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Generating human blastoids modeling blastocyst-stage embryos and implantation. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:1584-1620. [PMID: 36792779 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00802-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Human early development sets the stage for embryonic and adult life but remains difficult to investigate. A solution came from the ability of stem cells to organize into structures resembling preimplantation embryos-blastocysts-that we termed blastoids. This embryo model is available in unlimited numbers and could thus support scientific and medical advances. However, its predictive power depends on how faithfully it recapitulates the blastocyst. Here, we describe how we formed human blastoids that (1) efficiently achieve the morphology of the blastocyst and (2) form lineages according to the pace and sequence of blastocyst development, (3) ultimately forming cells that transcriptionally reflect the blastocyst (preimplantation stage). We employ three different commercially available 96- and 24-well microwell plates with results similar to our custom-made ones, and show that blastoids form in clinical in vitro fertilization medium and can be cryopreserved for shipping. Finally, we explain how blastoids replicate the directional process of implantation into endometrial organoids, specifically when these are hormonally stimulated. It takes 4 d for human blastoids to form and 10 d to prepare the endometrial implantation assay, and we have cultured blastoids up to 6 d (time-equivalent of day 13). On the basis of our experience, we anticipate that a person with ~1 year of human pluripotent stem cell culture experience and of organoid culture should be able to perform the protocol. Altogether, blastoids offer an opportunity to establish scientific and biomedical discovery programs for early pregnancy, and an ethical alternative to the use of embryos.
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Protocol for Human Blastoids Modeling Blastocyst Development and Implantation. J Vis Exp 2022. [DOI: 10.3791/63388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Epiblast inducers capture mouse trophectoderm stem cells in vitro and pattern blastoids for implantation in utero. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:1102-1118.e8. [PMID: 35803228 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The embryo instructs the allocation of cell states to spatially regulate functions. In the blastocyst, patterning of trophoblast (TR) cells ensures successful implantation and placental development. Here, we defined an optimal set of molecules secreted by the epiblast (inducers) that captures in vitro stable, highly self-renewing mouse trophectoderm stem cells (TESCs) resembling the blastocyst stage. When exposed to suboptimal inducers, these stem cells fluctuate to form interconvertible subpopulations with reduced self-renewal and facilitated differentiation, resembling peri-implantation cells, known as TR stem cells (TSCs). TESCs have enhanced capacity to form blastoids that implant more efficiently in utero due to inducers maintaining not only local TR proliferation and self-renewal, but also WNT6/7B secretion that stimulates uterine decidualization. Overall, the epiblast maintains sustained growth and decidualization potential of abutting TR cells, while, as known, distancing imposed by the blastocyst cavity differentiates TR cells for uterus adhesion, thus patterning the essential functions of implantation.
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Abstract
One week after fertilization, human embryos implant into the uterus. This event requires the embryo to form a blastocyst consisting of a sphere encircling a cavity lodging the embryo proper. Stem cells can form a blastocyst model that we called a blastoid1. Here we show that naive human pluripotent stem cells cultured in PXGL medium2 and triply inhibited for the Hippo, TGF-β and ERK pathways efficiently (with more than 70% efficiency) form blastoids generating blastocyst-stage analogues of the three founding lineages (more than 97% trophectoderm, epiblast and primitive endoderm) according to the sequence and timing of blastocyst development. Blastoids spontaneously form the first axis, and we observe that the epiblast induces the local maturation of the polar trophectoderm, thereby endowing blastoids with the capacity to directionally attach to hormonally stimulated endometrial cells, as during implantation. Thus, we propose that such a human blastoid is a faithful, scalable and ethical model for investigating human implantation and development3,4.
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Culture strategy as a modulator of target assessments: Functionality of suspension versus hanging drop-derived choriocarcinoma spheroids as in vitro model of embryo implantation. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1192-1206. [PMID: 33900644 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The choriocarcinoma spheroid model has been amply applied to study the underlying molecular mechanism of implantation. Reproducibility and functionality of spheroid tumor models were addressed precisely. To mimic embryo-endometrium crosstalk, no functional characteristics of spheroids have been provided based on culture strategies. In this study, choriocarcinoma spheroids were provided as suspension culture (SC) or hanging drop culture (HDC). Primary assessments were performed based on morphology, cellular density, and hormonal secretion. Spheroid-endometrial cross talk was assessed as coculture procedures. Further, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and expression of genes involved in attachment, invasion, and inducing migration were quantified. We found HDC spheroids provided a homogenous-shaped aggregate with a high grade of viability, cellular integration, hormonal secretion, and the dominant role of WNTs expression in their microarchitecture. SC spheroids showed a higher level of ALP activity and the expression of integrated genes in modulating attachment, invasion, and migration abilities. Spheroid confrontation assays clearly clarified the superiority of SC spheroids to crosstalk with epithelial and stromal cells of endometrium in addition to motivating an ideal endometrial response. Conclusively, culture strategies by affecting various molecular signaling pathways should be chosen precisely according to specific target assessments. Specifically, SC assumed as an ideal model in spheroid-endometrial cross talk.
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Disturbed progesterone signalling in an advanced preclinical model of endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:139-147. [PMID: 34049811 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do human endometriosis organoids recapitulate aberrant progesterone signalling in the disease to serve as advanced experimental models for uncovering epigenetic mechanisms involved in attenuated progesterone response in endometriosis? DESIGN Initially, the organoids were established from acquired biopsies (women with and without endometriosis) and characterized by morphological, histological and immunostaining analyses. RESULTS A panel of endometriosis-related genes showed a pattern of expressions in cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COX2), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and a contradictory expression pattern for cadherin (CDH1), POU class 5 homeobox 1 (POU5F1; also known as OCT4), and Nanog homeobox (NANOG) in the endometriosis organoids that is concordant with published research. These endometriosis organoids failed to upregulate 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (17HSDβ2), progestogen associated endometrial protein (PAEP), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in response to progesterone at the level observed in control endometrium organoids. Progesterone receptor B (PRB) gene expression significantly decreased in both eutopic and ectopic organoids compared with control endometrium organoids. DNA hypermethylation, as an epigenetic mechanism for suppression of transcription, was detected at the PRB promoter in the eutopic, but not ectopic, organoids. Therefore, other epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone modifications and microRNAs, may be responsible for PRB downregulation in ectopic organoids. CONCLUSIONS Endometriosis organoids are powerful preclinical models that can be used to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in endometriosis-associated progesterone resistance.
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Evaluation of the efficiency of TaqMan duplex real-time PCR assay for non-invasive pre-natal assessment of foetal sex in equine. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:287-291. [PMID: 32978850 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of foetal sex in pregnant mare is helpful for many breeders, both for private or commercial purposes. In this study, in order to pre-natal foetal sexing in equine, we used TaqMan duplex real-time PCR to detect the specific regions of SRY and TSPY genes on extracted cell-free foetal DNA from maternal blood. Peripheral blood samples from 50 pregnant Arabian mares with singleton foetuses were collected. Cell-free foetal DNA was extracted from maternal plasma, and duplex real-time PCR assays were performed with TaqMan probes and primers. Amplification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene was used as control of DNA extraction procedure. From the 50 sampled mares, 28 cases had female and 22 mares had male foetuses. The final results for 46 samples were conclusive, and from them, 43 cases were predicted correctly. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the test were 90.48%, 96% and 93.48%, respectively. In conclusion, a TaqMan duplex real-time PCR was set up to pre-natal detection of foetal sex in equine. The method was fast and decreased the false-positive and false-negative results. The technique can be used as a routine procedure in farms by collecting only a blood sample.
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Effects of treatment with hydroxychloroquine on the modulation of Th17/Treg ratio and pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent implantation failure: clinical trial. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2020; 42:632-642. [PMID: 33081532 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2020.1835951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM The imbalance of Th17/Treg cells has been recently suggested as a new risk factors for recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Furthermore Th17/Treg cells are involved in immune regulation in peripheral blood and endometrial tissue of patients with RIF. In this research, we investigated the effects of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on the level and function of Th17 and Treg cells in women with RIF. It may be possible to improve pregnancy outcomes by modulating high cytokine levels. METHODS Women with RIF received oral HCQ (n = 60) on day 4 of the menstrual cycle and continued until day 20 of the menstrual cycle and 2 days before embryo transfer and continued until the day of the pregnancy test, for a total of 16 days in another cycle. The serum levels of IL-17 and IL-10, the expression of transcription factors related to Th17 and Treg cells and the immune-reactivity of IL-17, IL-21 as Th17 related cytokines and IL-10, TGF- β as Treg related cytokines in endometrial tissues were evaluated by ELISA, real-time PCR, and fluorescent immunohistochemistry respectively. Results: Treatment with HCQ down-regulated Th17 related cytokines and function and up-regulated Treg related cytokines and function significantly (p < .001). RORγt, the Th17 transcription factor, expression was down-regulated and FOXP-3, the T-reg transcription factor, expression was up-regulated. The biochemical pregnancy rate was not significantly different in RIF patients before and after treatment. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that the administration of HCQ in RIF women with immune cell disorders during pregnancy could affect the Th17/Treg ratio and enhance Treg and diminish Th17 responses which may be associated with successful pregnancy outcomes. However, significant difference in pregnancy outcomes was not observed in the present study.
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The role of melatonin in polycystic ovary syndrome: A review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2019; 17:865-882. [PMID: 31970309 PMCID: PMC6943797 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v17i12.5789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread endocrine disorder, affecting approximately 20% of women within reproductive age. It is associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity, menstrual irregularity, and anovulatory infertility. Melatonin is the main pineal gland hormone involved in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. In recent years, it has been observed that a reduction in melatonin levels of follicular fluid exists in PCOS patients. Melatonin receptors in the ovary and intra-follicular fluid adjust sex steroid secretion at different phases of ovarian follicular maturation. Moreover, melatonin is a strong antioxidant and an effective free radical scavenger, which protects ovarian follicles during follicular maturation. Objective In this paper, we conducted a literature review and the summary of the current research on the role of melatonin in PCOS. Materials and Methods Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Reaxys were searched from their inception to October 2018 using the keywords “Melatonin” AND “Polycystic ovary syndrome” OR “PCOS.” Results Based on the data included in our review, it was found that the administration of melatonin can improve the oocyte and embryo quality in PCOS patients. It may also have beneficial effects in correcting the hormonal alterations in PCOS patients. Conclusion Since metabolic dysfunction is the major finding contributing to the initiation of PCOS, melatonin can hinder this process via its improving effects on metabolic functions.
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Immunoregulatory role of melatonin in cancer. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:745-757. [PMID: 31270813 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is a ubiquitous indole amine that plays a fundamental role in the regulation of the biological rhythm. Disrupted circadian rhythm alters the expression of clock genes and deregulates oncogenes, which finally promote tumor development and progression. An evidence supporting this notion is the higher risk of developing malignancies among night shift workers. Circadian secretion of the pineal hormone also synchronizes the immune system via a reciprocal association that exists between the immune system and melatonin. Immune cells are capable of melatonin biosynthesis in addition to the expression of its receptors. Melatonin induces big changes in different immune cell proportions, enhances their viability and improves immune cell metabolism in the tumor microenvironment. These effects might be directly mediated by melatonin receptors or indirectly through alterations in hormonal and cytokine release. Moreover, melatonin induces apoptosis in tumor cells via the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, while it protectsthe immune cells. In general, melatonin has a profound impact on immune cell trafficking, cytokine production and apoptosis induction in malignant cells. On such a basis, using melatonin and resynchronization of sleep cycle may have potential implications in immune function enhancement against malignancies, which will be the focus of the present paper.
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Testicular toxicity and reproductive performance of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats: the ameliorating role of silymarin as an antioxidant. TOXIN REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2018.1444641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Astaxanthin prevents the methotrexate-induced reproductive toxicity by targeting oxidative stress in male mice. TOXIN REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2018.1452263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Comparative Expression Analysis of HSP70, HSP90, IL-4, TNF, KITLG and KIT-receptor Gene between Varicocele-Induced and Non-Varicocele Testes of Dog. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2017; 11:148-155. [PMID: 28868836 PMCID: PMC5582142 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2017.5020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background This study was designed to create an experimental varicocele model by a
simple surgical procedure in dog with minimum invasion and to investigate the effect of
varicocele-induced infertility on the expression of six related genes (HSP90, HSP70, IL-4, TNF, KITLG and KIT receptor). Materials and Methods In this experimental study, the proximal part of the pampini-form plexus of dog testes was partially occluded without abdominal incision which was
confirmed by venographic examination. To evaluate varicocele in its acute form, dogs
were castrated after 15 days and testes were dissected. Histopathologic evaluation was
undertaken and the relative expression of the six genes was assessed by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Microscopic changes showed tubule degeneration. The Johnson score was significantly decreased in the varicocele testes when compared with non-varicocele testes.
Expressions of HSP90, TNF, KITLG and the KIT-receptor gene were significantly downregulated (P=0.029, 0.047, 0.004 and 0.035 respectively) in varicocele-induced testes while
HSP70 was upregulated (P=0.018). IL-4 did not show differential expression (P=0.377). Conclusion We conclude that partial occlusion of the proximal part of the pampiniform
plexus induces varicocele in the testis of dog. Differential expression of the mentioned
genes may be responsible for the pathophysiology of varicocele and related subfertility.
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Correlation of Adiponectin mRNA Abundance and Its Receptors with Quantitative Parameters of Sperm Motility in Rams. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2016; 10:127-35. [PMID: 27123210 PMCID: PMC4845523 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2016.4778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Adiponectin and its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), known as adiponectin
system, have some proven roles in the fat and glucose metabolisms. Several studies have
shown that adiponectin can be considered as a candidate in linking metabolism to testicular
function. In this regard, we evaluated the correlation between sperm mRNA abundance of
adiponectin and its receptors, with sperm motility indices in the present study. Materials and Methods In this completely randomized design study, semen samples from 6 adult rams were fractionated on a two layer discontinuous percoll gradient into high and low motile sperm cells, then quantitative parameters of sperm
motility were determined by computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). The mRNA
abundance levels of Adiponectin, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were measured quantitatively using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in
the high and low motile groups. Results Firstly, we showed that adiponectin and its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2)
were transcriptionally expressed in the ram sperm cells. Using Pfaff based method qRT-
PCR, these levels of transcription were significantly higher in the high motile rather than
low motile samples. This increase was 3.5, 3.6 and 2.5 fold change rate for Adiponectin,
AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, respectively. Some of sperm motility indices [curvilinear velocity
(VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), linearity (LIN), wobble (WOB) and straightness (STR)] were also significantly correlated with Adiponectin
and AdipoR1 relative expression. The correlation of AdipoR2 was also significant with
the mentioned parameters, although this correlation was not comparable with adiponectin
and AdipoR1. Conclusion This study revealed the novel association of adiponectin system with sperm
motility. The results of our study suggested that adiponectin is one of the possible factors
which can be evaluated and studied in male infertility disorders.
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Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα, PPARγ and PPARβ/δ) gene expression profile on ram spermatozoa and their relation to the sperm motility. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2016; 7:27-34. [PMID: 27226884 PMCID: PMC4867034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a member of nuclear receptors superfamily, which mainly regulate the expression of target genes involved in lipid and energy metabolism. These receptors are divided to three isotypes: PPARα, PPARγ and PPARβ/δ. Each isotype has a distinct tissue distribution relating to the distinct functions. In this study, the mRNA abundance for PPARα, PPARγ and PPARβ/δ was evaluated and compared with high and low motile ram spermatozoa. Semen samples from 6 adult rams were fractionated on a two layer discontinuous Percoll gradient to high and low motile sperm and quantitative parameters of sperm motility were determined by CASA. Total RNA was extracted and the mRNA abundance for each gene was measured by relative quantification technique with Real time PCR. The levels of three isotypes of PPAR transcripts were significantly higher in high motile semen samples using quantitative RT-PCR. Some of sperm motility indices were also significantly correlated with PPARα and PPARγ relative expression. This study revealed the novel association of PPAR gene isotypes with sperm motility. Data from our study suggested PPARs are one of the possible factors that can be studied in male infertility.
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Detection and phylogenetic characterization of Columbid circoviruses in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran. Avian Pathol 2014; 43:524-8. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2014.966648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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