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Lee S, Yoo I, Cheon Y, Ka H. Conceptus-derived cytokines interleukin-1β and interferon-γ induce the expression of acute phase protein serum amyloid A3 in endometrial epithelia at the time of conceptus implantation in pigs. Anim Biosci 2023; 36:441-450. [PMID: 36397697 PMCID: PMC9996260 DOI: 10.5713/ab.22.0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Serum amyloid A3 (SAA3), an acute phase response protein, plays important roles in opsonization, antimicrobial activity, chemotactic activity, and immunomodulation, but its expression, regulation, and function at the maternal-conceptus interface in pigs are not fully understood. Therefore, we determined the expression of SAA3 in the endometrium throughout the estrous cycle and at the maternal-conceptus interface during pregnancy. METHODS Endometrial tissues from pigs at various stages of the estrous cycle and pregnancy and with conceptuses derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), conceptus tissues during early pregnancy, and chorioallantoic tissues during mid- to late pregnancy were obtained and the expression of SAA3 was analyzed. The effects of the steroid hormones, interleukin-1β (IL1B), and interferon-γ (IFNG) on the expression of SAA3 were determined in endometrial explant cultures. RESULTS SAA3 was expressed in the endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy, with the highest level on day 12 of pregnancy. The expression of SAA3 in the endometrium was significantly higher on day 12 of pregnancy than during the estrous cycle. Early-stage conceptuses and chorioallantoic tissues during mid to late pregnancy also expressed SAA3. The expression of SAA3 was primarily localized to luminal epithelial cells in the endometrium. In endometrial explant cultures, the expression of SAA3 was induced by increasing doses of IL1B and IFNG. Furthermore, the expression of SAA3 decreased significantly in the endometria of pigs carrying conceptuses derived from SCNT on day 12 of pregnancy. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the expression of SAA3 in the endometrium during the implantation period increases in response to conceptus-derived IL1B and IFNG. The failure of those appropriate interactions between the implanting conceptus and the endometrium leads to dysregulation of endometrial SAA3 expression, which could result in pregnancy failure. In addition, SAA3 could be a specific endometrial epithelial marker for conceptus implantation in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyung Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Korea
| | - Inkyun Yoo
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Korea
| | - Yugyeong Cheon
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Korea
| | - Hakhyun Ka
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Korea
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2
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Chen PR, Uh K, Redel BK, Reese ED, Prather RS, Lee K. Production of Pigs From Porcine Embryos Generated in vitro. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.826324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating porcine embryos in vitro is a critical process for creating genetically modified pigs as agricultural and biomedical models; however, these embryo technologies have been scarcely applied by the swine industry. Currently, the primary issue with in vitro-produced porcine embryos is low pregnancy rate after transfer and small litter size, which may be exasperated by micromanipulation procedures. Thus, in this review, we discuss improvements that have been made to the in vitro porcine embryo production system to increase the number of live piglets per pregnancy as well as abnormalities in the embryos and piglets that may arise from in vitro culture and manipulation techniques. Furthermore, we examine areas related to embryo production and transfer where improvements are warranted that will have direct applications for increasing pregnancy rate after transfer and the number of live born piglets per litter.
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3
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Ao Z, Wu Z, Zhao H, Wu Z, Li Z. Associations of cord metabolome and biochemical parameters with the neonatal deaths of cloned pigs. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1519-1528. [PMID: 34487580 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14014] [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: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal cloned pigs generated via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have high incidences of malformation and mortality. The mechanisms underlying the massive loss of cloned pig neonates remain unclear. We compared the cord serum metabolic profiles and biochemical indexes of SCNT-derived piglets that died within 4 days (SCNT-DW4), SCNT-derived piglets that survived over 4 days (SCNT-SO4) and artificial insemination (AI)-generated piglets that survived over 4 days (AI-SO4) to investigate the associations of serum metabolomics and biochemical indexes in umbilical cord (UC) sera at delivery with the neonatal loss of cloned pigs. Results showed that compared with SCNT-SO4 and AI-SO4 piglets, SCNT-DW4 piglets had lower birth weight, placental indexes, placental vascularization scores, UC scores, vitality scores, serum glucose and levels but higher creatinine, urea nitrogen and uric acid levels in cord sera. Metabolomics analysis revealed alterations in lipid, glucose and purine metabolism in the cord sera of SCNT-DW4 piglets. These results indicated that the disturbance of the cord serum metabolome might be associated with the low birth weight and malformations of cloned neonates. These effects were likely the consequences of the impaired placental morphology and function of SCNT-derived piglets. This study provides helpful information regarding the potential mechanisms responsible for the neonatal death of cloned pigs and also offers an important basis for the design of effective strategies to improve the survival rate of these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Ao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Huaxing Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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4
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Ao Z, Li Z, Wang X, Zhao C, Gan Y, Wu X, Zeng F, Shi J, Gu T, Hong L, Zheng E, Liu D, Xu Z, Wu Z, Cai G. Identification of amniotic fluid metabolomic and placental transcriptomic changes associated with abnormal development of cloned pig fetuses. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:278-291. [PMID: 30618166 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Piglets cloned by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) show a high incidence of malformations and a high death rate during the perinatal period. To investigate the underlying mechanisms for abnormal development of cloned pig fetuses, we compared body weight, amniotic fluid (AF) metabolome, and placental transcriptome between SCNT- and artificial insemination (AI)-derived pig fetuses. Results showed that the body weight of SCNT pig fetuses was significantly lower than that of AI pig fetuses. The identified differential metabolites between the two groups of AF were mainly involved in bile acids and steroid hormones. The levels of all detected bile acids in SCNT AF were significantly higher than those in AI AF. The increase in the AF bile acid levels in SCNT fetuses was linked with the downregulation of placental bile acid transporter expression and the abnormal development of placental folds (PFs), both of which negatively affected the transfer of bile acids from AF across the placenta into the mother's circulation. Alteration in the AF steroid hormone levels in cloned fetuses was associated with decreased expression of enzymes responsible for steroid hormone biosynthesis in the placenta. In conclusion, cloned pig fetuses undergo abnormal intrauterine development associated with alteration of bile acid and steroid hormone levels in AF, which may be due to the poor development of PFs and the erroneous expression of bile acid transporters and enzymes responsible for steroid hormone biosynthesis in the placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Ao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingwang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengfa Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanmin Gan
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junsong Shi
- Wen's Research Institute, Guangdong Wen's Foodstuff Group Ltd., Yunfu, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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5
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Li Z, Yue Z, Ao Z, Zhao C, Shi J, Zhao C, Zeng F, Cai G, Zheng E, Yang J, Gu T, Yang H, Hong L, Xu Z, Liu D, Wu Z. Maternal dietary supplementation of arginine increases the ratio of total cloned piglets born to total transferred cloned embryos by improving the pregnancy rate of recipient sows. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 196:211-218. [PMID: 30115522 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The extremely low full-term developmental efficiency of cloned pig embryos limits the practical application of pig cloning techniques. Maternal dietary supplementation of the nutritionally important amino acid, arginine, can enhance prenatal developmental rate of in vivo fertilization-derived pig embryos. It was hypothesized that maternal dietary addition of arginine can also improve the developmental capacity of cloned pig embryos. To test this hypothesis, there was a comparison of the reproductive performance between recipient sows fed an L-arginine-supplemented diet (L-Arg group) and those fed the control diet (control group). There was a subsequent comparison of the developmental indexes of cloned piglets farrowed in the L-Arg and control groups of surrogate sows. Dietary supplementation of L-arginine during gestation days 14-75 increased the plasma concentrations of arginine and arginine metabolites, including nitric oxide, spermidine, and putrescine in recipient sows of transferred cloned pig embryos. Although maternal arginine addition did not affect the birth weight and placental development indexes of newborn cloned piglets, it significantly increased the ratio of total cloned piglets born to total transferred cloned pig embryos by increasing the pregnancy rate of recipient sows. The results of this study suggest that nutritional management of recipient sows is an effective approach to improve the developmental rate of cloned pig embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhimin Yue
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zheng Ao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chengfa Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Junsong Shi
- Guangdong Wen's Breeding Swine Company, Yunfu, Guangdong, 527400, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- College of Marine Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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6
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Ao Z, Liu D, Zhao C, Yue Z, Shi J, Zhou R, Cai G, Zheng E, Li Z, Wu Z. Birth weight, umbilical and placental traits in relation to neonatal loss in cloned pigs. Placenta 2017; 57:94-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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7
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Xu L, Ge J, Huo X, Zhang Y, Lau ATY, Xu X. Differential proteomic expression of human placenta and fetal development following e-waste lead and cadmium exposure in utero. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 550:1163-1170. [PMID: 26895036 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) has been associated with a series of physiological problems resulting in fetal growth restriction. We aimed to investigate the effects of Pb and Cd exposure on placental function and the potential mechanisms involved in fetal development. Placental specimens and questionnaires were collected from an e-waste area and a reference area in China. Two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with MALDI-TOF-MS/MS and molecular network relationship were performed to analyze differentially expressed proteins using a compositing sample pool. Compared with the reference group, the exposed group exhibited significantly higher levels of placental Pb and Cd (p<0.01), shorter body length and higher gestational age (p<0.01). After bivariate adjustment in a linear regression model, decreases of 205.05g in weight and 0.44cm in body length were associated with a 10ng/g wt increase in placental Cd. Pb showed a negative trend but lacked statistical significance. Proteomic analysis showed 32 differentially-expressed proteins and were predominantly involved in protein translocation, cytoskeletal structure, and energy metabolism. Fumarate hydratase was down-regulated in the exposed placenta tissues and validated by ELISA. Alterations in placental proteome suggest that imbalances in placental mitochondria respiration might be a vital pathway targeting fetal growth restriction induced by exposure to Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, PR China
| | - Jingjing Ge
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, PR China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, PR China
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, PR China
| | - Andy T Y Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, PR China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, PR China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, PR China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, PR China.
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Schmidt M, Winther KD, Secher JO, Callesen H. Postmortem findings in cloned and transgenic piglets dead before weaning. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1014-23. [PMID: 26166169 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Important factors contributing to the well-known high mortality of piglets produced by SCNT are gross malformations of vital organs. The aim of the present retrospective study was to describe malformations found in cloned piglets, transgenic or not, dying or culled before weaning on Day 28. Large White (LW) embryos were transferred to 78 LW recipients, while 72 recipients received Göttingen embryos (67 transgenic and five not transgenic) and 56 received Yucatan embryos (43 transgenic and 13 not transgenic). Overall pregnancy rate was 76%, and there were more abortions in recipients with minipig embryos than in those with LW embryos (26% and 24% vs. 6%). Piglets (n = 815) were born from 128 sows with 6.5 ± 0.4 full-born piglets per litter. The overall rate of stillborn piglets was 21% of all born with the number of stillborn piglets ranging from one to nine in a litter. The mortality of the surviving piglets during the first month was 48%. Thus, altogether 58% of the full-born piglets died before weaning. In 87 of the 128 litters (68%), one to 12 of the piglets showed major or minor malformations. Malformations were found in 232 piglets (29.5% of all born). A single malformation was registered in 152 piglets, but several piglets showed two (n = 58) or more (n = 23) malformations (7.4% and 2.8% of all born, respectively). A significantly higher malformation rate was found in transgenic Göttingen and Yucatan piglets (32% and 46% of all born, respectively) than in nontransgenic LW (17%). There was a gender difference in the transgenic minipigs because male piglets had a higher rate of malformations (49.1%) than females (29.7%). The most common defects in the cloned piglets were in the digestive (12.2%), circulatory (9.4%), reproductive (11.3%), and musculoskeletal (9.1%) systems. Malformations of the musculoskeletal system were most frequent in Göttingen (16.3% vs. approximately 5.5% in the two other breeds), whereas abnormal cardiopulmonary systems were most frequent in Yucatan piglets (26.9% vs. 2.1% in LW and 5.3% in Göttingen). In conclusion, these results show that pig cloning results in a considerable loss of piglets and that many of these can be related to various malformations that all are also seen in noncloned piglets. Because approximately half of the cloned piglets still survive, even with eventual unknown minor malformations, use of pigs as models for human diseases is still realistic. However, continued efforts are needed to further reduce the level of malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schmidt
- Section of Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - K D Winther
- Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Kjellerup, Denmark
| | - J O Secher
- Section of Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - H Callesen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
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9
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Comparative proteomic analysis of hearts of adult SCNT Bama miniature pigs (Sus scrofa). Theriogenology 2014; 81:901-5. [PMID: 24560549 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the effects of SCNT on cardiac development of SCNT pigs through proteomic methods. Heart proteins from three adult SCNTs and two normal reproductive Bama miniature pigs were extracted, separated, and identified via comparative proteomic methods, including two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and Western blot. Eleven differentially expressed spots were identified as differentially expressed proteins, of which five spots were upregulated proteins such as cardiac myosin heavy chain, cathepsin D, and heat shock protein beta-1 (HSP27). By contrast, six spots were downregulated proteins such as alpha skeletal muscle and actin. The results also demonstrated that nuclear transfer might result in abnormal expression of some important proteins in hearts from SCNT pigs, and affect the cardiac development in SCNT pigs' survival.
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10
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Park MR, Park JY, Kwon DN, Cho SG, Park C, Seo HG, Ko YG, Gurunathan S, Kim JH. Altered protein profiles in human umbilical cords with preterm and full-term delivery. Electrophoresis 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201200197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Ryung Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; Konkuk University; Seoul; Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Yi Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; Konkuk University; Seoul; Republic of Korea
| | - Deug-Nam Kwon
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; Konkuk University; Seoul; Republic of Korea
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; Konkuk University; Seoul; Republic of Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; Konkuk University; Seoul; Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Geuk Seo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; Konkuk University; Seoul; Republic of Korea
| | - Yeoung-Gyu Ko
- Animal Genetic Resources Station, National Institute of Animal Science; RDA; Namwon; Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; Konkuk University; Seoul; Republic of Korea
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11
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Takeda K. Mitochondrial DNA transmission and confounding mitochondrial influences in cloned cattle and pigs. Reprod Med Biol 2013; 12:47-55. [PMID: 29699130 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-012-0142-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a powerful tool for production of cloned animals, SCNT embryos generally have low developmental competency and many abnormalities. The interaction between the donor nucleus and the enucleated ooplasm plays an important role in early embryonic development, but the underlying mechanisms that negatively impact developmental competency remain unclear. Mitochondria have a broad range of critical functions in cellular energy supply, cell signaling, and programmed cell death; thus, affect embryonic and fetal development. This review focuses on mitochondrial considerations influencing SCNT techniques in farm animals. Donor somatic cell mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be transmitted through what has been considered a "bottleneck" in mitochondrial genetics via the SCNT maternal lineage. This indicates that donor somatic cell mitochondria have a role in the reconstructed cytoplasm. However, foreign somatic cell mitochondria may affect the early development of SCNT embryos. Nuclear-mitochondrial interactions in interspecies/intergeneric SCNT (iSCNT) result in severe problems. A major biological selective pressure exists against survival of exogenous mtDNA in iSCNT. Yet, mtDNA differences in SCNT animals did not reflect transfer of proteomic components following proteomic analysis. Further study of nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions is needed to illuminate key developmental characteristics of SCNT animals associated with mitochondrial biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Takeda
- NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science National Agriculture and Food Research Organization 2 Ikenodai 305-0901 Tsukuba Japan
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Bang JI, Lee HS, Deb GK, Ha AN, Kwon YS, Cho SK, Kim BW, Cho KW, Kong IK. Proteomic identification of abnormally expressed proteins in early-stage placenta derived from cloned cat embryos. Theriogenology 2013; 79:358-66.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Vaughan OR, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Coan PM, Fowden AL. Environmental regulation of placental phenotype: implications for fetal growth. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:80-96. [PMID: 22394720 DOI: 10.1071/rd11909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during pregnancy determine birthweight, neonatal viability and adult phenotype in human and other animals. In part, these effects may be mediated by the placenta, the principal source of nutrients for fetal development. However, little is known about the environmental regulation of placental phenotype. Generally, placental weight is reduced during suboptimal conditions like maternal malnutrition or hypoxaemia but compensatory adaptations can occur in placental nutrient transport capacity to help maintain fetal growth. In vivo studies show that transplacental glucose and amino acid transfer adapt to the prevailing conditions induced by manipulating maternal calorie intake, dietary composition and hormone exposure. These adaptations are due to changes in placental morphology, metabolism and/or abundance of specific nutrient transporters. This review examines environmental programming of placental phenotype with particular emphasis on placental nutrient transport capacity and its implications for fetal growth, mainly in rodents. It also considers the systemic, cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in signalling environmental cues to the placenta. Ultimately, the ability of the placenta to balance the competing interests of mother and fetus in resource allocation may determine not only the success of pregnancy in producing viable neonates but also the long-term health of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- O R Vaughan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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14
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Park JY, Park MR, Bui HT, Kwon DN, Kang MH, Oh M, Han JW, Cho SG, Park C, Shim H, Kim HM, Kang MJ, Park JK, Lee JW, Lee KK, Kim JH. α1,3-galactosyltransferase deficiency in germ-free miniature pigs increases N-glycolylneuraminic acids as the xenoantigenic determinant in pig-human xenotransplantation. Cell Reprogram 2012; 14:353-63. [PMID: 22775484 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2011.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined whether Hanganutziu-Deicher (H-D) antigens are important as an immunogenic non-α1,3-galactose (Gal) epitope in pigs with a disrupted α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene. The targeting efficiency of the AO blood genotype was achieved (2.2%) in pig fibroblast cells. A total of 1800 somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos were transferred to 10 recipients. One recipient developed to term and naturally delivered two piglets. The α1,3-galactosyltransferase activity in lung, liver, spleen, and testis of heterozygote α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene knockout (GalT-KO) pigs was significantly decreased, whereas brain and heart showed very low decreasing levels of α1,3-galactosyltransferase activity when compared to those of control. Enzyme-linked lectinosorbent assay showed that the heterozygote GalT-KO pig had more sialylα2,6- and sialylα2,3-linked glycan than the control. Furthermore, the heart, liver, and kidney of the heterozygote GalT-KO pig had a higher N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) content than the control, whereas the lung of the heterozygote GalT-KO pig had Neu5Gc content similar to the control. Collectively, the data strongly indicated that Neu5Gc is a more critical xenoantigen to overcoming the next acute immune rejection in pig to human xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Yi Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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de Almeida AM, Bendixen E. Pig proteomics: A review of a species in the crossroad between biomedical and food sciences. J Proteomics 2012; 75:4296-314. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2012.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Jiang Y, Wang X. Comparative mitochondrial proteomics: perspective in human diseases. J Hematol Oncol 2012; 5:11. [PMID: 22424240 PMCID: PMC3337254 DOI: 10.1186/1756-8722-5-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the most complex and the most important organelles of eukaryotic cells, which are involved in many cellular processes, including energy metabolism, apoptosis, and aging. And mitochondria have been identified as the "hot spot" by researchers for exploring relevant associated dysfunctions in many fields. The emergence of comparative proteomics enables us to have a close look at the mitochondrial proteome in a comprehensive and effective manner under various conditions and cellular circumstances. Two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry is still the most popular techniques to study comparative mitochondrial proteomics. Furthermore, many new techniques, such as ICAT, MudPIT, and SILAC, equip researchers with more flexibilities inselecting proper methods. This article also reviews the recent development of comparative mitochondrial proteomics on diverse human diseases. And the results of mitochondrial proteomics enhance a better understanding of the pathogenesis associated with mitochondria and provide promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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17
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Takeda K, Tasai M, Iwamoto M, Oe M, Chikuni K, Nakamura Y, Tagami T, Nirasawa K, Hanada H, Pinkert CA, Onishi A. Comparative proteomic analysis of liver mitochondrial proteins derived from cloned adult pigs reconstructed with Meishan pig fibroblast cells and European pig enucleated oocytes. J Reprod Dev 2011; 58:248-53. [PMID: 22188878 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.11-074a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been exploited in efforts to clone and propagate valuable animal lineages. However, in many instances, recipient oocytes are obtained from sources independent of donor cell populations. As such, influences of potential nuclear-cytoplasmic incompatibility, post SCNT, are largely unknown. In the present study, alterations in mitochondrial protein levels were investigated in adult SCNT pigs produced by microinjection of Meishan pig fetus fibroblast cells into enucleated matured oocytes (maternal Landrace genetic background). Mitochondrial fractions were prepared from liver samples by mechanical homogenization and differential centrifugation. Liver mitochondria were then subjected to two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE). Protein expression changes were confirmed with a volume ratio greater than 2 fold (P<0.05). 2-D DIGE analysis further revealed differential expression of three proteins between the Meishan (n=3) and Landrace (n=3) breeds. Differential expression patterns of 16 proteins were detected in SCNT pig liver tissue (n=3) when compared with Meishan control samples. However, none of the 16 proteins correlated with the three differentially expressed Meishan and Landrace liver mitochondrial proteins. In summary, alteration of mitochondrial protein expression levels was observed in adult SCNT pigs that did not reflect the breed difference of the recipient oocytes. Comparative proteomic analysis represents an important tool for further studies on SCNT animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Takeda
- National Agricultural and Food Research Organization (NARO), Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science (NILGS), Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan.
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18
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Bang JI, Bae DW, Lee HS, Deb GK, Kim MO, Sohn SH, Han CH, Kong IK. Proteomic analysis of placentas from cloned cat embryos identifies a set of differentially expressed proteins related to oxidative damage, senescence and apoptosis. Proteomics 2011; 11:4454-67. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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19
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Alpha 1,3-galactosyltransferase deficiency in pigs increases sialyltransferase activities that potentially raise non-gal xenoantigenicity. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:560850. [PMID: 22131812 PMCID: PMC3205825 DOI: 10.1155/2011/560850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined whether deficiency of the GGTA1 gene in pigs altered the expression of several glycosyltransferase genes. Real-time RT-PCR and glycosyltransferase activity showed that 2 sialyltransferases [α2,3-sialyltransferase (α2,3ST) and α2,6-sialyltransferase (α2,6ST)] in the heterozygote GalT KO liver have higher expression levels and activities compared to controls. Enzyme-linked lectin assays indicated that there were also more sialic acid-containing glycoconjugate epitopes in GalT KO livers than in controls. The elevated level of sialic-acid-containing glycoconjugate epitopes was due to the low level of α-Gal in heterozygote GalT KO livers. Furthermore, proteomics analysis showed that heterozygote GalT KO pigs had a higher expression of NAD+-isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), which is related to the CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) enzyme reaction. These findings suggest the deficiency of GGTA1 gene in pigs results in increased production of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) due to an increase of α2,6-sialyltransferase and a CMAH cofactor, NAD+-IDH. This indicates that Neu5Gc may be a critical xenoantigen. The deletion of the CMAH gene in the GalT KO background is expected to further prolong xenograft survival.
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20
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Schmidt M, Winter KD, Dantzer V, Li J, Kragh PM, Du Y, Lin L, Liu Y, Vajta G, Sangild PT, Callesen H, Agerholm JS. Maternal endometrial oedema may increase perinatal mortality of cloned and transgenic piglets. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:645-53. [PMID: 21635813 DOI: 10.1071/rd10220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The perinatal mortality of cloned animals is a well-known problem. In the present retrospective study, we report on mortality of cloned transgenic or non-transgenic piglets produced as part of several investigations. Large White (LW) sows (n = 105) received hand-made cloned LW or minipig blastocysts and delivered either spontaneously or after prostaglandin induction followed by either Caesarean section or vaginal birth. The overall pregnancy rate was 62%, with 26% of pregnancies terminating before term. This resulted in 48 deliveries. The terminated pregnancies consisted of 12 abortions that occurred at 35 ± 2 days gestation and five sows that went to term without returning to heat and then by surgery showed the uterus without fetal content. The gestation length was for sows with LW piglets that delivered by Caesarean section or vaginally was 115.7 ± 0.3 and 117.6 ± 0.4 days, respectively. In sows with minipiglets, the gestation length for those delivered by Caesarean section or vaginally 114.4 ± 0.2 and 115.5 ± 0.3 days, respectively. Of the 34 sows that delivered vaginally, 28 gave birth after induction, whereas 6 farrowed spontaneously. Of the 14 sows that delivered after Caesarean section and in the five empty sows, the endometrium and placenta showed severe oedema. Piglet mortality following vaginal delivery was higher than after Caesarean section (31% v. 10%, respectively; P < 0.001). When vaginal delivery occurred spontaneously, the stillborn rate was greater than after induced delivery (56% v. 24%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Internal organ weights were recorded for seven cloned LW piglets and six normal piglets. The relative weight of the heart, liver, kidneys and small intestine was found to be reduced in the cloned piglets (P < 0.05). The present study demonstrates extensive endometrial oedema in sows pregnant with cloned and transgenic piglets, as well as in empty recipients, at term. The growth of certain organs in some of the cloned piglets was reduced and the rate of stillborn piglets was greater in cloned and transgenic piglets delivered vaginally, possibly because of oedema of the fetal-maternal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schmidt
- Department of Large Animal Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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21
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Chae JI, Kim J, Lee SG, Jeon YJ, Kim DW, Soh Y, Seo KS, Lee HK, Choi NJ, Ryu J, Kang S, Cho SK, Lee DS, Chung HM, Koo ADB. Proteomic analysis of pregnancy-related proteins from pig uterus endometrium during pregnancy. Proteome Sci 2011; 9:41. [PMID: 21791079 PMCID: PMC3162492 DOI: 10.1186/1477-5956-9-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Many important molecular events associated with implantation and development occur within the female reproductive tract, especially within the uterus endometrium, during pregnancy periods. The endometrium includes the mucosal lining of the uterus, which provides a suitable site for implantation and development of a fertilized egg and fetus. To date, the molecular cascades in the uterus endometrium during pregnancy periods in pigs have not been elucidated fully. In this study, we compared the functional regulated proteins in the endometrium during pregnancy periods with those in non-pregnant conditions and investigated changes in expression patterns during pregnancy (days 40, 70, and 93) using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and western blotting. The functional regulated proteins were identified and discovered from differentially expressed proteins in the uterus endometrium during pregnancy. We discovered 820 protein spots in a proteomic analysis of uterus endometrium tissues with 2-DE gels. We identified 63 of the 98 proteins regulated differentially among non-pregnant and pregnant tissues (matched and unmatched spots). Interestingly, 10 of these 63 proteins are development-, cytoskeleton- and chaperon-related proteins such as transferrin, protein DJ-1, transgelin, galectin-1, septin 2, stathmin 1, cofilin 1, fascin 1, heat shock protein (HSP) 90β and HSP 27. The specific expression patterns of these proteins in the endometrium during pregnancy were confirmed by western blotting. Our results suggest that the expressions of these genes involved in endometrium function and endometrium development from early to late gestation are associated with the regulation of endometrium development for maintaining pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Il Chae
- Department of Oral Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Dental Bioscience, BK21 project, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (651-756), Korea
| | - Jumi Kim
- Graduate School of Life Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, College of Medicine, CHA University, 605-21 Yeoksam 1 dong, Gangnam gu, Seoul 135-907, Korea
| | - Seong G Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, Korea
| | - Young-Joo Jeon
- Department of Oral Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Dental Bioscience, BK21 project, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (651-756), Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Kim
- Department of Oral Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Dental Bioscience, BK21 project, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (651-756), Korea
| | - Yunjo Soh
- Department of Oral Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Dental Bioscience, BK21 project, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (651-756), Korea
| | - Kang S Seo
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 540-742, Korea
| | - Hak K Lee
- Genomic Informatics Center, Hankyong National University, 67 Sukjong-dong, Ansung-city, Kyongi-do, 456-749, Korea
| | - Nag-Jin Choi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural & Life Science, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Joohyun Ryu
- Medical Proteomics Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghyun Kang
- Medical Proteomics Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Keun Cho
- Depart. of Animal Science, College of National Resources and Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongnam 627-706, Korea
| | - Dong-Seok Lee
- College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea
| | - Hyung M Chung
- CHA Bio & Diostech Co., Ltd. 606-16 Yeoksam 1 dong, Gangnam gu, Seoul 135-907, Korea.,Graduate School of Life Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, College of Medicine, CHA University, 605-21 Yeoksam 1 dong, Gangnam gu, Seoul 135-907, Korea
| | - And Deog-Bon Koo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering Daegu University, 15 Jillyang Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 712-714, Korea
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22
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[The methylation status of PEG10 in placentas of cloned transgenic calves]. YI CHUAN = HEREDITAS 2011; 33:533-8. [PMID: 21586401 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2011.00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The low efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a significant barrier to the production of highly valuable transgenic livestock. It is generally believed that the principal cause of the low SCNT efficiency is the aberrant nuclear epigenetic reprogramming of donor somatic cell. DNA methylation is a major epigenetic modification of the genome and plays a crucial role in nuclear reprogramming during SCNT. In order to assess whether the abnormal epigenetic modifications of the imprinted gene in placenta are correlated with the development abnormality and death of the cloned transgenic calves, the DNA methylation patterns of PEG10 were compared in the placentas from different kinds of cattle. This comparison included transgenic cloned calves died during perinatal stage and showed developmental defects (Death group), transgenic cloned calves survived and lived on healthily (Live group) and the normal reproduced calves (N group) used as the control group analyzed by Bisulfite Sequencing PCR (BSP) method and Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analy-sis (COBRA). Comparing to the control group, PEG10 gene in the Death group showed abnormal hypermethylation, but was not significant different in methylation level from the Live group. It can be postulated from the results that the incom-plete or abnormal DNA methylation epigenetic reprogramming of imprinting gene in placenta may be one of the main causes of the abnormal development and death of the transgenic cloned cattle.
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23
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Takeda K, Tasai M, Akagi S, Watanabe S, Oe M, Chikuni K, Ohnishi-Kameyama M, Hanada H, Nakamura Y, Tagami T, Nirasawa K. Comparison of liver mitochondrial proteins derived from newborn cloned calves and from cloned adult cattle by two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:263-73. [PMID: 21387454 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant reprogramming of donor somatic cell nuclei may result in many severe problems in animal cloning. The inability to establish functional interactions between donor nucleus and recipient mitochondria is also likely responsible for such a developmental deficiency. However, detailed knowledge of protein expression during somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in cattle is lacking. In the present study, variations in mitochondrial protein levels between SCNT-derived and control cattle, and from calves derived by artificial insemination were investigated. Mitochondrial fractions were prepared from frozen liver samples and subjected to two-dimensional (2-D) fluorescence differential gel electrophoresis (DIGE) using CyDye™ dyes. Protein expression changes were confirmed with a volume ratio greater than 2.0 (P < 0.05). 2D-DIGE analysis revealed differential expression of three proteins for SCNT cattle (n = 4) and seven proteins for SCNT calves (n = 6) compared to controls (P < 0.05). Different protein patterning was observed among SCNT animals even if animals were generated from the same donor cell source. No differences were detected in two of the SCNT cattle. Moreover, there was no novel protein identified in any of the SCNT cattle or calves. In conclusion, variation in mitochondrial protein expression concentrations was observed in non-viable, neonatal SCNT calves and among SCNT individuals. This result implicates mitochondrial-related gene expression in early developmental loss of SCNT embryos. Comparative proteomic analysis represents an important tool for further studies on SCNT animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Takeda
- National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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24
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Kim JH, Park JY, Park MR, Hwang KC, Park KK, Park C, Cho SK, Lee HC, Song H, Park SB, Kim T, Kim JH. Developmental arrest of scNT-derived fetuses by disruption of the developing endometrial gland as a result of impaired trophoblast migration and invasiveness. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:627-39. [PMID: 21305651 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (scNT)-derived pig placenta tissues of gestational day 30 displayed avascularization and hypovascularization. Most of the cytotrophoblast-like cells of the developing scNT-derived placenta villi were improperly localized or exhibited impaired migration to their targeting loci. Id-2, Met, MMP-9, and MCM-7 were barely detectable in the cytotrophoblast cells of the scNT-derived placenta villi. Active MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was significantly down-regulated in the scNT-embryo transferred recipient uteri. scNT clones exhibited a hypermethylated pattern within the pig MMP-9 promoter region and the significance of GC box in the regulation of MMP-9 promoter activity. Marked apoptosis was observed in the developing endometrial gland of scNT-embryo transferred recipient uteri. Collectively, our data strongly indicated that early gestational death of scNT clones is caused, at least in part, by disruption of the developing endometrial gland as a result of impaired trophoblast migration and invasiveness due to the down-regulation of active MMP-9 expression.
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25
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Verma N, Rettenmeier AW, Schmitz-Spanke S. Recent advances in the use of Sus scrofa
(pig) as a model system for proteomic studies. Proteomics 2011; 11:776-93. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Wei Y, Zhu J, Huan Y, Liu Z, Yang C, Zhang X, Mu Y, Xia P, Liu Z. Aberrant expression and methylation status of putatively imprinted genes in placenta of cloned piglets. Cell Reprogram 2010; 12:213-22. [PMID: 20677935 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2009.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike embryos derived from fertilization, most cloned embryos die during postimplantation development, and those that survive to term are frequently defective. Many of the observed defects involve placenta. Abnormal placentation has been described in several cloned species. Imprinted genes are important regulators of placenta growth, and may be subjected to faulty reprogramming during somatic cell nuclear transfer. We aimed to determine the expression levels and methylation patterns of imprinted genes in placentas of live cloned piglets and dead ones. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression of all four imprinted genes (IGF2, H19, PEG3, and GRB10) was significantly reduced in placentas of dead clones compared with placentas of live cloned piglets and controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, both live and dead cloned piglets exhibited steady-state mRNA levels for these genes within the control range (p > 0.05). Transcript levels for these genes in live clones rarely differed from those of controls in both piglets and placentas. Examination of the methylation status of DMR2 of IGF2 and CTCF3 of H19 genes revealed that both genes exhibited significant high methylation levels in placentas of dead clones compared with placentas of live clones and controls. In contrast, both genes showed a normal differential methylation pattern in live cloned piglets and their placentas compared with controls. Importantly, dead cloned piglets also showed a normal pattern. Our results suggest that abnormal expression of imprinted genes in placenta may contribute to the development failure in pig somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which may be caused by abnormal methylation patterns in differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of imprinted genes as a result of incomplete reprogramming during SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchang Wei
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin, People's Republic of China
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27
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Sugimura S, Yokoo M, Yamanaka KI, Kawahara M, Moriyasu S, Wakai T, Nagai T, Abe H, Sato E. Anomalous Oxygen Consumption in Porcine Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos. Cell Reprogram 2010; 12:463-74. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2009.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Sugimura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masaki Yokoo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Akita, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Yamanaka
- National Agricultural Research Center for Kyushu Okinawa Region, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Resource Development Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Takuya Wakai
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Takashi Nagai
- National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba 305-0901, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Japan
| | - Eimei Sato
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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28
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Talbot NC, Powell AM, Caperna TJ, Garrett WM. Proteomic analysis of the major cellular proteins of bovine trophectoderm cell lines derived from IVP, parthenogenetic and nuclear transfer embryos: Reduced expression of annexins I and II in nuclear transfer-derived cell lines. Anim Reprod Sci 2010; 120:187-202. [PMID: 20400246 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 03/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Trophectoderm cell lines were established from 8-day in vitro-cultured embryos of cattle derived from fertilization (IVF), somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT), or parthenogenetic activation (P) of in vitro-matured oocytes and from five 8-day-old in vivo (V) embryos. The most abundant cellular proteins of 5 V-, 16 NT-, 12 P-, and 16 IVF-derived cell lines were compared by 2D-gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry; that is, the unaltered thiourea/urea extract of each cell culture was analyzed. Common protein spots (n=118) were examined, and 95% were identified with significant scores from protein and gene database searches. Of the proteins detected and identified, actin and cytokeratin-8 were found to be the most abundant. Other prominent cellular proteins were metabolic enzymes such as aldose reductase, phosphoglycerate mutase, enolase, triosephosphate isomerase, cytoskeletal interacting proteins transgelin and stratifin, anti-oxidant proteins peroxiredoxin 1 and anti-oxidant protein 2, and the calcium-dependent lipid-binding proteins annexins I and II. In comparative analysis of the 2D-gels, the NT-derived trophectoderm had less annexins I and II in comparison to the IVF- and P-derived trophectoderm. Because annexins I and II are abundant in the placenta and have functions important to the maintenance of placentation, the down-regulation of the annexin genes in the cultured NT trophectoderm may be related to the frequent failures of NT pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil C Talbot
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service USDA, ARS, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, United States.
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Park JY, Kim JH, Choi YJ, Hwang KC, Cho SK, Park HH, Paik SS, Kim T, Park C, Lee HT, Seo HG, Park SB, Hwang S, Kim JH. Comparative proteomic analysis of malformed umbilical cords from somatic cell nuclear transfer-derived piglets: implications for early postnatal death. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:511. [PMID: 19889237 PMCID: PMC2783166 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 11/05/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Somatic cell nuclear transfer (scNT)-derived piglets have high rates of mortality, including stillbirth and postnatal death. Here, we examined severe malformed umbilical cords (MUC), as well as other organs, from nine scNT-derived term piglets. Results Microscopic analysis revealed complete occlusive thrombi and the absence of columnar epithelial layers in MUC (scNT-MUC) derived from scNT piglets. scNT-MUC had significantly lower expression levels of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and angiogenesis-related genes than umbilical cords of normal scNT piglets (scNT-N) that survived into adulthood. Endothelial cells derived from scNT-MUC migrated and formed tubules more slowly than endothelial cells from control umbilical cords or scNT-N. Proteomic analysis of scNT-MUC revealed significant down-regulation of proteins involved in the prevention of oxidative stress and the regulation of glycolysis and cell motility, while molecules involved in apoptosis were significantly up-regulated. Histomorphometric analysis revealed severe calcification in the kidneys and placenta, peliosis in the liver sinusoidal space, abnormal stromal cell proliferation in the lungs, and tubular degeneration in the kidneys in scNT piglets with MUC. Increased levels of apoptosis were also detected in organs derived from all scNT piglets with MUC. Conclusion These results suggest that MUC contribute to fetal malformations, preterm birth and low birth weight due to underlying molecular defects that result in hypoplastic umbilical arteries and/or placental insufficiency. The results of the current study demonstrate the effects of MUC on fetal growth and organ development in scNT-derived pigs, and provide important insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying angiogenesis during umbilical cord development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Yi Park
- Animal Resource Research Center, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, KonKuk University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Hwang KC, Cho SK, Lee SH, Park JY, Kwon DN, Choi YJ, Park C, Kim JH, Park KK, Hwang S, Park SB, Kim JH. Depigmentation of skin and hair color in the somatic cell cloned pig. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:1701-8. [PMID: 19504460 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have successfully produced nine cloned piglets using Duroc donor cells. Among these clones, one showed distinct depigmentation of the skin and hair color during puberty. In this study, we selected a clone with depigmentation to investigate the etiology of the anomaly in somatic cell nuclear transfer. We hypothesized that genes related to Waardenburg syndrome (Mitf, Pax-3, Sox-10, Slug, and Kit) are closely associated with the depigmentation of pig, which was derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (scNT). Total RNA was extracted from the ear tissue of affected and unaffected scNT-derived pigs, and the transcripts encoding Mitf, Pax-3, Sox-10, and Slug, together with the Kit gene, were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, sequenced, and analyzed. The cDNA sequences from the scNT pig that showed progressive depigmentation did not reveal a mutation in these genes. Although we did not find any mutations in these genes, expression of the genes implicated in Waardenburg syndrome was severely down-regulated in the affected scNT pig when compared with unaffected scNT pigs. This down-regulation of gene expression may result in a previously undescribed phenotype that shows melanocyte instability, leading to progressive loss of pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Chan Hwang
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, KonKuk University, Seoul, Korea
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31
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Gupta MK, Jang JM, Jung JW, Uhm SJ, Kim KP, Lee HT. Proteomic analysis of parthenogenetic and in vitro fertilized porcine embryos. Proteomics 2009; 9:2846-60. [PMID: 19405025 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200800700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic data from embryos are essential for the completion of whole proteome catalog due to embryo-specific expression of certain proteins. In this study, using reverse phase LC-MS/MS combined with 1-D SDS-PAGE, we identified 1625 mammalian and 735 Sus scrofa proteins from porcine zygotes that included both cytosolic and membranous proteins. We also found that the global protein profiles of parthenogenetically activated (PA) and in vitro fertilized (IVF) zygotes were similar but differences in expression of individual proteins were also evident. These differences were not due to culture conditions, polyspermy or non-activation of oocytes, as the same culture method was used in both groups, the frequency of polyspermy was 24.3+/-3.0% and the rates of oocyte activation did not differ (p>0.05) between PA and IVF embryos. Consistent with proteomic data, fluorescent Hoechst 33 342 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay also revealed that PA embryos were of poor quality as they contained less cells per blastocyst and were more predisposed to apoptosis (p<0.05), although their in vitro development rates were similar. To our knowledge, this is the first report on global peptide sequencing and quantification of protein in PA and IVF embryos by LC-MS/MS that may be useful as a reference map for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar Gupta
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Bio-Organ Research Center, Konkuk University, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Uhm SJ, Gupta MK, Das ZC, Kim JH, Park C, Kim T, Lee HT. Effect of Transgene Introduction and Recloning on Efficiency of Porcine Transgenic Cloned Embryo ProductionIn Vitro. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44:106-15. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.01005.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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CHO SK, HWANG KC, CHOI YJ, BUI HT, NGUYEN VT, PARK C, KIM JH, KIM JH. Production of Transgenic Pigs Harboring the Human Erythropoietin (hEPO) Gene Using Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:128-36. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Keun CHO
- CHO-A Biotechnology Research Institute, CHO-A Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
| | - Kyu-Chan HWANG
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University
| | - Yun-Jung CHOI
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University
| | - Hong-Thuy BUI
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University
| | - Van Thuan NGUYEN
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University
| | - ChangKyu PARK
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University
| | - Jae-Hwan KIM
- CHA Stem Cell Institute, Graduate School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Pochon CHA University
| | - Jin-Hoi KIM
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University
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Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Impact of Animals derived from Cloning by Somatic Cell Nucleus Transfer (SCNT) and their Offspring and Products Obtained from those Animals. EFSA J 2008; 6:767. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2008.767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Cho SK, Kim JH, Park JY, Choi YJ, Bang JI, Hwang KC, Cho EJ, Sohn SH, Uhm SJ, Koo DB, Lee KK, Kim T, Kim JH. Serial cloning of pigs by somatic cell nuclear transfer: restoration of phenotypic normality during serial cloning. Dev Dyn 2008; 236:3369-82. [PMID: 17849457 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (scNT) is a useful way to create cloned animals. However, scNT clones exhibit high levels of phenotypic instability. This instability may be due to epigenetic reprogramming and/or genomic damage in the donor cells. To test this, we produced transgenic pig fibroblasts harboring the truncated human thrombopoietin (hTPO) gene and used them as donor cells in scNT to produce first-generation (G1) cloned piglets. In this study, 2,818 scNT embryos were transferred to 11 recipients and five G1 piglets were obtained. Among them, a clone had a dimorphic facial appearance with severe hypertelorism and a broad prominent nasal bridge. The other clones looked normal. Second-generation (G2) scNT piglets were then produced using ear cells from a G1 piglet that had an abnormal nose phenotype. We reasoned that, if the phenotypic abnormality of the G1 clone was not present in the G2 and third-generation (G3) clones, or was absent in the G2 clones but reappeared in the G3 clones, the phenotypic instability of the G1 clone could be attributed to faulty epigenetic reprogramming rather than to inherent/accidental genomic damage to the donor cells. Blastocyst rates, cell numbers in blastocyst, pregnancy rates, term placenta weight and ponderal index, and birth weight between G1 and G2 clones did not differ, but were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than control age- and sex-matched piglets. Next, we analyzed global methylation changes during development of the preimplantation embryos reconstructed by donor cells used for the production of G1 and G2 clones and could not find any significant differences in the methylation patterns between G1 and G2 clones. Indeed, we failed to detect the phenotypic abnormality in the G2 and G3 clones. Thus, the phenotypic abnormality of the G1 clone is likely to be due to epigenetic dysregulation. Additional observations then suggested that expression of the hTPO gene in the transgenic clones did not appear to be the cause of the phenotypic abnormality in the G1 clones and that the abnormality was acquired by only a few of the G1 clone's cells during its gestational development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Keun Cho
- Division of Applied Life Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, GyeongNam, South Korea
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