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Kurlovich J, Rodriguez Polo I, Dovgusha O, Tereshchenko Y, Cruz CRV, Behr R, Günesdogan U. Generation of marmoset primordial germ cell-like cells under chemically defined conditions. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302371. [PMID: 38499329 PMCID: PMC10948935 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of sperm and oocytes, which transmit genetic/epigenetic information across generations. Mouse PGC and subsequent gamete development can be fully reconstituted in vitro, opening up new avenues for germ cell studies in biomedical research. However, PGCs show molecular differences between rodents and humans. Therefore, to establish an in vitro system that is closely related to humans, we studied PGC development in vivo and in vitro in the common marmoset monkey Callithrix jacchus (cj). Gonadal cjPGCs at embryonic day 74 express SOX17, AP2Ɣ, BLIMP1, NANOG, and OCT4A, which is reminiscent of human PGCs. We established transgene-free induced pluripotent stem cell (cjiPSC) lines from foetal and postnatal fibroblasts. These cjiPSCs, cultured in defined and feeder-free conditions, can be differentiated into precursors of mesendoderm and subsequently into cjPGC-like cells (cjPGCLCs) with a transcriptome similar to human PGCs/PGCLCs. Our results not only pave the way for studying PGC development in a non-human primate in vitro under experimentally controlled conditions, but also provide the opportunity to derive functional marmoset gametes in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kurlovich
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ignacio Rodriguez Polo
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- Stem Cell and Human Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Oleksandr Dovgusha
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yuliia Tereshchenko
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carmela Rieline V Cruz
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ufuk Günesdogan
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- https://ror.org/03av75f26 Department for Molecular Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
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La Grua A, Rao I, Susani L, Lucchini F, Raimondi E, Vezzoni P, Paulis M. Chromosome Transplantation: Opportunities and Limitations. Cells 2024; 13:666. [PMID: 38667281 PMCID: PMC11048979 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
There are thousands of rare genetic diseases that could be treated with classical gene therapy strategies such as the addition of the defective gene via viral or non-viral delivery or by direct gene editing. However, several genetic defects are too complex for these approaches. These "genomic mutations" include aneuploidies, intra and inter chromosomal rearrangements, large deletions, or inversion and copy number variations. Chromosome transplantation (CT) refers to the precise substitution of an endogenous chromosome with an exogenous one. By the addition of an exogenous chromosome and the concomitant elimination of the endogenous one, every genetic defect, irrespective of its nature, could be resolved. In the current review, we analyze the state of the art of this technique and discuss its possible application to human pathology. CT might not be limited to the treatment of human diseases. By working on sex chromosomes, we showed that female cells can be obtained from male cells, since chromosome-transplanted cells can lose either sex chromosome, giving rise to 46,XY or 46,XX diploid cells, a modification that could be exploited to obtain female gametes from male cells. Moreover, CT could be used in veterinary biology, since entire chromosomes containing an advantageous locus could be transferred to animals of zootechnical interest without altering their specific genetic background and the need for long and complex interbreeding. CT could also be useful to rescue extinct species if only male cells were available. Finally, the generation of "synthetic" cells could be achieved by repeated CT into a recipient cell. CT is an additional tool for genetic modification of mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela La Grua
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy;
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Ilaria Rao
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Lucia Susani
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Lucchini
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
| | - Elena Raimondi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Paolo Vezzoni
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, 20138 Milan, Italy
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3
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Tsui EL, McDowell HB, Laronda MM. Restoring Ovarian Fertility and Hormone Function: Recent Advancements, Ongoing Efforts and Future Applications. J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae073. [PMID: 38698870 PMCID: PMC11065362 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The last 20 years have seen substantial improvements in fertility and hormone preservation and restoration technologies for a growing number of cancer survivors. However, further advancements are required to fill the gaps for those who cannot use current technologies or to improve the efficacy and longevity of current fertility and hormone restoration technologies. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) followed by ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) offers those unable to undergo ovarian stimulation for egg retrieval and cryopreservation an option that restores both fertility and hormone function. However, those with metastatic disease in their ovaries are unable to transplant this tissue. Therefore, new technologies to produce good-quality eggs and restore long-term cyclic ovarian function are being investigated and developed to expand options for a variety of patients. This mini-review describes current and near future technologies including in vitro maturation, in vitro follicle growth and maturation, bioprosthetic ovaries, and stem cell applications in fertility restoration research by their proximity to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Tsui
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hannah B McDowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Monica M Laronda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Mikhalchenko A, Gutierrez NM, Frana D, Safaei Z, Van Dyken C, Li Y, Ma H, Koski A, Liang D, Lee SG, Amato P, Mitalipov S. Induction of somatic cell haploidy by premature cell division. Sci Adv 2024; 10:eadk9001. [PMID: 38457500 PMCID: PMC10923512 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk9001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Canonical mitotic and meiotic cell divisions commence with replicated chromosomes consisting of two sister chromatids. Here, we developed and explored a model of premature cell division, where nonreplicated, G0/G1-stage somatic cell nuclei are transplanted to the metaphase cytoplasm of mouse oocytes. Subsequent cell division generates daughter cells with reduced ploidy. Unexpectedly, genome sequencing analysis revealed proper segregation of homologous chromosomes, resulting in complete haploid genomes. We observed a high occurrence of somatic genome haploidization in nuclei from inbred genetic backgrounds but not in hybrids, emphasizing the importance of sequence homology between homologs. These findings suggest that premature cell division relies on mechanisms similar to meiosis I, where genome haploidization is facilitated by homologous chromosome interactions, recognition, and pairing. Unlike meiosis, no evidence of recombination between somatic cell homologs was detected. Our study offers an alternative in vitro gametogenesis approach by directly reprogramming diploid somatic cells into haploid oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Mikhalchenko
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nuria Marti Gutierrez
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Frana
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Zahra Safaei
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Crystal Van Dyken
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hong Ma
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Amy Koski
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dan Liang
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Sang-Goo Lee
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Paula Amato
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shoukhrat Mitalipov
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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5
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Callaway E. Will these reprogrammed elephant cells ever make a mammoth? Nature 2024; 627:253-254. [PMID: 38448533 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00670-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
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6
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Adashi EY, Hayashi K, Cohen IG. Ethical and legal challenges in assisted same-sex conception through in vitro gametogenesis. Nat Med 2024; 30:322-323. [PMID: 38200259 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02689-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katsuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Genome Biology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Developmental Stem Cell Biology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - I Glenn Cohen
- Harvard Law School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Cucinella G, Gullo G, Catania E, Perino A, Billone V, Marinelli S, Napoletano G, Zaami S. Stem Cells and Infertility: A Review of Clinical Applications and Legal Frameworks. J Pers Med 2024; 14:135. [PMID: 38392569 PMCID: PMC10890184 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a condition defined by the failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or due to an impairment of a person's capacity to reproduce either as an individual or with their partner. The authors have set out to succinctly investigate, explore, and assess infertility treatments, harnessing the potential of stem cells to effectively and safely treat infertility; in addition, this paper will present the legal and regulatory complexities at the heart of stem cell research, with an overview of the legislative state of affairs in six major European countries. For couples who cannot benefit from assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to treat their infertility, stem-cells-based approaches have been shown to be a highly promising approach. Nonetheless, lingering ethical and immunological uncertainties require more conclusive findings and data before such treatment avenues can become mainstream and be applied on a large scale. The isolation of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is ethically controversial, since their collection involves the destruction of human embryonic tissue. Overall, stem cell research has resulted in important new breakthroughs in the treatment of infertility. The effort to untangle the complex web of ethical and legal issues associated with such therapeutic approaches will have to rely on evidence-based, broadly shared standards, guidelines, and best practices to make sure that the procreative rights of patients can be effectively reconciled with the core values at the heart of medical ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspare Cucinella
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gullo
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Erika Catania
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Perino
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Billone
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Napoletano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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8
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Latham KE. Preimplantation genetic testing: A remarkable history of pioneering, technical challenges, innovations, and ethical considerations. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23727. [PMID: 38282313 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has emerged as a powerful companion to assisted reproduction technologies. The origins and history of PGT are reviewed here, along with descriptions of advances in molecular assays and sampling methods, their capabilities, and their applications in preventing genetic diseases and enhancing pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, the potential for increasing accuracy and genome coverage is considered, as well as some of the emerging ethical and legislative considerations related to the expanding capabilities of PGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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9
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Aizawa E, Ozonov EA, Kawamura YK, Dumeau C, Nagaoka S, Kitajima TS, Saitou M, Peters AHFM, Wutz A. Epigenetic regulation limits competence of pluripotent stem cell-derived oocytes. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113955. [PMID: 37850882 PMCID: PMC10690455 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023113955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have reported the differentiation of pluripotent cells into oocytes in vitro. However, the developmental competence of in vitro-generated oocytes remains low. Here, we perform a comprehensive comparison of mouse germ cell development in vitro over all culture steps versus in vivo with the goal to understand mechanisms underlying poor oocyte quality. We show that the in vitro differentiation of primordial germ cells to growing oocytes and subsequent follicle growth is critical for competence for preimplantation development. Systematic transcriptome analysis of single oocytes that were subjected to different culture steps identifies genes that are normally upregulated during oocyte growth to be susceptible for misregulation during in vitro oogenesis. Many misregulated genes are Polycomb targets. Deregulation of Polycomb repression is therefore a key cause and the earliest defect known in in vitro oocyte differentiation. Conversely, structurally normal in vitro-derived oocytes fail at zygotic genome activation and show abnormal acquisition of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine on maternal chromosomes. Our data identify epigenetic regulation at an early stage of oogenesis limiting developmental competence and suggest opportunities for future improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eishi Aizawa
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of TechnologyETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Evgeniy A Ozonov
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
| | - Yumiko K Kawamura
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
| | - Charles‐Etienne Dumeau
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of TechnologyETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - So Nagaoka
- Department of EmbryologyNara Medical UniversityNaraJapan
| | | | - Mitinori Saitou
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi)Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA)Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Antoine HFM Peters
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
- Faculty of SciencesUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Anton Wutz
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of TechnologyETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Companies and academic laboratories are pursuing the production of gametes from stem cells. Researchers should be active participants in discussions about speculative scenarios, to avoid this endeavor to accommodate genetic parenthood undermines the value it is meant to serve, because of either unrealistic or insufficient ethical reflection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seppe Segers
- Department of Health, Ethics, and Society, Research Institutes GROW and CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200, The Netherlands; Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
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13
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Horer S, Feichtinger M, Rosner M, Hengstschläger M. Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived In Vitro Gametogenesis and Synthetic Embryos-It Is Never Too Early for an Ethical Debate. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:569-575. [PMID: 37471266 PMCID: PMC10502567 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, 2 branches of the wide area of synthetic biology-in vitro gametogenesis and synthetic embryo development-have gained considerable attention. Rodent induced pluripotent stem cells derived via reprogramming of somatic cells can in vitro be differentiated into gametes to produce fertile offspring. And even synthetic embryos with organ progenitors were generated ex utero entirely from murine pluripotent stem cells. The use of these approaches in basic research, which is rightfully accompanied by an ethical discussion, will allow hitherto unattainable insights into the processes of the beginning of life. There is a broad international consensus that currently the application of these technologies in human-assisted reproduction must be considered to be unsafe and unethical. However, newspaper headlines also addressed the putatively resulting paradigm shift in human reproduction and thereby raised expectations in patients. Due to unsolved biological and technological obstacles, most scientists do not anticipate translation of any of these approaches into human reproductive medicine, if ever, for the next 10 years. Still, whereas the usage of synthetic embryos for reproductive purposes should be banned, in the context of in vitro-derived human gametes it is not too early to initiate the evaluation of the ethical implications, which could still remain assuming all technological hurdles can ever be cleared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Horer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Margit Rosner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Ball P. Human embryo science: can the world's regulators keep pace? Nature 2023; 617:242-243. [PMID: 37165245 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-01550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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15
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Bayerl J, Laird DJ. Eggs made from male mouse stem cells using error-prone culture. Nature 2023; 615:805-807. [PMID: 36922658 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-00755-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
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Osuka S, Kasahara Y, Iyoshi S, Sonehara R, Myake N, Muraoka A, Nakamura T, Iwase A, Kajiyama H. Follicle development and its prediction in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency: Possible treatments and markers to maximize the ability to conceive with residual follicles. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12556. [PMID: 38144239 PMCID: PMC10746865 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by the development of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism before 40 years of age and leads to intractable infertility. Although in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer with donated eggs enables pregnancy, not a few patients desire pregnancy using their oocytes. However, follicular development is rare and unpredictable in patients with POI. Thus, there is a need for treatments that promote the development of residual follicles and methods to accurately predict infrequent ovulation. Methods This review discusses the effects of various treatments for obtaining eggs from POI patients. Furthermore, this study focused a potential marker for predicting follicular growth in patients with POI. Main Findings Different treatments such as hormone-replacement therapy, dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation, platelet-rich plasma injection, and in vitro activation have shown varying degrees of effectiveness in retrieving oocytes from patients with POI. To predict follicle development in the cycle, elevated serum estradiol and reduced follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are important. However, these markers are not always reliable under continuous estradiol-replacement therapy. As a novel marker for predicting follicle growth, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, measured using the picoAMH enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were found to predict follicle growth in patients and the cycle. Conclusion This review highlights the challenges and available interventions for achieving pregnancy using a patient's oocytes in cases of POI. We believe that a combination of currently available treatments and prediction methods is the best strategy to enable patients with POI to conceive using their own eggs. Although AMH levels may predict follicle growth, further research is necessary to improve the chances of successful follicular development and conception in patients with POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Osuka
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | | | - Shohei Iyoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
- Institute for Advanced ResearchNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Reina Sonehara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Natsuki Myake
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Ayako Muraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
- Division of Perinatology, Center for Maternal‐Neonatal CareNagoya University HospitalNagoyaJapan
| | - Tomoko Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
- Division of Perinatology, Center for Maternal‐Neonatal CareNagoya University HospitalNagoyaJapan
| | - Akira Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGunma University Graduate School of MedicineMaebashiJapan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
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