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Li D, Liang P, Ling S, Wu Y, Lv B. An optimized microRNA detection platform based on PAM formation-regulated CRISPR/Cas12a activation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:130848. [PMID: 38521316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130848] [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] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases, such as cancer. Recent advancements in CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensors in combination with hybridization chain reaction (HCR) make it a promising approach for miRNA detection. To increase the compatibility of HCR and CRISPR/Cas12a, we compared two design strategies of hairpin DNA in HCR. The results showed that different arrangements of the protospacer sequence and protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) in the hairpin DNA could affect the sensing performance. The "PAM Formation" strategy, by which the duplex PAM sites are absent in the hairpin DNA and present in the long duplex DNA after HCR, exhibited advantages in detection sensitivity. By optimizing the probe sequences and reaction conditions, we developed a miRNA detection platform. With the same crRNA, this platform enables the identification of different miRNAs by simply replacing the loop region of the target recognition probe. In addition, the proposed platform can detect single-stranded DNA and distinguishing single or multiple base mutations in the target strand. The application of discriminating the target miRNA expression levels from different cell lines validated the reliability and practicability of the sensor platform, indicating its potential applications in early clinical accurate diagnosis of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Pengda Liang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Shen Ling
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yapeng Wu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Bei Lv
- Key Lab of Innovative Applications of Bioresources and Functional Molecules of Jiangsu Province, College of Life Science and Chemistry, Jiangsu Second Normal University, Nanjing 210013, China.
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2
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Mazzarella R, Cañón-Beltrán K, Cajas YN, Hamdi M, González EM, da Silveira JC, Leal CLV, Rizos D. Extracellular vesicles-coupled miRNAs from oviduct and uterus modulate signaling pathways related to lipid metabolism and bovine early embryo development. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:51. [PMID: 38570884 PMCID: PMC10993494 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in oviductal (OF) and uterine fluid (UF) have been shown to enhance bovine embryo quality during in vitro culture by reducing lipid contents and modulating lipid metabolism-related genes (LMGs), while also influencing cell proliferation, suggesting their involvement on the regulation of different biological pathways. The regulation of signaling pathways related to cell differentiation, proliferation, and metabolism is crucial for early embryo development and can determine the success or failure of the pregnancy. Bioactive molecules within EVs in maternal reproductive fluids, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), may contribute to this regulatory process as they modulate gene expression through post-transcriptional mechanisms. RESULTS From the 20 differentially expressed miRNAs, 19 up-regulated in UF-EVs (bta-miR-134, bta-miR-151-3p, bta-miR-155, bta-miR-188, bta-miR-181b, bta-miR-181d, bta-miR-224, bta-miR-23b-3p, bta-miR-24-3p, bta-miR-27a-3p, bta-miR-29a, bta-miR-324, bta-miR-326, bta-miR-345-3p, bta-miR-410, bta-miR-652, bta-miR-677, bta-miR-873 and bta-miR-708) and one (bta-miR-148b) in OF-EVs. These miRNAs were predicted to modulate several pathways such as Wnt, Hippo, MAPK, and lipid metabolism and degradation. Differences in miRNAs found in OF-EVs from the early luteal phase and UF-EVs from mid-luteal phase may reflect different environments to meet the changing needs of the embryo. Additionally, miRNAs may be involved, particularly in the uterus, in the regulation of embryo lipid metabolism, immune system, and implantation. This study evaluated miRNA cargo in OF-EVs from the early luteal phase and UF-EVs from the mid-luteal phase, coinciding with embryo transit within oviduct and uterus in vivo, and its possible influence on LMGs and signaling pathways crucial for early embryo development. A total of 333 miRNAs were detected, with 11 exclusive to OF, 59 to UF, and 263 were common between both groups. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that miRNAs within OF- and UF-EVs could modulate bovine embryo development and quality, providing insights into the intricate maternal-embryonic communication that might be involved in modulating lipid metabolism, immune response, and implantation during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yulia N Cajas
- Department Agrarian Production, Technical University of Madrid, UPM, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja,, UTPL, Loja, Ecuador
| | - Meriem Hamdi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Claudia L V Leal
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, FZEA-USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - D Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Cheng J, Sha Z, Li J, Li B, Luo X, Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Chen S, Wang Y. Progress on the Role of Estrogen and Progesterone Signaling in Mouse Embryo Implantation and Decidualization. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:1746-1757. [PMID: 36694081 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation and decidualization are key steps in establishing a successful pregnancy. Defects in embryo implantation and decidualization can cause a series of adverse chain reactions which can contribute to harmful pregnancy outcomes, such as embryo growth retardation, preeclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, and so on. Approximately 75% of failed pregnancies are considered to be due to embryo implantation failure or defects. Decidualization, characterized by proliferation and differentiation of uterine stromal cells, is one of the essential conditions for blastocyst implantation, placental formation, and maintenance of pregnancy and is indispensable for the establishment of pregnancy in many species. Embryo implantation and decidualization are closely regulated by estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries. Many cellular events and molecular signaling network pathways are involved in this process. This article reviews the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of estrogen- and progesterone-regulating uterine receptivity establishment, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization, in order to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of hormonal regulation of embryo implantation and to develop new strategies for preventing or treating embryo implantation defects and improving the pregnancy rate of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Cheng
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Zizhuo Sha
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Junyang Li
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Bixuan Li
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Xianyang Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.,Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.,Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China. .,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China.
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Liu W, Chen J, Yang C, Lee KF, Lee YL, Chiu PCN, Zhang Y, Duan YG, Liu K, Yeung WSB. Expression of microRNA let-7 in cleavage embryos modulates cell fate determination and formation of mouse blastocysts†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1452-1463. [PMID: 36136742 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, the zygote undergoes cell division. Up to the 8-cell stage, the blastomeres of mouse preimplantation embryos are morphologically identical. The first cell differentiation starts in the morula leading to the formation of trophectoderm cells and inner cell mass cells of the blastocyst. The regulation of the differentiation event and the formation of blastocysts are not fully known. Lethal-7 (let-7) is a family of evolutionarily conserved microRNAs. Here, we showed that the expression of let-7a and let-7g decreased drastically from the 1-cell stage to the 2-cell stage, remained low up to the 8-cell stage and slightly increased after the morula stage of mouse embryos. The expression of let-7 in the inner cell mass was higher than that in the trophectoderm. Forced expression of let-7a in embryos at the 1-cell and 4-cell stage inhibited blastocyst formation and downregulated the expression of CDX2 but maintained that of OCT4 in the trophectoderm. Forced expression of other let-7 isoforms exhibited similar inhibitory action on blastulation. On the other hand, inhibition of let-7a at the 4-cell stage and the 8-cell stage enhanced blastocyst formation. Co-injection of green fluorescent protein (GFP) mRNA (lineage tracer) with either precursor of let-7a (pre-let-7a) or scramble control into one blastomere of 2-cell embryos showed that ~75% of the resulting blastocysts possessed GFP+ cells in their inner cell mass only. The biased development towards the inner cell mass with forced expression of let-7 was reproduced in 2-cell chimeric embryos consisting of one wildtype blastomere and one GFP mRNA-injected blastomere from another 2-cell embryo carrying a doxycycline-inducible let-7g gene. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that Tead4 was a potential target of let-7. Let-7 bound to the 3'UTR of Tead4 and let-7 forced expression downregulated the expression of Tead4 in mouse blastocysts. Co-injection of Tead4 mRNA partially nullified the modulatory roles of let-7a in the inner cell mass cell fate. In conclusion, a high level of let-7 at the 2-cell stage favored the formation of the inner cell mass, whereas a low level of let-7 at the 4-cell to 8-cell stage enhanced blastocyst formation. Tead4 mediated the action of let-7 on the inner cell mass cell-fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yin-Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Philip Chi-Ngong Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gong Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Hussein AM, Balachandar N, Mathieu J, Ruohola-Baker H. Molecular Regulators of Embryonic Diapause and Cancer Diapause-like State. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192929. [PMID: 36230891 PMCID: PMC9562880 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic diapause is an enigmatic state of dormancy that interrupts the normally tight connection between developmental stages and time. This reproductive strategy and state of suspended development occurs in mice, bears, roe deer, and over 130 other mammals and favors the survival of newborns. Diapause arrests the embryo at the blastocyst stage, delaying the post-implantation development of the embryo. This months-long quiescence is reversible, in contrast to senescence that occurs in aging stem cells. Recent studies have revealed critical regulators of diapause. These findings are important since defects in the diapause state can cause a lack of regeneration and control of normal growth. Controlling this state may also have therapeutic applications since recent findings suggest that radiation and chemotherapy may lead some cancer cells to a protective diapause-like, reversible state. Interestingly, recent studies have shown the metabolic regulation of epigenetic modifications and the role of microRNAs in embryonic diapause. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanism of diapause induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdiasis M. Hussein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Nanditaa Balachandar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 603203, India
| | - Julie Mathieu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hannele Ruohola-Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Correspondence:
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Gurunathan S, Kang MH, Song H, Kim NH, Kim JH. The role of extracellular vesicles in animal reproduction and diseases. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:62. [PMID: 35681164 PMCID: PMC9185900 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00715-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized membrane-enclosed compartments that serve as messengers in cell-to-cell communication, both in normal physiology and in pathological conditions. EVs can transfer functional proteins and genetic information to alter the phenotype and function of recipient cells, which undergo different changes that positively affect their structural and functional integrity. Biological fluids are enriched with several subpopulations of EVs, including exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies carrying several cargoes, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. EVs associated with the reproductive system are actively involved in the regulation of different physiological events, including gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo and fetal development. EVs can influence follicle development, oocyte maturation, embryo production, and endometrial-conceptus communication. EVs loaded with cargoes are used to diagnose various diseases, including pregnancy disorders; however, these are dependent on the type of cell of origin and pathological characteristics. EV-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins in the placenta regulate inflammatory responses and trophoblast invasion through intercellular delivery in the placental microenvironment. This review presents evidence regarding the types of extracellular vesicles, and general aspects of isolation, purification, and characterization of EVs, particularly from various types of embryos. Further, we discuss EVs as mediators and messengers in reproductive biology, the effects of EVs on placentation and pregnancy disorders, the role of EVs in animal reproduction, in the male reproductive system, and mother and embryo cross-communication. In addition, we emphasize the role of microRNAs in embryo implantation and the role of EVs in reproductive and therapeutic medicine. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives of EVs in reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangiliyandi Gurunathan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Min-Hee Kang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Nam Hyung Kim
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea.
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7
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Esmaeilivand M, Abedelahi A, Hamdi K, Farzadi L, Goharitaban S, Fattahi A, Niknafs B. Role of miRNAs in preimplantation embryo development and their potential as embryo selection biomarkers. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:589-597. [PMID: 35440361 DOI: 10.1071/rd21274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play different roles in oocyte fertilisation, degradation of maternal transcripts, embryo development, and implantation. During in vitro fertilisation (IVF), different miRNAs are released from embryos into the spent culture media (SCM) that can potentially reflect the status of the embryo. AIMS This study is the assessment of miRNAs, which secreted in SCM during the IVF cycles can be used as noninvasive biomarkers to predict an embryo's ability to form a blastocyst, implant, and give live birth. METHODS Systematic literature search was conducted to review all recent studies about miRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers for selecting the best embryos in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. KEY RESULTS Studies have shown that levels of some miRNAs in the SCM have an association with the implantation potential and pregnancy outcome of the embryo. CONCLUSIONS Embryo-secreted miRNAs can be used as potential non-invasive biomarkers for selecting the best embryos in the ART cycle. Unfortunately, few human studies evaluated the association between ART outcomes and miRNAs in SCM. IMPLICATIONS This review can pave the way for further miRNAs transcriptomic studies on human embryo culture media and introducing a specific miRNA profile as a multivariable prediction model for embryo selection in IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Esmaeilivand
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepide Goharitaban
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; and Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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8
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miRNA-Profiling in Ejaculated and Epididymal Pig Spermatozoa and Their Relation to Fertility after Artificial Insemination. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020236. [PMID: 35205102 PMCID: PMC8869492 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The present study searched for the presence and abundance of porcine spermatozoa small RNA sequences (microRNAs) that have the potential to alter gene expression patterns. Four different sperm sources were compared: spermatozoa from three different sections of the ejaculate and from the caudal epididymis, also classed as spermatozoa from higher (HF) or lower (LF) fertility boars. Sperm miRNAs were compared using high-output small RNA sequencing. We identified five sperm miRNAs not previously reported in pigs. Differences in abundance of four miRNAs known to affect the expression of genes with key roles in fertility were related to boar fertility. These miRNAs could be used as fertility markers in artificial insemination programs. Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs (20–25 nucleotides in length) capable of regulating gene expression by binding -fully or partially- to the 3’-UTR of target messenger RNA (mRNA). To date, several studies have investigated the role of sperm miRNAs in spermatogenesis and their remaining presence toward fertilization and early embryo development. However, little is known about the miRNA cargo in the different sperm sources and their possible implications in boar fertility. Here, we characterized the differential abundance of miRNAs in spermatozoa from the terminal segment of the epididymis and three different fractions of the pig ejaculate (sperm-peak, sperm-rich, and post-sperm rich) comparing breeding boars with higher (HF) and lower (LF) fertility after artificial insemination (AI) using high-output small RNA sequencing. We identified five sperm miRNAs that, to our knowledge, have not been previously reported in pigs (mir-10386, mir-10390, mir-6516, mir-9788-1, and mir-9788-2). Additionally, four miRNAs (mir-1285, mir-92a, mir-34c, mir-30), were differentially expressed among spermatozoa sourced from ejaculate fractions and the cauda epididymis, and also different abundance was found between HF and LF groups in mir-182, mir-1285, mir-191, and mir-96. These miRNAs target genes with key roles in fertility, sperm survival, immune tolerance, or cell cycle regulation, among others. Linking the current findings with the expression of specific sperm proteins would help predict fertility in future AI-sires.
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Amino acids activate mTORC1 to release roe deer embryos from decelerated proliferation during diapause. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2100500118. [PMID: 34452997 PMCID: PMC8536382 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100500118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, embryo development can halt at the hatched blastocyst stage. Uniquely, proliferation of diapausing embryonic roe deer cells decelerates to a doubling time of 2 to 3 wk over a period of 4 mo. We highlight nutrient sensing as an important factor regulating embryonic developmental pace. The resumption of embryo development is characterized by an increase in uterine fluid mTORC1-activating amino acids, embryonic mTORC1 activity, and expression of metabolism and cell cycle genes. We propose selective mTORC1 inhibition via reduced estrogen signaling and high let-7 levels as mechanisms for slow cell cycle progression. We hypothesize that it is the lack of embryonic mTORC2 inhibition during embryonic diapause in the roe deer that enables the continuous decelerated rate of proliferation. Embryonic diapause in mammals leads to a reversible developmental arrest. While completely halted in many species, European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) embryos display a continuous deceleration of proliferation. During a 4-mo period, the cell doubling time is 2 to 3 wk. During this period, the preimplantation blastocyst reaches a diameter of 4 mm, after which it resumes a fast developmental pace to subsequently implant. The mechanisms regulating this notable deceleration and reacceleration upon developmental resumption are unclear. We propose that amino acids of maternal origin drive the embryonic developmental pace. A pronounced change in the abundance of uterine fluid mTORC1-activating amino acids coincided with an increase in embryonic mTORC1 activity prior to the resumption of development. Concurrently, genes related to the glycolytic and phosphate pentose pathway, the TCA cycle, and one carbon metabolism were up-regulated. Furthermore, the uterine luminal epithelial transcriptome indicated increased estradiol-17β signaling, which likely regulates the endometrial secretions adapting to the embryonic needs. While mTORC1 was predicted to be inactive during diapause, the residual embryonic mTORC2 activity may indicate its involvement in maintaining the low yet continuous proliferation rate during diapause. Collectively, we emphasize the role of nutrient signaling in preimplantation embryo development. We propose selective mTORC1 inhibition via uterine catecholestrogens and let-7 as a mechanism regulating slow stem cell cycle progression.
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Forced Suppression of let-7a-5p in Mouse Blastocysts Improves Implantation Rate. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1730-1737. [PMID: 34254278 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00659-3] [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: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation requires appropriate communication between the blastocyst and endometrium. Recurrent implantation failure is an essential component of assisted reproductive technology. Also, miRNA-mediated gene expression impacts the implantation process, and the downregulation of some miRs, such as mmu-let-7a, improves this process. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of let-7a forced suppression on the mouse implantation rate. In total, 100 adult female mice and 10 adult male mice were included (Strain CD-1). We analysed the expression of let-7a and its potential mRNAs targets (Igf1, Il1a, Itgb3 and Tgfb1) in control, sham and antagomir-treated blastocysts using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The control and treated blastocysts were transferred to the 20 pseudopregnant mice so that the effect of let-7a suppression on the rate of implantation could be determined. The expression level of let-7a in the treatment group was significantly downregulated (P=0.001) In contrast, no significant expression changes were observed for let-7a or mRNAs targets when the sham and control groups were compared (P>0.05). In comparison to the controls, the antagomir-treated group exhibited significantly upregulated expression levels of Igf1 (0.0167), Itgb3 (0.045) and Tgfb1 (0.0115). Additionally, the implantation rate was significantly higher in the treatment group (78%) than the control group (61%) (P=0.0098). We found that forced suppression of mmu-let-7a-5p through successful transfection of Anti-miR leads to upregulation of downstream genes, Igf1, Itgb3 and Tgfb1, which directly involved in the trophoblast-endometrium attachment and improve the implantation rate.
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11
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Dell'Aversana C, Cuomo F, Longobardi S, D'Hooghe T, Caprio F, Franci G, Santonastaso M, Colacurci N, Barone S, Pisaturo V, Valerio D, Altucci L. Age-related miRNome landscape of cumulus oophorus cells during controlled ovarian stimulation protocols in IVF cycles. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1310-1325. [PMID: 33454781 PMCID: PMC8058597 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the microRNA (miRNA) expression pattern of cumulus oophorus cells (COCs) in women undergoing medically assisted reproduction (MAR) procedures differentially modulated according to patient age and gonadotropin treatment strategy? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal age is an independent factor impacting miRNA expression in COCs while gonadotropin treatment may affect follicular miRNA expression and IVF efficacy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Epigenetic mechanisms in female infertility are complex and poorly studied. DNA methylation, histone modifications, miRNAs and nucleosome positioning influence cellular machinery through positive and negative feedback mechanisms either alone or interactively. miRNAs are important regulators during oogenesis, spermatogenesis and early embryogenesis, and are reported to play a role in regulating crosstalk between the oocyte and COCs. Although miRNome analysis has been performed in female human reproductive tissues (endometrium, myometrium, cervix and ovaries), epigenetic modifications in women with infertility have not been explored in detail. In addition, the impact of gonadotropin treatments during MAR on miRNA expression in COCs has not been fully investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study was carried out in 53 COC samples obtained from mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes in 53 women undergoing MAR treatment. A total of 38 samples for assay development were pooled by maternal age and gonadotropin treatment into four predetermined subgroups: ≥36 years and recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH), n = 10; ≥36 years and r-hFSH+ recombinant human-luteinizing hormone (r-hLH), n = 10; ≤35 years and r-hFSH, n = 9; ≤35 years and r-hFSH+r-hLH, n = 9. miRNome profiles were determined and compared between subgroups. Expression of defined miRNAs was validated in the remaining fifteen samples, representative of each subgroup, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS COCs were processed for miRNA-enriched total RNA extraction and pooled in homogeneous subgroups to obtain a sufficient amount and quality of starting material to perform the analysis. Each pooled sample underwent miRNA profiling using PCR assay system to examine expression of 752 human miRNAs without pre-amplification. Data were analyzed using the delta-delta Ct method for relative quantitation and prediction of target genes (with at least four algorithms predicting the same miRNA-gene interaction pair (HIT)>4). The miRSystem database provided functional annotation enrichment (raw P-value <0.05) of co-expressed miRNAs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found distinctive miRNA expression profiles in each subgroup correlating with age and MAR stimulation. In addition, a number of selective and co-expressed miRNAs were revealed by comparative analysis. A cluster of 37 miRNAs were commonly but differentially expressed in all four pools. Significant differences were observed in expression regulation of 37 miRNAs between age groups (≤35 or ≥36) in women receiving r-hFSH+r-hLH compared to those receiving r-hFSH alone. Higher concentrations and increased numbers of miRNAs were recorded in younger than in older patients, regardless of treatment. Functional and expression studies performed to retrieve common miRNome profiles revealed an enrichment of biological functions in oocyte growth and maturation, embryo development, steroidogenesis, ovarian hyperstimulation, apoptosis and cell survival, glucagon and lipid metabolism, and cell trafficking. The highest scored pathways of target genes of the 37 common miRNAs were associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, G alpha signaling, transcription regulation, tight junctions, RNA polymerase I and III, and mitochondrial transcription. We identified a potential age- and MAR stimulation-dependent signature in the miRNA landscape of COCs. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We cannot rule out the possibility that other unknown individual genetic or clinical factors may have interfered with the reported results. Since miRNA profiling was conducted with a predefined array of target probes, other miRNA molecules, potentially modulated by age and hormonal stimulation, may have been missed in this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS miRNA expression in COCs is modulated by gonadotropin treatment and correlates strongly with age. A better understanding of the expression patterns and functions of miRNAs may lead to the development of novel therapeutics to treat ovarian dysfunction and improve fertility in older women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST This study was funded by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. All authors declared no competing interest, except SL and TD who are fully employed by Merck KGaA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dell'Aversana
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy.,Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'Gaetano Salvatore' (IEOS)-National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - F Cuomo
- EPI-C S.r.l., Naples 80138, Italy
| | | | | | - F Caprio
- Outpatient Fertility Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
| | - G Franci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "ScuolaMedicaSalernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA 84081, Italy
| | - M Santonastaso
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Special Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
| | - N Colacurci
- Outpatient Fertility Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy.,Department of Woman, Child and General and Special Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
| | - S Barone
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Lucca 55049, Italy
| | - V Pisaturo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, International Evangelical Hospital, Genoa 16122, Italy
| | - D Valerio
- Merck Serono S.p.A, Rome 00176, Italy.,Institute of Genetic Research (IRG), Naples 80143, Italy
| | - L Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
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12
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van der Weijden VA, Rüegg AB, Bernal-Ulloa SM, Ulbrich SE. Embryonic diapause in mammals and dormancy in embryonic stem cells with the European roe deer as experimental model. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:76-81. [PMID: 38769673 DOI: 10.1071/rd20256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In species displaying embryonic diapause, the developmental pace of the embryo is either temporarily and reversibly halted or largely reduced. Only limited knowledge on its regulation and the inhibition of cell proliferation extending pluripotency is available. In contrast with embryos from other diapausing species that reversibly halt during diapause, embryos of the roe deer Capreolus capreolus slowly proliferate over a period of 4-5 months to reach a diameter of approximately 4mm before elongation. The diapausing roe deer embryos present an interesting model species for research on preimplantation developmental progression. Based on our and other research, we summarise the available knowledge and indicate that the use of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) would help to increase our understanding of embryonic diapause. We report on known molecular mechanisms regulating embryonic diapause, as well as cellular dormancy of pluripotent cells. Further, we address the promising application of ESCs to study embryonic diapause, and highlight the current knowledge on the cellular microenvironment regulating embryonic diapause and cellular dormancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera A van der Weijden
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna B Rüegg
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandra M Bernal-Ulloa
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; and Corresponding author
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13
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Azizi E, Ghaffari Novin M, Naji M, Amidi F, Hosseinirad H, Shams Mofarahe Z. Effect of vitrification on biogenesis pathway and expression of development-related microRNAs in preimplantation mouse embryos. Cell Tissue Bank 2020; 22:103-114. [PMID: 33033964 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vitrification of embryos has been known as the most efficient cryopreservation method in assisted reproductive technology clinics. Vitrification of preimplantation embryo might be associated with altered gene expression profile and biochemical changes of vitrified embryos. Stringent regulation of gene expression in early embryonic stages is very critical for normal development. In the present study, we investigated the effect of vitrification on the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway, and also the expression of developmental related miRNAs, in 8-cell and blastocyst mouse embryos. Although the expression pattern of the miRNA biogenesis pathway genes differed between 8-cell and blastocyst mouse embryos, vitrification did not affect the expression level of these genes in preimplantation embryos. The expression levels of miR-21 and let-7a were significantly decreased in vitrified 8-cell embryos and fresh blastocysts when compared with fresh 8-cell embryos. The expression of Stat3 was significantly reduced in blastocysts after vitrification. The alteration in the expression pattern of miRNAs, due to their mode of action, can affect broad downstream key developmental signaling pathways. Therefore, the blastocyst stage is the preferred point for embryo vitrification as they are less susceptible to cryo-damages regarding the stability of miRNAs related to the developmental and implantation competence of embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Azizi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center (IRHRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Naji
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center (UNRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinirad
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Hua R, Wang Y, Lian W, Li W, Xi Y, Xue S, Kang T, Lei M. Small RNA-seq analysis of extracellular vesicles from porcine uterine flushing fluids during peri-implantation. Gene 2020; 766:145117. [PMID: 32920039 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular vesicles (EVs) of uterine flushing fluids (UFs) mediate intrauterine communication between conceptus and uterus in pigs. The small RNAs of UFs-EVs are widely recognized as important factors that influence embryonic implantation. However, small RNAs expression profiles of porcine UFs-EVs during peri-implantation are still unknown. In this study, cup-shaped EVs of porcine UFs on days 10 (D10), 13 (D13) and 18 (D18) of pregnancy were isolated and characterized. The expression of small RNAs in these EVs was comprehensively profiled through sequencing. A total of 152 known microRNAs (miRNAs), 43 novel miRNAs, 6248 known Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and 110 novel piRNAs were identified. Among these small RNAs, RT-qRCR results indicated that ssc-let-7f-5p, ssc-let-7i-5p and ssc-let-7g were differentially expressed during the three stages. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the miRNAs differentially expressed in the three comparisons (D10 vs D13, D13 vs D18 and D10 vs D18) were involved in important processes and pathways related to immunization, endometrial receptivity and embryo development, which play important roles in embryonic implantation. Our results reveal that EVs from porcine UFs contain various small RNAs with potentially vital effects on implantation. This research also provides resources for studies of miRNAs and piRNAs in the cross-talk between embryo and endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renwu Hua
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yueying Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jining NO. 1 People's Hospital, Jining 272000, China
| | - Weisi Lian
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yu Xi
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Songyi Xue
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Tingting Kang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Minggang Lei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; National Engineering Research Center for Livestock, Wuhan 430000, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, 430000 Wuhan, China.
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15
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Liu WM, Cheng RR, Niu ZR, Chen AC, Ma MY, Li T, Chiu PC, Pang RT, Lee YL, Ou JP, Yao YQ, Yeung WSB. Let-7 derived from endometrial extracellular vesicles is an important inducer of embryonic diapause in mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz7070. [PMID: 32917695 PMCID: PMC11206465 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz7070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic diapause is a maternally controlled phenomenon. The molecule controlling the onset of the phenomenon is unknown. We demonstrated that overexpression of microRNA let-7a or incubation with let-7g-enriched extracellular vesicles from endometrial epithelial cells prolonged the in vitro survival of mouse blastocysts, which developed into live pups after having been transferred to foster mothers. Similar to in vivo dormant blastocysts, let-7-induced dormant blastocysts exhibited low level of proliferation, apoptosis, and nutrient metabolism. Let-7 suppressed c-myc/mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling to induce embryonic diapause. It also inhibited ODC1 expression reducing biosynthesis of polyamines, which are known to reactivate dormant embryos. Furthermore, the overexpression of let-7 blocked trophoblast differentiation and implantation potential of human embryo surrogates, and prolonged survival of human blastocysts in vitro, supporting the idea that embryonic diapause was an evolutionary conserved phenomenon. In conclusion, let-7 is the main factor inducing embryonic diapause.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 1, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - R R Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Z R Niu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - A C Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - M Y Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - T Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - P C Chiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 1, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - R T Pang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 1, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Y L Lee
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 1, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - J P Ou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Y Q Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - W S B Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 1, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China
- University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, Key Laboratory Platform Building, Shenzhen Virtual University Park, No. 6, Yuexing 2nd Road, Shenzhen 518057, P.R. China
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16
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Hosseini S, Hosseini S, Salehi M. Upregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 through anti-miR-Let-7a enhances blastocyst attachment to endometrial cells in mice. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:9752-9762. [PMID: 32415675 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite encouraging advances in fertility technology, the success rate of an ongoing pregnancy is relatively low and predominantly associated with implantation failure. Inflammatory responses are beneficial in the fetomaternal interface and supposedly accelerate the chances for successful implantation. The current study aims to determine the effect of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) overexpression in mouse blastocysts via Let-7a downregulation using intracytoplasmic sperm injection-sperm-mediated gene transfer on embryo attachment rate. The pLenti-III-GFP-miR-Off-Let-7a vector was transmitted to oocytes derived via in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vivo oocytes by using NaOH-treated spermatozoa. Let-7a and TLR4 expression levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunocytochemistry, and western blot analysis in both oocytes and embryos. Blastocyst adhesion on the endometrial cells was monitored by microscopic analysis. qRT-PCR results showed that Let-7a expression decreased in the IVM (GV-MII) oocytes compared to the in vivo oocyte (MII) group (p < .05). TLR4 showed a higher expression in GV-MII oocytes at both the gene and protein levels (p < .05). Following anti-miR-Let-7a transmission, the TLR4 expression level was significantly upregulated in embryos compared with the control groups (p < .05). Attachment and migration of trophoblasts cells towards endometrial cells dramatically increased compared to the control group (p < .05). Based on our results, we concluded that Let-7a might mediate embryo attachment through regulation of TLR4 expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hosseini
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Hosseini
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Regulation of human trophoblast surrogate Jeg-3 spheroids implantation potential by Wnt/β-catenin pathway and lin28a/let-7a axis. Exp Cell Res 2020; 388:111718. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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18
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Salilew-Wondim D, Gebremedhn S, Hoelker M, Tholen E, Hailay T, Tesfaye D. The Role of MicroRNAs in Mammalian Fertility: From Gametogenesis to Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020585. [PMID: 31963271 PMCID: PMC7014195 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic codes inscribed during two key developmental processes, namely gametogenesis and embryogenesis, are believed to determine subsequent development and survival of adult life. Once the embryo is formed, its further development mainly depends on its intrinsic characteristics, maternal environment (the endometrial receptivity), and the embryo–maternal interactions established during each phase of development. These developmental processes are under strict genetic regulation that could be manifested temporally and spatially depending on the physiological and developmental status of the cell. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), one of the small non-coding classes of RNAs, approximately 19–22 nucleotides in length, are one of the candidates for post-transcriptional developmental regulators. These tiny non-coding RNAs are expressed in ovarian tissue, granulosa cells, testis, oocytes, follicular fluid, and embryos and are implicated in diverse biological processes such as cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, accumulated evidences have also highlighted that miRNAs can be released into the extracellular environment through different mechanisms facilitating intercellular communication. Therefore, understanding miRNAs mediated regulatory mechanisms during gametogenesis and embryogenesis provides further insights about the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte/sperm formation, early embryo development, and implantation. Thus, this review highlights the role of miRNAs in mammalian gametogenesis and embryogenesis and summarizes recent findings about miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms occurring during early mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (D.S.-W.); (M.H.); (E.T.); (T.H.)
| | - Samuel Gebremedhn
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1351 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (D.S.-W.); (M.H.); (E.T.); (T.H.)
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, 53639 Königswinter, Germany
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (D.S.-W.); (M.H.); (E.T.); (T.H.)
| | - Tsige Hailay
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (D.S.-W.); (M.H.); (E.T.); (T.H.)
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1351 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-530-564-2806
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Kim J, Lee J, Jun JH. Identification of differentially expressed microRNAs in outgrowth embryos compared with blastocysts and non-outgrowth embryos in mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:645-657. [PMID: 30428300 DOI: 10.1071/rd18161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is one of the main causes for the repeated failure of IVF, and the major reason for RIF is thought to be a miscommunication between the embryo and uterus. However, the exact mechanism underlying embryo-uterus cross-talk is not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) among blastocysts, non-outgrowth and outgrowth embryos in mice using microarray analysis. A bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the potential mechanisms of implantation. The miRNA expression profiles differed significantly between non-outgrowth and outgrowth embryos. In all, 3163 miRNAs were detected in blastocysts and outgrowth embryos. Of these, 10 miRNA candidates (let-7b, miR-23a, miR-27a, miR-92a, miR-183, miR-200c, miR-291a, miR-425, miR-429 and miR-652) were identified as significant differentially expressed miRNAs of outgrowth embryos by in silico analysis. The expression of the miRNA candidates was markedly changed during preimplantation embryo development. In particular, let-7b-5p, miR-200c-3p and miR-23a-3p were significantly upregulated in outgrowth embryos compared with non-outgrowth blastocysts. Overall, differentially expressed miRNAs in outgrowth embryos compared with blastocysts and non-outgrowth embryos could be involved in embryo attachment, and interaction between the embryo proper and maternal endometrium during the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, 553 Sanseong-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13135, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, 553 Sanseong-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13135, Republic of Korea
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20
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Kong S, Zhou C, Bao H, Ni Z, Liu M, He B, Huang L, Sun Y, Wang H, Lu J. Epigenetic control of embryo-uterine crosstalk at peri-implantation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4813-4828. [PMID: 31352535 PMCID: PMC11105790 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03245-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation is one of the pivotal steps during mammalian pregnancy, since the quality of embryo implantation determines the outcome of ongoing pregnancy and fetal development. A large number of factors, including transcription factors, signalling transduction components, and lipids, have been shown to be indispensable for embryo implantation. Increasing evidence also suggests the important roles of epigenetic factors in this critical event. This review focuses on recent findings about the involvement of epigenetic regulators during embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangbo Kong
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Chan Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangli Ni
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo He
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Huang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Sun
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Y, Hussein AM, Somasundaram L, Sankar R, Detraux D, Mathieu J, Ruohola-Baker H. microRNAs Regulating Human and Mouse Naïve Pluripotency. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5864. [PMID: 31766734 PMCID: PMC6929104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs are ~22bp nucleotide non-coding RNAs that play important roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Many studies have established that microRNAs are important for cell fate choices, including the naïve to primed pluripotency state transitions, and their intermediate state, the developmentally suspended diapause state in early development. However, the full extent of microRNAs associated with these stage transitions in human and mouse remain under-explored. By meta-analysis of microRNA-seq, RNA-seq, and metabolomics datasets from human and mouse, we found a set of microRNAs, and importantly, their experimentally validated target genes that show consistent changes in naïve to primed transitions (microRNA up, target genes down, or vice versa). The targets of these microRNAs regulate developmental pathways (e.g., the Hedgehog-pathway), primary cilium, and remodeling of metabolic processes (oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid transport) during the transition. Importantly, we identified 115 microRNAs that significantly change in the same direction in naïve to primed transitions in both human and mouse, many of which are novel candidate regulators of pluripotency. Furthermore, we identified 38 microRNAs and 274 target genes that may be involved in diapause, where embryonic development is temporarily suspended prior to implantation to uterus. The upregulated target genes suggest that microRNAs activate stress response in the diapause stage. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive resource of microRNAs and their target genes involved in naïve to primed transition and in the paused intermediate, the embryonic diapause stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Wang
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (A.M.H.); (L.S.); (R.S.); (D.D.)
| | - Abdiasis M. Hussein
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (A.M.H.); (L.S.); (R.S.); (D.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Logeshwaran Somasundaram
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (A.M.H.); (L.S.); (R.S.); (D.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rithika Sankar
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (A.M.H.); (L.S.); (R.S.); (D.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Damien Detraux
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (A.M.H.); (L.S.); (R.S.); (D.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Julie Mathieu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (A.M.H.); (L.S.); (R.S.); (D.D.)
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hannele Ruohola-Baker
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (A.M.H.); (L.S.); (R.S.); (D.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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22
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Azizi E, Ghaffari Novin M, Naji M, Amidi F, Shams Mofarahe Z. Does in vitro fertilization affect the expression of miRNAs and their biogenesis pathway in preimplantation mouse embryos? Birth Defects Res 2019; 112:62-70. [PMID: 31609063 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a well-accepted procedure which has been utilized for the treatment of infertile patients. As embryos at early stages of development are very vulnerable, the IVF conditions may influence genetic and epigenetic regulation of preimplantation mouse embryo. METHODS We assessed the effect of IVF on the expression of developmental and implantation related miRNAs (miR-21, miR-93, miR-24, and let-7a), their common presumptive target (Stat3), and miRNA biogenesis pathway genes (Drosha, Dgcr8, Exportin-5, Dicer, and Ago2). in vivo 8-cell and blastocysts were compared to IVF embryos. Expression levels of miRNAs, Stat3, and miRNA biogenesis pathway genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR in in vivo (n = 8) and IVF (n = 4) embryos. RESULTS The expression levels of let-7a and Stat3 were significantly reduced in IVF blastocyst when compared with in vivo (p = .004 and p = .009, respectively). Nevertheless, the IVF procedure did not influence the expression levels of miRNA biogenesis pathway components in 8-cell and blastocyst embryos. CONCLUSIONS Downregulation of let-7a and developmental related transcription factor, Stat3, in IVF mouse blastocysts may affect preimplantation development and implantation of embryos. Moreover, the genes of the miRNA biogenesis pathway were not changed in preimplantation mouse embryos through the IVF procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Azizi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center (IRHRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Naji
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center (UNRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Hesam Shariati MB, Seghinsara AM, Shokrzadeh N, Niknafs B. The effect of fludrocortisone on the uterine receptivity partially mediated by ERK1/2-mTOR pathway. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:20098-20110. [PMID: 30968418 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Implantation of embryos needs endometrial receptivity. Mineralocorticoids is one of the causes influencing the implantation window. This study targeted to evaluation fludrocortisone different properties on endometrial receptivity. The objective of this study was to assess whether treatment with fludrocortisone could impact the expression of diverse genes and proteins that are involved in uterine receptivity in mice. In this study, 40 female adult BALB/c mice were used. The samples were allocated to four groups of ten. Control group (C) received: vehicle; fludrocortisone group (FCA): received 1.5 mg/kg fludrocortisone; PP242 group (PP242): received 30 mg/kg PP242; fludrocortisone+PP242 group (FCA+PP242): received fludrocortisone and PP242. Mice were killed on window implantation day after mating and confirmed pregnancy. The endometrial epithelium of mouse was collected to assess mRNA expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), mucin-1 (MUC1), heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), (Msx.1), miRNA Let-7a, and miRNA 223-3p as well as protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in the uterine using real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. In comparison with the control group, fludrocortisone administration upregulated the expression of LIF, HB-EGF, Msx.1, miRNA Let-7a, ERK1/2, and mTOR in the epithelial endometrium. The PP242-treated group demonstrated a significant rise in the expression of MUC1, miRNA 223-3p and a remarkable decline in ERK1/2 and p-4E-BP1 levels in comparison with the control group. Combination therapy of (FCA+PP242) resulted in a remarkable rise in LIF, Msx-1, HB-EGF, ERK1/2, and mTOR levels, in comparison with the PP242 group. Furthermore, combination therapy of (FCA+PP242) downregulated the expression of MUC1 in comparison with the PP242-treated group. According to the results, fludrocortisone affected uterine receptivity possibly by means of modulating the expression of genes involved in the uterine receptivity and activation of the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abbas Majdi Seghinsara
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Naser Shokrzadeh
- Infertility and Reproductive Health research center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
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24
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Pendzialek SM, Knelangen JM, Schindler M, Gürke J, Grybel KJ, Gocza E, Fischer B, Navarrete Santos A. Trophoblastic microRNAs are downregulated in a diabetic pregnancy through an inhibition of Drosha. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 480:167-179. [PMID: 30447248 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are promising biological markers for prenatal diagnosis. They regulate placental development and are present in maternal plasma. Maternal metabolic diseases are major risk factors for placental deterioration. We analysed the influence of a maternal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on microRNA expression in maternal plasma and in blastocysts employing an in vivo rabbit diabetic pregnancy model and an in vitro embryo culture in hyperglycaemic and hypoinsulinaemic medium. Maternal diabetes led to a marked downregulation of Dicer protein in embryoblast cells and Drosha protein in trophoblast cells. MiR-27b, miR-141 and miR-191 were decreased in trophoblast cells and in maternal plasma of diabetic rabbits. In vitro studies indicate, that maternal hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinaemia partially contribute to the downregulation of trophoblastic microRNAs. As the altered microRNA expression was detectable in maternal plasma, too, the plasma microRNA signature could serve as an early biological marker for the prediction of trophoblast function during a diabetic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mareike Pendzialek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Julia M Knelangen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maria Schindler
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jacqueline Gürke
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Katarzyna J Grybel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Elen Gocza
- Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (ABC), National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre (NARIC), Szent-Györgyi Albert u. 4, 2100, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Bernd Fischer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Navarrete Santos
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
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25
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Shokrzadeh N, Alivand MR, Abedelahi A, Hessam Shariati MB, Niknafs B. Calcitonin administration improves endometrial receptivity via regulation of LIF, Muc-1 and microRNA Let-7a in mice. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:12989-13000. [PMID: 30536902 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Calcitonin (CT) is one of the factors affecting the embryo implantation, but its effects on the implantation window have not been fully investigated. The current study investigated the effects of CT on the endometrium receptivity by morphological study and evaluation of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), mucin 1 (Muc-1), and microRNA (miRNA) Let-7a in the ovarian stimulation and the normal ovarian cycle. Then the mechanism of the CT effects through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway was studied by using PP242. A total of 64 BALB/c mice were divided into the normal ovarian cycle and ovarian stimulation groups. Each group consisted of four subgroups: control, calcitonin, PP242, and calcitonin+PP242. CT and PP242 were injected on the fourth of pregnancy into the mice and 24 hr later all the mice were killed. The uterine tissue samples were used for morphological analysis, and endometrial cells were mechanically isolated for evaluation of gene and protein expression. The results showed that ovarian stimulation induced mTOR phosphorylation as well as increased expression of the Let-7a miRNA. In addition, CT injection increased the expression of LIF and miRNA Let-7a in ovarian stimulation similar to that in normal ovarian cycles. However, injection of PP242 reduced expression of miRNA Let-7a and increased Muc-1 expression in ovarian stimulation group. In conclusion, the administration of CT improved endometrial receptivity in mice. This phenomenon occurred by upregulation of LIF, miRNA Let-7a and downregulation of Muc-1 via mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser Shokrzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Faculty of medicine, Tabriz University Of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alivand
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad B Hessam Shariati
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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26
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Research advances on embryonic diapause in mammals. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 198:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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27
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Liu JK, Liu HF, Ding Y, Gao GD. Predictive value of microRNA let-7a expression for efficacy and prognosis of radiotherapy in patients with lung cancer brain metastasis: A case-control study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e12847. [PMID: 30383637 PMCID: PMC6221706 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000012847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a well-known cancer with high mortality, lung cancer has been implied to be closely associated with brain metastasis. Despite notable advances, effective treatment methods are still in urgent need. This study aims to investigate the value of serum microRNA-let-7a (miR-let-7a) expression in predicting efficacy and prognosis of radiotherapy in patients with lung cancer brain metastasis. METHODS To begin with, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed for better understand of the correlation between miR-let-7a and lung cancer. Afterwards, the relationship between serum miR-let-7a expression and radiotherapy efficacy was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Following successful transfection, RT-qPCR and Western blot assay were utilized for evaluating the involvement of miR-let-7a in regulation of DICER1 expression in lung cancer cell line. Then, whether miR-let-7a was implicated in proliferation and cell cycle distribution of lung cancer cells were confirmed by cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry respectively. RESULTS Initially, it was revealed that serum miR-let-7a expression was decreased in lung cancer. Later, we found that decreased miR-let-7a displayed an unfavorable role in radiotherapy efficacy and overall survival rate of patients with lung cancer brain metastasis. After the successful transfection, the inverse relationship between miR-let-7a and DICER1 expression was uncovered. Meanwhile, biological behaviors of lung cancer cells were presented to be limited after transfection of overexpressed miR-let-7a. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that the lower expression of miR-let-7a in patients with lung cancer brain metastasis was closely related to unfavorable efficacy and prognosis of radiotherapy, and it may be an important predictive biomarker by regulation of DICER1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Kuan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining
| | - Hong-Feng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining
| | - Yong Ding
- Department of Surgery, Weishan People's Hospital, Weishan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Dong Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining
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28
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Shokrzadeh N, Alivand MR, Abedelahi A, Hessam Shariati MB, Niknafs B. Upregulation of HB-EGF, Msx.1, and miRNA Let-7a by administration of calcitonin through mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways during a window of implantation in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:790-801. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naser Shokrzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Faculty Of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alivand
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | | | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Department of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
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29
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Hayder H, O'Brien J, Nadeem U, Peng C. MicroRNAs: crucial regulators of placental development. Reproduction 2018; 155:R259-R271. [PMID: 29615475 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs that are integral to a wide range of cellular processes mainly through the regulation of translation and mRNA stability of their target genes. The placenta is a transient organ that exists throughout gestation in mammals, facilitating nutrient and gas exchange and waste removal between the mother and the fetus. miRNAs are expressed in the placenta, and many studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in regulating trophoblast differentiation, migration, invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, vasculogenesis/angiogenesis and cellular metabolism. In this review, we provide a brief overview of canonical and non-canonical pathways of miRNA biogenesis and mechanisms of miRNA actions. We highlight the current knowledge of the role of miRNAs in placental development. Finally, we point out several limitations of the current research and suggest future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyam Hayder
- Department of BiologyYork University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacob O'Brien
- Department of BiologyYork University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Uzma Nadeem
- Department of BiologyYork University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of BiologyYork University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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30
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Identification of Reference Genes for Analysis of microRNA Expression Patterns in Equine Chorioallantoic Membrane and Serum. Mol Biotechnol 2017; 60:62-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-017-0047-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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31
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Abstract
Failure of embryo implantation is a major limiting factor in early pregnancy and assisted reproduction. Determinants of implantation include the embryo viability, the endometrial receptivity, and embryo-maternal interactions. Multiple molecules are involved in the regulation of implantation, but their specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. MicroRNA (miRNA), functioning as the transcriptional regulator of gene expression, has been widely reported to be involved in embryo implantation. Recent studies reveal that miRNAs not only act inside the cells, but also can be released by cells into the extracellular environment through multiple packaging forms, facilitating intercellular communication and providing indicative information associated with physiological and pathological conditions. The discovery of extracellular miRNAs shed new light on implantation studies. MiRNAs provide new mechanisms for embryo-maternal communication. Moreover, they may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for embryo selection and assessment of endometrial receptivity in assisted reproduction, which improves the accuracy of evaluation while reducing the mechanical damage to the tissue. In this review, we discuss the involvement of miRNAs in embryo implantation from several aspects, focusing on the role of extracellular miRNAs and their potential applications in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to promote fertility efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Liang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaoyu Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengguang Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 People’s Republic of China
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32
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Niu Z, Pang RTK, Liu W, Li Q, Cheng R, Yeung WSB. Polymer-based precipitation preserves biological activities of extracellular vesicles from an endometrial cell line. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186534. [PMID: 29023592 PMCID: PMC5638560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles released by cells and act as media for transfer of proteins, small RNAs and mRNAs to distant sites. They can be isolated by different methods. However, the biological activities of the purified EVs have seldom been studied. In this study, we compared the use of ultracentrifugation (UC), ultra-filtration (UF), polymer-based precipitation (PBP), and PBP with size-based purification (PBP+SP) for isolation of EVs from human endometrial cells and mouse uterine luminal fluid (ULF). Electron microscopy revealed that the diameters of the isolated EVs were similar among the tested methods. UF recovered the highest number of EVs followed by PBP, while UC and PBP+SP were significantly less efficient (P<0.05). Based on the number of EVs-to-protein ratios, PBP had the least protein contamination, significantly better than the other methods (P<0.05). All the isolated EVs expressed exosome-enriched proteins CD63, TSG101 and HSP70. Incubation of the trophoblast JEG-3 cells with an equal amount of the fluorescence-labelled EVs isolated by the studied methods showed that many of the PBP-EVs treated cells were fluorescence positive but only a few cells were labelled in the UC- and UF-EVs treated groups. Moreover, the PBP-EVs could transfer significantly more miRNA to the recipient cells than the other 3 methods (P<0.05). The PBP method could isolate EVs from mouse ULF; the diameter of the isolated EVs was 62±19 nm and expressed CD63, TSG101 and HSP70 proteins. In conclusion, PBP could best preserve the activities of the isolated EVs among the 4 methods studied and was able to isolate EVs from a small volume of sample. The simple setup and low equipment demands makes PBP the most suitable method for rapid EV assessment and isolation of EVs in clinical and basic research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziru Niu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ronald T. K. Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Center of Reproduction, Development, and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Center of Reproduction, Development, and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ranran Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Center of Reproduction, Development, and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital
- * E-mail:
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Tesfaye D, Salilew-Wondim D, Gebremedhn S, Sohel MMH, Pandey HO, Hoelker M, Schellander K. Potential role of microRNAs in mammalian female fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:8-23. [PMID: 28278789 DOI: 10.1071/rd16266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first evidence for the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in various reproductive processes through conditional knockout of DICER, several studies have been conducted to investigate the expression pattern and role of miRNAs in ovarian follicular development, oocyte maturation, embryo development, embryo-maternal communication, pregnancy establishment and various reproductive diseases. Although advances in sequencing technology have fuelled miRNA studies in mammalian species, the presence of extracellular miRNAs in various biological fluids, including follicular fluid, blood plasma, urine and milk among others, has opened a new door in miRNA research for their use as diagnostic markers. This review presents data related to the identification and expression analysis of cellular miRNA in mammalian female fertility associated with ovarian folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, preimplantation embryo development and embryo implantation. In addition, the relevance of miRNAs to female reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometritis and abnormal pregnancies, is discussed for various mammalian species. Most importantly, the mechanism of release and the role of extracellular miRNAs in cell-cell communication and their potential role as non-invasive markers in female fertility are discussed in detail. Understanding this layer of regulation in female reproduction processes will pave the way to understanding the genetic regulation of female fertility in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Tesfaye
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Samuel Gebremedhn
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Md Mahmodul Hasan Sohel
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Genome and Stem Cell Centre, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Hari Om Pandey
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Romney AL, Podrabsky JE. Transcriptomic analysis of maternally provisioned cues for phenotypic plasticity in the annual killifish, Austrofundulus limnaeus. EvoDevo 2017; 8:6. [PMID: 28439397 PMCID: PMC5401559 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-017-0069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genotype and environment can interact during development to produce novel adaptive traits that support life in extreme conditions. The development of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus is unique among vertebrates because the embryos have distinct cell movements that separate epiboly from axis formation during early development, can enter into a state of metabolic dormancy known as diapause and can survive extreme environmental conditions. The ability to enter into diapause can be maternally programmed, with young females producing embryos that do not enter into diapause. Alternately, embryos can be programmed to “escape” from diapause and develop directly by both maternal factors and embryonic incubation conditions. Thus, maternally packaged gene products are hypothesized to regulate developmental trajectory and perhaps the other unique developmental characters in this species. Results Using high-throughput RNA sequencing, we generated transcriptomic profiles of mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in 1–2 cell stage embryos of A. limnaeus. Transcriptomic analyses suggest maternal programming of embryos through alternatively spliced mRNAs and antisense sncRNAs. Comparison of these results to those of comparable studies on zebrafish and other fishes reveals a surprisingly high abundance of transcripts involved in the cellular response to stress and a relatively lower expression of genes required for rapid transition through the cell cycle. Conclusions Maternal programming of developmental trajectory is unlikely accomplished by differential expression of diapause-specific genes. Rather, evidence suggests a role for trajectory-specific splice variants of genes expressed in both phenotypes. In addition, based on comparative studies with zebrafish, the A. limnaeus 1–2 cell stage transcriptome is unique in ways that are consistent with their unique life history. These results not only impact our understanding of the genetic mechanisms that regulate entrance into diapause, but also provide insight into the epigenetic regulation of gene expression during development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13227-017-0069-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie L Romney
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207 USA
| | - Jason E Podrabsky
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207 USA
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35
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Chen C, Wu H, Shen D, Wang S, Zhang L, Wang X, Gao B, Wu T, Li B, Li K, Song C. Comparative profiling of small RNAs of pig seminal plasma and ejaculated and epididymal sperm. Reproduction 2017; 153:785-796. [PMID: 28314792 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The similarities and differences of small RNAs in seminal plasma, epididymal sperm and ejaculated sperm remain largely undefined. We conducted a systematic comparative analysis of small RNA profiles in pig ejaculated sperm, epididymal sperm and seminal plasma and found that the diversity distribution of small RNA species was generally similar, whereas the abundance of small RNAs is dramatically different across the three libraries; miRNAs and small RNAs derived from rRNA, tRNA, small nuclear RNA, 7SK RNA, NRON RNA and cis-regulatory RNA were enriched in the three libraries, but piRNA was absent. A large population of small RNAs from ejaculated sperm are ejaculated sperm specific, and only 8-30% of small RNAs overlapped with those of epididymal sperm or seminal plasma and a small proportion (5-18%) of small RNAs were shared in the three libraries, suggesting that, in addition to the testes, sperm RNAs may also originate from seminal plasma, epididymis as well as other resources. Most miRNAs were co-distributed but differentially expressed across the three libraries, with epididymal sperm exhibiting the highest abundance, followed by ejaculated sperm and seminal plasma. The prediction of target genes of the top 10 highly expressed miRNAs across the three libraries revealed that these miRNAs may be involved in spermatogenesis, zygote development and the interaction between the environment and animals. Our study provides the first description of the similarities and differences of small RNA profiles in ejaculated sperm, epididymal sperm and seminal plasma and indicates that sperm RNA may have origins other than the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Domestic Animal Genetic Resources and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture of ChinaInstitute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Han Wu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Shen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Saisai Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianwen Wu
- The Key Laboratory for Domestic Animal Genetic Resources and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture of ChinaInstitute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bichun Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kui Li
- The Key Laboratory for Domestic Animal Genetic Resources and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture of ChinaInstitute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengyi Song
- The Key Laboratory for Domestic Animal Genetic Resources and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture of ChinaInstitute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China .,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product SafetyCollege of Animal Science & Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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36
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Moindjie H, Santos ED, Gouesse RJ, Swierkowski-Blanchard N, Serazin V, Barnea ER, Vialard F, Dieudonné MN. Preimplantation factor is an anti-apoptotic effector in human trophoblasts involving p53 signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2504. [PMID: 27906186 PMCID: PMC5261002 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
From the earliest stages of gestation, embryonic-maternal interaction has a key role in a successful pregnancy. Various factors present during gestation may significantly influence this type of juxta/paracrine interaction. PreImplantation Factor (PIF) is a recently identified factor with activity at the fetomaternal interface. PIF is secreted by viable embryos and directly controls placental development by increasing the invasive capacity of human extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). To further specify PIF's role in the human placenta, we analyzed the genome-wide expression profile of the EVT in the presence of a synthetic PIF analog (sPIF). We found that sPIF exposure altered several pathways related to p53 signaling, survival and the immune response. Functional assays revealed that sPIF acts through the p53 pathway to reduce both early and late trophoblast apoptosis. More precisely, sPIF (i) decreases the phosphorylation of p53 at Ser-15, (ii) enhances the B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) expression and (iii) reduces the BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) and BCL2 homologous antagonist killer (BAK) mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, invalidation experiments of TP53 allowed us to demonstrate that PIF's effects on placental apoptosis seemed to be essentially mediated by this gene. We have clearly shown that p53 and sPIF pathways could interact in human trophoblast and thus promotes cell survival. Furthermore, sPIF was found to regulate a gene network related to immune tolerance in the EVT, which emphasizes the beneficial effect of this peptide on the human placenta. Finally, the PIF protein levels in placentas from pregnancies affected by preeclampsia or intra-uterine growth restriction were significantly lower than in gestational age-matched control placentas. Taken as a whole, our results suggest that sPIF protects the EVT's functional status through a variety of mechanisms. Clinical application of sPIF in the treatment of disorders of early pregnancy can be envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadia Moindjie
- GIG-EA7404, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines - Paris Saclay, Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé-Simone Veil, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France
| | - Esther Dos Santos
- GIG-EA7404, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines - Paris Saclay, Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé-Simone Veil, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France.,Service de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, Poissy, France
| | - Rita-Josiane Gouesse
- GIG-EA7404, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines - Paris Saclay, Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé-Simone Veil, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France
| | - Nelly Swierkowski-Blanchard
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction, Cytogénétique, Gynécologie et Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, Poissy, France
| | - Valérie Serazin
- GIG-EA7404, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines - Paris Saclay, Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé-Simone Veil, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France.,Service de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, Poissy, France
| | - Eytan R Barnea
- Society for the Investigation of Early Pregnancy, Cherry Hill, NJ, USA.,BioIncept, LLC, Cherry Hill, NJ, USA
| | - François Vialard
- GIG-EA7404, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines - Paris Saclay, Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé-Simone Veil, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France.,Département de Biologie de la Reproduction, Cytogénétique, Gynécologie et Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, Poissy, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Dieudonné
- GIG-EA7404, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines - Paris Saclay, Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé-Simone Veil, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France
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Noli L, Capalbo A, Dajani Y, Cimadomo D, Bvumbe J, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM, Ogilvie C, Khalaf Y, Ilic D. Human Embryos Created by Embryo Splitting Secrete Significantly Lower Levels of miRNA-30c. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 25:1853-1862. [PMID: 27612589 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies reporting term pregnancy and the production of genetically identical offspring from isolated blastomeres of early stage embryos have been carried out in small and large animals. However, very little is known about the effects of embryo splitting on the development and reproductive competency of human embryos. In this study, we investigated the effects of embryo splitting on profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) detected in their spent blastocyst medium (SBM) by comparative analysis of miRNA profiles in SBM of human twin embryos created by blastomere biopsy and SBM of blastocysts that resulted in a healthy pregnancy and live birth following embryo transfer. The profile of miRNA secretion in in vitro culture media consistently distinguishes twin from control embryos. We found that six miRNAs are significantly more abundant in SBM from twin embryos, while nine are significantly more abundant in SBM from euploid implanted blastocysts. These nine include miRNA-30c, a previously reported marker of blastocyst implantation potential. Furthermore, 22.9% of miRNAs secreted by twin embryos were never detected in SBM from normal reproductively competent blastocysts, or from trophectoderm (TE) samples from normal blastocysts donated for the research. The miRNA profile, unique to twin blastocysts, might be a result of differential lineage commitment in these embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Noli
- 1 Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London and Assisted Conception Unit, Guys' Hospital , London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Capalbo
- 2 GENERA, Centre for Reproductive Medicine , Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy .,3 GENETYX, Molecular Genetics Laboratory , Vicenza, Italy
| | - Yaser Dajani
- 1 Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London and Assisted Conception Unit, Guys' Hospital , London, United Kingdom
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- 2 GENERA, Centre for Reproductive Medicine , Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy .,3 GENETYX, Molecular Genetics Laboratory , Vicenza, Italy
| | - Jean Bvumbe
- 1 Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London and Assisted Conception Unit, Guys' Hospital , London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Rienzi
- 2 GENERA, Centre for Reproductive Medicine , Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy .,3 GENETYX, Molecular Genetics Laboratory , Vicenza, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- 2 GENERA, Centre for Reproductive Medicine , Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy .,3 GENETYX, Molecular Genetics Laboratory , Vicenza, Italy
| | - Caroline Ogilvie
- 4 Genetics Laboratories, Guy's Hospital , London, United Kingdom
| | - Yacoub Khalaf
- 1 Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London and Assisted Conception Unit, Guys' Hospital , London, United Kingdom
| | - Dusko Ilic
- 1 Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London and Assisted Conception Unit, Guys' Hospital , London, United Kingdom
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38
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Radhakrishnan B, Alwin Prem Anand A. Role of miRNA-9 in Brain Development. J Exp Neurosci 2016; 10:101-120. [PMID: 27721656 PMCID: PMC5053108 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s32843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small regulatory RNAs involved in gene regulation. The regulation is effected by either translational inhibition or transcriptional silencing. In vertebrates, the importance of miRNA in development was discovered from mice and zebrafish dicer knockouts. The miRNA-9 (miR-9) is one of the most highly expressed miRNAs in the early and adult vertebrate brain. It has diverse functions within the developing vertebrate brain. In this article, the role of miR-9 in the developing forebrain (telencephalon and diencephalon), midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord of vertebrate species is highlighted. In the forebrain, miR-9 is necessary for the proper development of dorsoventral telencephalon by targeting marker genes expressed in the telencephalon. It regulates proliferation in telencephalon by regulating Foxg1, Pax6, Gsh2, and Meis2 genes. The feedback loop regulation between miR-9 and Nr2e1/Tlx helps in neuronal migration and differentiation. Targeting Foxp1 and Foxp2, and Map1b by miR-9 regulates the radial migration of neurons and axonal development. In the organizers, miR-9 is inversely regulated by hairy1 and Fgf8 to maintain zona limitans interthalamica and midbrain–hindbrain boundary (MHB). It maintains the MHB by inhibiting Fgf signaling genes and is involved in the neurogenesis of the midbrain–hindbrain by regulating Her genes. In the hindbrain, miR-9 modulates progenitor proliferation and differentiation by regulating Her genes and Elav3. In the spinal cord, miR-9 modulates the regulation of Foxp1 and Onecut1 for motor neuron development. In the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, miR-9 is necessary for proper neuronal progenitor maintenance, neurogenesis, and differentiation. In vertebrate brain development, miR-9 is involved in regulating several region-specific genes in a spatiotemporal pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Alwin Prem Anand
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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39
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Bunkar N, Pathak N, Lohiya NK, Mishra PK. Epigenetics: A key paradigm in reproductive health. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2016; 43:59-81. [PMID: 27358824 PMCID: PMC4925870 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2016.43.2.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that there is a heritable element of susceptibility to chronic human ailments, yet there is compelling evidence that some components of such heritability are transmitted through non-genetic factors. Due to the complexity of reproductive processes, identifying the inheritance patterns of these factors is not easy. But little doubt exists that besides the genomic backbone, a range of epigenetic cues affect our genetic programme. The inter-generational transmission of epigenetic marks is believed to operate via four principal means that dramatically differ in their information content: DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs and nucleosome positioning. These epigenetic signatures influence the cellular machinery through positive and negative feedback mechanisms either alone or interactively. Understanding how these mechanisms work to activate or deactivate parts of our genetic programme not only on a day-to-day basis but also over generations is an important area of reproductive health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bunkar
- Translational Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Central University, Sagar, India
| | - Neelam Pathak
- Translational Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Central University, Sagar, India.; Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Nirmal Kumar Lohiya
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Pradyumna Kumar Mishra
- Translational Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Central University, Sagar, India.; Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (ICMR), Bhopal, India
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40
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Liu W, Niu Z, Li Q, Pang RTK, Chiu PCN, Yeung WSB. MicroRNA and Embryo Implantation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 75:263-71. [PMID: 26707514 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM In mammals, implantation involves interactions between an activated blastocyst and a receptive endometrium. There are controversies on the role of microRNAs in preimplantation embryo development. The actions of endometrial microRNAs on implantation are beginning to be understood. METHOD OF STUDY Review of literature on microRNAs in preimplantation embryos and endometrium. RESULTS Emerging evidence suggests a role of microRNAs in blastocyst activation and implantation. Differential expression of microRNAs is found between receptive and non-receptive endometria. Members of the let-7, miR-200, miR-30 families, and the miR-17-92 clusters are more commonly found to be associated with endometrial receptivity. Experimental studies show that the targets of the differentially expressed microRNAs affect endometrial receptivity, decidualization, and embryo implantation. Free and exosome/microvesicle containing microRNAs have been detected in human and ovine uterine luminal fluid (ULF). They may serve as mediators of embryo-endometrium dialog. Some observations suggest that the microRNAs in ULF may be used as biomarkers in infertility treatment. CONCLUSION MicroRNAs in endometrium and blastocysts are involved in the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziru Niu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ronald T K Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,ShenZhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,ShenZhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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41
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Kim J, Lee J, Kim SH, Jun JH. Coculture of Preimplantation Embryos With Outgrowth Embryos Improves Embryonic Developmental Competence in Mice. Reprod Sci 2015; 23:913-23. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719115623641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Senior Healthcare, BK21 Plus Program, Graduated School, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Senior Healthcare, BK21 Plus Program, Graduated School, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Graduate School of Health Science, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
- Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
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42
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Preimplantation embryo-secreted factors modulate maternal gene expression in rat uterus. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 364:453-63. [PMID: 26685865 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian reproduction, embryo implantation into the uterus is spatiotemporally regulated by a complex process triggered by a number of factors. Although previous studies have suggested that uterine receptivity is mediated by blastocyst-derived factors, specific functions of embryos remain to be defined during preimplantation. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify the maternal genes regulated by embryo-secreted factors in the rat uterus. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data revealed that 10 genes are up-regulated in the delayed implantation uterus compared with the pseudopregnancy uterus. The RNA-seq results were further verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Sulf1 expression is significantly (P < 0.05) induced in the delayed implantation uterus, although Areg, Calca, Fxyd4 and Lamc3 show a definite but non-statistically significant increase in their expression levels. During early pregnancy, the levels of Areg, Calca, Fxyd4, Lamc3 and Sulf1 expression at 3.5 days post coitus (dpc) are significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those at 1.5 dpc. Treatment with embryo-conditioned media revealed that Lamc3 and Sulf1 are up-regulated compared with the other genes studied. Thus, embryo-derived factors regulate maternal gene expression, with Lamc3 and Sulf1 possibly being suitable markers for a response study of embryo-secreted factors to improve our understanding of embryo-maternal communication.
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43
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Martinez AM, Cheong A, Ying J, Xue J, Kannan K, Leung YK, Thomas MA, Ho SM. Effects of High-Butterfat Diet on Embryo Implantation in Female Rats Exposed to Bisphenol A. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:147. [PMID: 26510865 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in human and rodents. The effects of butterfat diets on embryo implantation and whether it modifies BPA's actions are currently unknown. We aimed to determine the effects of butterfat diet on embryo implantation success in female rats exposed to an environmentally relevant dose of BPA. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to dietary butterfat (10% or 39% kcal/kg body weight [BW]) in the presence or absence of BPA (250 μg/kg BW) or ethinylestradiol (0.1 μg/kg BW) shortly before and during pregnancy to assess embryo implantation potentials by preimplantation development and transport, in vitro blastulation, outgrowth, and implantation. On gestational day (GD) 4.5, rats treated with BPA alone had higher serum total BPA level (2.3-3.7 ng/ml). They had more late-stage preimplantation embryos, whereas those receiving high butterfat (HBF) diet had the most advanced-stage embryos; dams cotreated with HBF and BPA had the most number of advanced embryos. BPA markedly delayed embryo transport to the uterus, but neither amount of butterfat had modifying effects. An in vitro implantation assay showed HBF doubled the outgrowth area, with BPA having no effect. In vivo, BPA reduced the number of implanted embryos on GD8, and cotreatment with HBF eliminated this adverse effect. HBF diet overall resulted in more and larger GD8 embryos. This study reveals the implantation disruptive effects of maternal exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of BPA and identifies HBF diet as a modifier of BPA in promoting early embryonic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M Martinez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ana Cheong
- Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jun Ying
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jingchuan Xue
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Michael A Thomas
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Shuk-Mei Ho
- Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati Veteran Affairs Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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PreImplantation factor promotes neuroprotection by targeting microRNA let-7. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:13882-7. [PMID: 25205808 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1411674111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction and loss of neurons are the major characteristics of CNS disorders that include stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Activation of the Toll-like receptor 7 by extracellular microRNA let-7, a highly expressed microRNA in the CNS, induces neuronal cell death. Let-7 released from injured neurons and immune cells acts on neighboring cells, exacerbating CNS damage. Here we show that a synthetic peptide analogous to the mammalian PreImplantation factor (PIF) secreted by developing embryos and which is present in the maternal circulation during pregnancy inhibits the biogenesis of let-7 in both neuronal and immune cells of the mouse. The synthetic peptide, sPIF, destabilizes KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP), a key microRNA-processing protein, in a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent manner, leading to decreased production of let-7. Furthermore, s.c. administration of sPIF into neonatal rats following hypoxic-ischemic brain injury robustly rescued cortical volume and number of neurons and decreased the detrimental glial response, as is consistent with diminished levels of KSRP and let-7 in sPIF-treated brains. Our results reveal a previously unexpected mechanism of action of PIF and underscore the potential clinical utility of sPIF in treating hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. The newly identified PIF/TLR4/KSRP/let-7 regulatory axis also may operate during embryo implantation and development.
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