1
|
Sood TJ, Lagah SV, Sharma A, Singla SK, Mukesh M, Chauhan MS, Manik R, Palta P. Selection of Suitable Internal Control Genes for Accurate Normalization of Real-Time Quantitative PCR Data of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Blastocysts Produced by SCNT and IVF. Cell Reprogram 2017; 19:302-310. [PMID: 28880574 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2017.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the suitability of 10 candidate internal control genes (ICGs), belonging to different functional classes, namely ACTB, EEF1A1, GAPDH, HPRT1, HMBS, RPS15, RPS18, RPS23, SDHA, and UBC for normalizing the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) data of blastocyst-stage buffalo embryos produced by hand-made cloning and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Total RNA was isolated from three pools, each of cloned and IVF blastocysts (n = 50/pool) for cDNA synthesis. Two different statistical algorithms geNorm and NormFinder were used for evaluating the stability of these genes. Based on gene stability measure (M value) and pairwise variation (V value), calculated by geNorm analysis, the most stable ICGs were RPS15, HPRT1, and ACTB for cloned blastocysts, HMBS, UBC, and HPRT1 for IVF blastocysts and RPS15, GAPDH, and HPRT1 for both the embryo types analyzed together. RPS18 was the least stable gene for both cloned and IVF blastocysts. Following NormFinder analysis, the order of stability was RPS15 = HPRT1>GAPDH for cloned blastocysts, HMBS = UBC>RPS23 for IVF blastocysts, and HPRT1>GAPDH>RPS15 for cloned and IVF blastocysts together. These results suggest that despite overlapping of the three most stable ICGs between cloned and IVF blastocysts, the panel of ICGs selected for normalization of qPCR data of cloned and IVF blastocyst-stage embryos should be different.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanushri Jerath Sood
- 1 Animal Biotechnology Center, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal, India
| | - Swati Viviyan Lagah
- 1 Animal Biotechnology Center, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal, India
| | - Ankita Sharma
- 2 ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources , Karnal, India
| | - Suresh Kumar Singla
- 1 Animal Biotechnology Center, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal, India
| | - Manishi Mukesh
- 2 ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources , Karnal, India
| | | | - Radheysham Manik
- 1 Animal Biotechnology Center, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal, India
| | - Prabhat Palta
- 1 Animal Biotechnology Center, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Discovery of a novel oocyte-specific Krüppel-associated box domain-containing zinc finger protein required for early embryogenesis in cattle. Mech Dev 2017; 144:103-112. [PMID: 28263788 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Zinc finger (ZNF) transcription factors interact with DNA through zinc finger motifs and play important roles in a variety of cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, development, apoptosis, and intracellular signal transduction. One-third of ZNF proteins in metazoans contain a highly conserved N-terminal motif known as the Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain, which acts as a potent, DNA-binding dependent transcriptional repression module. Analysis of RNA-Seq data generated from a bovine oocyte cDNA library identified a novel transcript, which encodes a KRAB-containing ZNF transcription factor (named ZNFO). Characterization of ZNFO mRNA expression revealed that it is exclusively expressed in bovine oocytes and early embryos. A GFP reporter assay demonstrated that ZNFO protein localizes specifically to the nucleus, supporting its role in transcriptional regulation. To test the role of ZNFO in early embryonic development, zygotes were generated by in vitro maturation and fertilization of oocytes, and injected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) designed to knockdown ZNFO. Cleavage rates were not affected by ZNFO siRNA injection. However, embryonic development to 8- to 16-cell stage and blastocyst stage was significantly reduced relative to the uninjected and negative control siRNA-injected embryos. Further, interaction of ZNFO with the highly conserved co-factor, KRAB-associated protein-1 (KAP1), was demonstrated, and evidence supporting transcriptional repression by ZNFO was demonstrated using a GAL4-luciferase reporter system. Results of described studies demonstrate that ZNFO is a maternally-derived oocyte-specific nuclear factor required for early embryonic development in cattle, presumably functioning by repressing transcription.
Collapse
|
3
|
Dutta DJ, Raj H, Dev AH. Polyadenylated tail length variation pattern in ultra-rapid vitrified bovine oocytes. Vet World 2016; 9:1070-1074. [PMID: 27847415 PMCID: PMC5104714 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1070-1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Thecurrent study aims at investigating the polyadenylated (poly[A]) tail length of morphologically high and low competent oocytes at different developmental stages. Furthermore, effect of ultra-rapid vitrification on the poly(A) tail length was studied. Materials and Methods: Fresh bovine cumulus oocyte complexes from abattoir originated ovaries were graded based on morphological characters and matured in vitro. Cryopreservation was done by ultra-rapid vitrification method. mRNA was isolated from different categories of oocyte and subjected to ligation-mediated poly(A) test followed by polymerase chain reaction for determining the poly(A) tail length of β actin, gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1), poly(A) polymerase alpha (PAPOLA), and heat shock 70 kDa protein (HSP70) transcripts. Results: GJA1, PAPOLA, and HSP70 showed significantly higher poly(A) in immature oocytes of higher competence irrespective of vitrification effects as compared to mature oocytes of higher competence. Conclusion: mRNA poly(A) tail size increases in developmentally high competent immature bovine oocytes. There was limited effect of ultra-rapid vitrification of bovine oocytes on poly(A).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J Dutta
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati - 781 022, Assam, India
| | - Himangshu Raj
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati - 781 022, Assam, India
| | - And Hiramoni Dev
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati - 781 022, Assam, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Novin MG, Allahveisi A, Noruzinia M, Farhadifar F, Yousefian E, Fard AD, Salimi M. The relationship between transcript expression levels of nuclear encoded (TFAM, NRF1) and mitochondrial encoded (MT-CO1) genes in single human oocytes during oocyte maturation. Balkan J Med Genet 2015; 18:39-46. [PMID: 26929904 PMCID: PMC4768824 DOI: 10.1515/bjmg-2015-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In some cases of infertility in women, human oocytes fail to mature when they reach the metaphase II (MII) stage. Mitochondria plays an important role in oocyte maturation. A large number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), copied in oocytes, is essential for providing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during oocyte maturation. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between transcript expression levels of the mitochondrial encoded gene (MT-CO1) and two nuclear encoded genes, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in various stages of human oocyte maturation. Nine consenting patients, age 21–35 years old, with male factors were selected for ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. mRNA levels of mitochondrial-related genes were performed by singlecell TaqMan® quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). There was no significant relationship between the relative expression levels in germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes (p = 0.62). On the contrary, a significant relationship was seen between the relative expression levels of TFAM and NRF1 and the MT-CO1 genes at the stages of metaphase I (MI) and MII (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002). A relationship exists between the transcript expression levels of TFAM and NRF1, and MT-CO1 genes in various stages of human oocyte maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Allahveisi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - M Noruzinia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Farhadifar
- Deptartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - E Yousefian
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - A Dehghani Fard
- Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Women's Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Salimi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gu Y, Shen X, Zhou D, Wang Z, Zhang N, Shan Z, Jin L, Lei L. Selection and expression profiles of reference genes in mouse preimplantation embryos of different ploidies at various developmental stages. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98956. [PMID: 24927500 PMCID: PMC4057156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has become the most frequently used system for studies of gene expression. Manystudies have provided reliable evidence that the transcription levels of reference genes are not constant at different developmental stages and in different experimental conditions. However, suitable reference genes which are stably expressed in polyploid preimplantation embryos of different developmental stages have not yet been identified. Therefore, it is critical to verify candidate reference genes to analyze gene expression accurately in both diploid and polyploid embryos. We examined the expression levels of 12 candidate reference genes in preimplantation embryos of four different ploidies at six developmental stages. Stability analysis of the reference genes was performed by four independent software programs, and the stability of three genes was evaluated by comparison with the Oct4 expression level during preimplantation development in diploid embryos. The expression levels of most genes in the polyploid embryos were higher than that in the diploid embryos, but the increasing degree were disproportionate with the ploidies. There were no significant difference in reference gene expressions among embryos of different ploidies when they reached the morula stage, and the expression level remained flat until the blastocyst stage. Ubc, Ppia, and Pgk1 were the three most stable reference genes in diploid and polyploid embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Gu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xinghui Shen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhendong Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhiyan Shan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Lianhong Jin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
- * E-mail: (LL); (LJ)
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
- * E-mail: (LL); (LJ)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Paul D, Bridoux L, Rezsöhazy R, Donnay I. HOX genes are expressed in bovine and mouse oocytes and early embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:436-49. [PMID: 21567651 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
HOX proteins are transcription factors that play a major role in patterning the body axis of vertebrates from the gastrulation stage. While nothing has been reported so far about their roles at earlier stages, there is evidence that some HOX genes are expressed before gastrulation. The objective of this work was to study the pattern of expression of several HOX genes during oocyte maturation and early embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage. Using nested PCR, HOXD1, HOXA3, HOXD4, HOXB7, HOXB9, and HOXC9 transcripts were detected in bovine oocytes and early embryos at various frequencies depending on the stage of development. Quantitative PCR was performed on bovine oocytes and early embryos: relative expression of HOXD1, HOXA3, and HOXC9 decreased sharply after the 5-8 cell stage. HOXB9 relative expression increased between the oocyte and the morula stage. All transcripts seemed to be of maternal origin before the maternal to embryonic transition, as demonstrated by blocking transcription with α-amanitin. Reverse transcription was performed with either hexamers or oligo-dT, allowing for the determination that HOXC9 transcripts were slightly deadenylated during oocyte maturation; HOXD1, HOXA3, and HOXB9 transcripts were not, indicating that they could be translated. Hoxd1, Hoxa3, Hoxb9, and Hoxc9 expression was also detected in mouse oocytes and early embryos. A similar pattern of expression was found in the two species. In conclusion, mammalian HOX genes might be implicated in the control of oocyte maturation, the maternal-to-embryonic transition or the first steps of embryo differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Paul
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Embryologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Animale, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Selection of reliable reference genes for gene expression study in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2010; 31:1487-94. [PMID: 21052085 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2010.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To construct a system for selecting reference genes (RGs) and to select the most optimal RGs for gene expression studies in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS The total RNAs from 20 NPC samples were each labeled with Cy5-dUTP. To create a common control, the total RNA from 15 nasopharyngeal phlogistic (NP) tissues was mixed and labeled via reverse transcription with Cy3-dUTP. cDNA microarrays containing 14 112 genes were then performed. A mathematical approach was constructed to screen stably expressed genes from the microarray data. Using this method, three genes (YARS, EIF3S7, and PFDN1) were selected as candidate RGs. Furthermore, 7 commonly used RGs (HPRT1, GAPDH, TBP, ACTB, B2M, G6PDH, and HBB) were selected as additional potential RGs. Real-time PCR was used to detect these 10 candidate genes' expression levels and the geNorm program was used to find the optimal RGs for NPC studies. RESULTS On the basis of the 10 candidate genes' expression stability level, geNorm analysis identified the optimal single RG (YARS or HPRT1) and the most suitable set of RGs (HPRT1, YARS, and EIF3S7) for NPC gene expression studies. In addition, this analysis determined that B2M, G6PDH, and HBB were not appropriate for use as RGs. Interestingly, ACTB was the least stable RG in our study, even though previous studies had indicated that it was one of the most stable RGs. Three novel candidate genes (YARS, EIF3S7, and PFDN1), which were selected from microarray data, were all identified as suitable RGs for NPC research. A RG-selecting system was then constructed, which combines microarray data analysis, a literature screen, real-time PCR, and bioinformatic analysis. CONCLUSION We construct a RG-selecting system that helps find the optimal RGs. This process, applied to NPC research, determined the single RG (YARS or HPRT1) and the set of RGs (HPRT1, YARS, and EIF3S7) that are the most suitable internal controls.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ross PJ, Wang K, Kocabas A, Cibelli JB. Housekeeping gene transcript abundance in bovine fertilized and cloned embryos. Cell Reprogram 2010; 12:709-17. [PMID: 20973679 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2010.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare housekeeping gene expression levels, relative to total mRNA, across different stages of bovine preimplantation development in embryos generated by IVF and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). We first analyzed the levels of total RNA recovered from different stages of preimplantation development. A similar RNA level was observed from oocytes to 16-cell stage embryos with a significant increase at morula and blastocyst stages. Then we used an absolute mRNA determination method that accounts for the RNA level in the embryo by quantifying copies of transcripts normalized to loaded cDNA amount. The number of housekeeping genes mRNA copies per nanogram of cDNA was compared among samples obtained from different stages of preimplantation IVF-derived embryos. None of the genes analyzed (GAPDH, PPIA, ACTB, RPL15, GUSB, and Histone H2A.2) maintained constant levels throughout preimplantation development, indicating that they are not suitable for normalizing gene expression across developmental stages. We then compared expression of housekeeping genes between IVF and SCNT embryos at different embryonic stages. We found different levels of transcript abundance between IVF and SCNT embryos for GAPDH, RPL15, GUSB, and ACTB. On the other hand, Histone H2A.2 and PPIA were similar between IVF and SCNT embryos at each stage analyzed, although they varied across stages as previously mentioned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Waurich R, Ringleb J, Braun BC, Jewgenow K. Embryonic gene activation in in vitro produced embryos of the domestic cat (Felis catus). Reproduction 2010; 140:531-40. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Accurate embryonic gene activation (EGA) is essential for the embryo's developmental potency and reflects the quality ofin vitroproduced embryos. To describe the dynamic and temporal patterns of EGA in the cat, the mRNA expression of developmentally important genes (DNA methyltransferases 1 and 3A,DNMT1andDNMT3A; gap junction protein α 1,GJA1; transcription factor octamer 4,POU5F1(OCT4); insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 and 2 receptors,IGF1RandIGF2R) was examined by RT-PCR techniques in preimplantation embryos obtained afterin vitromaturation and IVF. Furthermore, influences of ICSI and sperm cryopreservation on the relative mRNA abundance in 4–5-days-old morulae were analyzed. Total RNA was obtained from immature and matured oocytes, 2-cell embryos, 4-cell embryos, and 8–16-cell embryos, morulae, and blastocysts. RNA was transcribed into single-stranded cDNA by reverse transcriptase. After amplification, a nonfelid standard RNA was used for semiquantitative analysis. Our results showed an increase in transcript abundance from the matured oocyte to the 2-cell embryo for all examined genes except forIGF2R, indicating that,in vitro, the embryonic genome is activated shortly after fertilization. However, the activation pattern varied markedly between the different genes. We also found different patterns of mRNA expression for the examined genes in morulae produced either by IVF or ICSI, and using fresh or cryopreserved sperm. Owing to high variations within the single groups of compared morulae, we were able to observe only a tendency toward higher relative mRNA expression in embryos derived by IVF with fresh sperm in comparison to all other groups.
Collapse
|
10
|
Frericks M, Esser C. A toolbox of novel murine house-keeping genes identified by meta-analysis of large scale gene expression profiles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2008; 1779:830-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2008.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2008] [Revised: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
11
|
Wrenzycki C, Herrmann D, Niemann H. Messenger RNA in oocytes and embryos in relation to embryo viability. Theriogenology 2007; 68 Suppl 1:S77-83. [PMID: 17524469 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression techniques have become a powerful tool to analyze the relative abundance of transcripts related to oocyte and/or embryo quality. Numerous efforts to identify candidate genes for the developmental competence of bovine oocytes and embryos have been made employing different strategies. The preimplantation bovine embryo is initially under the control of maternal genomic information that is accumulated during oogenesis. Soon, the genetic program of development becomes dependent upon new transcripts derived from activation of the embryonic genome. The early steps in development including maturation, fertilization, timing of first cleavage, activation of the embryonic genome, compaction, and blastocyst formation can be affected by the culture media and conditions as well as the production procedure itself. These perturbations can possibly result in a dramatic decrease of the quality of the resulting blastocysts, and may even affect the viability of offspring born after transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Wrenzycki
- Institute for Animal Breeding (FAL), Department of Biotechnology, Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cui XS, Kim NH. Maternally derived transcripts: identification and characterisation during oocyte maturation and early cleavage. Reprod Fertil Dev 2007; 19:25-34. [PMID: 17389132 DOI: 10.1071/rd06128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification and characterisation of differentially regulated genes in oocytes and early embryos are required to understand the mechanisms involved in maturation, fertilisation, early cleavage and even long-term development. Several methods, including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based suppression subtractive hybridisation, differential display and cDNA microarray, have been applied to identify maternally derived genes in mammalian oocytes. However, conventional gene-knockout experiments to determine specific gene functions are labour intensive and inefficient. Recent developments include the use of RNA interference techniques to establish specific gene functions in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. Regulation of the poly(A) tail length is a major factor in controlling the activities of maternal transcripts in mammals. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms by which expression levels of maternally derived transcripts are regulated. In the present review, we focus on the identification and functions of the differentially expressed transcripts during oocyte maturation, fertilisation and early cleavage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Shun Cui
- National Research Laboratory of Molecular Embryology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mamo S, Gal AB, Bodo S, Dinnyes A. Quantitative evaluation and selection of reference genes in mouse oocytes and embryos cultured in vivo and in vitro. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2007; 7:14. [PMID: 17341302 PMCID: PMC1832186 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-7-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Real-time PCR is an efficient tool to measure transcripts and provide valuable quantitative information on gene expression of preimplantation stage embryos. Finding valid reference genes for normalization is essential to interpret the real-time PCR results accurately, and understand the biological dynamics during early development. The use of reference genes also known as housekeeping genes is the most widely applied approach. However, the different genes are not systematically compared, and as a result there is no uniformity between studies in selecting the reference gene. The goals of this study were to compare a wide selection of the most commonly used housekeeping genes in mouse oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos produced under different culture conditions, and select the best stable genes for normalization of gene expression data. Results Quantitative real time PCR method was used to evaluate 12 commonly used housekeeping genes (Actb, Gapdh, H2afz, Hprt, Ppia, Ubc, Eef1e1, Tubb4, Hist2h2aa1, Tbp, Bmp7, Polr2a) in multiple individual embryos representing six different developmental stages. The results were analysed, and stable genes were selected using the geNorm software. The expression pattern was almost similar despite differences in the culture system; however, the transcript levels were affected by culture conditions. The genes have showed various stabilities, and have been ranked accordingly. Conclusion Compared to earlier studies with similar objectives, we used a unique approach in analysing larger number of genes, comparing embryo samples derived in vivo or in vitro, analysing the expression in the early and late maternal to zygote transition periods separately, and using multiple individual embryos. Based on detailed quantification, pattern analyses and using the geNorm application, we found Ppia, H2afz and Hprt1 genes to be the most stable across the different stages and culture conditions, while Actb, the classical housekeeping gene, showed the least stability. We recommend the use of the geometric averages of those three genes for normalization in mouse preimplantation-stage gene expression studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Mamo
- Genetic Reprogramming Group, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Szent Gyorgyi Albert ut 4, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Arpad Baji Gal
- Genetic Reprogramming Group, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Szent Gyorgyi Albert ut 4, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Szilard Bodo
- Genetic Reprogramming Group, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Szent Gyorgyi Albert ut 4, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Andras Dinnyes
- Genetic Reprogramming Group, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Szent Gyorgyi Albert ut 4, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
- Research Group for Applied Animal Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Szent Istvan University, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lingenfelter BM, Dailey RA, Inskeep EK, Vernon MW, Poole DH, Rhinehart JD, Yao J. Changes of maternal transcripts in oocytes from persistent follicles in cattle. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 74:265-72. [PMID: 16998844 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A high incidence of early embryonic loss is associated with prolonged dominance of follicles. The objective of the present experiment was to determine if persistence of a follicle resulted in alterations in mRNA expression of important genes in the oocyte. Cows were assigned to four groups: growing follicles on day 6 (G0h) or day 8 (G48h) and persistent follicles on day 13 (P0h) or day 15 (P48h) of the estrous cycle (estrus = day 0). All cows were super-stimulated on day 1-4. Cows in G48h, P0h, and P48h groups received 25 mg prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha on day 6. Cows in P0h and P48h groups received progesterone from CIDR-B devices on day 5 through 13. Ovaries of cows in G0h, G48h, P0h, and P48h groups were removed on day 6, 8, 13, and 15, respectively. Oocytes were aspirated immediately after colpotomy and denuded of cumulus cells. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA abundances of 10 selected genes important for early embryogenesis in oocytes obtained from growing and persistent follicles. Relative abundances of MSY2, PARN, and YY1 mRNA (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in oocytes from persistent than from growing follicles. Oocytes from persistent follicles, however, had greater abundances of PAP and eIF-4E transcripts (P < 0.05). The data indicate that persistence of a follicle leads to altered abundances of mRNA for genes important for regulation of transcription and protein translation in the oocyte, which could compromise development of early embryos in cows that ovulate a persistent follicle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Lingenfelter
- Division of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6108, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Massicotte L, Coenen K, Mourot M, Sirard MA. Maternal housekeeping proteins translated during bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Proteomics 2006; 6:3811-20. [PMID: 16739132 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200500803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Protein synthesis from maternal mRNA is needed to sustain oocyte maturation and embryo development prior to the maternal-embryonic transition (MET). Therefore, proteins that are expressed throughout this time are important and may be considered as maternal housekeeping proteins (MHKP). Our objectives were first, identify the translated protein patterns of bovine embryo development and secondly, determine the MHKP. Proteins synthesized during oocyte maturation and embryo development (2, 4 and 8-cell stages) were labeled using [S(35)]-Met and [S(35)]-Cys, and visualized by 2-DE. Embryos were cultured with alpha-amanitine to inhibit new transcription. Only 46 proteins were present throughout all stages. Ten spots were identified by MALDI-TOF and MS/MS: HSC71; HSP70; CypA; UCH-L1; GSTM5; Cct5; E-FABP; 2,3-BPGM, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2D3; and beta-actin/gamma-actin. A new method called in silico protein identification confirmation was developed using EST databases. This method is a promising approach for use in rare tissue or from species with an incomplete protein database. This study has revealed that the translated protein patterns show a transition that brings the embryo to the MET. The needs in translated proteins between oocyte maturation and embryo development are different. In summary, this study represents the bases for future proteomics studies on bovine oocytes and embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyne Massicotte
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Goossens K, Van Poucke M, Van Soom A, Vandesompele J, Van Zeveren A, Peelman LJ. Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in bovine preimplantation embryos. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2005; 5:27. [PMID: 16324220 PMCID: PMC1315359 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-5-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2005] [Accepted: 12/03/2005] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Real-time quantitative PCR is a sensitive and very efficient technique to examine gene transcription patterns in preimplantation embryos, in order to gain information about embryo development and to optimize assisted reproductive technologies. Critical to the succesful application of real-time PCR is careful assay design, reaction optimization and validation to maximize sensitivity and accuracy. In most of the studies published GAPD, ACTB or 18S rRNA have been used as a single reference gene without prior verification of their expression stability. Normalization of the data using unstable controls can result in erroneous conclusions, especially when only one reference gene is used. Results In this study the transcription levels of 8 commonly used reference genes (ACTB, GAPD, Histone H2A, TBP, HPRT1, SDHA, YWHAZ and 18S rRNA) were determined at different preimplantation stages (2-cell, 8-cell, blastocyst and hatched blastocyst) in order to select the most stable genes to normalize quantitative data within different preimplantation embryo stages. Conclusion Using the geNorm application YWHAZ, GAPD and SDHA were found to be the most stable genes across the examined embryonic stages, while the commonly used ACTB was shown to be highly regulated. We recommend the use of the geometric mean of those 3 reference genes as an accurate normalization factor, which allows small expression differences to be reliably measured.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Goossens
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mario Van Poucke
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Medical Research Building, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alex Van Zeveren
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc J Peelman
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
May-Panloup P, Vignon X, Chrétien MF, Heyman Y, Tamassia M, Malthièry Y, Reynier P. Increase of mitochondrial DNA content and transcripts in early bovine embryogenesis associated with upregulation of mtTFA and NRF1 transcription factors. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2005; 3:65. [PMID: 16285882 PMCID: PMC1298334 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-3-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2005] [Accepted: 11/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent work has shown that mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial functions are critical determinants of embryonic development. However, the expression of the factors controlling mitochondrial biogenesis in early embryogenesis has received little attention so far. METHODS We used real-time quantitative PCR to quantify mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in bovine oocytes and in various stages of in vitro produced embryos. To investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the replication and the transcriptional activation of mtDNA, we quantified the mRNA corresponding to the mtDNA-encoded cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX1), and two nuclear-encoded factors, i.e. the Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 (NRF1), and the nuclear-encoded Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A (mtTFA). RESULTS Unlike findings reported in mouse embryos, the mtDNA content was not constant during early bovine embryogenesis. We found a sharp, 60% decrease in mtDNA content between the 2-cell and the 4/8-cell stages. COX1 mRNA was constant until the morula stage after which it increased dramatically. mtTFA mRNA was undetectable in oocytes and remained so until the 8/16-cell stage; it began to appear only at the morula stage, suggesting de novo synthesis. In contrast, NRF1 mRNA was detectable in oocytes and the quantity remained constant until the morula stage. CONCLUSION Our results revealed a reduction of mtDNA content in early bovine embryos suggesting an active process of mitochondrial DNA degradation. In addition, de novo mtTFA expression associated with mitochondrial biogenesis activation and high levels of NRF1 mRNA from the oocyte stage onwards argue for the essential function of these factors during the first steps of bovine embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascale May-Panloup
- Biologie de la Reproduction, Labo FIV, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 4 rue Larrey, F-49033 Angers, France
- Inserm, U694, F-49033 Angers, France
| | - Xavier Vignon
- INRA, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, UMR 1198 INRA/ENVA, F-78352 Jouy en Josas cedex, France
| | - Marie-Françoise Chrétien
- Biologie de la Reproduction, Labo FIV, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 4 rue Larrey, F-49033 Angers, France
| | - Yvan Heyman
- INRA, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, UMR 1198 INRA/ENVA, F-78352 Jouy en Josas cedex, France
| | - Manoel Tamassia
- University of Illinois, Dept of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, 1008 West Hazelwood Dr. Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Yves Malthièry
- Inserm, U694, F-49033 Angers, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, 4 rue Larrey, F-49033 Angers, France
| | - Pascal Reynier
- Inserm, U694, F-49033 Angers, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, 4 rue Larrey, F-49033 Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jeong YJ, Choi HW, Shin HS, Cui XS, Kim NH, Gerton GL, Jun JH. Optimization of real time RT-PCR methods for the analysis of gene expression in mouse eggs and preimplantation embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 71:284-9. [PMID: 15806558 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to optimize conditions for using real time RT-PCR as an efficient and precise quantitative method for estimating the transcript levels of genes expressed in samples containing miniscule amounts of RNA, such as single mammalian oocytes and embryos. First, using mouse eggs and blastocysts, we tested three kinds of RNA isolation or collection methods: TRIZOL reagent, oligo-dT conjugated beads, or three freeze/thaw cycles with the reverse transcription buffer. There were no significant differences among three groups in mRNA quantity as assayed by real time RT-PCR analysis. Second, we compared the efficacy of real time analysis between TaqMan fluorescent probes and the SYBR-green dye system. The two systems presented similar real time RT-PCR profiles for the 16s ribosomal protein gene from oocytes to blastocysts. Third, RNA from mouse embryos at defined stages of preimplantation development were isolated and the levels of transcripts encoded by several housekeeping genes (GAPDH, beta-actin, ribosomal protein L7, 16s ribosomal protein, histone H2A.Z) were quantitatively analyzed by real time RT-PCR. The histone H2A.Z and 16s ribosomal protein slightly increased from the egg to blastocyst stages by approximately 10- and 30-fold, respectively. However, other transcripts increased more than 300-fold as a function of developmental stage from eggs to blastocysts. Our results suggest that the simple freezing/thawing method for RNA collection, the economic SYBR-green dye system, and histone H2A.Z gene as an internal control should be useful for the real time RT-PCR analysis of single mouse eggs and preimplantation embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jeong Jeong
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Infertility, Samsung Cheil Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
El-Halawany N, Ponsuksili S, Wimmers K, Gilles M, Tesfaye D, Schellander K. Quantitative expression analysis of blastocyst-derived gene transcripts in preimplantation developmental stages of in vitro-produced bovine embryos using real-time polymerase chain reaction technology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2004; 16:753-62. [PMID: 15740698 DOI: 10.1071/rd04041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2004] [Accepted: 10/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of the present study was to analyse the quantitative expression pattern of genes from a subtracted blastocyst transcriptome throughout the preimplantation developmental stages of in vitro-produced bovine oocytes and embryos. For this purpose, Day 5 morula (M) cDNAs were subtracted from Day 7 blastocyst (B) cDNAs (B–M) and used to establish a B–M subtracted cDNA library, as reported previously. From the total generated clones, 19 were analysed quantitatively. The mRNA samples isolated from pools of immature oocytes (n = 150), mature oocytes (n = 150) and two-cell (n = 80), four-cell (n = 40), eight-cell (n = 20), morula (n = 6) and blastocyst (n = 3) embryos were reverse transcribed and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sequence-specific primers and SYBR green as the DNA dye. A relative standard curve method was used to analyse the real-time data taking the morula stage as a calibrator. Applying suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH), a total of 71 clones, which represent 33 different expressed sequence tags, were generated and available for analysis. Most transcripts were analysed for the first time in bovine embryogenesis. The real-time PCR has validated the results of SSH positively for 84% (16/19) of transcripts, whereas 16% (3/19) showed deviation in the expression pattern from the one seen during SSH. Several transcript-specific expression patterns were observed for genes that play decisive roles in bovine embryogenesis. In addition to identification, accurately quantifying the expression profiles of transcripts during development will pave the way towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of embryogenesis and their potential role in early embryo development. Most importantly, the present study has contributed to the enrichment of bovine embryo gene collection by generating new transcripts involved in bovine embryo development.
Collapse
|
20
|
Brevini TAL, Lonergan P, Cillo F, Francisci C, Favetta LA, Fair T, Gandolfi F. Evolution of mRNA polyadenylation between oocyte maturation and first embryonic cleavage in cattle and its relation with developmental competence. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 63:510-7. [PMID: 12412054 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In this study we analyzed the pattern of polyadenylation changes that takes place between the resumption of meiosis and the first cleavage of bovine oocytes. Moreover, we investigated whether the delayed occurrence of the first cleavage division, which characterizes embryos of low developmental competence, is accompanied by an altered polyadenylation pattern of individual transcripts. We determined the polyadenylation status of a group of genes that characterize physiological processes, involved in early differentiation (Oct-4), compaction, and cavitation (beta-actin, plakophilin, connexin-32, connexin-43), energy metabolism (glucose transporter type 1, pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase), RNA processing (RNA poly(A) polymerase), and stress (heat shock protein 70). RNA was isolated from pools of 20 oocytes or embryos at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, at the end of in vitro maturation, at the end of in vitro fertilization, and at the time of the first cleavage. Cleavage was assessed 27, 30, 36, 42 hr post insemination (hpi), and at the latter time the remaining uncleaved oocytes were retained as a group. Between oocyte isolation and first cleavage at 27 hpi (best quality embryos), the poly(A) tail of individual transcripts followed four patterns: no changes (beta-actin, PDP); gradual reduction (Cx-43, Oct-4, Plako); gradual elongation (Cx-32, TPA); reduction followed by elongation (PAP, HSP-70, Glut-1). If the interval between insemination and first cleavage was longer than 27 hpi (progressively lower quality embryos) further changes of polyadenylation were observed, which differed for each gene considered. These data indicated that specific changes in polyadenylation contribute to the modulation of gene expression in bovine embryos at this stage of development. Defective developmental competence is accompanied by abnormal polyadenylation levels of specific maternal mRNAs with synchrony between polyadenylation and cleavage emerging as an apparently important factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T A L Brevini
- Department of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, University of Milan, via Celoria, 10-20133 Milano, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Robert C, McGraw S, Massicotte L, Pravetoni M, Gandolfi F, Sirard MA. Quantification of housekeeping transcript levels during the development of bovine preimplantation embryos. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:1465-72. [PMID: 12390877 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.006320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the study of gene expression in the preimplantation embryo has been difficult because the standard procedures used to quantify mRNA generally require large amounts of starting material. The development of protocols using different quantitative strategies generally involving the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has provided new tools for exploration of gene expression in preimplantation embryos. However, the use of an internal standard, often referred as a housekeeping gene, is essential to normalize the mRNA levels. RNA levels of eight housekeeping genes were quantified using real time PCR throughout the preimplantation period of the bovine embryo to find the most suitable gene to be used as standard. Histone H2a was the best internal standard because the transcript levels were constant across the preimplantation period. Linear amplification of antisense RNA using the T7 promotor for in vitro transcription of the entire RNA pool was evaluated as a suitable way to preamplify the starting material prior to quantification and was effective in providing accurate RNA abundance profiles throughout the preimplantation period. However, the amplification appears to be template dependent because the amplification factors were higher for some genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claude Robert
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Laval University, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chiappe ME, Lattanzi ML, Colman-Lerner AA, Barañao JL, Saragüeta P. Expression of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in early bovine embryo development. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 61:135-41. [PMID: 11803547 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the presence of 3 beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/Delta(5-->4)-isomerase enzyme (3 beta-HSD) activity, a key enzyme of the steroid metabolic pathway, the mRNA of this enzyme, and the steroid metabolism in in vitro produced bovine embryos. 3 beta-HSD activity was detected in in vitro matured oocytes (74.4 +/- 1.4%), 1-cell (72.9 +/- 6.1%), 2-cell (61.8 +/- 7.4%), 8-cell (50 +/- 5%), morulae (50.8 +/- 2.6%), blastocysts (94.4 +/- 3%), and hatched blastocysts (100 +/- 0%) meanwhile the 4-cell stage showed a significant reduction (16.7 +/- 4.7%). When total embryonic RNA of different stages was subjected to RT-PCR assays, the mRNA of 3 beta-HSD was found to be present in all developmental stages of in vitro produced bovine embryos, from the oocyte to the blastocyst, with a marked decrease at the 4-cell stage. To determine whether the temporal pattern of enzyme activity was dependent on the maternal to zygotic transition, embryos were incubated in the presence of a transcription inhibitor, alpha-amanitin. The reappearance of the enzyme activity after the 4-cell stage was blocked in alpha-amanitin treated embryos, indicating the requirement of embryonic transcription. On the other hand, the embryonic steroid metabolism was tested by incubating blastocyst with tritiated pregnenolone. Analysis of the metabolites by TLC indicated the production of a compound with a mobility identical to progesterone. These results described the expression of the 3 beta-HSD and the activity of this metabolic enzyme in bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos, suggesting that steroids may act as autocrine effectors on preimplantation embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M E Chiappe
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lequarré AS, Feugang JM, Malhomme O, Donnay I, Massip A, Dessy F, Van Langendonckt A. Expression of Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutases during bovine embryo development: influence of in vitro culture. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 58:45-53. [PMID: 11144220 DOI: 10.1002/1098-2795(200101)58:1<45::aid-mrd7>3.0.co;2-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Temporal pattern of expression of Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutases (SODs) was investigated in bovine oocytes and embryos produced in vitro in two different culture conditions and in vivo after superovulation. SODs were examined at a transcriptional level in single oocytes and embryos by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and, at a protein level, by Western blotting on pools of embryos. mRNA encoding Cu/Zn SOD were detected in in vitro bovine embryos throughout preattachment development as well as in in vivo derived morulae and blastocysts. Transcripts for Mn SOD gene were detected in most immature and in vitro matured oocytes as well as in some zygotes and 5- to 8-cell embryos while no transcript was found at the 9-to 16-cell stage in both culture conditions. In vitro embryonic expression of Mn SOD was detected earlier in the presence of serum. Half of the morulae showed the transcript if cultured with 5% serum while none without serum. At the blastocyst stage Mn SOD could be detected independently of culture conditions. For in vivo-derived embryos Mn SOD transcripts were detected both in morulae and blastocysts. Immunoblotting analyses revealed that Cu/Zn SOD and Mn SOD were also present at a protein level in in vitro-derived zygotes and blastocysts. Together these data demonstrate, for the first time, that Mn SOD is transcribed and that Cu/Zn and Mn SOD proteins are expressed in preimplantation bovine embryos. Finally, they suggest that Mn SOD transcription is altered by in vitro culture conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Lequarré
- Unité des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Robert C, Barnes FL, Hue I, Sirard MA. Subtractive hybridization used to identify mRNA associated with the maturation of bovine oocytes. Mol Reprod Dev 2000; 57:167-75. [PMID: 10984417 DOI: 10.1002/1098-2795(200010)57:2<167::aid-mrd8>3.0.co;2-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this project is to identify mRNA associated with oocyte maturation and embryonic developmental competency. The knowledge of genes and their accumulated mRNA is essential to better understand the mechanisms involved in the oocyte maturation and the survival of the in vitro produced embryo. We used bovine slaughterhouse-recovered ovaries and collected the oocytes from two follicle size categories: <2 mm and 3-5 mm. The mRNA content of oocytes from follicles 3-5 mm where considered to be more competent when compared to the content of oocytes from follicles <2 mm. In this report we compare two different technical approaches both involving PCR to compare the mRNA pools of the oocytes. In the first approach we performed the differential display (DDRT) technique to amplify and display side by side the cDNAs of groups of 10 denuded oocytes. From this approach, we isolated 28 different bands. After analysis, three of those bands had strong homology with known genes. In the second approach pools of 50 denuded oocytes were submitted to suppressive subtraction hybridization (SSH). We identified several known genes like cyclin B1, splicing factor ccl.4, cytochrome c oxidase, and mineralocorticoid receptor while numerous other clones remain unidentified. The cyclin B1 clone was used as a probe to evaluate its follicular size specificity on virtual Northern blot. The PCR basis of these techniques allows comparison of mRNA from tissues of low abundance such as oocytes. In this study the SSH resulted in longer clones than DDRT and showed high specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Robert
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Department of Animal Sciences, Laval University, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Natale DR, Kidder GM, Westhusin ME, Watson AJ. Assessment by differential display-RT-PCR of mRNA transcript transitions and alpha-amanitin sensitivity during bovine preattachment development. Mol Reprod Dev 2000; 55:152-63. [PMID: 10618654 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(200002)55:2<152::aid-mrd4>3.0.co;2-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to compare patterns of mRNA expression, investigate the onset of transcription, and isolate stage-specific and alpha-amanitin-sensitive mRNAs during early bovine development by differential-display-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (DD-RT-PCR). Embryos representing a preattachment developmental series from the 1-cell to the expanded/hatched blastocyst stage were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid medium + citrate and amino acids (cSOFMaa) with and without alpha-amanitin (100 microg/mL) for 4 and 12 hr. mRNA profiles were displayed by DD-RT-PCR using 5' primers A and N. Total conserved cDNA banding patterns varied according to embryo stage with cDNA band numbers declining during early cleavage stages compared to oocyte values and then increasing in total number from the 6-8-cell stage through to the blastocyst stage. A cDNA banding pattern was established at the 8-16-cell stage that was largely unchanged through to the blastocyst stage. These findings with respect to cDNA banding patterns were conserved between oligo primer sets and experimental replicates. alpha-Amanitin sensitivity was first detected at the 2-5-cell stage but became predominant following the 6-8-cell stage of development to eventually affect the appearance of up to 40% of all cDNA bands by the blastocyst stage. A 12 hr alpha-amanitin treatment was required to effectively block (3)H-uridine incorporation into mRNA in blastocyst stage embryos. Several stage-specific and alpha-amanitin-sensitive cDNAs were isolated and they will be a focus for future studies. In conclusion, DD-RT-PCR is an effective tool for contrasting gene expression patterns and isolating uncharacterized mRNA transcripts during bovine early development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 55:152-163, 2000.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D R Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Niemann H, Wrenzycki C. Alterations of expression of developmentally important genes in preimplantation bovine embryos by in vitro culture conditions: implications for subsequent development. Theriogenology 2000; 53:21-34. [PMID: 10735059 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00237-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular technology and in vitro production of bovine embryos have enabled studies of gene transcription in preimplantation embryos. On the basis of knowledge of the sequence of the selected gene, various modifications of Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technology have been employed. Several lines of evidence in mouse and cattle indicate that expression patterns of genes from in vitro-produced embryos are not necessarily representative of those of in vivo embryos. An important gene that has been found to be expressed by in vivo-derived bovine blastocysts, but not in their in vitro-produced counterparts, is the Connexin43 gene that is crucial for maintenance of compaction. The bovine leukemia inhibitory factor (bLIF) and LIF-receptor-beta (LR-beta) genes were expressed by in vitro-produced embryos, but not in their in vivo counterparts. The heat shock protein gene 70.1 (Hsp 70.1) was upregulated by blastocysts produced in vitro compared to in vivo embryos, while the glucose transporter-1 mRNA (Glut-1) was downregulated by morulae produced in vitro as compared to in vivo-derived morulae. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of a set of "marker genes" were shown to be affected by the presence or absence of serum in the culture medium. Most embryos grown under serum-free conditions had higher mRNA abundances than those cultured in serum-enriched medium. It is hypothesized that persistent alterations of the normal gene expression patterns may be responsible for the large offspring syndrome that is observed in approximately one third of the calves resulting from the transfer of in vitro-produced embryos. A primary candidate for such deviations may be an altered methylation pattern that can either lead to silencing or induction of a specific gene. Messenger RNA phenotyping of genes essential in early development provides a useful tool to assess the normality of the produced embryos and a tool to optimize in vitro culture conditions for bovine embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Niemann
- Department of Biotechnology, Institut für Tierzucht und Tierverhalten (FAL), Neustadt, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wrenzycki C, Herrmann D, Carnwath JW, Niemann H. Alterations in the relative abundance of gene transcripts in preimplantation bovine embryos cultured in medium supplemented with either serum or PVA. Mol Reprod Dev 1999; 53:8-18. [PMID: 10230812 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199905)53:1<8::aid-mrd2>3.0.co;2-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In preimplantation bovine embryos, the relative abundance of various developmentally important gene transcripts was determined by a semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay to analyze the effects of two medium supplements, serum or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Development to morula, blastocyst, and hatched blastocyst stages was higher (P < or = 0.05) in medium supplemented with serum than in medium supplemented with PVA. Connexin43 mRNA expression virtually disappeared from the 8-16 cell stage onward, but reappeared in the hatched blastocyst in serum-supplemented medium, whereas it was detected in PVA-derived embryos throughout development. No differences were found for plakophilin mRNA between both culture groups. Desmocollin II mRNA showed a sharp increase at the blastocyst stage in both groups with a higher transcription level in PVA-generated embryos. A significant difference in desmocollin III transcripts was detectable at the 8-16-cell stage between serum- and PVA-derived embryos. Transcripts for desmoglein 1 and desmocollin I were not detected at any preimplantation stage, irrespective of medium supplementation. The relative abundance of glucose-transporter-1 mRNA was significantly increased at the 8-16-cell stage in embryos produced in medium supplemented with PVA, but not serum. Heat shock protein and poly(A)polymerase mRNA were continuously expressed during preimplantation development in both culture groups. Although poly(A)polymerase mRNA was significantly elevated in PVA- over serum-derived embryos, heat shock protein mRNA expression was significantly enhanced in serum-generated embryos over PVA-derived embryos. Interferon tau mRNA showed a significant increase at the hatched blastocyst stage only in PVA-supplemented medium. These data suggest that alterations in mRNA expression are associated with culture environment. Timing and magnitude of the alterations varied among the different transcripts and were significantly affected by the presence of exogenous protein in a stage-specific manner, predominantly at critical developmental time points.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Wrenzycki
- Department of Biotechnology, Institut für Tierzucht und Tierverhalten (FAL), Mariensee, Neustadt, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Brevini-Gandolfi TA, Favetta LA, Mauri L, Luciano AM, Cillo F, Gandolfi F. Changes in poly(A) tail length of maternal transcripts during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes and their relation with developmental competence. Mol Reprod Dev 1999; 52:427-33. [PMID: 10092123 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199904)52:4<427::aid-mrd12>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Molecules of mRNA are stored in the oocyte cytoplasm in order to be used during the initial phases of embryonic development. The storage takes place during oocyte growth and the extent of poly(A) tail at the 3' end of the transcripts has emerged as an important regulatory element for determining their stability. The objective of the present study was to analyse changes in polyadenylation levels of mRNA transcripts, stored in bovine oocytes, during in vitro maturation and their possible relation with developmental competence. Oocyte developmental competence was predicted on the basis of the morphological appearance of their originating ovary as previously established (Gandolfi et al. 1997a. Theriogenology 48:1153-1160) and were divided into groups H (high competence) and L (low competence). The length of the poly(A) tail of the following genes, beta-actin (beta-Act), connexin 43, glucose transporter type 1, heat shock protein 70, oct-4, plakophilin, pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDP), and RNA poly(A) polymerase, was determined at the germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) stage. The results indicated that the poly(A) tail of all genes except for beta-Act and PDP, is shorter after in vitro maturation (IVM) in both groups. Moreover, group L oocytes showed a shorter poly(A) tail than group H oocytes in all genes except for beta-Act and PDP, both at GV and MII stage. We conclude that most of the examined transcripts follow the default deadenylation pattern described during oocyte maturation in other species and that a shorter poly(A) tail is correlated with low developmental competence.
Collapse
|
29
|
De Sousa PA, Watson AJ, Schultz GA, Bilodeau-Goeseels S. Oogenetic and zygotic gene expression directing early bovine embryogenesis: a review. Mol Reprod Dev 1998; 51:112-21. [PMID: 9712325 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199809)51:1<112::aid-mrd14>3.0.co;2-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P A De Sousa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|