Cortical Granule Exocytosis Is Mediated by Alpha-SNAP and N-Ethilmaleimide Sensitive Factor in Mouse Oocytes

Phenogenetics of cortical granule dynamics during zebrafish oocyte-to-embryo transition

Fertilization is a critical process in sexual reproduction that involves the fusion of a capacitated sperm with a mature oocyte to form a zygote. Polyspermy, the fertilization of an oocyte by multiple sperm, leads to polyploidy and embryo lethality. Mammalian and non-mammalian oocytes have evolved mechanisms to prevent polyspermy, including fast and slow blocks. The fast block comprises membrane depolarization post-sperm fusion, temporarily preventing additional sperm fusion. The slow block, triggered by cortical granule (CG) exocytosis, involves the release of proteins that modify the zona pellucida to form a permanent barrier, avoiding the fertilization by additional sperm. The evidence shows that immature oocytes often fail to prevent polyspermy due to ineffective CG exocytosis, attributed to impaired intracellular calcium increases, lower content of this ion, and incomplete CG migration. The study of how genetic variations lead to observable phenotypes (phenogenetics) during the oocyte-to-embryo transition, have identified several maternal-effect genes in zebrafish involved in CG behavior. These genes regulate various stages of CG biology, including biosynthesis, maturation, and exocytosis. Mutations in these genes disrupt these processes, highlighting the maternal genetic control over CG properties. Zebrafish has emerged as a pivotal model for understanding the evolving genetic regulation and molecular mechanisms underlying CG biology, providing valuable insights into fertility and early embryonic development.

Dithiothreitol prevents the spontaneous release of cortical granules in in vitro aged mouse oocytes by protecting regulatory proteins of cortical granules exocytosis and thickening the cortical actin cytoskeleton

In assisted fertility protocols, in vitro culture conditions mimic physiological conditions to preserve gametes in the best conditions. After collection, oocytes are maintained in a culture medium inside the incubator until in vitro fertilization (IVF) is performed. This time outside natural and physiological conditions exposes oocytes to an oxidative stress that renders in vitro aging. It has been described that in vitro aging produces a spontaneous cortical granule (CG) release decreasing the fertilization rate of oocytes. Nevertheless, this undesirable phenomenon has not been investigated, let alone prevented. In this work, we characterized the spontaneous CG secretion in in vitro aged oocytes. Using immunofluorescence indirect, quantification, and functional assays, we showed that the expression of regulatory proteins of CG exocytosis was affected. Our results demonstrated that in vitro oocyte aging by 4 and 8 h altered the expression and localization of alpha-SNAP and reduced the expression of NSF and Complexin. These alterations were prevented by supplementing culture medium with dithiothreitol (DTT), which in addition to having a protective effect on those proteins, also had an unexpected effect on the actin cytoskeleton. Indeed, DTT addition thickened the cortical layer of fibrillar actin. Both DTT effects, together, prevented the spontaneous secretion of CG and recovered the IVF rate in in vitro aged oocytes. We propose the use of DTT in culture media to avoid the spontaneous CG secretion and to improve the success rate of IVF protocols in in vitro aged oocytes.

Maternal regulation of the vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition

Maternally-loaded factors in the egg accumulate during oogenesis and are essential for the acquisition of oocyte and egg developmental competence to ensure the production of viable embryos. However, their molecular nature and functional importance remain poorly understood. Here, we present a collection of 9 recessive maternal-effect mutants identified in a zebrafish forward genetic screen that reveal unique molecular insights into the mechanisms controlling the vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition. Four genes, over easy, p33bjta, poached and black caviar, were found to control initial steps in yolk globule sizing and protein cleavage during oocyte maturation that act independently of nuclear maturation. The krang, kazukuram, p28tabj, and spotty genes play distinct roles in egg activation, including cortical granule biology, cytoplasmic segregation, the regulation of microtubule organizing center assembly and microtubule nucleation, and establishing the basic body plan. Furthermore, we cloned two of the mutant genes, identifying the over easy gene as a subunit of the Adaptor Protein complex 5, Ap5m1, which implicates it in regulating intracellular trafficking and yolk vesicle formation. The novel maternal protein Krang/Kiaa0513, highly conserved in metazoans, was discovered and linked to the function of cortical granules during egg activation. These mutant genes represent novel genetic entry points to decipher the molecular mechanisms functioning in the oocyte-to-embryo transition, fertility, and human disease. Additionally, our genetic adult screen not only contributes to the existing knowledge in the field but also sets the basis for future investigations. Thus, the identified maternal genes represent key players in the coordination and execution of events prior to fertilization.

The light chain of tetanus toxin bound to arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide inhibits cortical reaction in mouse oocytes

Introduction: Cortical reaction is a secretory process that occurs after a spermatozoon fuses with the oocyte, avoiding the fusion of additional sperm. During this exocytic event, the cortical granule membrane fuses with the oocyte plasma membrane. We have identified several molecular components involved in this process and confirmed that SNARE proteins regulate membrane fusion during cortical reaction in mouse oocytes. In those studies, we microinjected different nonpermeable reagents to demonstrate the participation of a specific protein in the cortical reaction. However, the microinjection technique has several limitations. In this work, we aimed to assess the potential of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) as biotechnological tools for delivering molecules into oocytes, and to evaluate the functionality of the permeable tetanus toxin (bound to CPP sequence) during cortical reaction. Methods: Arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides have demonstrated the optimal internalization of small molecules in mammalian cells. Two arginine-rich CPP were used in the present study. One, labeled with 5-carboxyfluorescein, to characterize the factors that can modulate its internalization, and the other, the permeable light chain of tetanus toxin, that cleaves the SNAREs VAMP1 and VAMP3 expressed in mouse oocytes. Results: Results showed that fluorescent CPP was internalized into the oocyte cytoplasm and that internalization was dependent on the concentration, time, temperature, and maturation stage of the oocyte. Using our functional assay to study cortical reaction, the light chain of tetanus toxin bound to arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide inhibited cortical granules exocytosis. Discussion: Results obtained from the use of permeable peptides demonstrate that this CPP is a promising biotechnological tool to study functional macromolecules in mouse oocytes.

Knockin' on Egg's Door: Maternal Control of Egg Activation That Influences Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Animal Species

Fertilization by multiple sperm leads to lethal chromosomal number abnormalities, failed embryo development, and miscarriage. In some vertebrate and invertebrate eggs, the so-called cortical reaction contributes to their activation and prevents polyspermy during fertilization. This process involves biogenesis, redistribution, and subsequent accumulation of cortical granules (CGs) at the female gamete cortex during oogenesis. CGs are oocyte- and egg-specific secretory vesicles whose content is discharged during fertilization to block polyspermy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling critical aspects of CG biology prior to and after the gametes interaction. This allows to block polyspermy and provide protection to the developing embryo. We also examine how CGs form and are spatially redistributed during oogenesis. During egg activation, CG exocytosis (CGE) and content release are triggered by increases in intracellular calcium and relies on the function of maternally-loaded proteins. We also discuss how mutations in these factors impact CG dynamics, providing unprecedented models to investigate the genetic program executing fertilization. We further explore the phylogenetic distribution of maternal proteins and signaling pathways contributing to CGE and egg activation. We conclude that many important biological questions and genotype–phenotype relationships during fertilization remain unresolved, and therefore, novel molecular players of CG biology need to be discovered. Future functional and image-based studies are expected to elucidate the identity of genetic candidates and components of the molecular machinery involved in the egg activation. This, will open new therapeutic avenues for treating infertility in humans.

Zinc exocytosis is sensitive to myosin light chain kinase inhibition in mouse and human eggs

Zinc dynamics are essential for oocyte meiotic maturation, egg activation, and preimplantation embryo development. During fertilisation and egg activation, the egg releases billions of zinc atoms (Zn2+) in an exocytotic event termed the 'zinc spark'. We hypothesised that this zinc transport and exocytosis is dependent upon the intracellular trafficking of cortical granules (CG) which requires myosin-actin-dependent motors. Treatment of mature mouse and human eggs with ML-7, a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor (MLCK), resulted in an 80% reduction in zinc spark intensity compared to untreated controls when activated with ionomycin. Moreover, CG migration towards the plasma membrane was significantly decreased in ML-7-treated eggs compared with controls when activated parthenogenetically with ionomycin. In sperm-induced fertilisation via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ML-7-treated mouse eggs exhibited decreased labile zinc intensity and cortical CG staining. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ML-7 treatment impairs zinc release from both murine and human eggs after activation, demonstrating that zinc exocytosis requires myosin light chain kinase activity. Further, these results provide additional support that zinc is likely stored and released from CGs. These data underscore the importance of intracellular zinc trafficking as a crucial component of egg maturation necessary for egg activation and early embryo development.

VAMPs sensitive to tetanus toxin are required for cortical granule exocytosis in mouse oocytes

Fusion of cortical granules with oocyte plasma membrane is one of the most significant secretory events to prevent polyspermy during oocyte activation. Cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) is distinct from most other exocytosis because cortical granules are not renewed after secretion. However, it is thought to be mediated by SNARE complex, which mediates membrane fusion in other exocytoses. SNAREs proteins are divided into Q (glutamine)- and R (arginine)-SNAREs. Q-SNAREs include Syntaxins and SNAP25 family, and R-SNAREs include VAMPs family. In mouse oocytes, Syntaxin4 and SNAP23 have been involved in CGE; nevertheless, it is unknown if VAMP is required. Here, we demonstrated by RT-PCR and immunoblotting that VAMP1 and VAMP3 are expressed in mouse oocyte, and they localized in the cortical region of this cell. Using a functional assay to quantify CGE, we showed that tetanus toxin -which specifically cleavages VAMP1, VAMP2 or VAMP3- inhibited CGE suggesting that at least one VAMP was necessary. Function blocking assays demonstrated that only the microinjection of anti-VAMP1 or anti-VAMP3 antibodies abolished CGE in activated oocytes. These findings demonstrate that R-SNAREs sensitive to tetanus toxin, VAMP1 and VAMP3 -but not VAMP2-, are required for CGE and demonstrate that CGE is mediated by the SNARE complex.

SNAP23 is required for constitutive and regulated exocytosis in mouse oocytes†

Mammalian oocytes are stored in the ovary for prolonged periods, and arrested in meiotic prophase. During this period, their plasma membranes are constantly being recycled by endocytosis and exocytosis. However, the function of this membrane turnover is unknown. Here, we investigated the requirement for exocytosis in the maintenance of meiotic arrest. Using Trim-away, a newly developed method for rapidly and specifically depleting proteins in oocytes, we have identified the SNARE protein, SNAP23, to be required for meiotic arrest. Degradation of SNAP23 causes premature meiotic resumption in follicle-enclosed oocytes. The reduction in SNAP23 is associated with loss of gap junction communication between the oocyte and surrounding follicle cells. Reduction of SNAP23 protein also inhibits regulated exocytosis in response to a Ca2+ stimulus (cortical granule exocytosis), as measured by lectin staining and cleavage of ZP2. Our results show an essential role for SNAP23 in two key processes that occur in mouse oocytes and eggs.

Cortical Granule Distribution and Expression Pattern of Genes Regulating Cellular Component Size, Morphogenesis, and Potential to Differentiation are Related to Oocyte Developmental Competence and Maturational Capacity In Vivo and In Vitro

Polyspermia is an adverse phenomenon during mammalian fertilization when more than one sperm fuses with a single oocyte. The egg cell is prepared to prevent polyspermia by, among other ways, producing cortical granules (CGs), which are specialized intracellular structures containing enzymes that aim to harden the zona pellucida and block the fusion of subsequent sperm. This work focused on exploring the expression profile of genes that may be associated with cortical reactions, and evaluated the distribution of CGs in immature oocytes and the peripheral density of CGs in mature oocytes. Oocytes were isolated and then processed for in vitro maturation (IVM). Transcriptomic analysis of genes belonging to five ontological groups has been conducted. Six genes showed increased expression after IVM (ARHGEF2, MAP1B, CXCL12, FN1, DAB2, and SOX9), while the majority of genes decreased expression after IVM. Using CG distribution analysis in immature oocytes, movement towards the cortical zone of the oocyte during meiotic competence acquisition was observed. CGs peripheral density decreased with the rise in meiotic competence during the IVM process. The current results reveal important new insights into the in vitro maturation of oocytes. Our results may serve as a basis for further studies to investigate the cortical reaction of oocytes.

Zona Pellucida Proteins, Fibrils, and Matrix

The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix that surrounds all mammalian oocytes, eggs, and early embryos and plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. The ZP is composed of three or four glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are synthesized, processed, secreted, and assembled into long, cross-linked fibrils by growing oocytes. ZP proteins have an immunoglobulin-like three-dimensional structure and a ZP domain that consists of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, with ZP-N of ZP2 and ZP3 required for fibril assembly. A ZP2–ZP3 dimer is located periodically along ZP fibrils that are cross-linked by ZP1, a protein with a proline-rich N terminus. Fibrils in the inner and outer regions of the ZP are oriented perpendicular and parallel to the oolemma, respectively, giving the ZP a multilayered appearance. Upon fertilization of eggs, modification of ZP2 and ZP3 results in changes in the ZP's physical and biological properties that have important consequences. Certain structural features of ZP proteins suggest that they may be amyloid-like proteins.

Synaptotagmin 1 regulates cortical granule exocytosis during mouse oocyte activation

Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) is an abundant and important presynaptic vesicle protein that binds Ca2+ for the regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Our previous study reported its localization and function on spindle assembly in mouse oocyte meiotic maturation. The present study was designed to investigate the function of Syt1 during mouse oocyte activation and subsequent cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) using confocal microscopy, morpholinol-based knockdown and time-lapse live cell imaging. By employing live cell imaging, we first studied the dynamic process of CGE and calculated the time interval between [Ca2+]i rise and CGE after oocyte activation. We further showed that Syt1 was co-localized to cortical granules (CGs) at the oocyte cortex. After oocyte activation with SrCl2, the Syt1 distribution pattern was altered significantly, similar to the changes seen for the CGs. Knockdown of Syt1 inhibited [Ca2+]i oscillations, disrupted the F-actin distribution pattern and delayed the time of cortical reaction. In summary, as a synaptic vesicle protein and calcium sensor for exocytosis, Syt1 acts as an essential regulator in mouse oocyte activation events including the generation of Ca2+ signals and CGE.

Pleiotropic effects of alpha-SNAP M105I mutation on oocyte biology: ultrastructural and cellular changes that adversely affect female fertility in mice

After sperm-oocyte fusion, cortical granules (CGs) located in oocyte cortex undergo exocytosis and their content is released into the perivitelline space to avoid polyspermy. Thus, cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) is a key process for fertilization success. We have demonstrated that alpha-SNAP -and its functional partner NSF- mediate fusion of CGs with the plasma membrane in mouse oocytes. Here, we examined at cellular and ultrastructural level oocytes from hyh (hydrocephalus with hop gait) mice, which present a missense mutation in the Napa gene that results in the substitution of methionine for isoleucine at position 105 (M105I) of alpha-SNAP. Mutated alpha-SNAP was mislocalized in hyh oocytes while NSF expression increased during oocyte maturation. Staining of CGs showed that 9.8% of hyh oocytes had abnormal localization of CGs and oval shape. Functional tests showed that CGE was impaired in hyh oocytes. Interestingly, in vitro fertilization assays showed a decreased fertilization rate for hyh oocytes. Furthermore, fertilized hyh oocytes presented an increased polyspermy rate compared to wild type ones. At ultrastructural level, hyh oocytes showed small mitochondria and a striking accumulation and secretion of degradative structures. Our findings demonstrate the negative effects of alpha-SNAP M105 mutation on oocyte biology and further confirm the relevance of alpha-SNAP in female fertility.

Live imaging of cortical granule exocytosis reveals that in vitro matured mouse oocytes are not fully competent to secrete their content

Oocyte in vitro maturation does not entirely support all the nuclear and cytoplasmic changes that occur physiologically, and it is poorly understood whether in vitro maturation affects the competence of cortical granules to secrete their content during cortical reaction. Here, we characterize cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) in live mouse oocytes activated by strontium chloride using the fluorescent lectin FITC-LCA. We compared the kinetic of CGE between ovulated (in vivo matured, IVO) and in vitro matured (IVM) mouse oocytes. Results show that: (1) IVM oocytes have a severely reduced response to strontium chloride; (2) the low response was confirmed by quantification of remnant cortical granules in permeabilized cells and by a novel method to quantify the exudate in non-permeabilized cells; (3) the kinetic of CGE in IVO oocytes was rapid and synchronous; (4) the kinetic of CGE in IVM oocytes was delayed and asynchronous; (5) cortical granules in IVM oocytes show an irregular limit in regards to the cortical granule free domain. We propose the analysis of CGE in live oocytes as a biological test to evaluate the competence of IVM mouse oocytes.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Sperm-derived factors enhance the in vitro developmental potential of haploid parthenotes

Parthenotes are characterized by poor in vitro developmental potential either due to the ploidy status or the absence of paternal factors. In the present study, we demonstrate the beneficial role of sperm-derived factors (SDF) on the in vitro development of mouse parthenotes. Mature (MII) oocytes collected from superovulated Swiss albino mice were activated using strontium chloride (SrCl2) in the presence or absence of various concentrations of SDF in M16 medium. The presence of SDF in activation medium did not have any significant influence on the activation rate. However, a significant increase in the developmental potential of the embryos and increased blastocyst rate (P < 0.01) was observed at 50 µg/ml concentration. Furthermore, the activated oocytes from this group exhibited early cleavage and cortical distribution of cortical granules that was similar to that of normally fertilized zygotes. Culturing 2-cell stage parthenotes in the presence of SDF significantly improved the developmental potential (P < 0.05) indicating that they also play a significant role in embryo development. In conclusion, artificial activation of oocytes with SDF can improve the developmental potential of parthenotes in vitro.

α-SNAP is expressed in mouse ovarian granulosa cells and plays a key role in folliculogenesis and female fertility

The balance between ovarian folliculogenesis and follicular atresia is critical for female fertility and is strictly regulated by a complex network of neuroendocrine and intra-ovarian signals. Despite the numerous functions executed by granulosa cells (GCs) in ovarian physiology, the role of multifunctional proteins able to simultaneously coordinate/modulate several cellular pathways is unclear. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (α-SNAP) is a multifunctional protein that participates in SNARE-mediated membrane fusion events. In addition, it regulates cell-to-cell adhesion, AMPK signaling, autophagy and apoptosis in different cell types. In this study we examined the expression pattern of α-SNAP in ovarian tissue and the consequences of α-SNAP (M105I) mutation (hyh mutation) in folliculogenesis and female fertility. Our results showed that α-SNAP protein is highly expressed in GCs and its expression is modulated by gonadotropin stimuli. On the other hand, α-SNAP-mutant mice show a reduction in α-SNAP protein levels. Moreover, increased apoptosis of GCs and follicular atresia, reduced ovulation rate, and a dramatic decline in fertility is observed in α-SNAP-mutant females. In conclusion, α-SNAP plays a critical role in the balance between follicular development and atresia. Consequently, a reduction in its expression/function (M105I mutation) causes early depletion of ovarian follicles and female subfertility.

Two pathways regulate cortical granule translocation to prevent polyspermy in mouse oocytes

An egg must be fertilized by a single sperm only. To prevent polyspermy, the zona pellucida, a structure that surrounds mammalian eggs, becomes impermeable upon fertilization, preventing the entry of further sperm. The structural changes in the zona upon fertilization are driven by the exocytosis of cortical granules. These translocate from the oocyte's centre to the plasma membrane during meiosis. However, very little is known about the mechanism of cortical granule translocation. Here we investigate cortical granule transport and dynamics in live mammalian oocytes by using Rab27a as a marker. We show that two separate mechanisms drive their transport: myosin Va-dependent movement along actin filaments, and an unexpected vesicle hitchhiking mechanism by which cortical granules bind to Rab11a vesicles powered by myosin Vb. Inhibiting cortical granule translocation severely impaired the block to sperm entry, suggesting that translocation defects could contribute to miscarriages that are caused by polyspermy.

Mammalian eggs release cortical granules to avoid being fertilized by more than a single sperm as polyspermy results in nonviable embryos. Here, the authors describe the mechanism driving translocation of the granules to the cortex in the mouse egg and show this process is essential to prevent polyspermy.

Rab3A, a possible marker of cortical granules, participates in cortical granule exocytosis in mouse eggs

Fusion of cortical granules with the oocyte plasma membrane is the most significant event to prevent polyspermy. This particular exocytosis, also known as cortical reaction, is regulated by calcium and its molecular mechanism is still not known. Rab3A, a member of the small GTP-binding protein superfamily, has been implicated in calcium-dependent exocytosis and is not yet clear whether Rab3A participates in cortical granules exocytosis. Here, we examine the involvement of Rab3A in the physiology of cortical granules, particularly, in their distribution during oocyte maturation and activation, and their participation in membrane fusion during cortical granule exocytosis. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis showed that Rab3A and cortical granules have a similar migration pattern during oocyte maturation, and that Rab3A is no longer detected after cortical granule exocytosis. These results suggested that Rab3A might be a marker of cortical granules. Overexpression of EGFP-Rab3A colocalized with cortical granules with a Pearson correlation coefficient of +0.967, indicating that Rab3A and cortical granules have almost a perfect colocalization in the egg cortical region. Using a functional assay, we demonstrated that microinjection of recombinant, prenylated and active GST-Rab3A triggered cortical granule exocytosis, indicating that Rab3A has an active role in this secretory pathway. To confirm this active role, we inhibited the function of endogenous Rab3A by microinjecting a polyclonal antibody raised against Rab3A prior to parthenogenetic activation. Our results showed that Rab3A antibody microinjection abolished cortical granule exocytosis in parthenogenetically activated oocytes. Altogether, our findings confirm that Rab3A might function as a marker of cortical granules and participates in cortical granule exocytosis in mouse eggs.

Gamete activation: basic knowledge and clinical applications

Background

The first clues to the process of gamete activation date back to nearly 60 years ago. The mutual activation of gametes is a crucial event during fertilization. In the testis and ovaries, spermatozoa and oocytes are in a state of meiotic and metabolic quiescence and require reciprocal signals in order to undergo functional changes that lead to competence for fertilization. First, the oocyte activates sperm by triggering motility, chemoattraction, binding and the acrosome reaction, culminating with the fusion of the two plasma membranes. At the end of this cascade of events, collectively known as sperm capacitation, sperm-induced oocyte activation occurs, generating electrical, morphological and metabolic modifications in the oocyte.

Objective and rationale

The aim of this review is to provide the current state of knowledge regarding the entire process of gamete activation in selected specific animal models that have contributed to our understanding of fertilization in mammals, including humans. Here we describe in detail the reciprocal induction of the two activation processes, the molecules involved and the mechanisms of cell interaction and signal transduction that ultimately result in successful embryo development and creation of a new individual.

Search methods

We carried out a literature survey with no restrictions on publication date (from the early 1950s to March 2016) using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Web of Knowledge by utilizing common keywords applied in the field of fertilization and embryo development. We also screened the complete list of references published in the most recent research articles and relevant reviews published in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated.

Outcomes

Literature on the principal animal models demonstrates that gamete activation is a pre-requisite for successful fertilization, and is a process common to all species studied to date. We provide a detailed description of the dramatic changes in gamete morphology and behavior, the regulatory molecules triggering gamete activation and the intracellular ions and second messengers involved in active metabolic pathways in different species. Recent scientific advances suggest that artificial gamete activation may represent a novel technique to improve human IVF outcomes, but this approach requires caution.

Wider implications

Although controversial, manipulation of gamete activation represents a promising tool for ameliorating the fertilization rate in assisted reproductive technologies. A better knowledge of mechanisms that transform the quiescent oocyte into a pluripotent cell may also provide new insights for the clinical use of stem cells.