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Bodner L, Jasinska W, Bouchebti S, Scharf I, Brotman Y, Levin E. Metabolomics analysis of larval secretions reveals a caste-driven nutritional shift in a social wasp colony. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 169:104128. [PMID: 38657707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Social wasps exhibit a unique nutritional cycle in which adults feed larvae with prey, and larvae provide adults with larval secretions (LS). LS serves as a vital nutritional source for adults, contributing to the colony's health and reproductive success. The LS nutrient composition has been previously reported in various wasp species, yet these analyses focused solely on worker-destined larvae, overlooking the potential caste designation effects on LS composition. Using metabolomics techniques, we analysed and compared the metabolite and nutrient composition in LS of queen- and worker-destined larvae of the Oriental hornet. We found that queen-destined LS (QLS) contain greater amounts of most metabolites, including amino acids, and smaller amounts of sugars compared to worker-destined LS (WLS). The amino acid-to-sugar ratio in QLS was approximately tenfold higher than in WLS. Thus, as the colony transitions from the production of workers to the production of reproductives, it gradually experiences a nutritional shift that may influence the behaviour and physiology of the adult nest population. This caste-specific metabolite profile and nutrient composition of LS reflect the differences in the diet and physiological requirements of worker- and queen-destined larvae and may play a critical role in caste determination in social wasps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levona Bodner
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Weronika Jasinska
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Sofia Bouchebti
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inon Scharf
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yariv Brotman
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Eran Levin
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Harada M, Han S, Shi M, Ge J, Yu S, Adam J, Adamski J, Scheerer MF, Neschen S, de Angelis MH, Wang-Sattler R. Metabolic effects of SGLT2i and metformin on 3-hydroxybutyric acid and lactate in db/db mice. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130962. [PMID: 38503370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Combining a Sodium-Glucose-Cotransporter-2-inhibitor (SGLT2i) with metformin is recommended for managing hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who have cardio-renal complications. Our study aimed to investigate the metabolic effects of SGLT2i and metformin, both individually and synergistically. We treated leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice with these drugs for two weeks and conducted metabolite profiling, identifying 861 metabolites across kidney, liver, muscle, fat, and plasma. Using linear regression and mixed-effects models, we identified two SGLT2i-specific metabolites, X-12465 and 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3HBA), a ketone body, across all examined tissues. The levels of 3HBA were significantly higher under SGLT2i monotherapy compared to controls and were attenuated when combined with metformin. We observed similar modulatory effects on metabolites involved in protein catabolism (e.g., branched-chain amino acids) and gluconeogenesis. Moreover, combination therapy significantly raised pipecolate levels, which may enhance mTOR1 activity, while modulating GSK3, a common target of SGLT2i and 3HBA inhibition. The combination therapy also led to significant reductions in body weight and lactate levels, contrasted with monotherapies. Our findings advocate for the combined approach to better manage muscle loss, and the risks of DKA and lactic acidosis, presenting a more effective strategy for T2D treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Harada
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Siyu Han
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany; School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Mengya Shi
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany; School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Jianhong Ge
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany; School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Shixiang Yu
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Jonathan Adam
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Markus F Scheerer
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Neschen
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabe de Angelis
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany; Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Germany
| | - Rui Wang-Sattler
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany.
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Kotarska K, Gąsior Ł, Rudnicka J, Polański Z. Long-run real-time PCR analysis of repetitive nuclear elements as a novel tool for DNA damage quantification in single cells: an approach validated on mouse oocytes and fibroblasts. J Appl Genet 2024; 65:181-190. [PMID: 38110826 PMCID: PMC10789673 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-023-00817-0] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Since DNA damage is of great importance in various biological processes, its rate is frequently assessed both in research studies and in medical diagnostics. The most precise methods of quantifying DNA damage are based on real-time PCR. However, in the conventional version, they require a large amount of genetic material and therefore their usefulness is limited to multicellular samples. Here, we present a novel approach to long-run real-time PCR-based DNA-damage quantification (L1-LORD-Q), which consists in amplification of long interspersed nuclear elements (L1) and allows for analysis of single-cell genomes. The L1-LORD-Q was compared with alternative methods of measuring DNA breaks (Bioanalyzer system, γ-H2AX foci staining), which confirmed its accuracy. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the L1-LORD-Q is sensitive enough to distinguish between different levels of UV-induced DNA damage. The method was validated on mouse oocytes and fibroblasts, but the general idea is universal and can be applied to various types of cells and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kotarska
- Laboratory of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Department of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Gąsior
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Trace Elements, Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Rudnicka
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Polański
- Laboratory of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Department of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Hardy MLM, Lakhiani D, Morris MB, Day ML. Proline and Proline Analogues Improve Development of Mouse Preimplantation Embryos by Protecting Them against Oxidative Stress. Cells 2023; 12:2640. [PMID: 37998375 PMCID: PMC10670569 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The culture of embryos in the non-essential amino acid L-proline (Pro) or its analogues pipecolic acid (PA) and L-4-thiazolidine carboxylic acid (L4T) improves embryo development, increasing the percentage that develop to the blastocyst stage and hatch. Staining of 2-cell and 4-cell embryos with tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate showed that the culture of embryos in the presence of Pro, or either of these analogues, reduced mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively, indicating potential mechanisms by which embryo development is improved. Inhibition of the Pro metabolism enzyme, proline oxidase, by tetrahydro-2-furoic-acid prevented these reductions and concomitantly prevented the improved development. The ways in which Pro, PA and L4T reduce mitochondrial activity and ROS appear to differ, despite their structural similarity. Specifically, the results are consistent with Pro reducing ROS by reducing mitochondrial activity while PA and L4T may be acting as ROS scavengers. All three may work to reduce ROS by contributing to the GSH pool. Overall, our results indicate that reduction in mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress are potential mechanisms by which Pro and its analogues act to improve pre-implantation embryo development.
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Glover HJ, Holliday H, Shparberg RA, Winkler D, Day M, Morris MB. Signalling pathway crosstalk stimulated by L-proline drives mouse embryonic stem cells to primitive-ectoderm-like cells. Development 2023; 150:dev201704. [PMID: 37823343 PMCID: PMC10652046 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201704] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The amino acid L-proline exhibits growth factor-like properties during development - from improving blastocyst development to driving neurogenesis in vitro. Addition of 400 μM L-proline to self-renewal medium drives naïve mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to early primitive ectoderm-like (EPL) cells - a transcriptionally distinct primed or partially primed pluripotent state. EPL cells retain expression of pluripotency genes, upregulate primitive ectoderm markers, undergo a morphological change and have increased cell number. These changes are facilitated by a complex signalling network hinging on the Mapk, Fgfr, Pi3k and mTor pathways. Here, we use a factorial experimental design coupled with statistical modelling to understand which signalling pathways are involved in the transition between ESCs and EPL cells, and how they underpin changes in morphology, cell number, apoptosis, proliferation and gene expression. This approach reveals pathways which work antagonistically or synergistically. Most properties were affected by more than one inhibitor, and each inhibitor blocked specific aspects of the naïve-to-primed transition. These mechanisms underpin progression of stem cells across the in vitro pluripotency continuum and serve as a model for pre-, peri- and post-implantation embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Glover
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Holly Holliday
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | | | - David Winkler
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Latrobe Institute for Molecular Science, Latrobe University, Bundoora 3083, Australia
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Australia
- Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Margot Day
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Michael B. Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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Van Winkle LJ. Molecular and Clinical Advances in Understanding Early Embryo Development. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081171. [PMID: 37190080 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The articles in this Special Issue address a wide variety of topics concerning molecular and clinical advances in understanding early embryo development [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lon J Van Winkle
- Department of Medical Humanities, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80122, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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Bahrami M, Morris MB, Day ML. Glutamine, proline, and isoleucine support maturation and fertilisation of bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2023; 201:59-67. [PMID: 36842262 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Successful in-vitro production of bovine embryos relies on meiotic maturation of oocytes in vitro (IVM) before they can be fertilised. High levels of IVM are currently achieved using a complex medium that contains all 20 common amino acids, namely TCM199, but can also be achieved using a simple inorganic salt solution containing non-essential amino acids, proline, and glutamine. Further simplification of the amino acid content of medium used for IVM could lead to a more defined medium that provides reproducible IVM. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the minimal amino acid requirements for bovine oocyte nuclear maturation, as measured by progression to metaphase II (MII) of meiosis. Supplementation of a simple medium composed of inorganic salts (M1 medium) with multiple amino-acid combinations showed that M1 containing glutamine, proline, and isoleucine resulted in nuclear maturation comparable to that of TCM199 (57.4 ± 3.4% vs 67% ± 1.7%, respectively) but was reduced when cystine (Cys2) to that seen with M1 alone (38.0 ± 2.2%). Viability of oocytes matured in this simplified medium was equal to those matured in TCM199 since the same proportion of zygotes with 2 pronuclei were observed following fertilisation in medium containing no amino acids (33.9 ± 6.5% vs 33.3 ± 3.6%, respectively). Addition of glutamine, proline and isoleucine to fertilisation medium also increased the proportion of zygotes but did not increase blastocyst development rates. Thus, a defined medium containing only glutamine, proline and isoleucine is sufficient for oocyte maturation and successful fertilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bahrami
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Michael B Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margot L Day
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Stage-Specific L-Proline Uptake by Amino Acid Transporter Slc6a19/B 0AT1 Is Required for Optimal Preimplantation Embryo Development in Mice. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010018. [PMID: 36611813 PMCID: PMC9818994 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
L-proline (Pro) has previously been shown to support normal development of mouse embryos. Recently we have shown that Pro improves subsequent embryo development when added to fertilisation medium during in vitro fertilisation of mouse oocytes. The mechanisms by which Pro improves embryo development are still being elucidated but likely involve signalling pathways that have been observed in Pro-mediated differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. In this study, we show that B0AT1, a neutral amino acid transporter that accepts Pro, is expressed in mouse preimplantation embryos, along with the accessory protein ACE2. B0AT1 knockout (Slc6a19-/-) mice have decreased fertility, in terms of litter size and preimplantation embryo development in vitro. In embryos from wild-type (WT) mice, excess unlabelled Pro inhibited radiolabelled Pro uptake in oocytes and 4-8-cell stage embryos. Radiolabelled Pro uptake was reduced in 4-8-cell stage embryos, but not in oocytes, from Slc6a19-/- mice compared to those from WT mice. Other B0AT1 substrates, such as alanine and leucine, reduced uptake of Pro in WT but not in B0AT1 knockout embryos. Addition of Pro to culture medium improved embryo development. In WT embryos, Pro increased development to the cavitation stage (on day 4); whereas in B0AT1 knockout embryos Pro improved development to the 5-8-cell (day 3) and blastocyst stages (day 6) but not at cavitation (day 4), suggesting B0AT1 is the main contributor to Pro uptake on day 4 of development. Our results highlight transporter redundancy in the preimplantation embryo.
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Rudolf Vegas A, Hamdi M, Podico G, Bollwein H, Fröhlich T, Canisso IF, Bauersachs S, Almiñana C. Uterine extracellular vesicles as multi-signal messengers during maternal recognition of pregnancy in the mare. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15616. [PMID: 36114358 PMCID: PMC9481549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19958-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to other domestic mammals, the embryo-derived signal(s) leading to maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) are still unknow in the mare. We hypothesize that these embryonic signals could be packed into uterine extracellular vesicles (uEVs), acting as multi-signal messengers between the conceptus and the maternal tract, and contributing to MRP. To unveil these signals, the RNA and protein cargos of uEVs isolated from uterine lavages collected from pregnant mares (P; day 10, 11, 12 and 13 after ovulation) and cyclic control mares (C; day 10 and 13 after ovulation) were analyzed. Our results showed a fine-tuned regulation of the uEV cargo (RNAs and proteins), by the day of pregnancy, the estrous cycle, and even the size of the embryo. A particular RNA pattern was identified with specific increase on P12 related to immune system and hormonal response. Besides, a set of proteins as well as RNAs was highly enriched in EVs on P12 and P13. Differential abundance of miRNAs was also identified in P13-derived uEVs. Their target genes were linked to down- or upregulated genes in the embryo and the endometrium, exposing their potential origin. Our study identified for first time specific molecules packed in uEVs, which were previously associated to MRP in the mare, and thus bringing added value to the current knowledge. Further integrative and functional analyses will help to confirm the role of these molecules in uEVs during MRP in the mare.
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Epigenetic Modifications at the Center of the Barker Hypothesis and Their Transgenerational Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312728. [PMID: 34886453 PMCID: PMC8656758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Embryo/fetal nutrition and the environment in the reproductive tract influence the subsequent risk of developing adult diseases and disorders, as formulated in the Barker hypothesis. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, heart disease, and hypertension in adulthood have all been linked to unwanted epigenetic programing in embryos and fetuses. Multiple studies support the conclusion that environmental challenges, such as a maternal low-protein diet, can change one-carbon amino acid metabolism and, thus, alter histone and DNA epigenetic modifications. Since histones influence gene expression and the program of embryo development, these epigenetic changes likely contribute to the risk of adult disease onset not just in the directly affected offspring, but for multiple generations to come. In this paper, we hypothesize that the effects of parental nutritional status on fetal epigenetic programming are transgenerational and warrant further investigation. Numerous studies supporting this hypothesis are reviewed, and potential research techniques to study these transgenerational epigenetic effects are offered.
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Amino Acid Transport and Metabolism Regulate Early Embryo Development: Species Differences, Clinical Significance, and Evolutionary Implications. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113154. [PMID: 34831375 PMCID: PMC8618253 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review we discuss the beneficial effects of amino acid transport and metabolism on pre- and peri-implantation embryo development, and we consider how disturbances in these processes lead to undesirable health outcomes in adults. Proline, glutamine, glycine, and methionine transport each foster cleavage-stage development, whereas leucine uptake by blastocysts via transport system B0,+ promotes the development of trophoblast motility and the penetration of the uterine epithelium in mammalian species exhibiting invasive implantation. (Amino acid transport systems and transporters, such as B0,+, are often oddly named. The reader is urged to focus on the transporters’ functions, not their names.) B0,+ also accumulates leucine and other amino acids in oocytes of species with noninvasive implantation, thus helping them to produce proteins to support later development. This difference in the timing of the expression of system B0,+ is termed heterochrony—a process employed in evolution. Disturbances in leucine uptake via system B0,+ in blastocysts appear to alter the subsequent development of embryos, fetuses, and placentae, with undesirable consequences for offspring. These consequences may include greater adiposity, cardiovascular dysfunction, hypertension, neural abnormalities, and altered bone growth in adults. Similarly, alterations in amino acid transport and metabolism in pluripotent cells in the blastocyst inner cell mass likely lead to epigenetic DNA and histone modifications that produce unwanted transgenerational health outcomes. Such outcomes might be avoided if we learn more about the mechanisms of these effects.
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Redox Regulation and Oxidative Stress in Mammalian Oocytes and Embryos Developed In Vivo and In Vitro. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111374. [PMID: 34769890 PMCID: PMC8583213 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oocytes and preimplantation embryos require careful regulation of the redox environment for optimal development both in vivo and in vitro. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated throughout development as a result of cellular metabolism and enzyme reactions. ROS production can result in (i) oxidative eustress, where ROS are helpful signalling molecules with beneficial physiological functions and where the redox state of the cell is maintained within homeostatic range by a closely coupled system of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes, or (ii) oxidative distress, where excess ROS are deleterious and impair normal cellular function. in vitro culture of embryos exacerbates ROS production due to a range of issues including culture-medium composition and laboratory culture conditions. This increase in ROS can be detrimental not only to assisted reproductive success rates but can also result in epigenetic and genetic changes in the embryo, resulting in transgenerational effects. This review examines the effects of oxidative stress in the oocyte and preimplantation embryo in both the in vivo and in vitro environment, identifies mechanisms responsible for oxidative stress in the oocyte/embryo in culture and approaches to reduce these problems, and briefly examines the potential impacts on future generations.
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Patriarca EJ, Cermola F, D’Aniello C, Fico A, Guardiola O, De Cesare D, Minchiotti G. The Multifaceted Roles of Proline in Cell Behavior. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:728576. [PMID: 34458276 PMCID: PMC8397452 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.728576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we review the multifaceted roles of proline in cell biology. This peculiar cyclic imino acid is: (i) A main precursor of extracellular collagens (the most abundant human proteins), antimicrobial peptides (involved in innate immunity), salivary proteins (astringency, teeth health) and cornifins (skin permeability); (ii) an energy source for pathogenic bacteria, protozoan parasites, and metastatic cancer cells, which engage in extracellular-protein degradation to invade their host; (iii) an antistress molecule (an osmolyte and chemical chaperone) helpful against various potential harms (UV radiation, drought/salinity, heavy metals, reactive oxygen species); (iv) a neural metabotoxin associated with schizophrenia; (v) a modulator of cell signaling pathways such as the amino acid stress response and extracellular signal-related kinase pathway; (vi) an epigenetic modifier able to promote DNA and histone hypermethylation; (vii) an inducer of proliferation of stem and tumor cells; and (viii) a modulator of cell morphology and migration/invasiveness. We highlight how proline metabolism impacts beneficial tissue regeneration, but also contributes to the progression of devastating pathologies such as fibrosis and metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
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