1
|
Maehara H, Kokaji T, Hatano A, Suzuki Y, Matsumoto M, Nakayama KI, Egami R, Tsuchiya T, Ozaki H, Morita K, Shirai M, Li D, Terakawa A, Uematsu S, Hironaka KI, Ohno S, Kubota H, Araki H, Miura F, Ito T, Kuroda S. DNA hypomethylation characterizes genes encoding tissue-dominant functional proteins in liver and skeletal muscle. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19118. [PMID: 37926704 PMCID: PMC10625943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Each tissue has a dominant set of functional proteins required to mediate tissue-specific functions. Epigenetic modifications, transcription, and translational efficiency control tissue-dominant protein production. However, the coordination of these regulatory mechanisms to achieve such tissue-specific protein production remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the DNA methylome, transcriptome, and proteome in mouse liver and skeletal muscle. We found that DNA hypomethylation at promoter regions is globally associated with liver-dominant or skeletal muscle-dominant functional protein production within each tissue, as well as with genes encoding proteins involved in ubiquitous functions in both tissues. Thus, genes encoding liver-dominant proteins, such as those involved in glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, the urea cycle, complement and coagulation systems, enzymes of tryptophan metabolism, and cytochrome P450-related metabolism, were hypomethylated in the liver, whereas those encoding-skeletal muscle-dominant proteins, such as those involved in sarcomere organization, were hypomethylated in the skeletal muscle. Thus, DNA hypomethylation characterizes genes encoding tissue-dominant functional proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Maehara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Toshiya Kokaji
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Data Science Center, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916‑5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hatano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Omics and Systems Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 757 Ichibancho, Asahimachi-Dori, Chuo-Ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Masaki Matsumoto
- Department of Omics and Systems Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 757 Ichibancho, Asahimachi-Dori, Chuo-Ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Riku Egami
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Takaho Tsuchiya
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305‑8575, Japan
- Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305‑8577, Japan
| | - Haruka Ozaki
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305‑8575, Japan
- Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305‑8577, Japan
| | - Keigo Morita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Dongzi Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Akira Terakawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Saori Uematsu
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Hironaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ohno
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7‑3‑1 Hongo, Bunkyo‑ku, Tokyo, 113‑0033, Japan
- Department of AI Systems Medicine, M&D Data Science Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kubota
- Division of Integrated Omics, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Araki
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Fumihito Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shinya Kuroda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan.
- Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7‑3‑1 Hongo, Bunkyo‑ku, Tokyo, 113‑0033, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang J, Sheng H, Hu C, Li F, Cai B, Ma Y, Wang Y, Ma Y. Effects of DNA Methylation on Gene Expression and Phenotypic Traits in Cattle: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11882. [PMID: 37569258 PMCID: PMC10419045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression in cells is determined by the epigenetic state of chromatin. Therefore, the study of epigenetic changes is very important to understand the regulatory mechanism of genes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. DNA methylation is one of the most studied epigenetic modifications, which plays an important role in maintaining genome stability and ensuring normal growth and development. Studies have shown that methylation levels in bovine primordial germ cells, the rearrangement of methylation during embryonic development and abnormal methylation during placental development are all closely related to their reproductive processes. In addition, the application of bovine male sterility and assisted reproductive technology is also related to DNA methylation. This review introduces the principle, development of detection methods and application conditions of DNA methylation, with emphasis on the relationship between DNA methylation dynamics and bovine spermatogenesis, embryonic development, disease resistance and muscle and fat development, in order to provide theoretical basis for the application of DNA methylation in cattle breeding in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junxing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hui Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Chunli Hu
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Fen Li
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Bei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yanfen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yachun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; (J.Z.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (B.C.); (Y.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Annes K, de Lima CB, Ispada J, dos Santos ÉC, Fontes PK, Nichi M, Nogueira MFG, Sudano MJ, Milazzotto MP. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) selectively modulates the metabolic and lipid profile of bovine embryos according to their kinetics of development. Theriogenology 2023; 204:1-7. [PMID: 37030172 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Supplementation of culture media with IGF-1 during in vitro culture of embryos has had controversial results over the years. In the present study, we show that differences previously observed in response to IGF addition might be related to intrinsic heterogeneity of the embryos. In other words, the effects exerted by IGF-1 are dependent on the characteristics of the embryos and their ability to modulate metabolism and overcome stressful conditions, such as the ones found in a non-optimized in vitro culture system. To test this hypothesis, in vitro produced bovine embryos with distinct morphokinetics (fast- and slow-cleavage) were submitted to treatment with IGF-1 and then evaluated for embryo production rates, total cell number, gene expression and lipid profile. Our results show that remarkable differences were found when fast and slow embryos treated with IGF-1 were compared. Fast embryos respond by upregulating genes related to mitochondrial function, stress response, and lipid metabolism, whereas slow embryos presented lower mitochondrial efficiency and lipid accumulation. We conclude that indeed the treatment with IGF-1 selectively affects embryonic metabolism according to early morphokinetics phenotypes, and this information is relevant for decision-making in the design of more appropriate in vitro culture systems.
Collapse
|
4
|
Nix J, Marrella MA, Oliver MA, Rhoads M, Ealy AD, Biase FH. Cleavage kinetics is a better indicator of embryonic developmental competency than brilliant cresyl blue staining of oocytes. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 248:107174. [PMID: 36502760 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107174] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In vitro production of embryos (IVP) is a valuable technology to produce embryos of high genetic value. Despite advances in IVP, the efficiency of culture systems remains low. One method to increase IVP success is the early selection of oocytes or embryos that may have greater developmental potential. Here, we investigated two methods of selection, namely BCB staining and cleavage kinetics, both individually and in conjunction, for improved developmental outcomes in vitro. We hypothesized that a synergistic use of both BCB staining and cleavage kinetics would result in identification of embryos of greater developmental potential. The selection of oocytes by BCB staining does select for those oocytes with higher developmental potential, as noted by a greater blastocyst development between BCB positive (32.6%) and BCB negative (22.0%) on day 8 post-fertilization. However, the utilization of BCB staining and cleavage kinetics in tandem resulted in a complete masking of the effect observed when using BCB alone. We obtained the highest proportion of blastocyst development per selection group using cleavage kinetics alone, in which 53.1% of embryos grouped as Fast produced a blastocyst, which was significantly different from the three other groups (Fast+, Slow, not cleaved). We observed, however, that the separation of embryos by cleavage kinetics did not predict their survival to cryopreservation. In conclusion, in standard culture systems, cleavage kinetics is an effective method for the selection of embryos with increased developmental potential to develop blastocysts, however, it may not be effective to select healthy embryos for transfer following cryopreservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jada Nix
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mackenzie A Marrella
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mary Ali Oliver
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Michelle Rhoads
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Alan D Ealy
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Fernando H Biase
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Olexiková L, Dujíčková L, Makarevich AV, Bezdíček J, Sekaninová J, Nesvadbová A, Chrenek P. Glutathione during Post-Thaw Recovery Culture Can Mitigate Deleterious Impact of Vitrification on Bovine Oocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 12:antiox12010035. [PMID: 36670897 PMCID: PMC9854658 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification of bovine oocytes can impair subsequent embryo development mostly due to elevated oxidative stress. This study was aimed at examining whether glutathione, a known antioxidant, can improve further embryo development when added to devitrified oocytes for a short recovery period. Bovine in vitro matured oocytes were vitrified using an ultra-rapid cooling technique on electron microscopy grids. Following warming, the oocytes were incubated in the recovery medium containing glutathione (0, 1.5, or 5 mmol L-1) for 3 h (post-warm recovery). Afterwards, the oocytes were lysed for measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activity of peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase, and ROS formation. The impact of vitrification on mitochondrial and lysosomal activities was also examined. Since glutathione, added at 5 mmol L-1, significantly increased the TAC of warmed oocytes, in the next set of experiments this dose was applied for post-warm recovery of oocytes used for IVF. Glutathione in the recovery culture did not change the total blastocyst rate, while increased the proportion of faster developing blastocysts (Day 6-7), reduced the apoptotic cell ratio and reversed the harmful impact of vitrification on the actin cytoskeleton. These results suggest that even a short recovery culture with antioxidant(s) can improve the development of bovine devitrified oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Olexiková
- Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 95141 Lužianky, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-37-654-6258
| | - Linda Dujíčková
- Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 95141 Lužianky, Slovakia
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Constantine the Philosopher University Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 1, 94974 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Alexander V. Makarevich
- Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 95141 Lužianky, Slovakia
| | - Jiří Bezdíček
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17. Listopadu 50, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sekaninová
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Nesvadbová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17. Listopadu 50, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Chrenek
- Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 95141 Lužianky, Slovakia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sharma R, Frasch MG, Zelgert C, Zimmermann P, Fabre B, Wilson R, Waldenberger M, MacDonald JW, Bammler TK, Lobmaier SM, Antonelli MC. Maternal-fetal stress and DNA methylation signatures in neonatal saliva: an epigenome-wide association study. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:87. [PMID: 35836289 PMCID: PMC9281078 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal stress before, during and after pregnancy has profound effects on the development and lifelong function of the infant's neurocognitive development. We hypothesized that the programming of the central nervous system (CNS), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS) induced by prenatal stress (PS) is reflected in electrophysiological and epigenetic biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to find noninvasive epigenetic biomarkers of PS in the newborn salivary DNA. RESULTS A total of 728 pregnant women were screened for stress exposure using Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), 164 women were enrolled, and 114 dyads were analyzed. Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) was also administered to assess specific pregnancy worries. Transabdominal fetal electrocardiograms (taECG) were recorded to derive coupling between maternal and fetal heart rates resulting in a 'Fetal Stress Index' (FSI). Upon delivery, we collected maternal hair strands for cortisol measurements and newborn's saliva for epigenetic analyses. DNA was extracted from saliva samples, and DNA methylation was measured using EPIC BeadChip array (850 k CpG sites). Linear regression was used to identify associations between PSS/PDQ/FSI/Cortisol and DNA methylation. We found epigenome-wide significant associations for 5 CpG with PDQ and cortisol at FDR < 5%. Three CpGs were annotated to genes (Illumina Gene annotation file): YAP1, TOMM20 and CSMD1, and two CpGs were located approximately lay at 50 kb from SSBP4 and SCAMP1. In addition, two differentiated methylation regions (DMR) related to maternal stress measures PDQ and cortisol were found: DAXX and ARL4D. CONCLUSIONS Genes annotated to these CpGs were found to be involved in secretion and transportation, nuclear signaling, Hippo signaling pathways, apoptosis, intracellular trafficking and neuronal signaling. Moreover, some CpGs are annotated to genes related to autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia. However, our results should be viewed as hypothesis generating until replicated in a larger sample. Early assessment of such noninvasive PS biomarkers will allow timelier detection of babies at risk and a more effective allocation of resources for early intervention programs to improve child development. A biomarker-guided early intervention strategy is the first step in the prevention of future health problems, reducing their personal and societal impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center On Human Development and Disability (CHDD), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Camila Zelgert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Zimmermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bibiana Fabre
- Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rory Wilson
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Waldenberger
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - James W MacDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Theo K Bammler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ghaffari MH. Developmental programming: prenatal and postnatal consequences of hyperthermia in dairy cows and calves. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 80:106723. [PMID: 35339732 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
With global warming, the incidence of heat stress in dairy cows is increasing in many countries. Temperatures outside the thermoneutral zone (heat stress) are one of the environmental factors with the greatest impact on milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows. In addition to several biological mechanisms that may contribute to the effects of fetal programming, epigenetic modifications have also been investigated as possible mediators of the observed associations between maternal heat stress during late gestation and performance and health later in life. In utero programming of these offspring may coordinate changes in thermoregulation, mammary gland development, and milk production ability at different developmental stages. This review examines the effects of prenatal and postnatal hyperthermia on the developmental outcomes of dairy cows, as well as the physiological and molecular mechanisms that may be responsible for the negative phenotypic consequences of heat stress that persist throughout the neonatal and adult periods and may have multigenerational implications. The physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the negative phenotypic consequences of heat stress are discussed. Research challenges in this area, future research recommendations, and therapeutic applications are also discussed. In summary, strategies to reduce heat stress during the dry period should consider not only the productivity of the pregnant cow but also the well-being of the newborn calf.
Collapse
|
8
|
Quail LK, Randel RD, Welsh TH, Cushman RA, Yake HK, Branco RADO, Neuendorff DA, Long CR, Perry GA. Prenatal transportation stress did not impact ovarian follicle count for three generations of female Brahman offspring. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 243:107016. [PMID: 35714399 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107016] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
As prenatal transportation stress altered behavior and adrenal glucocorticoid secretion of calves, we hypothesized that prenatal transportation stress would decrease ovarian reserve size and negatively impact female offspring fertility. The impact of prenatal transportation stress on ovarian follicle numbers in female offspring for three generations was studied. Brahman cows were transported for 2 h on day 60 ± 5, 80 ± 5, 100 ± 5, 120 ± 5, and 140 ± 5 of gestation. Ovaries were collected from offspring of transported or non-transported dams at multiple ages. Primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles were histologically analyzed. Antral follicle numbers were determined by ultrasound in a subset of offspring. Numbers of primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles were analyzed using the MIXED procedure, while the CORR procedure of SAS was used to determine the correlation between follicles observed by ultrasonography and histology. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the number of primordial, primary, secondary, antral, or total follicles observed histologically due to treatment. Younger females had significantly greater numbers of follicles than older females (P < 0.0001). Antral follicles tended to be correlated with total histological ovarian follicles (P = 0.10). There was no difference in the number of antral follicles observed at ultrasound due to treatment (P = 0.3147), or generation (P = 0.6005) when controlling for age at observation. These results show that short-term transportation stress during early- to mid-gestation did not impact fertility as measured by ovarian follicle numbers in female Brahman offspring for three generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lacey K Quail
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, United States; Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Ronald D Randel
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, United States
| | - Thomas H Welsh
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Robert A Cushman
- USDA-ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, United States
| | - Hannah K Yake
- USDA-ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, United States
| | | | | | - Charles R Long
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, United States
| | - George A Perry
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dixon G, Matz M. Changes in gene body methylation do not correlate with changes in gene expression in Anthozoa or Hexapoda. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:234. [PMID: 35337260 PMCID: PMC8957121 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08474-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As human activity alters the planet, there is a pressing need to understand how organisms adapt to environmental change. Of growing interest in this area is the role of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, in tailoring gene expression to fit novel conditions. Here, we reanalyzed nine invertebrate (Anthozoa and Hexapoda) datasets to validate a key prediction of this hypothesis: changes in DNA methylation in response to some condition correlate with changes in gene expression. Results In accord with previous observations, baseline levels of gene body methylation (GBM) positively correlated with transcription, and negatively correlated with transcriptional variation between conditions. Correlations between changes in GBM and transcription, however, were negligible. There was also no consistent negative correlation between methylation and transcription at the level of gene body methylation class (either highly- or lowly-methylated), anticipated under the previously described “seesaw hypothesis”. Conclusion Our results do not support the direct involvement of GBM in regulating dynamic transcriptional responses in invertebrates. If changes in DNA methylation regulate invertebrate transcription, the mechanism must involve additional factors or regulatory influences. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08474-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Groves Dixon
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA.
| | - Mikhail Matz
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dahlen CR, Borowicz PP, Ward AK, Caton JS, Czernik M, Palazzese L, Loi P, Reynolds LP. Programming of Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11668. [PMID: 34769097 PMCID: PMC8583791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and parental nutritional status have profound effects on embryonic/fetal and placental development, which are probably mediated via "programming" of gene expression, as reflected by changes in their epigenetic landscape. Such epigenetic changes may underlie programming of growth, development, and function of fetal organs later in pregnancy and the offspring postnatally, and potentially lead to long-term changes in organ structure and function in the offspring as adults. This latter concept has been termed developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), or simply developmental programming, which has emerged as a major health issue in animals and humans because it is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases in the offspring, including metabolic, behavioral, and reproductive dysfunction. In this review, we will briefly introduce the concept of developmental programming and its relationship to epigenetics. We will then discuss evidence that ART and periconceptual maternal and paternal nutrition may lead to epigenetic alterations very early in pregnancy, and how each pregnancy experiences developmental programming based on signals received by and from the dam. Lastly, we will discuss current research on strategies designed to overcome or minimize the negative consequences or, conversely, to maximize the positive aspects of developmental programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl R. Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| | - Pawel P. Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| | - Alison K. Ward
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| | - Joel S. Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| | - Marta Czernik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Luca Palazzese
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Pasqualino Loi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Lawrence P. Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang M, Ibeagha-Awemu EM. Impacts of Epigenetic Processes on the Health and Productivity of Livestock. Front Genet 2021; 11:613636. [PMID: 33708235 PMCID: PMC7942785 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.613636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic changes in the epigenome resulting from the intricate interactions of genetic and environmental factors play crucial roles in individual growth and development. Numerous studies in plants, rodents, and humans have provided evidence of the regulatory roles of epigenetic processes in health and disease. There is increasing pressure to increase livestock production in light of increasing food needs of an expanding human population and environment challenges, but there is limited related epigenetic data on livestock to complement genomic information and support advances in improvement breeding and health management. This review examines the recent discoveries on epigenetic processes due to DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling and their impacts on health and production traits in farm animals, including bovine, swine, sheep, goat, and poultry species. Most of the reports focused on epigenome profiling at the genome-wide or specific genic regions in response to developmental processes, environmental stressors, nutrition, and disease pathogens. The bulk of available data mainly characterized the epigenetic markers in tissues/organs or in relation to traits and detection of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying livestock phenotype diversity. However, available data is inadequate to support gainful exploitation of epigenetic processes for improved animal health and productivity management. Increased research effort, which is vital to elucidate how epigenetic mechanisms affect the health and productivity of livestock, is currently limited due to several factors including lack of adequate analytical tools. In this review, we (1) summarize available evidence of the impacts of epigenetic processes on livestock production and health traits, (2) discuss the application of epigenetics data in livestock production, and (3) present gaps in livestock epigenetics research. Knowledge of the epigenetic factors influencing livestock health and productivity is vital for the management and improvement of livestock productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Wang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Eveline M. Ibeagha-Awemu
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
DNA methylation studies in cattle. J Appl Genet 2021; 62:121-136. [PMID: 33400132 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-020-00604-1] [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: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of the role of epigenetics in cattle breeding is gaining importance. DNA methylation represents an epigenetic modification which is essential for genomic stability and maintenance of development. Recently, DNA methylation research in cattle has intensified. The studies focus on the definition of methylomes in various organs and tissues in relation to the expression of genes underlying economically important traits, and explore methylome changes under developmental, environmental, disease, and diet influences. The investigations further characterize the methylation patterns of gametes in connection with their quality, and study methylome alterations in the developing naturally or assisted produced zygotes, embryos, and fetuses, considering their viability. A wide array of technologies developed for accurate and precise analysis of DNA methylation patterns is employed for both single-gene and genome-wide studies. Overall, the research is directed towards the identification of single methylation markers or their combinations which may be useful in the selection and breeding of animals to ensure cattle improvement.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhu L, Marjani SL, Jiang Z. The Epigenetics of Gametes and Early Embryos and Potential Long-Range Consequences in Livestock Species-Filling in the Picture With Epigenomic Analyses. Front Genet 2021; 12:557934. [PMID: 33747031 PMCID: PMC7966815 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.557934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenome is dynamic and forged by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA species. Increasing lines of evidence support the concept that certain acquired traits are derived from environmental exposure during early embryonic and fetal development, i.e., fetal programming, and can even be "memorized" in the germline as epigenetic information and transmitted to future generations. Advances in technology are now driving the global profiling and precise editing of germline and embryonic epigenomes, thereby improving our understanding of epigenetic regulation and inheritance. These achievements open new avenues for the development of technologies or potential management interventions to counteract adverse conditions or improve performance in livestock species. In this article, we review the epigenetic analyses (DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs) of germ cells and embryos in mammalian livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) and the epigenetic determinants of gamete and embryo viability. We also discuss the effects of parental environmental exposures on the epigenetics of gametes and the early embryo, and evidence for transgenerational inheritance in livestock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linkai Zhu
- AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sadie L Marjani
- Department of Biology, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, United States
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The dynamics between in vitro culture and metabolism: embryonic adaptation to environmental changes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15672. [PMID: 32973241 PMCID: PMC7518437 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have discussed the importance of an optimal range of metabolic activity during preimplantation development. To avoid factors than can trigger an undesirable trajectory, it is important to learn how nutrients and metabolites interact to help launching the correct developmental program of the embryo, and how much the in vitro culture system can impair this process. Here, using the bovine model, we describe a factorial experimental design used to investigate the biochemical and molecular signature of embryos in response to different combinations of morphological features—i.e. speed of development—and external stimuli during in vitro culture—i.e. different oxygen tensions and glucose supplementation. Our analyses demonstrate that the embryos present heterogeneous metabolic responses depending on early morphological phenotypes and the composition of their surroundings. However, despite the contribution of each single stimulus for the embryo phenotype, oxygen tension is determinant for such differences. The lower oxygen environment boosts the metabolism of embryos with faster kinetics, in particular those cultured in lower glucose concentrations.
Collapse
|
15
|
Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Metabolites as Mediators of DNA Methylation Reprogramming in Bovine Preimplantation Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186868. [PMID: 32962179 PMCID: PMC7558971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In many cell types, epigenetic changes are partially regulated by the availability of metabolites involved in the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes. Even so, the association between metabolism and the typical epigenetic reprogramming that occurs during preimplantation embryo development remains poorly understood. In this work, we explore the link between energy metabolism, more specifically the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and epigenetic regulation in bovine preimplantation embryos. Using a morphokinetics model of embryonic development (fast- and slow-developing embryos), we show that DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) are dynamically regulated and altered by the speed of the first cleavages. More specifically, slow-developing embryos fail to perform the typical reprogramming that is necessary to ensure the generation of blastocysts with higher ability to establish specific cell lineages. Transcriptome analysis revealed that such differences were mainly associated with enzymes involved in the TCA cycle rather than specific writers/erasers of DNA methylation marks. This relationship was later confirmed by disturbing the embryonic metabolism through changes in α-ketoglutarate or succinate availability in culture media. This was sufficient to interfere with the DNA methylation dynamics despite the fact that blastocyst rates and total cell number were not quite affected. These results provide the first evidence of a relationship between epigenetic reprogramming and energy metabolism in bovine embryos. Likewise, levels of metabolites in culture media may be crucial for precise epigenetic reprogramming, with possible further consequences in the molecular control and differentiation of cells.
Collapse
|
16
|
Milazzotto MP, de Lima CB, da Fonseca AM, dos Santos EC, Ispada J. Erasing gametes to write blastocysts: metabolism as the new player in epigenetic reprogramming. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200015. [PMID: 33029209 PMCID: PMC7534565 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding preimplantation embryonic development is crucial for the improvement of assisted reproductive technologies and animal production. To achieve this goal, it is important to consider that gametes and embryos are highly susceptible to environmental changes. Beyond the metabolic adaptation, the dynamic status imposed during follicular growth and early embryogenesis may create marks that will guide the molecular regulation during prenatal development, and consequently impact the offspring phenotype. In this context, metaboloepigenetics has gained attention, as it investigates the crosstalk between metabolism and molecular control, i.e., how substrates generated by metabolic pathways may also act as players of epigenetic modifications. In this review, we present the main metabolic and epigenetic events of pre-implantation development, and how these systems connect to open possibilities for targeted manipulation of reproductive technologies and animal production systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pecora Milazzotto
- Laboratório de Epigenética e Metabolismo Embrionário, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Camila Bruna de Lima
- Laboratório de Epigenética e Metabolismo Embrionário, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil
- Département des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l’Agriculture et de l’Alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aldcejam Martins da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Epigenética e Metabolismo Embrionário, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil
| | - Erika Cristina dos Santos
- Laboratório de Epigenética e Metabolismo Embrionário, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil
| | - Jessica Ispada
- Laboratório de Epigenética e Metabolismo Embrionário, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fetal programming in dairy cows: Effect of heat stress on progeny fertility and associations with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functions. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 216:106348. [PMID: 32414470 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Ambient temperatures that result in body temperatures beyond those of the thermo-neutral zone for dairy cattle can lead to reduced reproductive efficiencies that have negative effects on economic and productive efficiencies of dairy farms. In addition, in pregnant cows, ambient temperature-induced heat stress leads to modifications in the epigenome of the developing embryo, which, in turn, could lead to phenotypic variations in the sexually mature animal and its offspring. In the mammalian response to stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids, which may have detrimental effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the female estrous cycle. The aim of this review is to describe the effects of ambient heat stress on the reproductive system of dairy cattle and its potential trans-generational effects. There are many heat stress occurrences in dairy cattle during a large portion of the year in many countries and there is an increase in incidence with the onset of global warming. These heat stress conditions make it possible that the embryo/fetus of cows may be affected when heat stress conditions prevail in ways that there is impaired fertility of the sexually mature cows that develop from these embryos/fetuses. This is the outcome because of molecular changes in ovarian glucocorticoid response caused by epigenetic modifications established during fetal development.
Collapse
|
18
|
Thompson RP, Nilsson E, Skinner MK. Environmental epigenetics and epigenetic inheritance in domestic farm animals. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106316. [PMID: 32094003 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to molecular factors and processes around DNA that can affect genome activity and gene expression independent of DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms drive developmental processes and have also been shown to be tied to disease development. Many epigenetic studies have been done using plants, rodent, and human models, but fewer have focused on domestic livestock species. The goal of this review is to present current epigenetic findings in livestock species (cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry). Much of this research examined epigenetic effects following exposure to toxicants, nutritional changes or infectious disease in those animals directly exposed, or in the offspring they produced. A limited number of studies in domestic animals have examined epigenetic transgenerational inheritance in the absence of continued exposures. One example used a porcine model to investigate the effect that feeding males a diet supplemented with micronutrients had on liver DNA methylation and muscle mass in grand-offspring (the transgenerational F2 generation). Further research into how epigenetic mechanisms affect the health and production traits of domestic livestock and their offspring is important to elucidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Thompson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Eric Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Human embryo studies have proposed the use of additional morphological evaluations related to the moment of the first cell divisions as relevant to embryo viability. Nevertheless, there are still not enough data available related to morphokinetic analysis and its relationship with lipid composition in embryos. Therefore, the aim of this study was to address the lipid profile of bovine embryos with different developmental kinetics: fast (four or more cells) and slow (two or three cells) at 40 h post-insemination (hpi), at three time points of in vitro culture (40, 112 and 186 hpi) and compare these to profiles of in vivo embryos. The lipid profiles of embryos were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, which mainly detected pools of membrane lipids such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. In addition to their structural function, these lipid classes have an important role in cell signalling, particularly regarding events such as stress and pregnancy. Different patterns of lipids in the fast and slow groups were revealed in all the analyzed stages. Also, differences between in vitro embryos were more pronounced at 112 hpi, a critical moment due to embryonic genome activation. At the blastocyst stage, in vitro-produced embryos, despite the kinetics, had a closer lipid profile when compared with in vivo blastocysts. In conclusion, the kinetics of development had a greater effect on the membrane lipid profiles throughout the embryo culture, especially at the 8-16-cell stage. The in vitro environment affects lipid composition and may compromise cell signalling and function in blastocysts.
Collapse
|
20
|
Mackin SJ, Thakur A, Walsh CP. Imprint stability and plasticity during development. Reproduction 2018; 156:R43-R55. [PMID: 29743259 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There have been a number of recent insights in the area of genomic imprinting, the phenomenon whereby one of two autosomal alleles is selected for expression based on the parent of origin. This is due in part to a proliferation of new techniques for interrogating the genome that are leading researchers working on organisms other than mouse and human, where imprinting has been most studied, to become interested in looking for potential imprinting effects. Here, we recap what is known about the importance of imprints for growth and body size, as well as the main types of locus control. Interestingly, work from a number of labs has now shown that maintenance of the imprint post implantation appears to be a more crucial step than previously appreciated. We ask whether imprints can be reprogrammed somatically, how many loci there are and how conserved imprinted regions are in other species. Finally, we survey some of the methods available for examining DNA methylation genome-wide and look to the future of this burgeoning field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jayne Mackin
- Genomic Medicine Research GroupSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Avinash Thakur
- Genomic Medicine Research GroupSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Genomic Medicine Research GroupSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK
| |
Collapse
|