1
|
Alves-Pimenta S, Colaço B, Oliveira PA, Venâncio C. Development Features on the Selection of Animal Models for Teratogenic Testing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2753:67-104. [PMID: 38285334 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3625-1_3] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Today, the use of animal models from different species continues to represent a fundamental step in teratogenic testing, despite the increase in alternative solutions that provide an important screening to the enormous quantity of new substances that aim to enter the market every year. The maintenance of these models is due to the sharing of similar development processes with humans, and in this way they represent an important contribution to the safety in the use of the compounds tested. Furthermore, the application of advances in embryology to teratology, although hampered by the complexity of reproductive processes, continues to prove the importance of sensitivity during embryonic and fetal development to detect potential toxicity, inducing mortality/abortion and malformations.In this chapter, essential periods of development in different models are outlined, highlighting the similarities and differences between species, the advantages and disadvantages of each group, and specific sensitivities for teratogenic testing. Models can be divided into invertebrate species such as earthworms of the species Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster, allowing for rapid results and minor ethical concerns. Vertebrate nonmammalian species Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio are important models to assess teratogenic potential later in development with fewer ethical requirements. Finally, the mammalian species Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Oryctolagus cuniculus, phylogenetically closer to humans, are essential for the assessment of complex specialized processes, occurring later in development.Regulations for the development of toxicology tests require the use of mammalian species. Although ethical concerns and costs limit their use in large-scale screening. On the other hand, invertebrate and vertebrate nonmammalian species are increasing as alternative animal models, as these organisms combine low cost, less ethical requirements, and culture conditions compatible with large-scale screening. Their main advantage is to allow high-throughput screening in a whole-animal context, in contrast to the in vitro techniques, not dependent on the prior identification of a target. Better knowledge of the development pathways of animal models will allow to maximize human translation and reduce the number of animals used, leading to a selection of compounds with an improved safety profile and reduced time to market for new drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Alves-Pimenta
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bruno Colaço
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos Venâncio
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dujardin E, André M, Dewaele A, Mandon-Pépin B, Poulat F, Frambourg A, Thépot D, Jouneau L, Jolivet G, Pailhoux E, Pannetier M. DMRT1 is a testis-determining gene in rabbits and is also essential for female fertility. eLife 2023; 12:RP89284. [PMID: 37847154 PMCID: PMC10581690 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89284] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
DMRT1 is the testis-determining factor in several species of vertebrates, but its involvement in mammalian testes differentiation, where SRY is the testis-determining gene, remains ambiguous. So far, DMRT1 loss-of-function has been described in two mammalian species and induces different phenotypes: Disorders of Sex Development (46, XY DSD) in men and male infertility in mice. We thus abolished DMRT1 expression by CRISPR/Cas9 in a third species of mammal, the rabbit. First, we observed that gonads from XY DMRT1-/- rabbit fetuses differentiated like ovaries, highlighting that DMRT1 is involved in testis determination. In addition to SRY, DMRT1 is required in the supporting cells to increase the expression of the SOX9 gene, which heads the testicular genetic cascade. Second, we highlighted another function of DMRT1 in the germline since XX and XY DMRT1-/- ovaries did not undergo meiosis and folliculogenesis. XX DMRT1-/- adult females were sterile, showing that DMRT1 is also crucial for female fertility. To conclude, these phenotypes indicate an evolutionary continuum between non-mammalian vertebrates such as birds and non-rodent mammals. Furthermore, our data support the potential involvement of DMRT1 mutations in different human pathologies, such as 46, XY DSD as well as male and female infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Dujardin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Marjolaine André
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Aurélie Dewaele
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pépin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier; 34396MontpellierFrance
| | - Anne Frambourg
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Dominique Thépot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Geneviève Jolivet
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rousseau-Ralliard D, Chavatte-Palmer P, Couturier-Tarrade A. The Effect of Maternal Exposure to a Diet High in Fats and Cholesterol on the Placental Function and Phenotype of the Offspring in a Rabbit Model: A Summary Review of About 15 Years of Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14547. [PMID: 37834002 PMCID: PMC10572169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914547] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The rates of obesity and being overweight are increasing all around the world, especially among women of childbearing age, in part due to overconsumption of lipids. The aim of this summary review was to present the cellular and molecular effects of a hyperlipidic high-cholesterol (H) diet on the maternal and offspring phenotype at the early embryonic, neonatal, weaning and adult stages while considering the effects of sex and to identify the window(s) of vulnerability linked to this exposure in a rabbit model. Before breeding, the H diet induced dyslipidemia and aortic atherosclerosis lesions and increased the number of atretic follicles. In the offspring, the H diet disrupted the embryonic phenotype and induced fetal hypotrophy associated with sex-specific disturbances of the feto-placental unit. In adulthood, the offspring of the H dams were heavier and hyperphagic and had increased blood pressure associated with disturbed gonadal development in both sexes. Vulnerability windows were explored via embryo transfers. The maternal gestational diet was shown to play a key role in the feto-placental phenotype, and preconception programming was unquestionably also observed. These two periods could represent windows of intervention in the context of obesity or being overweight to limit fetal and placental consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Rousseau-Ralliard
- BREED, INRAE, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.R.-R.); (P.C.-P.)
- BREED, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- BREED, INRAE, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.R.-R.); (P.C.-P.)
- BREED, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Couturier-Tarrade
- BREED, INRAE, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.R.-R.); (P.C.-P.)
- BREED, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
El Fouikar S, Duranthon V, Helies V, Jammes H, Couturier-Tarrade A, Gayrard V, Van Acker N, Frenois FX, Archilla C, Rousseau-Ralliard D, Gatimel N, Léandri R. Multigenerational Effects of a Complex Human-Relevant Exposure during Folliculogenesis and Preimplantation Embryo Development: The FEDEXPO Study. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050425. [PMID: 37235240 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Animal toxicological studies often fail to mimic the complexity of the human exposome, associating low doses, combined molecules and long-term exposure. Since the reproductive potential of a woman begins in the fetal ovary, the literature regarding the disruption of its reproductive health by environmental toxicants remains limited. Studies draw attention to follicle development, a major determinant for the quality of the oocyte, and the preimplantation embryo, as both of them are targets for epigenetic reprogramming. The "Folliculogenesis and Embryo Development EXPOsure to a mixture of toxicants: evaluation in the rabbit model" (FEDEXPO) project emerged from consideration of these limitations and aims to evaluate in the rabbit model the impacts of an exposure to a mixture of known and suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during two specific windows, including folliculogenesis and preimplantation embryo development. The mixture combines eight environmental toxicants, namely perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), 2,2'4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol S (BPS), at relevant exposure levels for reproductive-aged women based on biomonitoring data. The project will be organized in order to assess the consequences of this exposure on the ovarian function of the directly exposed F0 females and monitor the development and health of the F1 offspring from the preimplantation stage. Emphasis will be made on the reproductive health of the offspring. Lastly, this multigenerational study will also tackle potential mechanisms for the inheritance of health disruption via the oocyte or the preimplantation embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Fouikar
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Virginie Helies
- GenPhySE (Génétique Physiologie et Système d'Elevage), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INPT, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Hélène Jammes
- BREED INRAE, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Véronique Gayrard
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Nathalie Van Acker
- Plateforme Imag'IN, Service d'Anatomie Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - François-Xavier Frenois
- Plateforme Imag'IN, Service d'Anatomie Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Nicolas Gatimel
- DEFE (Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité et Environnement), UMR 1203 Inserm, Universités Toulouse et Montpellier, Toulouse Teaching Hospital Group, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Roger Léandri
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
McKey J, Anbarci DN, Bunce C, Ontiveros AE, Behringer RR, Capel B. Integration of mouse ovary morphogenesis with developmental dynamics of the oviduct, ovarian ligaments, and rete ovarii. eLife 2022; 11:e81088. [PMID: 36165446 PMCID: PMC9621696 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphogenetic events during the development of the fetal ovary are crucial to the establishment of female fertility. However, the effects of structural rearrangements of the ovary and surrounding reproductive tissues on ovary morphogenesis remain largely uncharacterized. Using tissue clearing and lightsheet microscopy, we found that ovary folding correlated with regionalization into cortex and medulla. Relocation of the oviduct to the ventral aspect of the ovary led to ovary encapsulation, and mutual attachment of the ovary and oviduct to the cranial suspensory ligament likely triggered ovary folding. During this process, the rete ovarii (RO) elaborated into a convoluted tubular structure extending from the ovary into the ovarian capsule. Using genetic mouse models in which the oviduct and RO are perturbed, we found the oviduct is required for ovary encapsulation. This study reveals novel relationships among the ovary and surrounding tissues and paves the way for functional investigation of the relationship between architecture and differentiation of the mammalian ovary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer McKey
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Dilara N Anbarci
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Alejandra E Ontiveros
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nicol B, Estermann MA, Yao HHC, Mellouk N. Becoming female: Ovarian differentiation from an evolutionary perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944776. [PMID: 36158204 PMCID: PMC9490121 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of the bipotential gonadal primordium into ovaries and testes is a common process among vertebrate species. While vertebrate ovaries eventually share the same functions of producing oocytes and estrogens, ovarian differentiation relies on different morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular cues depending on species. The aim of this review is to highlight the conserved and divergent features of ovarian differentiation through an evolutionary perspective. From teleosts to mammals, each clade or species has a different story to tell. For this purpose, this review focuses on three specific aspects of ovarian differentiation: ovarian morphogenesis, the evolution of the role of estrogens on ovarian differentiation and the molecular pathways involved in granulosa cell determination and maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Barbara Nicol,
| | - Martin A. Estermann
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Namya Mellouk
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy en Josas, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Differential expression of FSHR and LHR genes and proteins during development of rabbit ovarian follicles. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:577-583. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Summary
The development of an ovarian follicle is a complex process at the cellular and molecular level that is mainly regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). To elucidate the contribution of these receptors to ovarian follicle development, it is necessary to determine their expression profiles during this biological process. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between ovarian development pattern and the differential ovarian expression pattern of FSHR and LHR genes as well as proteins at different developmental stages. Ovaries were collected from 30 New Zealand rabbits at day 0 (birth), week 2 (neonate), week 4 (cub), week 16 (maturity), and day 18 pregnancy. Ovarian histology, and gene as well as protein expression were determined using light microscopy, real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. The results showed that the expression levels of FSHR mRNA and protein increased coincidently with age and the growth of ovarian follicles. The levels of LHR mRNA and protein remained low from the day of birth until week 4 and became significantly higher by week 16 coinciding with appearance of growing and antral follicles, which have a defined thecal layer. FSHR gene and protein expression decreased with pregnancy, whereas LHR increased, reaching a peak level during pregnancy. It can be concluded that changes in FSHR and LHR gene and protein expression could be related to the growth and development of follicles, indicating the regulatory role for these receptors in rabbit folliculogenesis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Jolivet G, Daniel-Carlier N, Harscoët E, Airaud E, Dewaele A, Pierson C, Giton F, Boulanger L, Daniel N, Mandon-Pépin B, Pannetier M, Pailhoux E. Fetal Estrogens are not Involved in Sex Determination But Critical for Early Ovarian Differentiation in Rabbits. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6382335. [PMID: 34614143 PMCID: PMC8598387 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AROMATASE is encoded by the CYP19A1 gene and is the cytochrome enzyme responsible for estrogen synthesis in vertebrates. In most mammals, a peak of CYP19A1 gene expression occurs in the fetal XX gonad when sexual differentiation is initiated. To elucidate the role of this peak, we produced 3 lines of TALEN genetically edited CYP19A1 knockout (KO) rabbits that were devoid of any estradiol production. All the KO XX rabbits developed as females with aberrantly small ovaries in adulthood, an almost empty reserve of primordial follicles, and very few large antrum follicles. Ovulation never occurred. Our histological, immunohistological, and transcriptomic analyses showed that the estradiol surge in the XX fetal rabbit gonad is not essential to its determination as an ovary, or for meiosis. However, it is mandatory for the high proliferation and differentiation of both somatic and germ cells, and consequently for establishment of the ovarian reserve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Jolivet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Correspondence: Geneviève Jolivet, domaine de Vilvert, INRAE, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | | | - Erwana Harscoët
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eloïse Airaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aurélie Dewaele
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Cloé Pierson
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Frank Giton
- AP-HP, Pôle biologie-Pathologie Henri Mondor, Créteil, France; INSERM IMRB U955, Créteil, France
| | - Laurent Boulanger
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nathalie Daniel
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Poulat F. Non-Coding Genome, Transcription Factors, and Sex Determination. Sex Dev 2021; 15:295-307. [PMID: 34727549 DOI: 10.1159/000519725] [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: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, gonadal sex determination is the process by which transcription factors drive the choice between the testicular and ovarian identity of undifferentiated somatic progenitors through activation of 2 different transcriptional programs. Studies in animal models suggest that sex determination always involves sex-specific transcription factors that activate or repress sex-specific genes. These transcription factors control their target genes by recognizing their regulatory elements in the non-coding genome and their binding motifs within their DNA sequence. In the last 20 years, the development of genomic approaches that allow identifying all the genomic targets of a transcription factor in eukaryotic cells gave the opportunity to globally understand the function of the nuclear proteins that control complex genetic programs. Here, the major transcription factors involved in male and female vertebrate sex determination and the genomic profiling data of mouse gonads that contributed to deciphering their transcriptional regulation role will be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
García-García RM, Arias-Álvarez M, Rodríguez M, Sánchez-Rodríguez A, Formoso-Rafferty N, Lorenzo PL, Rebollar PG. Effects of feed restriction during pregnancy on maternal reproductive outcome, foetal hepatic IGF gene expression and offspring performance in the rabbit. Animal 2021; 15:100382. [PMID: 34653786 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Primiparous female rabbits have high nutritional requirements and, while it is recommended that they are subjected to an extensive reproductive rhythm, this could lead to overweight, affecting reproductive outcomes. We hypothesised that restricting food intake during the less energetic period of gestation could improve reproductive outcome without impairing offspring viability. This study compares two groups of primiparous rabbit does in an extensive reproductive programme, one in which feed was restricted from Day 0 to Day 21 of gestation (R021), and another in which does were fed ad libitum (control) throughout pregnancy. The mother and offspring variables compared were (1) mother reproductive outcomes at the time points pre-implantation (Day 3 postartificial insemination [AI]), preterm (Day 28 post-AI) and birth; and (2) the prenatal offspring characteristic IGF system gene expression in foetal liver, liver fibrosis and foetus sex ratio, and postnatal factor viability and growth at birth, and survival and growth until weaning. Feed restriction did not affect the conception rate, embryo survival, or the number of morulae and blastocysts recovered at Day 3 post-AI. Preterm placenta size and efficiency were similar in the two groups. However, both implantation rate (P < 0.001) and the number of foetuses (P = 0.05) were higher in the R021 mothers than controls, while there was no difference in foetal viability. Foetal size and weight, the weights of most organs, organ weight/BW ratios and sex ratio were unaffected by feed restriction; these variables were only affected by uterine position (P < 0.05). Conversely, in the R021 does, foetal liver IGBP1 and IGF2 gene expression were dysregulated despite no liver fibrosis and a normal liver structure. No effects of restricted feed intake were produced on maternal fertility, prolificacy, or offspring birth weight, but control females weaned more kits. Litter weight and mortality rate during the lactation period were also unaffected. In conclusion, pre-implantation events and foetal development were unaffected by feed restriction. While some genes of the foetal hepatic IGF system were dysregulated during pregnancy, liver morphology appeared normal, and the growth of foetuses and kits until weaning was unmodified. This strategy of feed restriction in extensive reproductive rhythms seems to have no significant adverse effects on dam reproductive outcome or offspring growth and viability until weaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M García-García
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Arias-Álvarez
- Department of Animal Production, School of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Rodríguez
- Department of Agrarian Production, ETSIAAB, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - N Formoso-Rafferty
- Department of Agrarian Production, ETSIAAB, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P L Lorenzo
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P G Rebollar
- Department of Agrarian Production, ETSIAAB, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Planells B, Gómez-Redondo I, Sánchez JM, McDonald M, Cánovas Á, Lonergan P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Gene expression profiles of bovine genital ridges during sex determination and early differentiation of the gonads†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:38-52. [PMID: 31504197 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz170] [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: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most current knowledge of sex determination in mammals has emerged from mouse and human studies. To investigate the molecular regulation of the sex determination process in cattle, we used an RNA sequencing strategy to analyze the transcriptome landscape of male and female bovine fetal gonads collected in vivo at key developmental stages: before, during, and after SRY gene activation on fetal days D35 (bipotential gonad formation), D39 (peak SRY expression), and D43 (early gonad differentiation). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in male vs. female germinal ridges and among group genes showing similar expression profiles during the three periods. There were 143, 96, and 658 DEG between males and female fetuses at D35, D39, and D43, respectively. On D35, genes upregulated in females were enriched in translation, nuclear export, RNA localization, and mRNA splicing events, whereas those upregulated in males were enriched in cell proliferation regulation and male sex determination terms. In time-course experiments, 767 DEGs in males and 545 DEGs in females were identified between D35 vs. D39, and 3157 DEGs in males and 2008 in females were identified between D39 vs. D43. Results highlight unique aspects of sex determination in cattle, such as the expression of several Y chromosome genes (absent in mice and humans) before SRY expression and an abrupt increase in the nuclear expression of SOX10 (instead of SOX9 expression in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm as observed in mice) during male determination and early differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yao S, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Developmental programming of the female reproductive system-a review. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:745-770. [PMID: 33354727 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposures to adverse conditions in utero can lead to permanent changes in the structure and function of key physiological systems in the developing fetus, increasing the risk of disease and premature aging in later postnatal life. When considering the systems that could be affected by an adverse gestational environment, the reproductive system of developing female offspring may be particularly important, as changes have the potential to alter both reproductive capacity of the first generation, as well as health of the second generation through changes in the oocyte. The aim of this review is to examine the impact of different adverse intrauterine conditions on the reproductive system of the female offspring. It focuses on the effects of exposure to maternal undernutrition, overnutrition/obesity, hypoxia, smoking, steroid excess, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and pollutants during gestation and draws on data from human and animal studies to illuminate underlying mechanisms. The available data indeed indicate that adverse gestational environments alter the reproductive physiology of female offspring with consequences for future reproductive capacity. These alterations are mediated via programmed changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the structure and function of reproductive tissues, particularly the ovaries. Reproductive programming may be observed as a change in the timing of puberty onset and menopause/reproductive decline, altered menstrual/estrous cycles, polycystic ovaries, and elevated risk of reproductive tissue cancers. These reproductive outcomes can affect the fertility and fecundity of the female offspring; however, further work is needed to better define the possible impact of these programmed changes on subsequent generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Yao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Investigating the role of BCAR4 in ovarian physiology and female fertility by genome editing in rabbit. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4992. [PMID: 32193429 PMCID: PMC7081282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61689-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast Cancer Anti-estrogen Resistance 4 (BCAR4) was previously characterised in bovine species as a gene preferentially expressed in oocytes, whose inhibition is detrimental to in vitro embryo development. But its role in oogenesis, folliculogenesis and globally fertility in vivo remains unknown. Because the gene is not conserved in mice, rabbits were chosen for investigation of BCAR4 expression and function in vivo. BCAR4 displayed preferential expression in the ovary compared to somatic organs, and within the ovarian follicle in the oocyte compared to somatic cells. The transcript was detected in follicles as early as the preantral stage. Abundance decreased throughout embryo development until the blastocyst stage. A lineage of genome-edited rabbits was produced; BCAR4 expression was abolished in follicles from homozygous animals. Females of wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous genotypes were examined for ovarian physiology and reproductive parameters. Follicle growth and the number of ovulations in response to hormonal stimulation were not significantly different between genotypes. Following insemination, homozygous females displayed a significantly lower delivery rate than their heterozygous counterparts (22 ± 7% vs 71 ± 11% (mean ± SEM)), while prolificacy was 1.8 ± 0.7 vs 6.0 ± 1.4 kittens per insemination. In conclusion, BCAR4 is not essential for follicular growth and ovulation but it contributes to optimal fertility in rabbits.
Collapse
|
14
|
Lopez-Tello J, Arias-Alvarez M, Gonzalez-Bulnes A, Sferuzzi-Perri AN. Models of Intrauterine growth restriction and fetal programming in rabbits. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1781-1809. [PMID: 31538701 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects approximately 10% of human pregnancies globally and has immediate and life-long consequences for offspring health. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of IUGR and its association with later health and disease outcomes are poorly understood. To address these knowledge gaps, the use of experimental animals is critically important. Since the 50's different environmental, pharmacological, and surgical manipulations have been performed in the rabbit to improve our knowledge of the control of fetal growth, fetal responses to IUGR, and mechanisms by which offspring may be programmed by an adverse gestational environment. The purpose of this review is therefore to summarize the utility of the rabbit as a model for IUGR research. It first summarizes the knowledge of prenatal and postnatal development in the rabbit and how these events relate to developmental milestones in humans. It then describes the methods used to induce IUGR in rabbits and the knowledge gained about the mechanisms determining prenatal and postnatal outcomes of the offspring. Finally, it discusses the application of state of the art approaches in the rabbit, including high-resolution ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and gene targeting, to gain a deeper integrative understanding of the physiological and molecular events governing the development of IUGR. Overall, we hope to engage and inspire investigators to employ the rabbit as a model organism when studying pregnancy physiology so that we may advance our understanding of mechanisms underlying IUGR and its consequences in humans and other mammalian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Arias-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Production. Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Amanda N Sferuzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Díaz-Hernández V, Caldelas I, Merchant-Larios H. Gene Expression in the Supporting Cells at the Onset of Meiosis in Rabbit Gonads. Sex Dev 2019; 13:125-136. [PMID: 31416086 DOI: 10.1159/000502193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Subsequent to somatic gonadal sexual differentiation, germ cells enter meiosis or mitotic arrest in the ovary or testis, respectively. Among mice, these processes occur almost synchronically in fetal gonads and depend, among other factors, on the levels of retinoic acid (RA). In contrast to those in mice, rabbit germ cells enter meiosis or mitotic arrest after birth and coexist with proliferating germ cells. Here, we studied the somatic cell context in which germ cells enter meiosis or mitotic arrest in the rabbit. Using confocal immunofluorescence and real-time PCR, we studied the expression profiles of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A2 and, comprising 2 genes required for RA synthesis, 2 meiosis markers STRA8 and SYCP3 as well as 2 genes involved in meiosis inhibition, CYP26B1 and NANOS2. We found that although both meiosis and mitotic arrest initiate after birth, these 2 processes are regulated in a way similar to the human fetal gonad. Current results reinforce the value of the neonatal rabbit gonad as an alternative experimental model for analyzing the direct effect of environmental factors during critical stages of germ cell establishment.
Collapse
|
16
|
Viguié C, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Habert R, Chevrier C, Michel C, Pasquier E. Evidence-based adverse outcome pathway approach for the identification of BPA as en endocrine disruptor in relation to its effect on the estrous cycle. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 475:10-28. [PMID: 29577943 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Proper cyclicity is essential to reach successful optimal fertility. In rats and mice, BPA exposure is repeatedly and reliably reported to show an adverse effect on the estrous cycle after exposures at different life stages. In humans, a possible association between modifications of menstrual cycle characteristics (e.g. length of the cycle, duration of menstrual bleeding) and sub-fecundity or spontaneous abortion has been observed. Alterations of ovarian cyclicity can therefore be definitely considered as an adverse health outcome. As a prerequisite for the EU REACH regulation to identify a substance as an endocrine disruptor and a SVHC,1 the proof has to be established that the substance can have deleterious health effects resulting from an endocrine mode of action. This review provides an overview of the currently available data allowing to conclude that the adverse effects of BPA exposure on ovarian cyclicity is mediated by an endocrine mode of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Viguié
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - René Habert
- Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiations, CEA, INSERM U 967, University Paris-Diderot, CEA Research Center, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Cécile Chevrier
- INSERM, UMR1085, Researche Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
| | - Cécile Michel
- ANSES, Risk Assessment Department, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Impact of a gestational exposure to diesel exhaust on offspring gonadal development: experimental study in the rabbit. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2018; 9:519-529. [PMID: 29909796 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174418000351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to address experimentally the possible impact of exposure to air pollution during gestation on the differentiation and function of the gonads of the offspring using a rabbit model. Rabbits were exposed daily to diluted diesel exhaust gas or filtered air from the 3rd until the 27th day of gestation, during which time germ cells migrate in genital ridges and divide, and fetal sex is determined. Offspring gonads were collected shortly before birth (28th day of gestation) or after puberty (7.5 months after birth). The structure of the gonads was analyzed by histological and immunohistological methods. Serum concentrations of testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone were determined using ELISA. The morphology and the endocrine function of the gonads collected just at the arrest of the exposure were similar in polluted and control animals in both sexes. No differences were observed as well in gonads collected after puberty. Sperm was collected at the head of the epididymis in adults. Sperm motility and DNA fragmentation were measured. Among all parameters analyzed, only the sperm DNA fragmentation rate was increased three-fold in exposed males. Mechanisms responsible for these modifications and their physiological consequences are to be further clarified.
Collapse
|
18
|
Song Y, Liu T, Wang Y, Deng J, Chen M, Yuan L, Lu Y, Xu Y, Yao H, Li Z, Lai L. Mutation of the Sp1 binding site in the 5' flanking region of SRY causes sex reversal in rabbits. Oncotarget 2018; 8:38176-38183. [PMID: 28445127 PMCID: PMC5503524 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-determining region Y is a crucial gene that initiates male sex determination in mammals. Mutations of the Sp1-binding site in the 5' flanking region of SRY are associated with clinical male-to-female sex reversal syndrome, although such occurrences are rare and, until now, have not been reported in animal models. In this study, we mutated Sp1-binding sites in the 5' flanking region of the rabbit SRY gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. As expected, the SRY-Sp1 knockout rabbits had female external and internal genitalia and exhibited normal female copulatory behaviors, but they were infertile, and the adults displayed reduced follicles. Interestingly, we successfully obtained offspring from sex-reversed SRY-Sp1 knockout rabbits using embryo transfer. In summary, our study demonstrates that Sp1 is a major regulator in SRY gene transcription, and mutations of the Sp1 binding sites (Sp1-B and Sp1-C) in the 5' flanking region of SRY induce sex reversal in rabbits, which can be used as targets for clinical research of male-to-female sex reversal syndrome. Additionally, we provide the first evidence that sex reversal syndrome patients have the potential to become pregnant with the use of embryo transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Song
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tingjun Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jichao Deng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mao Chen
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxin Xu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haobin Yao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhanjun Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
During pregnancy fetus can be exposed to a variety of chemicals which may induce abortion and malformations. Due to the amounts of new substances coming into the market every year, a high demand for a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective method to detect potential toxicity is necessary. Different species have been used as animal models for teratogen screening, most of them sharing similar development processes with humans. However, the application of embryology knowledge to teratology is hampered by the complexity of the reproduction processes.The present chapter outlines the essential development periods in different models, and highlights the similarities and differences between species, advantages and disadvantages of each group, and specific sensitivities for teratogenic tests. These models can be organized into the following categories: (1) invertebrate species such Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, which have become ideal for screening simple mechanisms in the early periods of reproductive cycle, allowing for rapid results and minor ethical concerns; (2) vertebrate nonmammalian species such Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio, important models to assess teratogenic potential in later development with fewer ethical requirements; and (3) the mammalian species Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Oryctolagus cuniculus, phylogenetically more close to humans, essential to assess complex specialized processes, that occur later in development.Rules for development toxicology tests require the use of mammalian species. However, ethical concerns and costs limit their use in large-scale screening. By contrast, invertebrate and vertebrate nonmammalian species are increasing as alternative animal models, as these organisms combine less ethical requirements, low costs and culture conditions compatible with large-scale screening. In contrast to the in vitro techniques, their main advantage is to allow for high-throughput screening in a whole-animal context, not dependent on the prior identification of a target. In this chapter, the biological development of the animals most used in teratogenic tests is adressed with the aims of maximizing human translation, reducing the number of animals used, and the time to market for new drugs.
Collapse
|
20
|
Banco B, Grilli G, Giudice C, Marques AT, Cotti Cometti S, Visigalli G, Grieco V. Immunophenotyping of Rabbit Testicular Germ and Sertoli Cells Across Maturational Stages. J Histochem Cytochem 2016; 64:715-726. [PMID: 27680667 DOI: 10.1369/0022155416669918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During testicular maturation, both Sertoli cells (SCs) and germ cells (GCs) switch from an immature to a mature immunophenotype. The reexpression of markers of immaturity in adults has been reported in cancer and in other testicular pathologies, in men as well as in animal species. Naturally affected with testicular cancer, rabbits have long been used in human reproductive research, but reports on the expression of testicular cell markers in this species are few and data about the immunophenotype of normal postnatal SCs and GCs are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunophenotype of SCs and GCs in the rabbit, from neonatal to adult age, using the antibodies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), vimentin (VIM), CKAE1/AE3 (cytokeratins [CKs]), desmin (DES), inhibin alpha (INH-α), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. In SCs, VIM was constantly expressed, and AMH and CKs expression was limited to neonatal and prepubertal age, whereas DES, INH-α, PLAP, and PAS were constantly negative. GCs were negatively stained for PLAP, PAS, and for the other markers. Results revealed analogies with human testicular immunophenotype, suggesting that rabbits could represent a potential experimental model for the study of human testicular pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Banco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - G Grilli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - C Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - A Tomas Marques
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - S Cotti Cometti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - G Visigalli
- Clinica Veterinaria Liana Blu, Varedo (MI), Italy (GV)
| | - V Grieco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abadjieva D, Kistanova E. Tribulus terrestris Alters the Expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 in Rabbit Ovaries of Mothers and F1 Female Offspring. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150400. [PMID: 26928288 PMCID: PMC4771171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although previous research has demonstrated the key role of the oocyte-derived factors, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15 and growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9, in follicular development and ovulation, there is a lack of knowledge on the impact of external factors, which females are exposed to during folliculogenesis, on their expression. The present study investigated the effect of the aphrodisiac Tribulus terrestris on the GDF9 and BMP15 expression in the oocytes and cumulus cells at mRNA and protein levels during folliculogenesis in two generations of female rabbits. The experiment was conducted with 28 New Zealand rabbits. Only the diet of the experimental mothers group was supplemented with a dry extract of T. terrestris for the 45 days prior to insemination. The expression of BMP15 and GDF9 genes in the oocytes and cumulus cells of mothers and F1 female offspring was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The localization of the GDF9 and BMP15 proteins in the ovary tissues was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. The BMP15 and GDF9 transcripts were detected in the oocytes and cumulus cells of rabbits from all groups. T. terrestris caused a decrease in the BMP15 mRNA level in the oocytes and an increase in the cumulus cells. The GDF9 mRNA level increased significantly in both oocytes and cumulus cells. The downregulated expression of BMP15 in the treated mothers' oocytes was inherited in the F1 female offspring born to treated mothers. BMP15 and GDF9 show a clearly expressed sensitivity to the bioactive compounds of T. terrestris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desislava Abadjieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elena Kistanova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rossitto M, Philibert P, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Molecular events and signalling pathways of male germ cell differentiation in mouse. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:84-93. [PMID: 26454096 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells, the precursors of gametes, represent a unique cell lineage that is able to differentiate into spermatozoa or oocytes depending on the chromosomal sex of the organism. In the mammalian embryonic gonad, commitment to oogenesis involves pre-meiotic DNA replication and entry into the first meiotic division; whereas, commitment to spermatogenesis involves inhibition of meiotic initiation, suppression of pluripotency, mitotic arrest and expression of specific markers that will control the development of the male germ cells. The crucial decision made by the germ line to commit to either a male or a female fate has been partially explained by genetic and ex vivo studies in mice which have implicated a complex network of regulatory genes, numerous factors and pathways. Besides the reproductive failure that may follow a deregulation of this complex network, the germ cells may, in view of their proliferative and pluripotent nature, act as precursors of potential malignant transformation and as putative targets for exogenous environmental compounds. Our review summarizes and discusses recent developments that have improved our understanding on how germ cell precursors are committed to a male or a female cell fate in the mouse gonad.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moïra Rossitto
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Francis Poulat
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bielohuby M, Zarkesh-Esfahani SH, Manolopoulou J, Wirthgen E, Walpurgis K, Toghiany Khorasgani M, Aghili ZS, Wilkinson IR, Hoeflich A, Thevis M, Ross RJ, Bidlingmaier M. Validation of serum IGF-I as a biomarker to monitor the bioactivity of exogenous growth hormone agonists and antagonists in rabbits. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:1263-73. [PMID: 25239917 PMCID: PMC4213730 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.016519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new growth hormone (GH) agonists and growth hormone antagonists (GHAs) requires animal models for pre-clinical testing. Ideally, the effects of treatment are monitored using the same pharmacodynamic marker that is later used in clinical practice. However, intact rodents are of limited value for this purpose because serum IGF-I, the most sensitive pharmacodynamic marker for the action of GH in humans, shows no response to treatment with recombinant human GH and there is little evidence for the effects of GHAs, except when administered at very high doses or when overexpressed. As an alternative, more suitable model, we explored pharmacodynamic markers of GH action in intact rabbits. We performed the first validation of an IGF-I assay for the analysis of rabbit serum and tested precision, sensitivity, linearity and recovery using an automated human IGF-I assay (IDS-iSYS). Furthermore, IGF-I was measured in rabbits of different strains, age groups and sexes, and we monitored IGF-I response to treatment with recombinant human GH or the GHA Pegvisomant. For a subset of samples, we used LC-MS/MS to measure IGF-I, and quantitative western ligand blot to analyze IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Although recovery of recombinant rabbit IGF-I was only 50% in the human IGF-I assay, our results show that the sensitivity, precision (1.7–3.3% coefficient of variation) and linearity (90.4–105.6%) were excellent in rabbit samples. As expected, sex, age and genetic background were major determinants of IGF-I concentration in rabbits. IGF-I and IGFBP-2 levels increased after single and multiple injections of recombinant human GH (IGF-I: 286±22 versus 434±26 ng/ml; P<0.01) and were highly correlated (P<0.0001). Treatment with the GHA lowered IGF-I levels from the fourth injection onwards (P<0.01). In summary, we demonstrated that the IDS-iSYS IGF-I immunoassay can be used in rabbits. Similar to rodents, rabbits display variations in IGF-I depending on sex, age and genetic background. Unlike in rodents, the IGF-I response to treatment with recombinant human GH or a GHA closely mimics the pharmacodynamics seen in humans, suggesting that rabbits are a suitable new model to test human GH agonists and antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Bielohuby
- Endocrine Research Unit, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Sayyed Hamid Zarkesh-Esfahani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73695, Iran. Department of Immunology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran. The Department of Human Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | | | - Elisa Wirthgen
- Ligandis GbR, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Katja Walpurgis
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biochemisty/Center for Preventive Doping Research, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Zahra Sadat Aghili
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73695, Iran
| | - Ian Robert Wilkinson
- The Department of Human Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - Andreas Hoeflich
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Genome Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biochemisty/Center for Preventive Doping Research, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Richard J Ross
- The Department of Human Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - Martin Bidlingmaier
- Endocrine Research Unit, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Maternal high-fat diet induces follicular atresia but does not affect fertility in adult rabbit offspring. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2014; 5:88-97. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174414000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alterations to the metabolic environment in utero can have an impact on subsequent female reproductive performance. Here, we used a model of rabbits receiving a high-fat diet (H diet; 7.7% fat and 0.2% cholesterol) or a control diet (C diet; 1.8% fat, no cholesterol) from 10 weeks of age up to mating at 27 weeks and throughout gestation and lactation. At weaning at 5 weeks of age, F1 female offspring were placed on either C or H diet, resulting in a total of four groups C/C, C/H, H/C and H/H diet. Female offspring were mated between 18 and 22 weeks of age and euthanized at 28 days of gestation. A few days before mating and/or just before euthanasia, F1 female rabbits were fasted overnight, weighed, and blood sampled for steroids and biochemistry. Organs were weighed at euthanasia and the ovaries were collected. C/H and H/H F1 offspring had higher cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein plasma concentrations, together with a higher fat mass compared with C/C does, reflecting the effect of the postnatal diet; however, no effect of the antenatal diet was observed on most parameters. The number of primordial, primary and secondary follicles were not different between the groups, but a significantly higher number of atretic follicles was observed in the C/H (P<0.001) and in the H/C (P<0.001) compared with control C/C ovaries, demonstrating both an effect of prenatal and postnatal maternal nutrition. These data indicated that both maternal and postnatal high-fat diet may induce follicular apoptosis; however, in this model, the reproduction was not affected.
Collapse
|