1
|
Liao Z, Zhang J, Sun S, Li Y, Xu Y, Li C, Cao J, Nie Y, Niu Z, Liu J, Lu F, Liu Z, Sun Q. Reprogramming mechanism dissection and trophoblast replacement application in monkey somatic cell nuclear transfer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5. [PMID: 38228612 PMCID: PMC10791636 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43985-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) successfully clones cynomolgus monkeys, but the efficiency remains low due to a limited understanding of the reprogramming mechanism. Notably, no rhesus monkey has been cloned through SCNT so far. Our study conducts a comparative analysis of multi-omics datasets, comparing embryos resulting from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with those from SCNT. Our findings reveal a widespread decrease in DNA methylation and the loss of imprinting in maternally imprinted genes within SCNT monkey blastocysts. This loss of imprinting persists in SCNT embryos cultured in-vitro until E17 and in full-term SCNT placentas. Additionally, histological examination of SCNT placentas shows noticeable hyperplasia and calcification. To address these defects, we develop a trophoblast replacement method, ultimately leading to the successful cloning of a healthy male rhesus monkey. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the reprogramming mechanism of monkey SCNT and introduce a promising strategy for primate cloning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodi Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jixiang Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shiyu Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuzhuo Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yanhong Nie
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhuoyue Niu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Falong Lu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Zhen Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Swegen A, Appeltant R, Williams SA. Cloning in action: can embryo splitting, induced pluripotency and somatic cell nuclear transfer contribute to endangered species conservation? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1225-1249. [PMID: 37016502 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12951] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
The term 'cloning' refers to the production of genetically identical individuals but has meant different things throughout the history of science: a natural means of reproduction in bacteria, a routine procedure in horticulture, and an ever-evolving gamut of molecular technologies in vertebrates. Mammalian cloning can be achieved through embryo splitting, somatic cell nuclear transfer, and most recently, by the use of induced pluripotent stem cells. Several emerging biotechnologies also facilitate the propagation of genomes from one generation to the next whilst bypassing the conventional reproductive processes. In this review, we examine the state of the art of available cloning technologies and their progress in species other than humans and rodent models, in order to provide a critical overview of their readiness and relevance for application in endangered animal conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleona Swegen
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ruth Appeltant
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Gamete Research Centre, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Suzannah A Williams
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meinecke B, Meinecke-Tillmann S. Lab partners: oocytes, embryos and company. A personal view on aspects of oocyte maturation and the development of monozygotic twins. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230049. [PMID: 37547564 PMCID: PMC10399133 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review addresses the oocyte and the preimplantation embryo, and is intended to highlight the underlying principle of the "nature versus/and nurture" question. Given the diversity in mammalian oocyte maturation, this review will not be comprehensive but instead will focus on the porcine oocyte. Historically, oogenesis was seen as the development of a passive cell nursed and determined by its somatic compartment. Currently, the advanced analysis of the cross-talk between the maternal environment and the oocyte shows a more balanced relationship: Granulosa cells nurse the oocyte, whereas the latter secretes diffusible factors that regulate proliferation and differentiation of the granulosa cells. Signal molecules of the granulosa cells either prevent the precocious initiation of meiotic maturation or enable oocyte maturation following hormonal stimulation. A similar question emerges in research on monozygotic twins or multiples: In Greek and medieval times, twins were not seen as the result of the common course of nature but were classified as faults. This seems still valid today for the rare and until now mainly unknown genesis of facultative monozygotic twins in mammals. Monozygotic twins are unique subjects for studies of the conceptus-maternal dialogue, the intra-pair similarity and dissimilarity, and the elucidation of the interplay between nature and nurture. In the course of in vivo collections of preimplantation sheep embryos and experiments on embryo splitting and other microsurgical interventions we recorded observations on double blastocysts within a single zona pellucida, double inner cell masses in zona-enclosed blastocysts and double germinal discs in elongating embryos. On the basis of these observations we add some pieces to the puzzle of the post-zygotic genesis of monozygotic twins and on maternal influences on the developing conceptus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Meinecke
- Institut für Reproduktionsbiologie, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hanover, Germany
- Ambulatorische und Geburtshilfliche Veterinärklinik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Meinecke-Tillmann
- Institut für Reproduktionsbiologie, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hanover, Germany
- Institut für Tierzucht und Haustiergenetik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dittrich R, Beckmann MW, Würfel W. Non-embryo-destructive Extraction of Pluripotent Embryonic Stem Cells: Implications for Regenerative Medicine and Reproductive Medicine. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2015; 75:1239-1242. [PMID: 26726264 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1558183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
On August 1, 2013, the German Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent for the "Non-embryo-destructive extraction of pluripotent embryonic stem cells, stem cells obtained by this process and their uses" (DE 10 2004 062 184 B4). The patent document describes a non-embryo-destructive process to harvest embryonic stem cells from the inner cell mass (ICM) during the blastocyst development stage. The patent application was filed with the German Patent Office in Munich on December 23, 2004 and the patent claim was published in 2006. The patent was granted on August 1, 2013. Processing the patent application was a lengthy affair due to the fact that, for a long time, the prevailing opinion in Germany was that genetic screening of embryos (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) was prohibited under the German Embryo Protection Act (ESchG). A ruling by the German Federal Court in 2010 proved this opinion to be false. Animal studies have provided the evidence that the described procedure is technically feasible; healthy offspring were born after stem cells were harvested from the blastocyst and stored. We report here on a technique for the non-embryo-destructive extraction of pluripotent embryonic stem cells together with potential future applications for stem cells harvested in this manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Dittrich
- Frauenklinik des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen
| | - M W Beckmann
- Frauenklinik des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen
| | - W Würfel
- Kinderwunsch-Centrum München, München
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kurosaka S, Eckardt S, Ealy AD, McLaughlin KJ. Regulation of blastocyst stage gene expression and outgrowth interferon tau activity of somatic cell clone aggregates. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2008; 9:630-41. [PMID: 18154522 DOI: 10.1089/clo.2007.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The inefficiency of mammalian somatic cell cloning is associated with abnormal gene expression presumably caused by errors in reprogramming of the transplanted genome. In the mouse, aggregation of four-cell stage clones leads to an improvement of both gene expression and development. To determine whether clone-clone aggregation at postgenomic activation stages influences gene expression in bovine clones, we profiled, in single and aggregated embryos at the blastocyst stage, expression of developmentally relevant genes namely Oct4, Dnmt1, Dnmt3, Glut1, Glut3, and a housekeeping gene, Poly(A) polymerase (PolyA) by real-time RT-PCR. Compared to embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF), individual clones more frequently exhibited transcript levels that were more than twofold higher or lower than the average value of IVF embryos. This was observed less often in clone aggregates for Oct4, Dnmt1, Dnmt3, and PolyA, but not for Glut1 and Glut3. The analysis of interferon tau bioactivity as a marker of trophectoderm function in blastocyst outgrowths showed that both single clones and clone aggregates have less extraembryonic potential in vitro compared to IVF embryos, with no apparent consequence of aggregation. These findings indicate that aggregation of bovine clones with each other at later cleavage stages can change gene expression patterns at preimplantation stages, but does not rescue trophectoderm function in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kurosaka
- Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|