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Correia LFL, Leal GR, Brandão FZ, Batista RITP, Souza-Fabjan JMG. Effect of antifreeze protein I in the freezing solution on in vivo-derived sheep embryos. Res Vet Sci 2024; 168:105132. [PMID: 38183895 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105132] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of different antifreeze protein type I (AFP I) concentrations added to a slow freezing solution in sheep in vivo-derived embryos. Good-quality embryos were allocated into: AFP-free (CONT); 0.1 μg/mL of AFP I (AFP0.1); or 0.5 μg/mL of AFP I (AFP0.5). After thawing, embryos were in vitro cultured (IVC) for 48 h. At 24 h and 48 h of IVC, dead cells and apoptosis, mitochondrial activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) evaluations were performed. At 24 h, evaluated embryos were submitted to RT-qPCR for metabolism (SIRT2, PRDX1, OCT4, CDX2) and quality (AQP3, CDH1, HSP70, BAX, BCL2) genes. The in vitro survival rate was 56% (22/39) for CONT, 60% (32/53) for AFP0.1, and 53% (23/43) for AFP0.5 (p > 0.05). A tendency (p = 0.09) for a higher blastocyst hatching rate was noted in AFP0.1 (62%) compared to AFP0.5 (33%), and both groups were similar to CONT (50%). An increased (p < 0.05) mitochondrial activity at 24 h was observed in AFP0.1 compared to CONT. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in oxidative stress homeostasis and viability between treatments. A downregulation (p < 0.05) of CDH1 in AFP0.1 and a downregulation of AQP3 in AFP0.5 were observed in comparison to the other groups. An upregulation (p < 0.05) was detected in HSP70 and BCL2 on AFP0.5 compared to AFP0.1 group. The addition of AFP I in slow freezing solution can benefit cryopreserved sheep in vivo-derived embryos, without affecting embryonic survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas F L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela R Leal
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ribrio I T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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Wei X, Fang X, Yu X, Li H, Guo Y, Qi Y, Sun C, Han D, Liu X, Li N, Hu H. Integrative analysis of single-cell embryo data reveals transcriptome signatures for the human pre-implantation inner cell mass. Dev Biol 2023; 502:39-49. [PMID: 37437860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.07.004] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
As the source of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), inner cell mass (ICM) can form all tissues of the embryo proper, however, its role in early human lineage specification remains controversial. Although a stepwise differentiation model has been proposed suggesting the existence of ICM as a distinct developmental stage, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we perform an integrated analysis on the public human preimplantation embryonic single-cell transcriptomic data and apply a trajectory inference algorithm to measure the cell plasticity. In our results, ICM population can be clearly discriminated on the dimension-reduced graph and confirmed by compelling evidences, thus validating the two-step hypothesis of lineage commitment. According to the branch probabilities and differentiation potential, we determine the precise time points for two lineage segregations. Further analysis on gene expression dynamics and regulatory network indicates that transcription factors including GSC, PRDM1, and SPIC may underlie the decisions of ICM fate. In addition, new human ICM marker genes, such as EPHA4 and CCR8 are discovered and validated by immunofluorescence. Given the potential clinical applications of ESCs, our analysis provides a further understanding of human ICM cells and facilitates the exploration of more unique characteristics in early human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinshu Wei
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, China
| | - Xiu Yu
- School of Medicine, Jiaying University, Meizhou, 514015, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hong Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Yuyang Guo
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Yifei Qi
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Chuanbo Sun
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Dingding Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Technology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Na Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
| | - Hao Hu
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China; Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Disease and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China; Third Affiliatied Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Martínez N, Damiano AE. Aquaporins in Fetal Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:251-266. [PMID: 36717499 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Water homeostasis is essential for fetal growth, and it depends on the successful development of the placenta. Many aquaporins (AQPs) were identified from blastocyst stages to term placenta. In the last years, cytokines, hormones, second messengers, intracellular pH, and membrane proteins were found to regulate their expression and function in the human placenta and fetal membranes. Accumulated data suggest that these proteins may be involved not only in the maintenance of the amniotic fluid volume homeostasis but also in the development of the placenta and fetal organs. In this sense, dysregulation of placental AQPs is associated with gestational disorders. Thus, current evidence shows that AQPs may collaborate in cellular events including trophoblast migration and apoptosis. In addition, aquaglyceroporins are involved in energy metabolism as well as urea elimination across the placenta. In the last year, the presence of AQP9 in trophoblast mitochondria opened new hypotheses about its role in pregnancy. However, much further work is needed to understand the importance of these proteins in human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia E Damiano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Cátedra de Biología Celulary Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Zhang H, Yang B. Aquaporins in Reproductive System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:179-194. [PMID: 36717494 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
AQP0-12, a total of 13 aquaporins are expressed in the mammalian reproductive system. These aquaporins mediate the transport of water and small solutes across biofilms for maintaining reproductive tract water balance and germ cell water homeostasis. These aquaporins play important roles in the regulation of sperm and egg cell production, maturation, and fertilization processes. Impaired AQP function may lead to diminished male and female fertility. This review focuses on the distribution, function, and regulation of AQPs throughout the male and female reproductive organs and tracts. Their correlation with reproductive success, revealing recent advances in the physiological and pathophysiological roles of aquaporins in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Gene Expression of Aquaporins (AQPs) in Cumulus Oocytes Complex and Embryo of Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010098. [PMID: 36611707 PMCID: PMC9817902 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are proteins with various functions related to proper cell function and early development in mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of AQPs and determine their mRNA levels in the cumulus oocyte complex (COC) of four bovine breeds and in blastocysts of five bovine crosses. Grade I, II and III COCs were collected by ovum pick up from non-lactating heifers of the Brahaman, Holstein, Gir and Romosinuano breeds. Embryos were produced in vitro up to the blastocyst stage of the bovine ♀Gir × ♂Holstein, ♀Holstein × ♂Gir, ♀Brahman × ♂Holstein, ♀Holstein × ♂Brahman, and ♀Romosinuano × ♂Holstein crosses. mRNA expression of AQP1-AQP12b was estimated in COC and embryos by real-time-PCR. The presence of the twelve AQPs in the COCs and bovine embryos was established. Additionally, significant differences were determined in the expression of AQP6 and AQP12b in COCs, as well as in transcripts levels of AQP4, AQP8 and AQP9 from bovine embryos. Gene expression of AQPs in COCs and bovine embryos is consistent with the previously described biological functions. This is the first report of AQPs in COC of Gir, Brahman, Holstein and Romosinuano and embryos of five crossbreeds between Bos indicus and B. taurus.
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Traut M, Kowalczyk-Zieba I, Boruszewska D, Jaworska J, Lukaszuk K, Woclawek-Potocka I. Mitochondrial DNA content and developmental competence of blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal heifer oocytes. Theriogenology 2022; 191:207-220. [PMID: 35998404 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the cattle-breeding industry, there is an increasing demand for in vitro embryo production from pre-pubertal heifers. In this study, we evaluated the differences in mitochondrial DNA content, oxidative stress, and developmental competence in blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal and pubertal heifers. We found higher mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in blastocysts produced from pre-pubertal heifers than from pubertal heifers. In the group of pre-pubertal animals, there was a significantly lower number of blastocysts produced in vitro from the same number of collected oocytes, and these blastocysts did not differ from those obtained from pubertal oocytes in terms of their morphological quality. The morphologically appropriate blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal heifers had higher concentrations of reactive oxygen species and glutathione. In blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal heifers, we found alterations in the expression of gene markers for developmental competence, which correlated with higher mitochondrial DNA content, suggesting a lower quality of blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal animals than from pubertal animals. The inadequate redox balance in blastocysts obtained from pre-pubertal females, along with higher mitochondrial DNA copy number, as well as differential gene expression of markers of developmental competence, elucidate the low quality of blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal animals, despite their unaltered morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Traut
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ilona Kowalczyk-Zieba
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dorota Boruszewska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Jaworska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Lukaszuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210, Gdansk, Poland; Invicta Research and Development Center, 81-740, Sopot, Poland
| | - Izabela Woclawek-Potocka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland.
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Zieger E, Schwaha T, Burger K, Bergheim I, Wanninger A, Calcino AD. Midbody-Localized Aquaporin Mediates Intercellular Lumen Expansion During Early Cleavage of an Invasive Freshwater Bivalve. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:894434. [PMID: 35774230 PMCID: PMC9237387 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.894434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular lumen formation is a crucial aspect of animal development and physiology that involves a complex interplay between the molecular and physical properties of the constituent cells. Embryos of the invasive freshwater mussel Dreissena rostriformis are ideal models for studying this process due to the large intercellular cavities that readily form during blastomere cleavage. Using this system, we show that recruitment of the transmembrane water channel protein aquaporin exclusively to the midbody of intercellular cytokinetic bridges is critical for lumenogenesis. The positioning of aquaporin-positive midbodies thereby influences the direction of cleavage cavity expansion. Notably, disrupting cytokinetic bridge microtubules impairs not only lumenogenesis but also cellular osmoregulation. Our findings reveal a simple mechanism that provides tight spatial and temporal control over the formation of luminal structures and likely plays an important role in water homeostasis during early cleavage stages of a freshwater invertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Zieger
- Integrative Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Andreas Wanninger, ; Andrew D. Calcino, ; Elisabeth Zieger,
| | - Thomas Schwaha
- Integrative Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Burger
- Molecular Nutritional Science, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ina Bergheim
- Molecular Nutritional Science, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Wanninger
- Integrative Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Andreas Wanninger, ; Andrew D. Calcino, ; Elisabeth Zieger,
| | - Andrew D. Calcino
- Integrative Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Andreas Wanninger, ; Andrew D. Calcino, ; Elisabeth Zieger,
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Relevance of Aquaporins for Gamete Function and Cryopreservation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050573. [PMID: 35268142 PMCID: PMC8909058 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The interaction between cells and the extracellular medium is of great importance; changes in medium composition can drive water movement across plasma membranes. Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane channels involved in the transport of water and some solutes across membranes. When sperm enter the female reproductive tract after ejaculation, they encounter a drastic change in extracellular composition, which leads to water flowing across the plasma membrane. This triggers a series of events that are crucial to allowing fertilization to take place, such as regulation of sperm motility. In the context of assisted reproduction techniques (ART), long-term storage of gametes is sometimes required, and, during cryopreservation, these cells undergo drastic changes in extracellular medium composition. As a result, AQPs are crucial in both sperm and oocytes during this process. Cryopreservation is of considerable importance for fertility preservation in livestock, endangered species and for individuals undergoing certain medical treatments that compromise their fertility. Further research to fully elucidate the roles and underlying mechanisms of AQPs in mammalian sperm is therefore warranted. Abstract The interaction between cells and the extracellular medium is of great importance, and drastic changes in extracellular solute concentrations drive water movement across the plasma membrane. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channels that allow the transport of water and small solutes across cell membranes. Different members of this family have been identified in gametes. In sperm, they are relevant to osmoadaptation after entering the female reproductive tract, which is crucial for sperm motility activation and capacitation and, thus, for their fertilizing ability. In addition, they are relevant during the cryopreservation process, since some members of this family are also permeable to glycerol, one of the most frequently used cryoprotective agents in livestock. Regarding oocytes, AQPs are very important in their maturation but also during cryopreservation. Further research to define the exact sets of AQPs that are present in oocytes from different species is needed, since the available literature envisages certain AQPs and their roles but does not provide complete information on the whole set of AQPs. This is of considerable importance because, in sperm, specific AQPs are known to compensate the role of non-functional members.
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Aquaporins and Animal Gamete Cryopreservation: Advances and Future Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030359. [PMID: 35158682 PMCID: PMC8833750 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cryopreservation is the method for the long-term preservation of gametes and embryos. In recent years, intensive research has focused on improving cryopreservation protocols for the determination of optimal freezing conditions and cryoprotective agents’ concentration for each cell type. The optimal cryopreservation protocol comprises the adequate balance between the freezing rate and the correct concentration of cryoprotective agents to achieve controlled cellular dehydration and minimal intracellular ice formation. Osmoregulation is, therefore, central in cryobiology. Water and some solutes can cross the plasma membrane, whereas facilitating transport takes a great part in intracellular/extracellular fluid homeostasis. Cells express water channels known as aquaporins that facilitate the transport of water and small uncharged solutes on their plasma membrane, including some cryoprotective agents. This review explores the expression and the function of aquaporins in gametes and embryos. In addition, the putative role of aquaporins for cryopreservation procedures is discussed. Abstract Cryopreservation is globally used as a method for long-term preservation, although freeze-thawing procedures may strongly impair the gamete function. The correct cryopreservation procedure is characterized by the balance between freezing rate and cryoprotective agents (CPAs), which minimizes cellular dehydration and intracellular ice formation. For this purpose, osmoregulation is a central process in cryopreservation. During cryopreservation, water and small solutes, including penetrating cryoprotective agents, cross the plasma membrane. Aquaporins (AQPs) constitute a family of channel proteins responsible for the transport of water, small solutes, and certain gases across biological membranes. Thirteen homologs of AQPs (AQP0-12) have been described. AQPs are widely distributed throughout the male and female reproductive systems, including the sperm and oocyte membrane. The composition of the male and female gamete membrane is of special interest for assisted reproductive techniques (ART), including cryopreservation. In this review, we detail the mechanisms involved in gamete cryopreservation, including the most used techniques and CPAs. In addition, the expression and function of AQPs in the male and female gametes are explored, highlighting the potential protective role of AQPs against damage induced during cryopreservation.
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Liu Y, Jones C, Coward K. An investigation of mechanisms underlying mouse blastocyst hatching: a ribonucleic acid sequencing study. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:35-48. [PMID: 35559994 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory mechanisms and signaling molecules underlying hatching in mouse embryos. DESIGN Experimental laboratory study using a mouse embryo model. SETTING University-based basic scientific research laboratory. ANIMALS A total of 40 B6C3F1 × B6D2F1 mouse embryos were used in this study. INTERVENTION(S) Frozen/thawed mouse embryos, at the 8-cell stage, were cultured in vitro for 2 days. The resulting hatching and prehatching blastocysts were then used for complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) library preparation and ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing analysis (n = 8 for each group). Differentially expressed genes were then used for downstream functional analysis. In addition, a list of genes related to developmental progression in humans was used to identify genes that were potentially related to the hatching of human embryos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Differentially expressed genes, enriched Gene Ontology terms and canonical pathways, clustered gene networks, activated upstream regulators, and common genes between a gene list of hatching-related genes in mice and a gene list associated with developmental progression in humans. RESULT(S) A total 275 differentially expressed genes were identified between hatching and prehatching blastocysts: 230 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that blastocyst hatching in vitro is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent process that involves protein biosynthesis and organization of the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, by regulating cell motility, the RhoA signaling pathway (including Arpc2, Cfl1, Gsn, Pfn1, Tpi1, Grb2, Tmsb10, Enah, and Rnd3 genes) may be a crucial signaling pathway during hatching. We also identified a cluster of genes (Krt8, Krt7, Cldn4, and Aqp3) that exerted functional roles in cell-cell junctions and water homeostasis during hatching. Moreover, some growth factors (angiotensinogen and fibroblast growth factor 2) and endocrine factors (estrogen receptor and prolactin) were predicted to be involved in the regulation of embryo hatching. In addition, we identified 81 potential genes that are potentially involved in the hatching process in human embryos. CONCLUSION(S) Our analysis identified potential genes and molecular regulatory pathways involved in the blastocyst hatching process in mice; we also identified genes that may potentially regulate hatching in human embryos. Our findings enhance our knowledge of embryo development and provide useful information for further exploring the mechanisms underlying embryo hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Liu
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Nutritional and Physiological Regulation of Water Transport in the Conceptus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1354:109-125. [PMID: 34807439 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85686-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Water transport during pregnancy is essential for maintaining normal growth and development of conceptuses (embryo/fetus and associated membranes). Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small integral plasma membrane proteins that primarily transport water across the plasma membrane. At least 11 isoforms of AQPs (AQPs 1-9, 11, and 12) are differentially expressed in the mammalian placenta (amnion, allantois, and chorion), and organs (kidney, lung, brain, heart, and skin) of embryos/fetuses during prenatal development. Available evidence suggests that the presence of AQPs in the conceptus mediates water movement across the placenta to support the placentation, the homeostasis of amniotic and allantoic fluid volumes, as well as embryonic and fetal survival, growth and development. Abundances of AQPs in the conceptus can be modulated by nutritional status and physiological factors affecting the pregnant female. Here, we summarize the effects of maternal dietary factors (such as intakes of protein, arginine, lipids, all-trans retinoic acid, copper, zinc, and mercury) on the expression of AQPs in the conceptus. We also discuss the physiological changes in hormones (e.g., progesterone and estrogen), oxygen supply, nitric oxide, pH, and osmotic pressure associated with the regulation of fluid exchange between mother and fetus. These findings may help to improve the survival, growth, and development of embryo/fetus in livestock species and other mammals (including humans).
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12
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Song WY, Wang Y, Hou XM, Tian CC, Wu L, Ma XS, Jin HX, Yao GD, Sun YP. Different expression and localization of aquaporin 7 and aquaporin 9 in granulosa cells, oocytes, and embryos of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and the negatively correlated relationship with insulin regulation. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:463-473. [PMID: 33579525 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of aquaporin 7 (AQP7) and aquaporin 9 (AQP9) in the granulosa cells of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy women and detect their localization in oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), MII, embryo, and blastocyst stages and the in vitro response to insulin stimulation. DESIGN Randomized, assessor-blinded study. SETTING Reproductive medical center. PATIENT(S) A total of 40 women (aged 20-38 years) comprising 29 cases of primary infertility and 11 cases of secondary infertility, of whom 17 had an initial diagnosis of PCOS and three received a PCOS diagnosis after an infertility examination. INTERVENTION(S) Controlling different concentrations of insulin and different treatment times in cultures of normal human granulosa cells in vitro. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Expression of AQP7 and AQP9 genes and proteins in granulosa cells detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and localization in oocytes at the GV, MI, MII, embryo, and blastocyst stages by Western blot, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence assays, and concentrations of insulin in follicular fluid by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULT(S) The expression levels of the AQP7 mRNA and protein in the granulosa cells of patients with PCOS were higher than found in healthy controls. We found AQP7 protein expressed in human oocytes at GV, MI, MII, embryo, and blastocyst stages; it was mainly located in the nucleoplasm. In the PCOS group, the expression level of AQP9 mRNA and protein in granulosa cells was lower, and AQP9 protein was expressed in oocytes at the GV, MI, MII, embryo, and blastocyst stages; it was localized on the nuclear membrane. Compared with healthy women, the insulin expression in patients with PCOS was higher. In cultures of normal human granulosa cells in vitro, the expression of AQP7 and AQP9 mRNA and protein decreased with the increase in insulin concentration; expression statistically significantly decreased when the insulin concentration was 100 nmol/L, and after 6 to 24 hours of exposure the lowest expression levels were found at 12 hours. CONCLUSION(S) The different localization and expression of AQP7 and AQP9 between the two groups suggests that they might be involved in oocyte maturation and embryonic development through different regulatory pathways. The expression levels of AQP7 and AQP9 were negatively correlated with insulin regulation, suggesting that insulin might affect the maturation of PCOS follicles by changing AQP7 and AQP9 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yan Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Man Hou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanyang Central Hospital, Nanyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Cheng Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanyang Central Hospital, Nanyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Shan Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Xia Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Gui-Dong Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Firmin J, Maître JL. Morphogenesis of the human preimplantation embryo: bringing mechanics to the clinics. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 120:22-31. [PMID: 34253437 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During preimplantation development, the human embryo forms the blastocyst, the structure enabling uterine implantation. The blastocyst consists of an epithelial envelope, the trophectoderm, encompassing a fluid-filled lumen, the blastocoel, and a cluster of pluripotent stem cells, the inner cell mass. This specific architecture is crucial for the implantation and further development of the human embryo. Furthermore, the morphology of the human embryo is a prime determinant for clinicians to assess the implantation potential of in vitro fertilized human embryos, which constitutes a key aspect of assisted reproduction technology. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the human embryo builds the blastocyst. As any material, the human embryo changes shape under the action of forces. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the mechanical forces shaping the blastocyst. We discuss the cellular processes responsible for generating morphogenetic forces that were studied mostly in the mouse and review the literature on human embryos to see which of them may be conserved. Based on the specific morphological defects commonly observed in clinics during human preimplantation development, we discuss how mechanical forces and their underlying cellular processes may be affected. Together, we propose that bringing tissue mechanics to the clinics will advance our understanding of human preimplantation development, as well as our ability to help infertile couples to have babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Firmin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM, U934 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Léon Maître
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM, U934 Paris, France.
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14
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Meistermann D, Bruneau A, Loubersac S, Reignier A, Firmin J, François-Campion V, Kilens S, Lelièvre Y, Lammers J, Feyeux M, Hulin P, Nedellec S, Bretin B, Castel G, Allègre N, Covin S, Bihouée A, Soumillon M, Mikkelsen T, Barrière P, Chazaud C, Chappell J, Pasque V, Bourdon J, Fréour T, David L. Integrated pseudotime analysis of human pre-implantation embryo single-cell transcriptomes reveals the dynamics of lineage specification. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1625-1640.e6. [PMID: 34004179 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding lineage specification during human pre-implantation development is a gateway to improving assisted reproductive technologies and stem cell research. Here we employ pseudotime analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data to reconstruct early mouse and human embryo development. Using time-lapse imaging of annotated embryos, we provide an integrated, ordered, and continuous analysis of transcriptomics changes throughout human development. We reveal that human trophectoderm/inner cell mass transcriptomes diverge at the transition from the B2 to the B3 blastocyst stage, just before blastocyst expansion. We explore the dynamics of the fate markers IFI16 and GATA4 and show that they gradually become mutually exclusive upon establishment of epiblast and primitive endoderm fates, respectively. We also provide evidence that NR2F2 marks trophectoderm maturation, initiating from the polar side, and subsequently spreads to all cells after implantation. Our study pinpoints the precise timing of lineage specification events in the human embryo and identifies transcriptomics hallmarks and cell fate markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Meistermann
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; LS2N, UNIV Nantes, CNRS, Nantes, France
| | - Alexandre Bruneau
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Loubersac
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Arnaud Reignier
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Julie Firmin
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Valentin François-Campion
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Stéphanie Kilens
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | | | - Jenna Lammers
- CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Magalie Feyeux
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Phillipe Hulin
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Steven Nedellec
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Betty Bretin
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Gaël Castel
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Allègre
- GReD Laboratory, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Simon Covin
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Audrey Bihouée
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France; Institut du Thorax, UNIV Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Soumillon
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Tarjei Mikkelsen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Paul Barrière
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Claire Chazaud
- GReD Laboratory, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joel Chappell
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Institute for Single Cell Omics, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Pasque
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Institute for Single Cell Omics, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Thomas Fréour
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France.
| | - Laurent David
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France.
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15
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Nong Y, Li S, Liu W, Zhang X, Fan L, Chen Y, Huang Q, Zhang Q, Liu F. Aquaporin 3 promotes human extravillous trophoblast migration and invasion. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:49. [PMID: 33781292 PMCID: PMC8006384 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00726-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Does aquaporin 3 (AQP3) affect the migration and invasion of human extravillous trophoblast (HTR8/Svneo) cells? METHOD OF STUDY A lentivirus infection system was used to construct stable cell lines with either AQP3 knockdown or overexpression. RT-PCR and western blotting were used to verify the efficiencies of AQP3 knockdown or overexpression in HTR8/Svneo cells at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the influence of AQP3 knockdown or overexpression on proliferation and apoptosis of HTR8/Svneo cells. In addition, wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were used to detect the effects of AQP3 knockdown or overexpression on migration and invasion capabilities of HTR8/Svneo cells. An Agilent gene chip was used to screen for significant differentially expressed genes after AQP3 knockdown. Finally, mechanisms by which AQP3 influences the migration and invasion of HTR8/Svneo cells were explored using bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS Compared with controls, migration and invasion capabilities of HTR8/Svneo cells were significantly reduced after AQP3 knockdown, and significantly increased after AQP3 overexpression. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis of gene chip expression profiles indicated downregulation of genes related to adhesion such as PDGF-B, as well as signaling pathways (such as PIK3/AKT, NF-κB, and TNF) after AQP3 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS AQP3 could significantly promote migration and invasion capabilities of human extravillous trophoblasts, it may mediate embryo invasion and adhesion to endometrium by regulating PDGF-B, PIK3/AKT signaling pathways, although this requires further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Nong
- grid.412601.00000 0004 1760 3828The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- grid.459579.3Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Shifen Li
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Shenzhen City Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- grid.459579.3Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Xiqian Zhang
- grid.459579.3Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Lin Fan
- grid.459579.3Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Ye Chen
- grid.459579.3Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Qianwen Huang
- grid.459579.3Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Qianyu Zhang
- grid.459579.3Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Fenghua Liu
- grid.459579.3Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
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16
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Ribeiro JC, Alves MG, Yeste M, Cho YS, Calamita G, Oliveira PF. Aquaporins and (in)fertility: More than just water transport. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166039. [PMID: 33338597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across biological membranes. They are widely distributed throughout the organism, having a number of key functions, some of them unexpected, both in health and disease. Among the various diseases in which AQPs are involved, infertility has been overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infertility is a global public health problem with one third of the couples suffering from subfertility or even infertility due to male or female factors alone or combined. Thus, there is an urgent need to unveil the molecular mechanisms that control gametes production, maturation and fertilization-related events, to more specifically determine infertility causes. In addition, as more couples seek for fertility treatment through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), it is pivotal to understand how these techniques can be improved. AQPs are heterogeneously expressed throughout the male and female reproductive tracts, highlighting a possible regulatory role for these proteins in conception. In fact, their function, far beyond water transport, highlights potential intervention points to enhance ART. In this review we discuss AQPs distribution and structural organization, functions, and modulation throughout the male and female reproductive tracts and their relevance to the reproductive success. We also highlight the most recent advances and research trends regarding how the different AQPs are involved and regulated in specific mechanisms underlying (in)fertility. Finally, we discuss the involvement of AQPs in ART-related processes and how their handling can lead to improvement of infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yoon S Cho
- Centro di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita, Ospedale Santa Maria, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
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17
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Kordowitzki P, Kranc W, Bryl R, Kempisty B, Skowronska A, Skowronski MT. The Relevance of Aquaporins for the Physiology, Pathology, and Aging of the Female Reproductive System in Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122570. [PMID: 33271827 PMCID: PMC7760214 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins constitute a group of water channel proteins located in numerous cell types. These are pore-forming transmembrane proteins, which mediate the specific passage of water molecules through membranes. It is well-known that water homeostasis plays a crucial role in different reproductive processes, e.g., oocyte transport, hormonal secretion, completion of successful fertilization, blastocyst formation, pregnancy, and birth. Further, aquaporins are involved in the process of spermatogenesis, and they have been reported to be involved during the storage of spermatozoa. It is noteworthy that aquaporins are relevant for the physiological function of specific parts in the female reproductive system, which will be presented in detail in the first section of this review. Moreover, they are relevant in different pathologies in the female reproductive system. The contribution of aquaporins in selected reproductive disorders and aging will be summarized in the second section of this review, followed by a section dedicated to aquaporin-related proteins. Since the relevance of aquaporins for the male reproductive system has been reviewed several times in the recent past, this review aims to provide an update on the distribution and impact of aquaporins only in the female reproductive system. Therefore, this paper seeks to determine the physiological and patho-physiological relevance of aquaporins on female reproduction, and female reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kordowitzki
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wiesława Kranc
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Rut Bryl
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skowronska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Street 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Mariusz T. Skowronski
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-56-611-2231
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Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channels proteins that facilitate water flux across cell membranes in response to osmotic gradients. Despite of the differences in the mammalian placentas, the conserved combination of AQPs expressed in placental and fetal membranes throughout gestation suggests that these proteins may be important in the regulation of fetal water homeostasis. Thus, AQPs may regulate the amniotic fluid volume and participate in the trans-placental transfer of water. Apart from their classical roles, recent studies have revealed that placental AQPs may also cooperate in cellular processes such as the migration and the apoptosis of the trophoblasts. Aquaglyceroporins can also participate in the energy metabolism and in the urea elimination across the placenta. Many factors including oxygen, hormones, acid-basis homeostasis, maternal dietary status, interaction with other transport proteins and osmotic stress are proposed to regulate their expression and function during gestation and alterations result in pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia E Damiano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Maternal Yes-Associated Protein Participates in Porcine Blastocyst Development via Modulation of Trophectoderm Epithelium Barrier Function. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121606. [PMID: 31835702 PMCID: PMC6952962 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment of a functional trophectoderm (TE) epithelium is an essential prerequisite for blastocyst formation and placentation. Transcription coactivator yes-associated protein (YAP), a downstream effector of the hippo signaling pathway, is required for specification of both the TE and epiblast lineages in mice. However, the biological role of YAP in porcine blastocyst development is not known. Here, we report that maternally derived YAP protein is localized to both the cytoplasm and nuclei prior to the morula stage and is then predominantly localized to the TE nuclei in blastocysts. Functionally, maternal YAP knockdown severely impeded blastocyst formation and perturbed the allocation of the first two lineages. The treatment of embryos with verteporfin, a pharmacological inhibitor of YAP, faithfully recapitulated the phenotype observed in YAP deleted embryos. Mechanistically, we found that maternal YAP regulates multiple genes which are important for lineage commitment, tight junction assembly, and fluid accumulation. Consistent with the effects on tight junction gene expression, a permeability assay revealed that paracellular sealing was defective in the trophectoderm epithelium. Lastly, YAP knockdown in a single blastomere at the 2-cell stage revealed that the cellular progeny of the YAP+ blastomere were sufficient to sustain blastocyst formation via direct complementation of the defective trophectoderm epithelium. In summary, these findings demonstrate that maternal YAP facilitates porcine blastocyst development through transcriptional regulation of key genes that are essential for lineage commitment, tight junction assembly, and fluid accumulation.
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Reppetti J, Reca A, Seyahian EA, Medina Y, Martínez N, Szpilbarg N, Damiano AE. Intact caveolae are required for proper extravillous trophoblast migration and differentiation. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3382-3392. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Reppetti
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)‐CONICET‐ Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Alejandra Reca
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)‐CONICET‐ Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - E. Abril Seyahian
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)‐CONICET‐ Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Yollyseth Medina
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)‐CONICET‐ Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Nora Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)‐CONICET‐ Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Natalia Szpilbarg
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)‐CONICET‐ Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Alicia E. Damiano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)‐CONICET‐ Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
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Szpilbarg N, Martínez NA, Di Paola M, Reppetti J, Medina Y, Seyahian A, Castro Parodi M, Damiano AE. New Insights Into the Role of Placental Aquaporins and the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1507. [PMID: 30425647 PMCID: PMC6218616 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulated evidence suggests that an abnormal placentation and an altered expression of a variety of trophoblast transporters are associated to preeclampsia. In this regard, an abnormal expression of AQP3 and AQP9 was reported in these placentas. Recent data suggests that placental AQPs are not only water channel proteins and that may participate in relevant processes required for a normal placental development, such as cell migration and apoptosis. Recently we reported that a normal expression of AQP3 is required for the migration of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. Thus, alterations in this protein might lead to an insufficient transformation of the maternal spiral arteries resulting in fluctuations of oxygen tension, a potent stimulus for oxidative damage and trophoblast apoptosis. In this context, the increase of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species could nitrate AQP9, producing the accumulation of a non-functional protein affecting the survival of the villous trophoblast (VT). This may trigger the exacerbated release of apoptotic VT fragments into maternal circulation producing the systemic endothelial dysfunction underlying the maternal syndrome. Therefore, our hypothesis is that the alteration in the expression of placental AQPs observed at the end of gestation may take place during the trophoblast stem cell differentiation, disturbing both EVT and VT cells development, or during the VT differentiation and turnover. In both situations, VT is affected and at last the maternal vascular system is activated leading to the clinical manifestations of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Szpilbarg
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora A Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Di Paola
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Reppetti
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yollyseth Medina
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Abril Seyahian
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Castro Parodi
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia E Damiano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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22
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Algarra B, Maillo V, Avilés M, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Rizos D, Jiménez-Movilla M. Effects of recombinant OVGP1 protein on in vitro bovine embryo development. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:433-443. [PMID: 30078833 PMCID: PMC6189566 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, our group demonstrated that recombinant porcine oviductin (pOVGP1) binds to the zona pellucida (ZP) of in vitro-matured (IVM) porcine oocytes with a positive effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF). The fact that pOVGP1 was detected inside IVM oocytes suggested that this protein had a biological role during embryo development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pOVGP1 on bovine in vitro embryo development. We applied 10 or 50 µg/ml of pOVGP1 during IVF, embryonic in vitro culture (IVC), or both, to evaluate cleavage and embryo development. Blastocyst quality was assessed by analyzing the expression of important developmental genes and the survival rates after vitrification/warming. pOVGP1 was detected in the ZP, perivitelline space, and plasma membrane of blastocysts. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in cleavage or blastocyst yield when 10 or 50 µg/ml of pOVGP1 was used during IVF or IVC. However, when 50 µg/ml pOVGP1 was used during IVF + IVC, the number of blastocysts obtained was half that obtained with the control and 10 µg/ml pOVGP1 groups. The survival rates after vitrification/warming of expanded blastocysts cultured with pOVGP1 showed no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). The use of pOVGP1 during IVF, IVC, or both, increased the relative abundance of mRNA of DSC2, ATF4, AQP3, and DNMT3A, the marker-genes of embryo quality. In conclusion, the use of pOVGP1 during bovine embryo in vitro culture does not affect embryo developmental rates but produces embryos of better quality in terms of the relative abundance of specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Algarra
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Verónica Maillo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - María Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
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23
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Alejandra R, Natalia S, Alicia E D. The blocking of aquaporin-3 (AQP3) impairs extravillous trophoblast cell migration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 499:227-232. [PMID: 29567477 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.03.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Several aquaporins (AQPs) are expressed in extravillous (EVT) and villous trophoblast cells. Among them, AQP3 is the most abundant AQP expressed in chorionic villi samples from first trimester, followed by AQP1 and AQP9. Although AQP3 expression persists in term placentas, it is significantly decreased in placentas from preeclamptic pregnancies. AQP3 is involved in the migration of different cell types, however its role in human placenta is still unknown. Here, we evaluated the role of AQP3 in the migration of EVT cells during early gestation. Our results showed that Swan 71 cells expressed AQP1, AQP3 and AQP9 but only the blocking of AQP3 by CuSO4 or the silencing of its expression by siRNA significantly attenuates EVT cell migration. Our work provides evidence that AQP3 is required for EVT cell migration and suggests that an altered expression of placental AQP3 may produce failures in placentation such as in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reca Alejandra
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)- CONICET- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Szpilbarg Natalia
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)- CONICET- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Damiano Alicia E
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)- CONICET- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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24
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Chang Y, Shu Y, Sun X, Xu C, He D, Fang L, Chen C, Hu X, Kermode A, Qiu W. Ectrodactyly in a Chinese patient born to a mother with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2017; 19:70-72. [PMID: 29149698 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
NMOSD develops primarily in women of childbearing age, and several previous studies have shown that the disorder may increase the risk of miscarriage. However, there are no reports, to our knowledge, of fetal malformation, other than neonatal hydrocephalus, related to NMOSD. We report a 30-year-old woman who experienced recurrent neuritis and who was seropositive for AQP4-IgG. She became pregnant, and the fetus was found to have ectrodactyly. Histological analysis of the placenta showed moderate inflammatory infiltration; however, whether fetal malformation in NMOSD is related to inflammation and AQP4-IgG remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Chang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yaqing Shu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chengfang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Dan He
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ling Fang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xueqiang Hu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Allan Kermode
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Department of Neurology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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25
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Prieto-Martínez N, Vilagran I, Morató R, Rivera del Álamo MM, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S, Yeste M. Relationship of aquaporins 3 (AQP3), 7 (AQP7), and 11 (AQP11) with boar sperm resilience to withstand freeze-thawing procedures. Andrology 2017; 5:1153-1164. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Prieto-Martínez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - I. Vilagran
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - R. Morató
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - M. M. Rivera del Álamo
- Unit of Animal Reproduction; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Barcelona) Spain
| | - J. E. Rodríguez-Gil
- Unit of Animal Reproduction; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Barcelona) Spain
| | - S. Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - M. Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
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26
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Prieto-Martínez N, Morató R, Muiño R, Hidalgo CO, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S, Yeste M. Aquaglyceroporins 3 and 7 in bull spermatozoa: identification, localisation and their relationship with sperm cryotolerance. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:1249-1259. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the localisation of aquaglyceroporins 3 (AQP3) and 7 (AQP7) in bull spermatozoa and their relationship with the sperm cell’s resilience to withstand cryopreservation (i.e. cryotolerance). A total of 18 bull ejaculates were cryopreserved and their sperm quality analysed before and after freeze–thawing. The presence and localisation of AQP3 and AQP7 was determined through immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. AQP3 was found in the mid-piece and AQP7 in the mid-piece and post-acrosomal region of bull spermatozoa. Immunoblotting showed specific signal bands at 30 and 60 kDa for AQP3 and at 25 kDa for AQP7. Neither the relative abundance of AQP3 and AQP7 nor their localisation patterns was altered by cryopreservation but individual differences between bull ejaculates were found in immunoblots. In order to determine whether these individual differences were related to sperm cryotolerance, bull ejaculates were classified as having good (GFE) or poor freezability (PFE) on the basis of their sperm quality after thawing. While the relative abundance of AQP3 before cryopreservation did not differ between ejaculates with GFE and PFE, the abundance of AQP7 was higher in GFE than in PFE ejaculates. This finding was further confirmed through principal component and linear regression analyses. In conclusion, the relative abundance of AQP7 in fresh semen may be used as a marker to predict bull sperm cryotolerance.
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27
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28
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Tosti E, Boni R, Gallo A. Ion currents in embryo development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 108:6-18. [PMID: 26989869 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels are proteins expressed in the plasma membrane of electrogenic cells. In the zygote and blastomeres of the developing embryo, electrical modifications result from ion currents that flow through these channels. This phenomenon implies that ion current activity exerts a specific developmental function, and plays a crucial role in signal transduction and the control of embryogenesis, from the early cleavage stages and during growth and development of the embryo. This review describes the involvement of ion currents in early embryo development, from marine invertebrates to human, focusing on the occurrence, modulation, and dynamic role of ion fluxes taking place on the zygote and blastomere plasma membrane, and at the intercellular communication between embryo cell stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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29
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Skowronska A, Mlotkowska P, Majewski M, Nielsen S, Skowronski MT. Expression of aquaporin 1 and 5 and their regulation by ovarian hormones, arachidonic acid, forskolin and cAMP during implantation in pigs. Physiol Res 2016; 65:637-650. [PMID: 26988150 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin proteins (AQPs) are a family of channels expressed in numerous mammalian tissues, where they play a fundamental role in regulating water transport across cell membranes. Based on reports that AQPs are present in the reproductive system and participate in reproductive processes, our aim was to investigate the effect of progesterone (P(4)), estradiol (E(2)), oxytocin (OT), arachidonic acid (AA), forskolin (FSK) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) on AQP1 and AQP5 expression at mRNA and protein levels in porcine uterine explants from Days 14-16 of gestation in order to determine if they play a role in implantation period in pigs. Quantitative real time PCR and Western-blot analysis revealed that the uterine explants treated with FSK and cAMP produce delayed, but long-term effects on AQP1 abundance (24 h) while AQP5 had a rapid and sustained response to FSK and cAMP in protein content (3 and 24 h). AA increases gene and protein content of AQP1 after longer exposition whereas AQP5 increases after 3 h only at the protein level. Both AQPs potentially remains under control of steroid hormones. OT has been shown to increase AQP1, and decrease AQP5 mRNA, without visible changes in protein content. P(4), E(2), AA, FSK and cAMP caused the appearance of AQP5 expression in the basolateral plasma membrane of the epithelial cells. The staining represents most likely AQP5 functioning mechanism for both absorption and reabsorption across the glandular epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Skowronska
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Department of Human Physiology, Olsztyn, Poland.
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30
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Tan YJ, Zhang XY, Ding GL, Li R, Wang L, Jin L, Lin XH, Gao L, Sheng JZ, Huang HF. Aquaporin7 plays a crucial role in tolerance to hyperosmotic stress and in the survival of oocytes during cryopreservation. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17741. [PMID: 26634435 PMCID: PMC4669445 DOI: 10.1038/srep17741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperosmotic stress may induce apoptosis of different cells. However, oocytes show tolerance to osmotic stress during cryopreservation by vitrification, which is an assisted reproductive technique. The underlying mechanism is still not understood. Here, we demonstrated that hyperosmosis produced by high concentrations of cryoprotectants, including DMSO, ethylene glycol and sucrose, significantly upregulated the protein levels of aquaporin (AQP) 7, but not AQP3 and AQP9, in mouse oocytes. Knockdown of AQP7 expression by siRNA-injection significantly reduced the survival of oocytes after vitrification. In oocytes, AQP7 was shown to bind with F-actin, a protein involved in almost all biological events. Moreover, we found that hyperosmosis could upregulate the phosphorylation levels of CPE-binding protein (CPEB) and Aurora A. Inhibition of the PI3K and PKC pathways blocked the hyperosmosis-induced upregulation of AQP7 and the phosphorylation of CPEB and Aurora A in oocytes. In conclusion, hyperosmosis could upregulate the expression of AQP7 via Aurora A/CPEB phosphorylation mediated by the PI3K and PKC pathways, and upregulation of AQP7 plays an important role in improving of tolerance to hyperosmotic stress and survival of oocytes during cryopreservation by vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jing Tan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Ying Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Lian Ding
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Hua Lin
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Gao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Sheng
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology &Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
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31
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Li L, Wang H, Gago J, Cui H, Qian Z, Kodama N, Ji H, Tian S, Shen D, Chen Y, Sun F, Xia Z, Ye Q, Sun W, Flexas J, Dong H. Harpin Hpa1 Interacts with Aquaporin PIP1;4 to Promote the Substrate Transport and Photosynthesis in Arabidopsis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17207. [PMID: 26607179 PMCID: PMC4660436 DOI: 10.1038/srep17207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Harpin proteins produced by plant-pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria are the venerable player in regulating bacterial virulence and inducing plant growth and defenses. A major gap in these effects is plant sensing linked to cellular responses, and plant sensor for harpin Hpa1 from rice bacterial blight pathogen points to plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP). Here we show that Arabidopsis AtPIP1;4 is a plasma membrane sensor of Hpa1 and plays a dual role in plasma membrane permeability of CO2 and H2O. In particular, AtPIP1;4 mediates CO2 transport with a substantial contribute to photosynthesis and further increases this function upon interacting with Hpa1 at the plasma membrane. As a result, leaf photosynthesis rates are increased and the plant growth is enhanced in contrast to the normal process without Hpa1-AtPIP1;4 interaction. Our findings demonstrate the first case that plant sensing of a bacterial harpin protein is connected with photosynthetic physiology to regulate plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jorge Gago
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears 07122, Spain
| | - Haiying Cui
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University and National Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Zhengjiang Qian
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Naomi Kodama
- Agro-Meteorology Division, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, Tsukuba 305-8604, Japan
| | - Hongtao Ji
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shan Tian
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dan Shen
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yanjuan Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fengli Sun
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhonglan Xia
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qing Ye
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University and National Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Jaume Flexas
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears 07122, Spain
| | - Hansong Dong
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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32
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Park JW, Cheon YP. Temporal Aquaporin 11 Expression and Localization during Preimplantation Embryo Development. Dev Reprod 2015; 19:53-60. [PMID: 25949210 DOI: 10.12717/devrep.2015.19.1.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Environmental conditions during early mammalian embryo development are critical and some adaptational phenomena are observed. However, the mechanisms underlying them remain largely masked. Previously, we reported that AQP5 expression is modified by the environmental condition without losing the developmental potency. In this study, AQP11 was examined instead. To compare expression pattern between in vivo and in vitro, we conducted quantitative RT-PCR and analyzed localization of the AQP11 by whole mount immunofluorescence. When the fertilized embryos were developed in the maternal tracts, the level of Aqp11 transcripts was decreased devrepamatically until 2-cell stage. Its level increased after 2-cell stage and peaked at 4-cell stage, but decreased again devrepamatically until morula stage. Its transcript level increased again at blastocyst stage. In contrast, the levels of Aqp11 transcript in embryos cultured in vitro were as follows. The patterns of expression were similar but the overall levels were low compared with those of embryos grown in the maternal tracts. AQP11 proteins were localized in submembrane cytoplasm of embryos collected from maternal reproductive tracts. The immune-reactive signals were detected in both trophectoderm and inner cell mass. However, its localization was altered in in vitro culture condition. It was localized mainly in the plasma membrane of the blastocysts contacting with external environment. The present study suggests that early stage embryo can develop successfully by themselves adapting to their environmental condition through modulation of the expression level and localization of specific genes like AQP11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Won Park
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sungshin University, Seoul 147-742, Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sungshin University, Seoul 147-742, Korea
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Abstract
Environmental conditions during early mammalian embryo development are critical and some adaptational phenomena are observed. However, the mechanisms underlying them remain largely masked. Previously, we reported that AQP5 expression is modified by the environmental condition without losing the developmental potency. In this study, AQP11 was examined instead. To compare expression pattern between in vivo and in vitro, we conducted quantitative RT-PCR and analyzed localization of the AQP11 by whole mount immunofluorescence. When the fertilized embryos were developed in the maternal tracts, the level of Aqp11 transcripts was decreased dramatically until 2-cell stage. Its level increased after 2-cell stage and peaked at 4-cell stage, but decreased again dramatically until morula stage. Its transcript level increased again at blastocyst stage. In contrast, the levels of Aqp11 transcript in embryos cultured in vitro were as follows. The patterns of expression were similar but the overall levels were low compared with those of embryos grown in the maternal tracts. AQP11 proteins were localized in submembrane cytoplasm of embryos collected from maternal reproductive tracts. The immune-reactive signals were detected in both trophectoderm and inner cell mass. However, its localization was altered in in vitro culture condition. It was localized mainly in the plasma membrane of the blastocysts contacting with external environment. The present study suggests that early stage embryo can develop successfully by themselves adapting to their environmental condition through modulation of the expression level and localization of specific genes like AQP11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Won Park
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sungshin University, Seoul 147-742, Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sungshin University, Seoul 147-742, Korea
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Park JW, Shin YK, Choen YP. Adaptive Transition of Aquaporin 5 Expression and Localization during Preimplantation Embryo Development by In Vitro Culture. Dev Reprod 2015; 18:153-60. [PMID: 25949184 PMCID: PMC4282210 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2014.18.3.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive development of early stage embryo is well established and recently it is explored that the mammalian embryos also have adaptive ability to the stressful environment. However, the mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, to evaluate the possible role of aquaporin in early embryo developmental adaptation, the expression of aquaporin (AQP) 5 gene which is detected during early development were examined by the environmental condition. To compare expression patterns between in vivo and in vitro, we conducted quantitative RT-PCR and analyzed localization of the AQP5 by whole mount immunofluorescence. At in vivo condition, Aqp5 expressed in oocyte and in all the stages of preimplantation embryo. It showed peak at 2-cell stage and decreased continuously until morula stage. At in vitro condition, Aqp5 expression pattern was similar with in vivo embryos. It expressed both at embryonic genome activation phase and second midpreimplantation gene activation phase, but the fold changes were modified between in vivo embryos and in vitro embryos. During in vivo development, AQP5 was mainly localized in apical membrane of blastomeres of 4-cell and 8-cell stage embryos, and then it was localized in cytoplasm. However, the main localization area of AQP5 was dramatically shifted after 8-cell stage from cytoplasm to nucleus by in vitro development. Those results explore the modification of Aqp5 expression levels and location of its final products by in vitro culture. It suggests that expression of Aqp5 and the roles of AQP5 in homeostasis can be modulated by in vitro culture, and that early stage embryos can develop successfully by themselves adapting to their condition through modulation of the specific gene expression and localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Won Park
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 147-742, Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Shin
- Aquaculture Management Division, Aquaculture Research Institute, NFRDI, Busan 619-902, Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Choen
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 147-742, Korea
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Ducza E, Seres AB, Hajagos-Tóth J, Falkay G, Gáspár R. Oxytocin regulates the expression of aquaporin 5 in the late-pregnant rat uterus. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:524-30. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Ducza
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Szeged; Szeged Hungary
| | - Adrienn B. Seres
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Szeged; Szeged Hungary
| | - Judit Hajagos-Tóth
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Szeged; Szeged Hungary
| | - George Falkay
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Szeged; Szeged Hungary
| | - Róbert Gáspár
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Szeged; Szeged Hungary
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