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Veraguas-Dávila D, Zapata-Rojas C, Aguilera C, Saéz-Ruiz D, Saravia F, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. Proteomic Analysis of Domestic Cat Blastocysts and Their Secretome Produced in an In Vitro Culture System without the Presence of the Zona Pellucida. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4343. [PMID: 38673927 PMCID: PMC11050229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida exhibit reduced implantation capacity. However, the protein expression profile has not been evaluated in these embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein expression profile of domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida. Two experimental groups were generated: (1) domestic cat embryos generated by IVF and cultured in vitro (zona intact, (ZI)) and (2) domestic cat embryos cultured in vitro without the zona pellucida (zona-free (ZF group)). The cleavage, morula, and blastocyst rates were estimated at days 2, 5 and 7, respectively. Day 7 blastocysts and their culture media were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The UniProt Felis catus database was used to identify the standard proteome. No significant differences were found in the cleavage, morula, or blastocyst rates between the ZI and ZF groups (p > 0.05). Proteomic analysis revealed 22 upregulated and 20 downregulated proteins in the ZF blastocysts. Furthermore, 14 proteins involved in embryo development and implantation were present exclusively in the culture medium of the ZI blastocysts. In conclusion, embryo culture without the zona pellucida did not affect in vitro development, but altered the protein expression profile and release of domestic cat blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Veraguas-Dávila
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Km 6 Los Niches, Curicó 3340000, Chile
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Camila Zapata-Rojas
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Constanza Aguilera
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Natural Sciences, San Sebastián University, Concepción 4081339, Chile;
| | - Darling Saéz-Ruiz
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Fernando Saravia
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Lleretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
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Hosseinzadeh S, Masoudi AA. Investigating the expression of fertility-regulating LncRNAs in multiparous and uniparous Shal ewe's ovaries. Genome 2024; 67:78-89. [PMID: 37983732 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2023-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Sheep is the primary source of animal protein in Iran. Birth type is one of the significant features that determine total meat output. Little is known about how long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) affect litter size. The purpose of this research is to investigate the DE-LncRNAs in ovarian tissue between multiparous and uniparous Shal ewes. Through bioinformatics analyses, LncRNAs with variable expression levels between ewes were discovered. Target genes were annotated using the DAVID database, and STRING and Cytoscape software were used to evaluate their interactions. The expression levels of 148 LncRNAs were different in the multiparous and uniparous ewe groups (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). Eight biological process terms, nine cellular component terms, 10 molecular function terms, and 38 KEGG pathways were significant (FDR < 0.05) in the GO analysis. One of the most significant processes impacting fertility is mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, followed by oocyte meiosis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling pathway, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, oxytocin signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. ENSOARG00000025710, ENSOARG00000025667, ENSOARG00000026034, and ENSOARG00000026632 are LncRNAs that may affect litter size and fertility. The most crucial hub genes include MAPK1, BRD2, GAK, RAP1B, FGF2, RAP1B, and RAP1B. We hope that this study will encourage researchers to further investigate the effect of LncRNAs on fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Masoudi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Ahmed M, Aytacoglu H, Coban O, Tulay P. Investigation of BAK, BAX and MAD2L1 gene expression in human aneuploid blastocysts. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:605-611. [PMID: 37994469 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining genomic stability is crucial for normal development. At earlier stages of preimplantation development, as the embryonic genome activation is not fully completed, the embryos may be more prone to abnormalities. Aneuploidies are one of the most common genetic causes of implantation failure or first-trimester miscarriages. Apoptosis is a crucial mechanism to eliminate damaged or abnormal cells from the organism to enable healthy growth. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between the expression levels of genes involved in apoptosis in human aneuploid and euploid blastocysts. In total, 32 human embryos obtained from 21 patients were used for this study. Trophectoderm biopsies were performed and next-generation screening was carried out for aneuploidy screening. Total RNA was extracted from each blastocyst separately and cDNA was synthesized. Gene expression levels were evaluated using RT-PCR. The statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the gene expression level variations in the euploid and aneuploid embryos, respectively. The expression level of the BAX gene was significantly different between the aneuploid and euploid samples. BAX expression levels were found to be 1.5-fold lower in aneuploid cells. However, the expression levels of BAK and MAD2L1 genes were similar in each group. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of genes involved in apoptosis and aneuploidy mechanisms. The findings of this investigation revealed that the BAX gene was expressed significantly differently between aneuploid and euploid embryos. Therefore, it is possible that the genes involved in the apoptotic pathway have a role in the aneuploidy mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ahmed
- Near East University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - H Aytacoglu
- Near East University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - O Coban
- British Cyprus IVF Hospital, Embryology Lab, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - P Tulay
- Near East University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Near East University, DESAM Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Near East University, Center of Excellence, Genetics and Cancer Diagnosis-Research Center, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Liu B, Yan J, Li J, Xia W. The Role of BDNF, YBX1, CENPF, ZSCAN4, TEAD4, GLIS1 and USF1 in the Activation of the Embryonic Genome in Bovine Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16019. [PMID: 38003209 PMCID: PMC10671747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic development relies on the maternal RNAs and newly synthesized proteins during oogenesis. Zygotic transcription is an important event occurring at a specific time after fertilization. If no zygotic transcription occurs, the embryo will die because it is unable to meet the needs of the embryo and continue to grow. During the early stages of embryonic development, the correct transcription, translation, and expression of genes play a crucial role in blastocyst formation and differentiation of cell lineage species formation among mammalian species, and any variation may lead to developmental defects, arrest, or even death. Abnormal expression of some genes may lead to failure of the embryonic zygote genome before activation, such as BDNF and YBX1; Decreased expression of CENPF, ZSCAN4, TEAD4, GLIS1, and USF1 genes can lead to embryonic development failure. This article reviews the results of studies on the timing and mechanism of gene expression of these genes in bovine fertilized eggs/embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingnan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (B.L.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiaxin Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (B.L.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Junjie Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (B.L.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
- Research Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo Engineering Technique of Hebei Province, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Wei Xia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (B.L.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
- Research Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo Engineering Technique of Hebei Province, Baoding 071000, China
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Nouri N, Shareghi-Oskoue O, Aghebati-Maleki L, Danaii S, Ahmadian Heris J, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Kamrani A, Yousefi M. Role of miRNAs interference on ovarian functions and premature ovarian failure. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:198. [PMID: 36564840 PMCID: PMC9783981 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00992-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure is a to some extent unknown and intricate problem with diverse causes and clinical manifestations. The lack of ovarian sex hormones presumably is effective in the occurrence of ovarian failure. Our progress in this field has been very little despite undertaken scientific research endeavors; scholars still are trying to understand the explanation of this dilemmatic medical condition. In contrast, the practice of clinical medicine has made meaningful strides in providing assurance to the women with premature ovarian insufficiency that their quality of life as well as long-term health can be optimized through timely intervention. Very recently Scientists have investigated the regulating effects of small RNA molecules on steroidogenesis apoptosis, ovulation, gonadal, and corpus luteum development of ovaries. In this literature review, we tried to talk over the mechanisms of miRNAs in regulating gene expression after transcription in the ovary. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Nouri
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Olduz Shareghi-Oskoue
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahla Danaii
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Kamrani
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Hosseinzadeh S, Masoudi AA, Torshizi RV, Ehsani A. Identification of differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs in the ovarian tissue of ewes Shal and Sangsari using RNA-seq. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:2138-2146. [PMID: 35667079 PMCID: PMC9514483 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ovary has an important role in reproductive function. Animal reproduction is dominated by numerous coding genes and noncoding elements. Although long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are important in biological activity, little is known about their role in the ovary and fertility. Methods Three adult Shal ewes and three adult Sangsari ewes were used in this investigation. LncRNAs in ovarian tissue from two breeds were identified using bioinformatics analyses, and then target genes of LncRNAs were discovered. Target genes were annotated using the DAVID database, and their interactions were examined using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. The expression levels of seven LncRNAs with their target genes were assessed by real‐time PCR to confirm the RNA‐seq. Results Among all the identified LncRNAs, 124 LncRNAs were detected with different expression levels between the two breeds (FDR < 0.05). According to the DAVID database, target genes were discovered to be engaged in one biological process, one cellular component, and 21 KEGG pathways (FDR < 0.05). The PES1, RPS9, EF‐1, Plectin, SURF6, CYC1, PRKACA MAPK1, ITGB2 and BRD2 genes were some of the most crucial target genes (hub genes) in the ovary. Conclusion These results could pave the way for future efforts to address sheep prolificacy barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Masoudi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Vaez Torshizi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ehsani
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Hatching is modulated by microRNA-378a-3p derived from extracellular vesicles secreted by blastocysts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122708119. [PMID: 35298333 PMCID: PMC8944274 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122708119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hatching from the zona pellucida is a prerequisite for embryo implantation and is less likely to occur in vitro for reasons unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by the embryo into the culture medium. Yet the role that embryonic EVs and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) play in blastocyst hatching has not been elucidated, partially due to the difficulties of isolating them from low amounts of culture medium. Here, we optimized EV-miRNA isolation from medium conditioned by individually cultured bovine embryos and subsequently showed that miR-378a-3p, which was up-regulated in EVs secreted by blastocysts, plays a crucial role in promoting blastocyst hatching. This demonstrates the regulatory effect of miR-378-3p on hatching, which is an established embryo quality parameter linked with implantation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of embryo development to the blastocyst stage and beyond. Before implantation can take place, hatching of blastocysts from their zona pellucida is required. However, underlying mechanisms by which blastocyst formation and hatching are initiated remain largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence that embryonic EVs containing bta-miR-378a-3p play a crucial role in blastocyst hatching, using a bovine model. A customized procedure was used to isolate EV-miRNAs from culture droplets conditioned by individual bovine embryos that either developed to the blastocyst stage or did not (nonblastocyst). RNA sequencing identified 69 differentially expressed miRNAs between EVs derived from blastocyst conditioned medium (CM) and nonblastocyst CM. Among the miRNAs up-regulated in blastocyst CM, we selected bta-miR-378a-3p for further validation by functionality testing on developing in vitro embryos by means of mimics and inhibitors. Supplementing the embryo culture medium with miR-378a-3p mimic significantly improved blastocyst quality, with higher cell numbers and reduced apoptosis, and improved hatching, while the opposite was found after supplementation with miR-378a-3p inhibitor (P < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis of embryos treated with miR-378 mimic/inhibitor showed differential expression (P < 0.01) of genes associated with embryo development and implantation, including RAP1GAP, ARFGEF2, SLC7A6, CENPA, SP1, LDLR, PYCR1, MYD88, TPP1, and NCOA3. In conclusion, miR-378a-3p is up-regulated in EVs secreted by embryos that develop to the blastocyst stage, and this EV-derived miR-378a-3p increases blastocyst quality and regulates embryo hatching, which is essential for embryo implantation.
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Deng M, Chen B, Liu Z, Wan Y, Li D, Yang Y, Wang F. YBX1 mediates alternative splicing and maternal mRNA decay during pre-implantation development. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:12. [PMID: 35109938 PMCID: PMC8812265 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00743-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In mammals, maternal gene products decay and zygotic genome activation (ZGA) during maternal to zygotic transition (MZT) is critical for the early embryogenesis. Y-box binding protein YBX1 plays vital roles in RNA stabilization and transcriptional regulation, but its roles remain to be elucidated during pre-implantation development. Methods In the present study, we re-analyzed transcriptional level of YBX1 in mice, human, bovine, and goat embryos using public RNA-seq datasets. We further performed siRNA microinjection to knock down the expression of YBX1, and RNA sequencing of the 8-cell stage embryos in the control and YBX1 knockdown group. To reveal the regulation mechanisms of YBX1, we conducted differentially expression analysis, alternative splicing (AS) analysis, enrichment analysis, and 5-EU staining using DESeq2, rMATs, clusterProfiler, and immunofluorescence technique, respectively. Results The expression of YBX1 was increased during MZT in goat, bovine, human, and mice, but significantly decreased in YBX1 knockdown embryos compared with the controls, suggesting successfully knockdown of YBX1. The percentage of blastocyst was decreased, while embryos blocked at the 2- and 4-cell stage were increased in YBX1 knockdown embryos compared to the controls. Using RNA-seq, we identified 1623 up-regulated and 3531 down-regulated genes in the 8-cell stage YBX1 knockdown embryos. Of note, the down-regulated genes were enriched in regulation of RNA/mRNA stability and spliceosome, suggesting that YBX1 might medicate RNA stability and AS. To this end, we identified 3284 differential AS events and 1322 differentially expressed maternal mRNAs at the 8-cell stage YBX1 knockdown embryos. Meanwhile, the splicing factors and mRNA decay-related genes showed aberrant expression, and the transcriptional activity during ZGA in goat and mice was compromised when YBX1 was knocked down. Conclusion YBX1 serves an important role in maternal mRNA decay, alternative splicing, and the transcriptional activity required for early embryogenesis, which will broaden the current understanding of YBX1 functions during the stochastic reprogramming events. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00743-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtian Deng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Baobao Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zifei Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yongjie Wan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Dongxu Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yingnan Yang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Salilew-Wondim D, Tesfaye D, Rings F, Held-Hoelker E, Miskel D, Sirard MA, Tholen E, Schellander K, Hoelker M. The global gene expression outline of the bovine blastocyst: reflector of environmental conditions and predictor of developmental capacity. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:408. [PMID: 34082721 PMCID: PMC8176733 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Morphological evaluation of embryos has been used to screen embryos for transfer. However, the repeatability and accuracy of this method remains low. Thus, evaluation of an embryo’s gene expression signature with respect to its developmental capacity could provide new opportunities for embryo selection. Since the gene expression outline of an embryo is considered as an aggregate of its intrinsic characteristics and culture conditions, we have compared transcriptome profiles of in vivo and in vitro derived blastocysts in relation to pregnancy outcome to unravel the discrete effects of developmental competence and environmental conditions on bovine embryo gene expression outlines. To understand whether the gene expression patterns could be associated with blastocyst developmental competency, the global transcriptome profile of in vivo (CVO) and in vitro (CVT) derived competent blastocysts that resulted in pregnancy was investigated relative to that of in vivo (NVO) and in vitro (NVT) derived blastocysts which did not establish initial pregnancy, respectively while to unravel the effects of culture condition on the transcriptome profile of embryos, the transcriptional activity of the CVO group was compared to the CVT group and the NVO group was compared to the NVT ones. Results A total of 700 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between CVO and NVO blastocysts. These gene transcripts represent constitutive regions, indel variants, 3′-UTR sequence variants and novel transcript regions. The majority (82%) of these DEGs, including gene clusters like ATP synthases, eukaryotic translation initiation factors, ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase subunits were enriched in the CVO group. These DEGs were involved in pathways associated with glycolysis/glycogenesis, citrate acid cycle, pyruvate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Similarly, a total of 218 genes were differentially expressed between CVT and NVT groups. Of these, 89%, including TPT1, PDIA6, HSP90AA1 and CALM, were downregulated in the CVT group and those DEGs were overrepresented in pathways related to protein processing, endoplasmic reticulum, spliceasome, ubiquitone mediated proteolysis and steroid biosynthesis. On the other hand, although both the CVT and CVO blastocyst groups resulted in pregnancy, a total of 937 genes were differential expressed between the two groups. Compared to CVO embryos, the CVT ones exhibited downregulation of gene clusters including ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factors, ATP synthases, NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidases. Nonetheless, downregulation of these genes could be associated with pre and postnatal abnormalities observed after transfer of in vitro embryos. Conclusion The present study provides a detailed inventory of differentially expressed gene signatures and pathways specifically reflective of the developmental environment and future developmental capacities of bovine embryos suggesting that transcriptome activity observed in blastocysts could be indicative of further pregnancy success but also adaptation to culture environment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07693-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3105 Rampart Rd, CO, 80521, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Franca Rings
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva Held-Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis Miskel
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc-Andre Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, INAF, Pavillon des services, Université Laval (Québec), G1V 0A6, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Animal Science, Biotechnology & Reproduction in farm animals, University of Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Goettingen, Germany.
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Herman L, Legois B, Todeschini AL, Veitia RA. Genomic exploration of the targets of FOXL2 and ESR2 unveils their implication in cell migration, invasion, and adhesion. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21355. [PMID: 33749886 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002444r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
FOXL2 and ESR2 are key transcriptional regulators in ovarian granulosa cells. To explore their transcriptional roles and their interplay, we have depleted Foxl2 and Esr2 in mouse primary granulosa cells to assess their ability to bind their targets and/or to modulate gene expression and cellular functions. We show that FOXL2 is involved in a large number of regulatory actions essential for the maintenance of granulosa cell fate. A parallel ChIP-seq analysis showed that FOXL2 mainly binds to sites located in intergenic regions quite far from its targets. A bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that FOXL2-activated genes were enriched in peaks associated with the H3K27ac mark, whereas FOXL2-repressed genes were not, suggesting that FOXL2 can activate transcription through binding to enhancer sites. We also identified about 500 deregulated genes upon Esr2 silencing, of which one third are also targets of FOXL2. We provide evidence showing that both factors modulate, through a coherent feed-forward loop, a number of common targets. Many of the FOXL2/ESR2 targets are involved in cell motility and, consistently, granulosa cells depleted for either Foxl2 or Esr2 exhibit decreased migration, invasion and adhesion. This effect is paralleled by the depletion of their target Phactr1, involved in actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Our analysis expands the number of direct and indirect transcriptional targets of both FOXL2 and ESR2, which deserve investigation in the context of adult-type granulosa cell tumors whose molecular diagnostic hallmark is the presence of the C134W FOXL2 pathogenic variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Herman
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Bérangère Legois
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Laure Todeschini
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie F. Jacob, Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Fontenay aux Roses, France
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11
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Čikoš Š, Babeľová J, Špirková A, Burkuš J, Kovaříková V, Šefčíková Z, Fabian D, Koppel J. Glucocorticoid receptor isoforms and effects of glucocorticoids in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:351-364. [PMID: 30188986 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate possible involvement of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in mediating effects of maternal stress or therapeutically administered glucocorticoids on early embryo, we analyzed the expression of GR subtypes in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos. RT-PCR analysis results showed that GRα and GRγ transcripts are relatively highly expressed in mouse oocytes, and both transcripts are present at lower amounts in preimplantation embryos. We also detected low expression of two other splice variants, GRβ and a transcript orthologous to the human GR-P subtype, mainly at the blastocyst stage. Using western blot analysis, we detected several GR protein bands that differed in size between oocytes and preimplantation embryos. To compare the effects of corticosterone (a major endogenous glucocorticoid in rodents) and dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid) on early embryos, we cultured mouse preimplantation embryos in the presence of these glucocorticoids. Corticosterone showed a strong inhibitory effect on embryo development (starting from a 50 μM concentration), without a significant influence on apoptosis incidence. On the other hand, dexamethasone induced apoptosis in early embryo cells (starting from a 1.5 μM concentration), and its effect on embryo development was less detrimental than that found with the same dose of corticosterone. In summary, our results showed that different GR subtypes are expressed in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos and that the composition of GR subtypes changes during early embryo development. Moreover, we found significant differences in the effects of the two glucocorticoids on early embryo development, which might be associated with activation of different GR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štefan Čikoš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Janka Babeľová
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Špirková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Burkuš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Kovaříková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Šefčíková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Fabian
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Koppel
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
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12
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Li Z, Ehmke N, Lorenzo IM, Machaty Z, Nolte D. Biodynamic optical assay for embryo viability. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2019; 24:1-4. [PMID: 31240897 PMCID: PMC6977009 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.6.060502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Early stage porcine parthenogenetic embryos were evaluated for metabolic activity using a biodynamic microscope (BDM) that images dynamic light scattering using low-coherence digital holography. The microscope has a 45-deg illumination configuration that reduces specular background for the imaging of small translucent samples. The off-axis illumination is compatible with coherence-gated imaging because of volumetric light scattering in which the coherence plane is tilted at half the illumination angle in a three-dimensional tissue target. The BDM was used to profile the viability of porcine parthenotes with normal and with inhibited mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production using Doppler fluctuation spectroscopy. The ATP concentrations in the parthenotes, which are indicative of developmental potential, were validated by a conventional bioluminescence assay. Biodynamic classifications achieved ∼80 % accuracy correlating sample ATP treatment, providing a quick, label-free surrogate measurement to replace invasive metabolic assays as a candidate for evaluating quality of early embryos in the assisted reproductive technology setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Li
- Purdue University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Natalie Ehmke
- Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Ilka M. Lorenzo
- Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Zoltan Machaty
- Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - David Nolte
- Purdue University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
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13
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Melo TP, Fortes MRS, Bresolin T, Mota LFM, Albuquerque LG, Carvalheiro R. Multitrait meta-analysis identified genomic regions associated with sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:4087-4099. [PMID: 30053002 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Multitrait meta-analyses are a strategy to produce more accurate genome-wide association studies, especially for complex phenotypes. We carried out a meta-analysis study for traits related to sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle (Nellore and Brahman) aiming to identify important genomic regions affecting these traits. The traits included in the analyses were age at first calving (AFC), early pregnancy (EP), age at first corpus luteum (AGECL), first postpartum anoestrus interval (PPAI), and scrotal circumference (SC). The traits AFC, EP, and SCN were measured in Nellore cattle, while AGECL, PPAI, and SCB were measured in Brahman cattle. Meta-analysis resulted in 108 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), at an empirical threshold P-value of 1.39 × 10-5 (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05). Within 0.5 Mb of the significant SNP, candidate genes were annotated and analyzed for functional enrichment. Most of the closest genes to the SNP with higher significance in each chromosome have been associated with important roles in reproductive function. They are TSC22D2, KLF7, ARHGAP29, 7SK, MAP3K5, TLE3, WDR5, TAF3, TMEM68, PPP1R15B, NR2F2, GALR1, SUFU, and KCNU1. We did not observe any significant SNP in BTA5, BTA12, BTA17, BTA18, BTA19, BTA20, BTA22, BTA23, BTA25, and BTA28. Although the majority of significant SNPs are in BTA14, it was identified significant associations in multiple chromosomes (19 out of 29 autosomes), which is consistent with the postulation that reproductive traits are complex polygenic phenotypes. Five proposed association regions harbor the majority of the significant SNP (76%) and were distributed over four chromosomes (P < 1.39 × 10-5, FDR < 0.05): BTA2 (5.55%) from 95 to 96 Mb, BTA4 (5.55%) from 94.1 to 94.8 Mb, BTA14 (59.26%) from 24 to 25 Mb and 29 to 30 Mb, and BTA21 (5.55%) from 6.7 Mb to 11.4 Mb. These regions harbored key genes related to reproductive function. Moreover, these genes were enriched for functional groups associated with immune response, maternal-fetal tolerance, pregnancy maintenance, embryo development, fertility, and response to stress. Further studies including other breeds and precocity traits could confirm the importance of these regions and identify new candidate regions for sexual precocity in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaise P Melo
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina R S Fortes
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tiago Bresolin
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucio F M Mota
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia G Albuquerque
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
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14
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Byars SG, Huang QQ, Gray LA, Bakshi A, Ripatti S, Abraham G, Stearns SC, Inouye M. Genetic loci associated with coronary artery disease harbor evidence of selection and antagonistic pleiotropy. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006328. [PMID: 28640878 PMCID: PMC5480811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional genome-wide scans for positive selection have mainly uncovered selective sweeps associated with monogenic traits. While selection on quantitative traits is much more common, very few signals have been detected because of their polygenic nature. We searched for positive selection signals underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) in worldwide populations, using novel approaches to quantify relationships between polygenic selection signals and CAD genetic risk. We identified new candidate adaptive loci that appear to have been directly modified by disease pressures given their significant associations with CAD genetic risk. These candidates were all uniquely and consistently associated with many different male and female reproductive traits suggesting selection may have also targeted these because of their direct effects on fitness. We found that CAD loci are significantly enriched for lifetime reproductive success relative to the rest of the human genome, with evidence that the relationship between CAD and lifetime reproductive success is antagonistic. This supports the presence of antagonistic-pleiotropic tradeoffs on CAD loci and provides a novel explanation for the maintenance and high prevalence of CAD in modern humans. Lastly, we found that positive selection more often targeted CAD gene regulatory variants using HapMap3 lymphoblastoid cell lines, which further highlights the unique biological significance of candidate adaptive loci underlying CAD. Our study provides a novel approach for detecting selection on polygenic traits and evidence that modern human genomes have evolved in response to CAD-induced selection pressures and other early-life traits sharing pleiotropic links with CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G. Byars
- Centre for Systems Genomics, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qin Qin Huang
- Centre for Systems Genomics, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lesley-Ann Gray
- Centre for Systems Genomics, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Bakshi
- Centre for Systems Genomics, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuli Ripatti
- Institute of Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gad Abraham
- Centre for Systems Genomics, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen C. Stearns
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Michael Inouye
- Centre for Systems Genomics, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Placental 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) expression very early during human pregnancy. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 8:149-154. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174416000611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Maternal physiologic stress during gestation has been reported to be associated with negative developmental outcomes, including intra-uterine growth restriction and reduced birth weight, which can impact postnatal development, behavior and health. The human fetus is partially protected from elevated cortisol exposure by placental 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which oxidizes bioactive cortisol into bio-inactive cortisone. Importantly, despite the critical protective role hypothesized for 11β-HSD2, the onset of its placental expression has yet to be clearly established. To this aim, we present immunocytochemical analysis of placentas collected 3–6 weeks post-conception. 11β-HSD2 was present as early as 3 weeks post-conception in syncytiotrophoblasts, where most maternal–fetal exchange occurs, and in columnar epithelial cells encircling uterine endometrial glands, which provide early histiopathic nutrition to the embryo. 11β-HSD2 expression in these critical maternal–fetal exchange areas is consistent with its hypothesized protective role. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms that may modulate embryonic glucocorticoid exposure earlier, immediately post-conception.
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16
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Kirkegaard K, Dyrlund TF, Ingerslev HJ. Clinical Application of Methods to Select In VitroFertilized Embryos. Hum Reprod 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118849613.ch7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Kirkegaard
- Department of Medical Biochemistry; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus Denmark
| | - Thomas F. Dyrlund
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
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17
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Rocha JC, Passalia F, Matos FD, Maserati MP, Alves MF, Almeida TGD, Cardoso BL, Basso AC, Nogueira MFG. Methods for assessing the quality of mammalian embryos: How far we are from the gold standard? JBRA Assist Reprod 2016; 20:150-8. [PMID: 27584609 PMCID: PMC5264381 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20160033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphological embryo classification is of great importance for many laboratory
techniques, from basic research to the ones applied to assisted reproductive
technology. However, the standard classification method for both human and
cattle embryos, is based on quality parameters that reflect the overall
morphological quality of the embryo in cattle, or the quality of the individual
embryonic structures, more relevant in human embryo classification. This
assessment method is biased by the subjectivity of the evaluator and even though
several guidelines exist to standardize the classification, it is not a method
capable of giving reliable and trustworthy results. Latest approaches for the
improvement of quality assessment include the use of data from cellular
metabolism, a new morphological grading system, development kinetics and
cleavage symmetry, embryo cell biopsy followed by pre-implantation genetic
diagnosis, zona pellucida birefringence, ion release by the embryo cells and so
forth. Nowadays there exists a great need for evaluation methods that are
practical and non-invasive while being accurate and objective. A method along
these lines would be of great importance to embryo evaluation by embryologists,
clinicians and other professionals who work with assisted reproductive
technology. Several techniques shows promising results in this sense, one being
the use of digital images of the embryo as basis for features extraction and
classification by means of artificial intelligence techniques (as genetic
algorithms and artificial neural networks). This process has the potential to
become an accurate and objective standard for embryo quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- José C Rocha
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP)
| | - Felipe Passalia
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP)
| | - Felipe D Matos
- Institut de Biologie de l École Normale Supérieure de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcelo F G Nogueira
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP)
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18
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Munch EM, Sparks AE, Gonzalez Bosquet J, Christenson LK, Devor EJ, Van Voorhis BJ. Differentially expressed genes in preimplantation human embryos: potential candidate genes for blastocyst formation and implantation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1017-25. [PMID: 27241529 PMCID: PMC4974233 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0745-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to determine which genes and gene pathways are differentially expressed when comparing human blastocysts with cleavage-stage embryos. Methods We individually assessed gene expression in preimplantation human embryos at cleavage (n = 3) and blastocyst (n = 3) stages. Gene expression patterns were then validated in publically available datasets and then independently validated in vitro with additional human embryos using TaqMan gene expression assays. Immunolocalization studies were conducted to identify protein expression in intact blastocyst-stage embryos. Results Compared to cleavage-stage embryos, blastocyst-stage embryos differentially expressed 51 genes (p < 0.001), with overrepresentation in amoebiasis pathways and pathways in cancer. Of these 51 genes, 21 were found to be independently validated in a separate, publically available dataset, with a substantial agreement with our initial findings (κ = 0.8). In an independent set of cleavage- and blastocyst-stage embryos, we validated that six of eight tested genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05) by RT-qPCR. Immunofluorescence studies documented the presence of two studied proteins in the trophectoderm of blastocyst-stage embryos. Conclusions Differentially expressed genes may be implicated in the invasion and proliferation of the early embryo. Our research highlights specific genes that may be further studied for their role in the implantation process and additionally raises questions about localized gene and/or protein expression in the trophectoderm, which could affect protocols for, and interpretation of, trophectoderm biopsies performed in in vitro fertilization cycles. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10815-016-0745-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika M Munch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Amy E Sparks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jesus Gonzalez Bosquet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Eric J Devor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Bradley J Van Voorhis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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Ultrastructural and cytogenetic analyses of mature human oocyte dysmorphisms with respect to clinical outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1041-57. [PMID: 27221476 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to describe the ultrastructure of two human mature oocyte intracytoplasmic dysmorphisms, the bull-eye inclusion and the granular vacuole, with evaluation of clinical outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 4099 consecutive ICSI cycles during the period 2003-2013. Three groups were compared: controls, those with a bulls-eye inclusion, and those with granular vacuoles. Oocyte dysmorphisms were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and in situ fluorescence hybridization (FISH). Detailed data on demographic and stimulation characteristics, as well as on embryological, clinical, and newborn outcomes, are fully presented. RESULTS The bull-eye inclusion is a prominent smooth round structure containing trapped vesicles, being surrounded by lipid droplets. The presence of this dysmorphism in the oocyte cohort had no clinical impact except when transferred embryos were exclusively derived from dysmorphism oocytes. The granular vacuole is delimited by a discontinuous double membrane and contains lipid droplets and vesicles. As FISH analysis revealed the presence of chromosomes, they probably represent pyknotic nuclei. The presence of this dysmorphism in the oocyte cohort had no clinical impact except when at least one transferred embryo was derived from dimorphic oocytes. CONCLUSIONS Poor clinical outcomes were observed with transfer of embryos derived from dysmorphism oocytes, although without causing gestation or newborn problems. The bull-eye inclusion and granular vacuoles may thus be new prognostic factors for clinical outcomes.
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20
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Mantikou E, Jonker MJ, Wong KM, van Montfoort APA, de Jong M, Breit TM, Repping S, Mastenbroek S. Factors affecting the gene expression of in vitro cultured human preimplantation embryos. Hum Reprod 2015; 31:298-311. [PMID: 26677958 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the relative effect of common environmental and biological factors on transcriptome changes during human preimplantation development? SUMMARY ANSWER Developmental stage and maternal age had a larger effect on the global gene expression profile of human preimplantation embryos than the culture medium or oxygen concentration used in in vitro culture. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies on mouse and bovine embryos have shown that different conditions in the in vitro culture of embryos can lead to changes in transcriptome profiles. For humans, an effect of developmental stage on the transcriptome profile of embryos has been demonstrated, but studies on the effect of maternal age or culture conditions are lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Donated, good quality, day 4 cryopreserved human preimplantation embryos (N = 89) were randomized to be cultured in one of two culture media (G5 medium or HTF medium) and one of two oxygen concentrations (5% or 20%), with stratification for maternal age. Next to these variables, developmental stage after culture was taken into account in the analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Embryos that developed to morula or blastocyst stage during these 2 days whose amplified mRNA passed our quality control criteria for microarray hybridization were individually examined for genome-wide gene expression (N = 37). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Based on the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), developmental stage (3519 DEGs) and maternal age (1258 DEGs) had a larger effect on the global gene expression profile of human preimplantation embryos than either tested culture medium (596 DEGs) or oxygen concentration (492 DEGs) used during in vitro culture. Interactions between the factors were found, indicating that culture conditions might have a different effect depending on the developmental stage or the maternal age of the embryos. Affected pathways included metabolism, cell cycle processes and oxidative phosphorylation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Culture of embryos for only 2 days might have limited the effect on global gene expression by the investigated culture conditions. Earlier stages of development (Day 0 until Day 4) were not analyzed and these embryos might respond differently to the experimental conditions. The freezing and thawing procedures might have had an effect on gene expression. RT-PCR validation was not performed due to scarcity of the material. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results show that when studying gene expression in single human preimplantation embryos under various experimental conditions, one should take into account the confounding effect of biological variables, such as developmental stage and maternal age. This makes these experiments different from gene expression experiments where these variables can be tightly controlled, for example when using cell lines. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study received no external funding and there were no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mantikou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands MicroArray Department and Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (MAD-IBU), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M J Jonker
- MicroArray Department and Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (MAD-IBU), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands Netherlands Bioinformatics Center (NBIC), 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K M Wong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW school for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M de Jong
- MicroArray Department and Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (MAD-IBU), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands Present address: GenomeScan B.V., Plesmanlaan 1d, 2333BZ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - T M Breit
- MicroArray Department and Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (MAD-IBU), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands Netherlands Bioinformatics Center (NBIC), 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ajduk A, Zernicka-Goetz M. Polarity and cell division orientation in the cleavage embryo: from worm to human. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 22:691-703. [PMID: 26660321 PMCID: PMC5062000 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cleavage is a period after fertilization, when a 1-cell embryo starts developing into a multicellular organism. Due to a series of mitotic divisions, the large volume of a fertilized egg is divided into numerous smaller, nucleated cells—blastomeres. Embryos of different phyla divide according to different patterns, but molecular mechanism of these early divisions remains surprisingly conserved. In the present paper, we describe how polarity cues, cytoskeleton and cell-to-cell communication interact with each other to regulate orientation of the early embryonic division planes in model animals such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila and mouse. We focus particularly on the Par pathway and the actin-driven cytoplasmic flows that accompany it. We also describe a unique interplay between Par proteins and the Hippo pathway in cleavage mammalian embryos. Moreover, we discuss the potential meaning of polarity, cytoplasmic dynamics and cell-to-cell communication as quality biomarkers of human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
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22
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Tulay P, Naja RP, Cascales-Roman O, Doshi A, Serhal P, SenGupta SB. Investigation of microRNA expression and DNA repair gene transcripts in human oocytes and blastocysts. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1757-64. [PMID: 26438643 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0585-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study is to investigate the regulation of DNA repair genes by microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing. Several miRNAs that are expressed during preimplantation embryo development have been shown or are predicted to target genes that regulate cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair in response to DNA damage. METHODS This study compares the expression level of 20 miRNAs and 9 target transcripts involved in DNA repair. The statistical significance of differential miRNA expression between oocytes and blastocysts was determined by t test analysis using the GraphPad Prism v6 software. The possible regulatory roles of miRNAs on their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were analysed using a Pearson correlation test. RESULTS This study shows for the first time that several miRNAs are expressed in human oocytes and blastocysts that target key genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoints. Blastocysts exhibited statistically significant lower expression levels for the majority of miRNAs compared to oocytes (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses showed that there was both inverse and direct association between miRNAs and their target mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS miRNAs target many mRNAs including ones involved in DNA repair mechanisms. This study suggests that miRNAs and their target mRNAs involved in DNA repair are expressed in preimplantation embryos. Similar to the miRNAs expressed in adult tissues, these miRNAs seem to have regulatory roles on their target DNA repair mRNAs during preimplantation embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Tulay
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Genetics Department, Near East University, Yakin Dogu Bulvari, Nicosia, Cyprus. .,UCL Centre for PGD, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - R P Naja
- UCL Centre for PGD, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - O Cascales-Roman
- UCL Centre for PGD, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Doshi
- The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, University College Hospital, The New Wing Eastman Dental Hospital, London, UK
| | - P Serhal
- The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, University College Hospital, The New Wing Eastman Dental Hospital, London, UK
| | - S B SenGupta
- UCL Centre for PGD, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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23
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Kirkegaard K, Villesen P, Jensen JM, Hindkjær JJ, Kølvraa S, Ingerslev HJ, Lykke-Hartmann K. Distinct differences in global gene expression profiles in non-implanted blastocysts and blastocysts resulting in live birth. Gene 2015; 571:212-20. [PMID: 26117173 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Results from animal models points towards the existence of a gene expression profile that is distinguishably different in viable embryos compared with non-viable embryos. Knowledge of human embryo transcripts is however limited, in particular with regard to how gene expression is related to clinical outcome. The purpose of the present study was therefore to determine the global gene expression profiles of human blastocysts. Next Generation Sequencing was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed in non-implanted embryos and embryos resulting in live birth. Three trophectoderm biopsies were obtained from morphologically high quality blastocysts resulting in live birth and three biopsies were obtained from non-implanting blastocysts of a comparable morphology. Total RNA was extracted from all samples followed by complete transcriptome sequencing. Using a set of filtering criteria, we obtained a list of 181 genes that were differentially expressed between trophectoderm biopsies from embryos resulting in either live birth or no implantation (negative hCG), respectively. We found that 37 of the 181 genes displayed significantly differential expression (p<0.05), e.g. EFNB1, CYTL1 and TEX26 and TESK1, MSL1 and EVI5 in trophectoderm biopsies associated with live birth and non-implanting, respectively. Out of the 181 genes, almost 80% (145 genes) were up-regulated in biopsies from un-implanted embryos, whereas only 20% (36 genes) showed an up-regulation in the samples from embryos resulting in live birth. Our findings suggest the presence of molecular differences visually undetectable between implanted and non-implanted embryos, and represent a proof of principle study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Kirkegaard
- Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, The Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Palle Villesen
- Aarhus University, Bioinformatics Research Center (BIRC), C.F. Møllers Allé 8, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jacob Malte Jensen
- Aarhus University, Bioinformatics Research Center (BIRC), C.F. Møllers Allé 8, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Johnny Juhl Hindkjær
- Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, The Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Steen Kølvraa
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Vejle Hospital, DK-7100 Vejle, Denmark; Institute of Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Hans Jakob Ingerslev
- Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, The Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Karin Lykke-Hartmann
- Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark; Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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24
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McGinnis LK, Luense LJ, Christenson LK. MicroRNA in Ovarian Biology and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:a022962. [PMID: 25986593 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are posttranscriptional gene regulatory molecules that show regulated expression within ovarian tissue. Most research investigating miRNAs in the ovary has relied exclusively on in vitro analyses. In this review, we highlight those few studies in which investigators have illustrated an in vivo effect of miRNAs on ovarian function. We also provide a synopsis of how these small noncoding RNAs can impact ovarian disease. miRNAs have great potential as novel diagnostic biomarkers for the detection of ovarian disease and in the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for selection of healthy viable oocytes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda K McGinnis
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Lacey J Luense
- Epigenetics Program, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
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Bazrgar M, Gourabi H, Yazdi PE, Vazirinasab H, Fakhri M, Hassani F, Valojerdi MR. DNA repair signalling pathway genes are overexpressed in poor-quality pre-implantation human embryos with complex aneuploidy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 175:152-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Ajduk A, Zernicka-Goetz M. Quality control of embryo development. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:903-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Montag M, Toth B, Strowitzki T. New approaches to embryo selection. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:539-46. [PMID: 23933036 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Embryo selection has been an important topic since the introduction of assisted reproduction, with embryo morphology being the most obvious criterion. Although morphology serves as indicator for overall IVF laboratory quality, its statistical assessment limits the possibility to identify the most implantation-competent embryos. In order to reach a direct picture of the developing embryo, invasive procedures such as preimplantation genetic screening or transcriptome and proteome analysis of biopsied embryonic tissue were initially prioritized and are still under investigation. More recently, focus has shifted towards noninvasive techniques that maintain the integrity of the embryo. Metabolomic profiling of culture medium from growing embryos attracted much research. Although successful in a pilot study, that approach failed in a randomized controlled trial. Other metabolomics studies are on their way but not yet available for routine clinical use. The most promising strategy at present is the combined evaluation of morphology and developmental kinetics using time-lapse imaging. This has brought new insights into certain characteristics that enable deselection of embryos at an early stage of development and to identify others with high potential for successful implantation. However, there is still considerable room for improvement. Further strategies will most likely involve the combination of several different approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Montag
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, University of Heidelberg, Voßstr. 9, D-69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
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