaipaisankul A, Kim GA, Lee BC. Stimulatory Effects of Melatonin on Porcine In Vitro Maturation Are Mediated by MT2 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061581. [PMID: 29861447 PMCID: PMC6032293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a multifunctional molecule with numerous biological activities. The fact that melatonin modulates the functions of porcine granulosa cells via the MT2 receptor suggests the possibility of MT2 receptor-mediation for melatonin to promote cumulus expansion of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). Therefore, we investigated the presence of MT2 in porcine COCs, and the effects of melatonin with or without selective MT2 antagonists (luzindole and 4-P-PDOT) on this process; COCs underwent in vitro maturation culturing with six different conditions (control, melatonin, luzindole, 4-P-PDOT, melatonin + luzindole or melatonin + 4-P-PDOT). Cumulus expansion, oocyte nuclear maturation, and subsequent embryo development after parthenogenetic activation (PA) were evaluated. In experiment 1, MT2 was expressed in both oocytes and cumulus cells. In experiment 2, melatonin significantly increased the proportion of complete cumulus expansion (degree 4), which was inhibited by simultaneous addition of either luzindole or 4-P-PDOT. A similar pattern was observed in the expression of genes related to cumulus expansion, apoptosis, and MT2. In experiment 3, no significant difference was observed in immature, degenerate, and MII oocyte rates among the groups. In experiment 4, melatonin significantly increased blastocyst formation rates and total blastocyst cell numbers after PA, but these effects were abolished when either luzindole or 4-P-PDOT was added concomitantly. In conclusion, our results indicate that the MT2 receptor mediated the stimulatory effects of melatonin on porcine cumulus expansion and subsequent embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghoon Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Jun-Xue Jin
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Anukul Taweechaipaisankul
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Geon-A Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Byeong-Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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Lee S, Jin JX, Taweechaipaisankul A, Kim GA, Ahn C, Lee BC. Sonic hedgehog signaling mediates resveratrol to improve maturation of pig oocytes in vitro and subsequent preimplantation embryo development. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:5023-5033. [PMID: 29215733 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of resveratrol on in vitro maturation (IVM) have been explained mainly by indirect antioxidant effects and limited information is available on the underlying mechanism by which resveratrol acts directly on porcine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Recently, several studies reported that sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling mediates resveratrol to exert its biological activities. Furthermore, SHH is an important signaling molecule for follicle development, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. Therefore, to elucidate the relationship between resveratrol and SHH signaling, we designed three groups: (i) control; (ii) resveratrol; and (iii) resveratrol with cyclopamine (SHH signaling inhibitor). We evaluated the effects of these agents on cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, embryo development after parthenogenetic activation, expression levels of mRNAs in cumulus cells, oocytes and blastocysts, and protein expression in COCs. Resveratrol significantly increased the proportion of COCs exhibiting complete cumulus expansion (degree 4), oocyte nuclear maturation, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates and total cell numbers, which were blocked in the presence of cyclopamine. At the same time, a significant increase in the expression levels of mRNAs related to cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation and SHH signaling-related mRNAs and proteins from the resveratrol treatment group was also inhibited by simultaneous addition of cyclopamine. In conclusion, our results indicate that SHH signaling mediates resveratrol to improve porcine cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, and subsequent embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghoon Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun-Xue Jin
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Anukul Taweechaipaisankul
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Geon A Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Curie Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been established as important regulators of gene expression in the mammalian ovary. A previous screen of small RNA in the porcine ovary identified the downregulation of miR-574 during oocyte maturation, although its role during this process was not established. Here, we found that miR-574 directly targets the transcript for hyaluronan synthase 2 protein (HAS2), a key enzyme in the production of extracellular matrix by the surrounding cumulus cells. Inhibiting this miRNA during in vitro maturation (IVM) increased HAS2 levels along with several markers of oocyte quality. Furthermore, inhibiting miR-574 increased oocyte meiotic progression. We then stably overexpressed miR-574 using a lentiviral vector to transduce cumulus cells during IVM. This gain-of-function approach resulted in a 50% decrease in HAS2 expression and nearly 20% reduction in oocyte progression through meiosis. To confirm the specific targeting of HAS2 by miR-574, we constructed several luciferase vectors harboring the HAS2 3'-untranslated region. Cotransfection of the reporter and miR-574 attenuated luciferase activity. After mutating the putative miR-574 binding site, however, this effect was abolished and luciferase activity remained high. Our results show that the direct targeting of HAS2 by miR-574 negatively impacts oocyte quality during IVM and that inhibiting miR-574 derepresses HAS2 expression and subsequently improves oocyte maturation. Taken together, we help to elucidate a mechanism of posttranscriptional regulation by miRNA in the mammalian ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University , Guangdong , China.,Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada
| | - Derek Toms
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta , Canada
| | - Julang Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University , Guangdong , China.,Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada
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Lee S, Jin JX, Taweechaipaisankul A, Kim GA, Ahn C, Lee BC. Melatonin influences the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in porcine cumulus oocyte complexes. J Pineal Res 2017; 63. [PMID: 28512846 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, which is synthesized in the pineal gland and peripheral reproductive organs, has antioxidant properties and regulates physiological processes. It is well known that melatonin affects in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes and embryonic development in many species. However, beneficial effects of melatonin on IVM have been explained mainly by indirect antioxidant effects and little information is available on the underlying mechanism by which melatonin directly acts on porcine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is important for follicle development, oocyte maturation, and embryo development, and there may be a relationship between melatonin and Shh signaling. To examine this, we designed three groups: (i) control, (ii) melatonin (10-9 mol/L), and (iii) melatonin with cyclopamine (2 μmol/L; Shh signaling inhibitor). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of these agents on cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, embryo development after parthenogenetic activation (PA), gene expression in cumulus cells, oocytes and blastocysts, and protein expression in COCs. Melatonin significantly increased the proportion of COCs exhibiting complete cumulus expansion (degree 4), PA blastocyst formation rates, and total cell numbers, which were inhibited by addition of cyclopamine. Simultaneously, the expression of cumulus expansion-related genes (Ptgs1, Ptgs2, and Has2) and Shh signaling-related genes (Shh, Pthc1, Smo, and Gli1) and proteins (Ptch1, Smo, and Gli1) in cumulus cells was upregulated in the melatonin-treated group, and these effects were also inhibited by cyclopamine. In conclusion, our results suggest that Shh signaling mediates effects of melatonin to improve porcine cumulus expansion and subsequent embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghoon Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun-Xue Jin
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Anukul Taweechaipaisankul
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Geon A Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Curie Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Appeltant R, Beek J, Maes D, Bijttebier J, Van Steendam K, Nauwynck H, Van Soom A. Hampered cumulus expansion of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes by excessive presence of alpha 2 -macroglobulin is likely mediated via inhibition of zinc-dependent metalloproteases. Anim Sci J 2017; 88:1279-1290. [PMID: 28124491 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) in serum causes hampered expansion of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) due to excessive alpha2 -macroglobulin (A2M). This study investigated two hypotheses that could explain the effect of A2M: (i) binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to A2M, followed by its decreased availability; and (ii) inhibition of zinc-dependent metalloproteases. Cumulus expansion was evaluated based on the diameter of the COCs, the proportion of COCs participating in a floating cloud and the proportion of COCs with loss of cumulus cells. The first hypothesis of decreased EGF availability was tested by increasing the EGF concentration (20 and 50 ng/mL vs. 10 ng/mL), but was not confirmed because cumulus expansion did not improve. To verify the second hypothesis of inhibited zinc-dependent metalloproteases, the effect of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-3 (TIMP-3) on cumulus expansion during IVM with and without A2M was investigated. To immuno-neutralize A2M, serum was pre-incubated with A2M antibodies. Impaired cumulus expansion because of TIMP-3 could only be observed during IVM in 10% of serum with A2M antibodies. No effect of TIMP-3 was observed in medium without A2M antibodies. These results indicate that A2M and TIMP-3 share a common target, a zinc-dependent metalloprotease. Future research is directed toward the identification of the protease involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Appeltant
- Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Josine Beek
- MSD Animal Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominiek Maes
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jo Bijttebier
- Social Science Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katleen Van Steendam
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Nauwynck
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Boruszewska D, Sinderewicz E, Kowalczyk-Zieba I, Grycmacher K, Woclawek-Potocka I. The effect of lysophosphatidic acid during in vitro maturation of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes: cumulus expansion, glucose metabolism and expression of genes involved in the ovulatory cascade, oocyte and blastocyst competence. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:44. [PMID: 25981539 PMCID: PMC4438640 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the cow, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) acts as an auto-/paracrine factor, through its receptors LPAR1-4, on oocytes and cumulus cells during in vitro maturation (IVM). The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of LPA during IVM of bovine oocytes on: 1) oocyte maturation; 2) apoptosis of COCs; 3) expression of genes involved in developmental competence and apoptosis in bovine oocytes and subsequent blastocysts; 4) cumulus expansion and expression of genes involved in the ovulatory cascade in cumulus cells; 5) glucose metabolism and expression of genes involved in glucose utilization in cumulus cells; 6) cleavage and blastocyst rates on Day 2 and Day 7 of in vitro culture, respectively. METHODS Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in the presence or absence of LPA (10(-5) M) for 24 h. Following maturation, we determined: oocyte maturation stage, cumulus expansion, COCs apoptosis and glucose and lactate levels in the maturation medium. Moreover, COCs were either used for gene expression analysis or fertilized in vitro. The embryos were cultured until Day 7 to assess cleavage and blastocyst rates. Oocytes, cumulus cells and blastocysts were used for gene expression analysis. RESULTS Supplementation of the maturation medium with LPA enhanced oocyte maturation rates and stimulated the expression of developmental competence-related factors (OCT4, SOX2, IGF2R) in oocytes and subsequent blastocysts. Moreover, LPA reduced the occurrence of apoptosis in COCs and promoted an antiapoptotic balance in the transcription of genes involved in apoptosis (BAX and BCL2) either in oocytes or blastocysts. LPA increased glucose uptake by COCs via augmentation of GLUT1 expression in cumulus cells as well as stimulating lactate production via the enhancement of PFKP expression in cumulus cells. LPA did not affect cumulus expansion as visually assessed, however, it stimulated upstream genes of cumulus expansion cascade, AREG and EREG. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation of the maturation medium with LPA improves oocyte maturation rates, decreases extent of apoptosis in COCs and sustains the expression of developmental competence related factors during oocyte maturation and subsequently affects gene expression profile at the blastocyst stage. We also demonstrate that LPA directs glucose metabolism toward the glycolytic pathway during IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Boruszewska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Emilia Sinderewicz
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Ilona Kowalczyk-Zieba
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Grycmacher
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Izabela Woclawek-Potocka
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
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20
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Abstract
Ovulation resembles the inflammatory response. The purpose of the present study was to examine the expression and role of type I interferons (IFNs) Ifnalpha and Ifnbeta in mouse ovaries during the process of ovulation. An in vivo injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (CG)-human CG (hCG) stimulated Ifnalpha and Ifnbeta mRNA in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) within 6 h. Type I IFN receptor (Ifnar1 and Ifnar2) genes were also expressed in preovulatory follicles without a change by hCG. Immunofluorescent study revealed the expression of protein signals of Ifnalpha, Ifnbeta, and Ifnar1 in cumulus cells. Treatment of COCs with Ifnalpha or Ifnbeta in vitro induced cumulus expansion that was comparable to that mediated by epiregulin. In cultured COCs, the levels of Ifnalpha and Ifnbeta mRNA increased by epiregulin and follicle-stimulating hormone, but not by prostaglandin E2. Ifnalpha and Ifnbeta activated multiple signaling events (signal transducer and activator of transcription-1/3, Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2) and stimulated the expression of genes known to impact COC expansion (Has2, Ptx3, Tnfaip6, and Ptgs2). Interestingly, treatment of COCs with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 ligands (lipopolysaccharides, Pam3Cys, and hyaluronan fragments) increased Ifnalpha and Ifnbeta mRNA, while coculture with anti-TLR2/4 neutralizing antibody abolished these effects. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the type I IFN system is operating in mouse cumulus cells and plays a role in the induction of cumulus expansion during the ovulatory process in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Jee Jang
- School of Biological Sciences & Technology, Faculty of Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Il Park
- Animal Facility of Aging Science, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jin Moon
- Animal Facility of Aging Science, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Phuong T M Dam
- School of Biological Sciences & Technology, Faculty of Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Kyoung Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Young Chun
- School of Biological Sciences & Technology, Faculty of Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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21
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Sugiura K, Su YQ, Eppig JJ. Targeted suppression of Has2 mRNA in mouse cumulus cell-oocyte complexes by adenovirus-mediated short-hairpin RNA expression. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:537-47. [PMID: 18951380 PMCID: PMC2669700 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective tool for studying gene function in oocytes, but no studies have targeted somatic cells of primary cultured cumulus cell-oocyte complexes (COCs). This is probably due to difficulty in introducing RNAi-inducing molecules, such as a short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) gene, into COCs by commonly used transfection reagents. We therefore tested whether a developmental process of intact COCs could be suppressed by adenovirus-mediated shRNA expression. Has2, encoding hyaluronan synthase 2, was selected as the target transcript, because the process of cumulus expansion depends upon expression of Has2 mRNA and this process is easily evaluated in vitro. Intact COCs were infected with replication-incompetent adenoviruses containing an expression sequence of shRNA targeting either Has2 (Has2 shRNA) or a control transcript not expressed in cumulus cells, and the effects on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated cumulus expansion were determined. Has2 shRNA expression suppressed Has2 mRNA levels in COCs by more than 70%, without affecting expression levels of Ptgs2, Ptx3, Tnfaip6 mRNAs, which are also required for cumulus expansion, or other transcripts not related to expansion. Interestingly, levels of Areg and Ereg mRNAs were decreased in COCs expressing Has2 shRNA when compared with those in controls, while Btc mRNA levels remained unaffected. Furthermore, the degree of cumulus expansion by Has2 shRNA-expressing COCs was significantly less than that of controls. Thus adenovirus-mediated introduction of shRNA produces specific gene silencing and a phenotype in intact COCs, providing proof of principle that this method will be a helpful tool for understanding mechanisms of COC development.
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to test whether human cord serum (HCS) containing gonadotropins has an effect on the expansion of oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs). METHODS The concentration of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured in HCS by radioimmunoassay (RIA). After short-term culture (4 hr) with or without OCCs, medium containing 0.4% bovine serum albumin (BSA) as control or 10% HCS was collected and analyzed for its concentration of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. RESULTS The FSH concentration was at the basal level, but the LH level was as high as 142.4 mIU/ml in both natured and denatured serum. Undetectable levels of steroids were observed in control media with or without OCCs. In contrast, a moderate amount of steroid hormones was detected in culture medium containing HCS. OCCs secreted a minute amount of steroid hormones in response to HCS. Similar patterns of cumulus expansion were observable by treatment with HCS, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), or HCS plus hCG after 4, 8, or 22 hr of culture. However, no cumulus expansion was observed in controls. CONCLUSION These results suggest that LH in HCS induces cumulus expansion but does not affect the secretion of steroid hormones by OCCs during culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y I Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chonnam University Medical School, Kwangju, Korea
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