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Garcia Barros R, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Luciano AM. A refined culture system of oocytes from early antral follicles promotes oocyte maturation and embryo development in cattle. Reproduction 2023; 165:221-233. [PMID: 36473031 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In brief The proposed culture system improves the current state of in vitro culture of growing oocytes in the bovine species and allows access to the untapped gamete reserve, thus improving reproductive efficiency. Abstract The present study aimed to improve the in vitro culture of bovine oocytes collected from early antral follicles (EAFs) to support the progressive acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence. The rationale that drove the development of such a culture system was to maintain as much as possible the physiological conditions that support the oocyte growth and differentiation in vivo. To this extent, oocytes were cultured for 5 days, which parallels the transition from early to medium antral follicles (MAFs) in the bovine, and supports promoting a 3D-like structure were provided. Additionally, the main hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) were added in concentrations similar to the ones previously observed in bovine EAFs. The meiotic arrest was imposed using cilostamide. The cultured cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) reached a mean diameter of 113.4 ± 0.75 µm and showed a progressive condensation of the chromatin enclosed in the germinal vesicle (GV), together with a gradual decrease in the global transcriptional activity, measured by 5-ethynyl uridine incorporation. The described morpho-functional changes were accompanied by an increased ability to mature and develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro, although not matching the rates obtained by MAF-retrieved oocytes. The described system improves the current state of in vitro culture of growing oocytes in the bovine species, and it can be used to increase the number of gametes usable for in vitro embryo production in animals of high genetic merit or with specific desirable traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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2
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Luciano AM, Franciosi F, Dey P, Ladron De Guevara M, Monferini N, Bonumallu SKN, Musmeci G, Fagali Franchi F, Garcia Barros R, Colombo M, Lodde V. Progress toward species-tailored prematuration approaches in carnivores. Theriogenology 2023; 196:202-213. [PMID: 36423514 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In the past four decades, the bovine model has been highly informative and inspiring to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in other species. Most of the recent advances in ART have come from studies in cattle, particularly those unveiling the importance of several processes that must be recapitulated in vitro to ensure the proper development of the oocyte. The maintenance of structural and functional communications between the cumulus cells and the oocyte and a well-orchestrated chromatin remodeling with the gradual silencing of transcriptional activity represent essential processes for the progressive acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. These markers are now considered the milestones of physiological approaches to increase the efficiency of reproductive technologies. Different in vitro approaches have been proposed. In particular, the so-called "pre-IVM" or "prematuration" is a culture step performed before in vitro maturation (IVM) to support the completion of the oocyte differentiation process. Although these attempts only partially improved the embryo quality and yield, they currently represent a proof of principle that oocytes retrieved from an ovary or an ovarian batch shouldn't be treated as a whole and that tailored approaches can be developed for culturing competent oocytes in several species, including humans. An advancement in ART's efficiency would be desirable in carnivores, where the success is still limited. Since the progress in reproductive medicine has often come from comparative studies, this review highlights aspects that have been critical in other species and how they may be extended to carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Pritha Dey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Magdalena Ladron De Guevara
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Noemi Monferini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sai Kamal Nag Bonumallu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulia Musmeci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Martina Colombo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
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POLLARD CL, GIBB Z, SWEGEN A, GRUPEN CG. NAD +, Sirtuins and PARPs: enhancing oocyte developmental competence. J Reprod Dev 2022; 68:345-354. [PMID: 36171094 PMCID: PMC9792654 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2022-052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is the limiting factor in female fertility. It is well known that maternal nutrition plays a role in reproductive function, and manipulating nutrition to improve fertility in livestock has been common practice in the past, particularly with respect to negative energy balance in cattle. A deficiency in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) production has been associated with increased incidences of miscarriage and congenital defects in humans and mice, while elevating NAD+ through dietary supplements in aged subjects improved oocyte quality and embryo development. NAD+ is consumed by Sirtuins and poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs) within the cell and thus need constant replenishment in order to maintain various cellular functions. Sirtuins and PARPs play important roles in oocyte maturation and embryo development, and their activation may prove beneficial to in vitro embryo production and livestock breeding programs. This review examines the roles of NAD+, Sirtuins and PARPs in aspects of fertility, providing insights into the potential use of NAD+-elevating treatments in livestock breeding and embryo production programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charley-Lea POLLARD
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Zamira GIBB
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Aleona SWEGEN
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher G. GRUPEN
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2570, Australia
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4
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Sirard MA. How the environment affects early embryonic development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:203-213. [PMID: 35231267 DOI: 10.1071/rd21266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of animal reproduction, the environment associated with gametes and embryos refers to the parents' condition as well as conditions surrounding gametes and embryos in vivo or in vitro . This environment is now known to influence not only the functionality of the early embryo but potentially the future phenotype of the offspring. Using transcriptomic and epigenetic molecular analysis, and the bovine model, recent research has shown that both the female and the male metabolic status, for example age, can affect gene expression and gene programming in the embryo. Evidence demonstrates that milking cows, which are losing weight at the time of conception, generates compromised embryos and offspring with a unique metabolic signature. A similar phenomenon has been associated with different culture conditions and the IVF procedure. The general common consequence of these situations is an embryo behaving on 'economy' mode where translation, cell division and ATP production is reduced, potentially to adapt to the perceived future environment. Few epidemiological studies have been done in bovines to assess if these changes result in a different phenotype and more studies are required to associate specific molecular changes in embryos with visible consequences later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Lodde V, Luciano AM, Musmeci G, Miclea I, Tessaro I, Aru M, Albertini DF, Franciosi F. A Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Characterization of Bovine Oocytes Reveals That Cysteamine Partially Rescues the Embryo Development in a Model of Low Ovarian Reserve. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071936. [PMID: 34209664 PMCID: PMC8300191 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Women’s reproductive performance starts declining in the mid-30s, and by age 40–45, the possibility of becoming pregnant becomes very small. Reproductive aging is a physiological process of fertility decline characterized by a decrease in quality and stockpile of eggs (also called ovarian reserve) in most mammals. However, young individuals too can show an accelerated reproductive aging that similarly results in a low ovarian reserve and hypofertility. This syndrome, called premature ovarian failure (POF), is becoming a relevant problem due to the general tendency to postpone the first pregnancy. In this study, we used bovine ovaries that were classified in two categories, according to the number of follicles visible on the ovarian surface, and analyzed some parameters of egg maturation. We observed that eggs from the ‘aging-like’ ovaries carry several defects that impair maturation. However, one of the parameters was improved upon supplementation with a scavenger of free radicals, providing a proof of concept that in-depth knowledge of the cellular mechanisms is essential to find solutions to everyday-life problems. Abstract Decreased oocyte quality is a major determinant of age-associated fertility decline. Similarly, individuals affected by early ovarian aging carry low-quality oocytes. Using an established bovine model of early ovarian aging, we investigated key features of ‘quality’ oocyte maturation, associated with the onset of egg aneuploidy and reproductive aging, such as histone modifications, mitochondria distribution and activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and gap junction functionality. Bovine ovaries were classified according to the antral follicle count (AFC), and the retrieved oocytes were processed immediately or matured in vitro. We observed alterations in several cellular processes, suggesting a multifactorial etiology of the reduced oocyte quality. Furthermore, we performed a rescue experiment for one of the parameters considered. By adding cysteamine to the maturation medium, we experimentally increased the free radical scavenger ability of the ‘low competence’ oocytes and obtained a higher embryo development. Our findings show that adopting culture conditions that counteract the free radicals has a positive impact on the quality of ‘compromised’ oocytes. Specifically, cysteamine treatment seems to be a promising option for treating aging-related deficiencies in embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Giulia Musmeci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Ileana Miclea
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Irene Tessaro
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Mariella Aru
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | | | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Luciano AM, Barros RG, Soares ACS, Buratini J, Lodde V, Franciosi F. Recreating the Follicular Environment: A Customized Approach for In Vitro Culture of Bovine Oocytes Based on the Origin and Differentiation State. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2273:1-15. [PMID: 33604842 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1246-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is a large source of oocytes organized into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis. However, only a limited number of them can be used for in vitro embryo production (IVEP), while most have yet to complete growth and development to attain full meiotic and embryonic developmental competence. While the in vitro growth of primordial follicles in the ovarian cortex has the potential to produce mature oocytes, it is still at an experimental stage. The population of early antral follicles (EAFs), instead, may represent a reserve of oocytes close to completing the growth phase, which might be more easily exploited in vitro and could increase the number of female gametes dedicated to IVEP.Here we present in vitro culture strategies that have been developed utilizing physiological parameters to support the specific needs of oocytes at distinct stages of differentiation, in order to expand the source of female gametes for IVEP by maximizing the attainment of fertilizable oocytes. Furthermore, these culture systems provide powerful tools to dissect the molecular processes that direct the final differentiation of the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Caroline Silva Soares
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jose Buratini
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil.,Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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7
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Pontelo TP, Rodrigues SAD, Kawamoto TS, Leme LO, Gomes ACMM, Zangeronimo MG, Franco MM, Dode MAN. Histone acetylation during the in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes with different levels of competence. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:690-696. [PMID: 32317093 DOI: 10.1071/rd19218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to analyse the histone acetylation status and expression profile of genes involved in histone acetylation (histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1), lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A), histone deacetylase 1(HDAC1), HDAC2 and HDAC3) in bovine oocytes of different competences during invitro maturation (IVM). Cumulus-oocyte complexes were recovered from two groups of follicles: minor follicles (1.0-3.0mm in diameter), classified as low competence (LC) and large follicles (6.0-8.0mm in diameter) classified as high competence (HC). Oocytes were submitted to IVM for 0, 8 and 24h and stored for analysis. Acetylation status of histone H4 on lysine K5, K6, K12 and K16 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. For gene expression, mRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All oocytes, regardless of their competence, showed a gradual decrease (P<0.05) in acetylation signals during IVM. From 0 to 8h of maturation, an increase (P<0.05) in the relative abundance of HAT1 mRNA was observed only in the HC oocytes. In this group, higher (P<0.05) mRNA levels of HDAC1 at 8h of maturation were also observed. In conclusion, in the present study, LC oocytes were shown to have adequate acetylation levels for the resumption and progression of meiosis; however, these oocytes do not have the capacity to synthesise RNA during IVM as the HC oocytes do.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais P Pontelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG 32700-000, Brazil
| | - Sarah A D Rodrigues
- Department of Animal Science, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Taynan S Kawamoto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Ligiane O Leme
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES 29075-073, Brazil
| | - A C M M Gomes
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-900, Brazil
| | - Marcio G Zangeronimo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG 32700-000, Brazil
| | - Mauricio M Franco
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-900, Brazil
| | - Margot A N Dode
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-900, Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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8
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Bogolyubova I, Bogolyubov D. Heterochromatin Morphodynamics in Late Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis of Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061497. [PMID: 32575486 PMCID: PMC7348780 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During the period of oocyte growth, chromatin undergoes global rearrangements at both morphological and molecular levels. An intriguing feature of oogenesis in some mammalian species is the formation of a heterochromatin ring-shaped structure, called the karyosphere or surrounded "nucleolus", which is associated with the periphery of the nucleolus-like bodies (NLBs). Morphologically similar heterochromatin structures also form around the nucleolus-precursor bodies (NPBs) in zygotes and persist for several first cleavage divisions in blastomeres. Despite recent progress in our understanding the regulation of gene silencing/expression during early mammalian development, as well as the molecular mechanisms that underlie chromatin condensation and heterochromatin structure, the biological significance of the karyosphere and its counterparts in early embryos is still elusive. We pay attention to both the changes of heterochromatin morphology and to the molecular mechanisms that can affect the configuration and functional activity of chromatin. We briefly discuss how DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, alternative histone variants, and some chromatin-associated non-histone proteins may be involved in the formation of peculiar heterochromatin structures intimately associated with NLBs and NPBs, the unique nuclear bodies of oocytes and early embryos.
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Abstract
IVF success depends on hundreds of factors and details but the oocyte quality remains the most important and problematic issue. All antral follicles contain oocytes and all of them have that have reached their full size, can be aspirated, can mature and can be fertilized in vitro. But only a few will make it to embryo unless harvested at a very specific time/status. The conditions impacting the oocyte competence are essentially dependant on the follicular status. Growing follicles contains oocytes that have not completed their preparation, as they are still writing information (RNA), later, dominant follicles or follicles at the plateau phase, stop transcription and become candidates for development. Once in transcriptional arrest, the oocytes, if not ovulated in a short amount of time, do not always make good embryos. This window is affected by time and follicle size and looks like a bell curve. The following review further explain the physiological and molecular evidences that we have to illustrate the competence window and provides clues on how to optimize ovarian stimulation to maximise oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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10
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Sirard MA, Grand FX, Labrecque R, Vigneault C, Blondin P. ASAS-SSR Triennial Reproduction Symposium: The use of natural cycle's follicular dynamic to improve oocyte quality in dairy cows and heifers. J Anim Sci 2018. [PMID: 29514310 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of the best dairy heifers is mainly driven by the genetic value of their parents. The phenotype analysis of cows and of the daughters of bulls has been used to identify the best genetic value for decades before being replaced by genomic selection of individuals that are not yet parents. Because it is possible to predict the future value of an individual by its genetic makeup, it becomes feasible to do it as early as the blastocyst stage and to decide which should be transferred or not. Because we know the genotype of an animal at birth, or even before, it is becoming desirable to reproduce this animal as soon as possible to reduce generation interval and improve selection speed. Nature provides constraints that can be overcome: a single oocyte per cycle and age at puberty. Indeed, it is now possible to super-stimulate the ovary at any age and to start collecting oocytes at 6 mo by trans-vaginal ultrasonography. The challenge becomes the production of good eggs and embryos capable of implanting and developing into healthy calves. Our understanding of ovarian follicular physiology has been instrumental in designing stimulation protocols that may be adjusted to any physiological context including age, and even the individual animal, to obtain a good response. Therefore, the combination of procedures developed in cows to optimize oocyte quality, for example, FSH coasting, in association with in vitro fertilization and optimal culture conditions can now result in the production of several female embryos twice a month from animals 6 to12 mo of age. The transcriptomic and epigenetic analyses of embryos produced from the same females at different ages were compared and few differences were noted in particular in relation to embryo metabolism. These embryos are as good as the ones obtained from adult animals and can be produced with sexed sperm of bulls 12 mo of age. This combination of these technical optimizations with blastocyst genotyping allows the selection of a second generation within a year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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11
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Nuttinck F. Oocyte related factors impacting on embryo quality: relevance for in vitro embryo production. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:271-277. [PMID: 34178150 PMCID: PMC8202467 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcome of pregnancy is closely linked to early events that occur during the onset of embryogenesis.
The first stages in embryonic development are mainly governed by the storage of maternal factors
present in the oocyte at the time of fertilisation. In this review, we outline the different
classes of oocyte transcripts that may be involved in activation of the embryonic genome as
well as those associated with epigenetic reprogramming, imprinting maintenance or the control
of transposon mobilisation during preimplantation development. We also report the influence
of cumulus-oocyte crosstalk during the maturation process on the oocyte transcriptome and
how in vitro procedures can affect these interactions.
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12
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Tatone C, Di Emidio G, Barbonetti A, Carta G, Luciano AM, Falone S, Amicarelli F. Sirtuins in gamete biology and reproductive physiology: emerging roles and therapeutic potential in female and male infertility. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:267-289. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Reproductive Service, San Salvatore Hospital, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Reproductive Service, San Salvatore Hospital, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Gaspare Carta
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Reproductive Service, San Salvatore Hospital, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alberto M Luciano
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Falone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Fernanda Amicarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), CNR, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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13
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Luciano AM, Sirard MA. Successful in vitro maturation of oocytes: a matter of follicular differentiation. Biol Reprod 2017; 98:162-169. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
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