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Sysoeva A, Akhmedova Z, Nepsha O, Makarova N, Silachev D, Shevtsova Y, Goryunov K, Karyagina V, Bugrova A, Starodubtseva N, Novoselova A, Chagovets V, Kalinina E. Characteristics of the Follicular Fluid Extracellular Vesicle Molecular Profile in Women in Different Age Groups in ART Programs. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:541. [PMID: 38792563 PMCID: PMC11121889 DOI: 10.3390/life14050541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular composition of follicular fluid (FF) extracellular vesicles (EVs) in women of different reproductive ages and its possible relationship to sperm fertilizing ability. FF EVs were obtained by differential centrifugation. The concentration and size distribution of FF EVs were analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. The lipidome and proteome were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The isolated FF EVs had a variety of shapes and sizes; their concentration and size distribution did not differ significantly between the age groups. In women younger than 35 years, the concentration of vesicular progesterone was 6.6 times higher than in women older than 35 years, and the total levels of the main lipid classes were increased in younger women. A proteomic analysis revealed that not only FF EV-specific proteins, but also proteins involved in sperm activation were present. New data were obtained on the composition of FF EVs, confirming their importance as molecular indicators of age-related changes in the female reproductive system. In addition, these results shed light on the possible interaction between the FF EVs of women in different age groups and male germ cells. Therefore, studying the transcriptomic and metabolomic profile of FF EVs may be a crucial approach to evaluate the efficacy of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Sysoeva
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Zumriyat Akhmedova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Oksana Nepsha
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Natalya Makarova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Denis Silachev
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Shevtsova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Kirill Goryunov
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Victoria Karyagina
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Anna Bugrova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalya Starodubtseva
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Novoselova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Vitaliy Chagovets
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
| | - Elena Kalinina
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (Z.A.); (O.N.); (N.M.); (Y.S.); (K.G.); (V.K.); (A.B.); (N.S.); (A.N.); (V.C.); (E.K.)
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Barranco I, Spinaci M, Nesci S, Mateo-Otero Y, Baldassarro VA, Algieri C, Bucci D, Roca J. Seminal extracellular vesicles alter porcine in vitro fertilization outcome by modulating sperm metabolism. Theriogenology 2024; 219:167-179. [PMID: 38437767 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is loaded with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that modulate several reproductive-related processes. This study investigated the effect of two sEV subsets, small (S-sEVs) and large (L-sEVs), on porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF). The sEVs were isolated from nine SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) using a size-exclusion chromatography-based procedure and characterized for quantity (total protein), morphology (cryogenic electron microscopy), size distribution (dynamic light scattering), purity and EV-protein markers (flow cytometry; albumin, CD81, HSP90β). The characterization confirmed the existence of two subsets of high purity (low albumin content) sEVs that differed in size (S- and L-sEVs). In vitro fertilization was performed with in vitro matured oocytes and frozen-thawed spermatozoa and the IVF medium was supplemented during gamete coincubation (1 h at 38.5 °C, 5 % CO2 in a humidified atmosphere) with three different concentrations of each sEV subset: 0 (control, without sEVs), 0.1, and 0.2 mg/mL. The first experiment showed that sEVs, regardless of subset and concentration, decreased penetration rates and total IVF efficiency (P < 0.0001). In a subsequent experiment, it was shown that sEVs, regardless of subset and concentration, impaired the ability of spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida of oocytes (P < 0.0001). The following experiment showed that sEVs, regardless of the subset, bound to frozen-thawed sperm but not to in vitro matured oocytes, indicating that sEVs would affect sperm functionality but not oocyte functionality. The lack of effect on oocytes was confirmed by incubating sEVs with oocytes prior to IVF, achieving sperm-zona pellucida binding results similar to those of control. In the last experiment, conducted under IVF conditions, sperm functionality was analyzed in terms of tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome integrity and metabolism. The sEVs, regardless of the subset, did not affect sperm tyrosine phosphorylation or acrosome integrity, but did influence sperm metabolism by decreasing sperm ATP production under capacitating conditions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the presence of sEVs on IVF medium impairs IVF outcomes, most likely by altering sperm metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | - Marcella Spinaci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Nesci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Algieri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
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Ma Y, Zhang W, Gao M, Li J, Wang Q, Chen M, Gu L. Combined analysis of temporal metabolomics and transcriptomics reveals the metabolic patterns in goat oocytes during maturation. Theriogenology 2024; 218:69-78. [PMID: 38301509 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Well-balanced and orderly metabolism is a crucial prerequisite for promoting oogenesis. Involvement of single metabolites in oocyte development has been widely reported; however, the comprehensive metabolic framework controlling oocyte maturation is still lacking. In the present study, we employed an integrated temporal metabolomic and transcriptomic method to analyze metabolism in goat oocytes at GV, GVBD, and MII stages (GV, fully-grown immature oocyte; GVBD, stage of meiotic resumption; MII, mature oocyte) during in vitro maturation, revealing the global picture of the metabolic patterns during maturation. In particular, several significantly altered metabolic pathways during goat oocyte meiosis have been identified, including active serine metabolism, increased utilization of tryptophan, and marked accumulation of purine nucleotide. In summary, the current study provides transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets for goat oocyte development that can be applied in cross-species comparative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Ma
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Gao
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiashuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ling Gu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
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Aoki S, Inoue Y, Hara S, Itou J, Shirasuna K, Iwata H. microRNAs associated with the quality of follicular fluids affect oocyte and early embryonic development. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12559. [PMID: 38239486 PMCID: PMC10795439 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Oocyte and embryo quality differs significantly among individuals. Follicular fluid (FF) is a solo environment of oocyte maturation and may flux into the oviduct. Supplementation of in vitro maturation (IVM) and culture (IVC) medium with extracellular vesicles of FFs supports oocyte maturation and embryonic development. We addressed a hypothesis that miRNA profiles in FFs are crucial background of oocyte maturation and embryonic development. Methods FFs were collected from the ovaries of individual cows, and the FFs were classified into Good or Poor FF based on the developmental rate to the blastocyst stage of enclosed oocytes. miRNAs associated with the Good FFs were explored using small RNA sequencing. In addition, FFs were classified using the concentration of Good-FF-associated miRNAs. These classified FFs or miRNA were added to the IVM or IVC mediums. Results Supplementation of IVM and IVC medium with Good FF improved embryonic development. Good FFs contained miR-151-3p and miR-425-5p at a high concentration compared with those in Poor FFs. FFs selected by the concentration of miR-151-3p and miR-425-5p improved oocyte maturation and embryonic development. Supplementation of IVM or IVC medium with either miR-151-3p or miR-425-5p improved embryonic development to the blastocyst stage. Conclusion miRNAs were associated with the Good FFs determined oocyte maturation and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogo Aoki
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of AgricultureTokyo University of AgricultureAtsugi CityKanagawaJapan
| | - Yuki Inoue
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of AgricultureTokyo University of AgricultureAtsugi CityKanagawaJapan
| | - Shunsuke Hara
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of AgricultureTokyo University of AgricultureAtsugi CityKanagawaJapan
| | - Jun Itou
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of AgricultureTokyo University of AgricultureAtsugi CityKanagawaJapan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of AgricultureTokyo University of AgricultureAtsugi CityKanagawaJapan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of AgricultureTokyo University of AgricultureAtsugi CityKanagawaJapan
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Wang W, Zheng Z, Lei J. CTC, ctDNA, and Exosome in Thyroid Cancers: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13767. [PMID: 37762070 PMCID: PMC10530859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813767] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer has become more common in recent years all around the world. Many issues still need to be urgently addressed in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of thyroid cancer. Liquid biopsy (mainly circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and circulating exosomes) may provide a novel and ideal approach to solve these issues, allows us to assess the features of diseases more comprehensively, and has a function in a variety of malignancies. Recently, liquid biopsy has been shown to be critical in thyroid cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in numerous previous studies. In this review, by testing CTCs, ctDNA, and exosomes, we focus on the possible clinical role of liquid biopsy in thyroid cancer, including diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and response to therapy. We briefly review how liquid biopsy components have progressed in thyroid cancer by consulting the existing public information. We also discuss the clinical potential of liquid biopsy in thyroid cancer and provide a reference for liquid biopsy research. Liquid biopsy has the potential to be a useful tool in the early detection, monitoring, or prediction of response to therapies and prognosis in thyroid cancer, with promising clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Wang
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhiyao Zheng
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jianyong Lei
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Menjivar NG, Gad A, Gebremedhn S, Ghosh S, Tesfaye D. Granulosa cell-derived extracellular vesicles mitigate the detrimental impact of thermal stress on bovine oocytes and embryos. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1142629. [PMID: 37091982 PMCID: PMC10116072 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1142629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change-induced global warming results in rises in body temperatures above normal physiological levels (hyperthermia) with negative impacts on reproductive function in dairy and beef animals. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), commonly described as nano-sized, lipid-enclosed complexes, harnessed with a plethora of bioactive cargoes (RNAs, proteins, and lipids), are crucial to regulating processes like folliculogenesis and the initiation of different signaling pathways. The beneficial role of follicular fluid-derived EVs in inducing thermotolerance to oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) has been evidenced. Here we aimed to determine the capacity of in vitro cultured granulosa cell-derived EVs (GC-EVs) to modulate bovine oocytes’ thermotolerance to heat stress (HS) during IVM. Moreover, this study tested the hypothesis that EVs released from thermally stressed GCs (S-EVs) shuttle protective messages to provide protection against subsequent HS in bovine oocytes. For this, sub-populations of GC-EVs were generated from GCs subjected to 38.5°C (N-EVs) or 42°C (S-EVs) and supplemented to cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) matured in vitro at the normal physiological body temperature of the cow (38.5°C) or HS (41°C) conditions. Results indicate that S-EVs improve the survival of oocytes by reducing ROS accumulation, improving mitochondrial function, and suppressing the expression of stress-associated genes thereby reducing the severity of HS on oocytes. Moreover, our findings indicate a carryover impact from the addition of GC-EVs during oocyte maturation in the development to the blastocyst stage with enhanced viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico G. Menjivar
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory (ARBL), Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Ahmed Gad
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory (ARBL), Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Samuel Gebremedhn
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory (ARBL), Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Genus Plc, Deforest, WI, United States
| | - Soham Ghosh
- Cellular Engineering and Mechanobiology Laboratory (CEML), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Translational Medicine Institute (TMI), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory (ARBL), Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Dawit Tesfaye,
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Van Vlierberghe S, Verplancke R, Pascottini OB, Van den Abbeel E, Vanfleteren J. Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for In Vitro Manipulation of Bovine Embryos. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040419. [PMID: 37185494 PMCID: PMC10136516 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF) holds great potential for the alleviation of laboratory procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). The electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) technology provides dynamic culture conditions in vitro that may better mimic the natural embryo microenvironment. Thus far, EWOD microdevices have been proposed for in vitro gamete and embryo handling in mice and for analyzing the human embryo secretome. This article presents the development of the first microfluidic chip utilizing EWOD technology designed for the manipulation of bovine embryos in vitro. The prototype sustains the cell cycles of embryos manipulated individually on the chips during in vitro culture (IVC). Challenges related to the chip fabrication as well as to its application during bovine embryo IVC in accordance with the adapted on-chip protocol are thoroughly discussed, and future directions for DMF in ARTs are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Etienne Van den Abbeel
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
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Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles from Human Follicular Fluid: Size-Exclusion Chromatography versus Ultracentrifugation. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020278. [PMID: 36830647 PMCID: PMC9953485 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular fluid (FF) is the microenvironment where a growing oocyte develops. Intrafollicular communication ensures oocyte competence and is carried out through paracrine signaling, the exchange of molecules via gap junctions, and the trafficking of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The study of FF-derived EVs is important for both translational and fundamental research in the female reproductive field. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and purity of two EV isolation methods: size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and ultracentrifugation (UC). EVs isolated using SEC and UC were compared regarding their size and concentration using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA); protein contamination was assessed with microBCA; specific EV markers were detected with Western blot, and EV morphology was studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results show that although both techniques isolated small EVs, a significantly increased yield in particle number was clear with UC compared with SEC. On the other hand, SEC generated purer EVs with fewer protein contaminants and aggregates. In conclusion, the selection of the most suited approach to isolate EVs must be conducted considering the degree of recovery, purity, and downstream application of the isolated EVs.
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Fan W, Qi Y, Wang Y, Yan H, Li X, Zhang Y. Messenger roles of extracellular vesicles during fertilization of gametes, development and implantation: Recent advances. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1079387. [PMID: 36684431 PMCID: PMC9849778 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1079387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a research hotspot in recent years because they act as messengers between cells in the physiological and pathological processes of the human body. It can be produced by the follicle, prostate, embryo, uterus, and oviduct in the reproductive field and exists in the extracellular environment as follicular fluid, semen, uterine cavity fluid, and oviduct fluid. Because extracellular vesicles are more stable at transmitting information, it allows all cells involved in the physiological processes of embryo formation, development, and implantation to communicate with one another. Extracellular vesicles carried miRNAs and proteins as mail, and when the messenger delivers the mail to the recipient cell, the recipient cell undergoes a series of changes. Current research begins with intercepting and decoding the information carried by extracellular vesicles. This information may help us gain a better understanding of the secrets of reproduction, as well as assist reproductive technology as an emerging marker and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisen Fan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yinghua Qi
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yaqian Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Huiting Yan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xuan Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Yingjie Zhang,
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Leroy JLMR, Meulders B, Moorkens K, Xhonneux I, Slootmans J, De Keersmaeker L, Smits A, Bogado Pascottini O, Marei WFA. Maternal metabolic health and fertility: we should not only care about but also for the oocyte! Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:1-18. [PMID: 36592978 DOI: 10.1071/rd22204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders due to obesity and unhealthy lifestyle directly alter the oocyte's microenvironment and impact oocyte quality. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play key roles in the pathogenesis. Acute effects on the fully grown oocytes are evident, but early follicular stages are also sensitive to metabolic stress leading to a long-term impact on follicular cells and oocytes. Improving the preconception health is therefore of capital importance but research in animal models has demonstrated that oocyte quality is not fully recovered. In the in vitro fertilisation clinic, maternal metabolic disorders are linked with disappointing assisted reproductive technology results. Embryos derived from metabolically compromised oocytes exhibit persistently high intracellular stress levels due to weak cellular homeostatic mechanisms. The assisted reproductive technology procedures themselves form an extra burden for these defective embryos. Minimising cellular stress during culture using mitochondrial-targeted therapy could rescue compromised embryos in a bovine model. However, translating such applications to human in vitro fertilisation clinics is not simple. It is crucial to consider the sensitive epigenetic programming during early development. Research in humans and relevant animal models should result in preconception care interventions and in vitro strategies not only aiming at improving fertility but also safeguarding offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L M R Leroy
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - B Meulders
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - K Moorkens
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - I Xhonneux
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - J Slootmans
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - L De Keersmaeker
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - A Smits
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - O Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - W F A Marei
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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11
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Taraschi A, Cimini C, Colosimo A, Ramal-Sanchez M, Valbonetti L, Bernabò N, Barboni B. An interactive analysis of the mouse oviductal miRNA profiles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1015360. [PMID: 36340025 PMCID: PMC9627480 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1015360] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding molecules that control several cellular functions and act as negative post-transcriptional regulators of the mRNA. While their implication in several biological functions is already known, an important role as regulators of different physiological and pathological processes in fertilization and embryo development is currently emerging. Indeed, miRNAs have been found in the oviductal fluid packaged within the extracellular vesicles, which might act as natural nanoshuttles by transporting lipids, proteins, RNA molecules and miRNAs from the oviduct to the gametes or embryos. Here, an exhaustive bibliography search was carried out, followed by the construction of a computational model based on the networks theory in an attempt to recreate and elucidate the pathways potentially activated by the oviductal miRNA. The omics data published to date were gathered to create the Oviductal MiRNome, in which the miRNA target genes and their interactions are represented by using stringApp and the Network analyzer from Cytoscape 3.7.2. Then, the hyperlinked nodes were identified to investigate the pathways in which they are involved using the gene ontology enrichment analysis. To study the phenotypical effects after the removal of key genes on the reproductive system and embryo, knockout mouse lines for every protein-coding gene were investigated by using the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium database. The creation of the Oviductal MiRNome revealed the presence of important genes and their interactions within the network. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the hyperlinked nodes are involved in fundamental cellular functions, both structural and regulatory/signaling, suggesting their implication in fertilization and early embryo development. This fact was as well evidenced by the effects of the gene deletion in KO mice on the reproductive system and embryo development. The present study highlights the importance of studying the miRNA profiles and their enormous potential as tools to improve the assisted reproductive techniques currently used in human and animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Taraschi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Abruzzo e Del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Costanza Cimini
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Ramal-Sanchez
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Nicola Bernabò,
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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12
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Diversity of Extracellular Vesicles in Human Follicular Fluid: Morphological Analysis and Quantification. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911676. [PMID: 36232981 PMCID: PMC9570429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911676] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The oocyte microenvironment constituted by the follicular fluid (FF) is a key for the optimal development of female gametes. Its composition reflects the physiological state of the ovarian follicle. The particularity of FF is to contain a huge diversity of extracellular vesicles specific to women, in the same way as seminal plasma in men. Here, we described and compared morphological aspects of broad subcategories of human FF-related Extracellular Vesicles (EVs). EVs participate in physiological and pathological processes and have potential applications in diagnostics or therapeutics. EVs isolated from FF are involved in different biological functions related to follicular growth, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. However, knowledge on the morphology of FF-derived EVs is limited, mainly due to their sub-micrometer size and to intrinsic limitations in methods applied for their characterization. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive morphological description of EVs from FF of healthy subjects and quantification. EVs separation was realized by centrifugation, with comparison of the EV yield obtained from differential centrifugation and one-step ultracentrifugation. Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy was used to reveal the morphology, size, and phenotype of EVs. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) were used to quantify and analyze the size distribution for each centrifugation step. We performed a comprehensive inventory of human follicular fluid EVs. We show that human FF contains a huge diversity of EVs. This study brings novel insights on EVs from normal FF and provides a reference for further studies of EVs in ovarian diseases.
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Urzì O, Olofsson Bagge R, Crescitelli R. The dark side of foetal bovine serum in extracellular vesicle studies. J Extracell Vesicles 2022; 11:e12271. [PMID: 36214482 PMCID: PMC9549727 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/1912] [Revised: 12/12/1912] [Accepted: 12/12/1912] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to be involved in cell-cell communication and to take part in both physiological and pathological processes. Thanks to their exclusive cargo, which includes proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids from the originating cells, they are gaining interest as potential biomarkers of disease. In recent years, their appealing features have been fascinating researchers from all over the world, thus increasing the number of in vitro studies focused on EV release, content, and biological activities. Cultured cell lines are the most-used source of EVs; however, the EVs released in cell cultures are influenced by the cell culture conditions, such as the use of foetal bovine serum (FBS). FBS is the most common supplement for cell culture media, but it is also a source of contaminants, such as exogenous bovine EVs, RNA, and protein aggregates, that can contaminate the cell-derived EVs and influence their cargo composition. The presence of FBS contaminants in cell-derived EV samples is a well-known issue that limits the clinical applications of EVs, thus increasing the need for standardization. In this review, we will discuss the pros and cons of using FBS in cell cultures as a source of EVs, as well as the protocols used to remove contaminants from FBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Urzì
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research and Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineDepartment of SurgeryInstitute of Clinical SciencesSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of BiomedicineNeurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Roger Olofsson Bagge
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research and Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineDepartment of SurgeryInstitute of Clinical SciencesSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of SurgerySahlgrenska University HospitalRegion Västra GötalandGothenburgSweden
| | - Rossella Crescitelli
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research and Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineDepartment of SurgeryInstitute of Clinical SciencesSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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14
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Gad A, Murin M, Bartkova A, Kinterova V, Marcollova K, Laurincik J, Prochazka R. Small-extracellular vesicles and their microRNA cargo from porcine follicular fluids: the potential association with oocyte quality. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:82. [PMID: 35725584 PMCID: PMC9208166 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00723-1] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian follicular fluids (FFs) contain several kinds of regulatory factors that maintain a suitable microenvironment for oocyte development. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are among the factors that play essential roles in regulating follicle and oocyte development through their cargo molecules that include microRNAs (miRNAs). This study aimed to investigate small-EV (s-EV) miRNAs in porcine FFs and their potential association with oocyte quality. Methods Individual aspirated oocytes were stained with lissamine green B stain (LB), a vital stain for oocyte quality, and each oocyte was classified as high-quality (unstained; HQ) or low-quality (stained; LQ). FFs corresponding to oocytes were pooled together into HQ and LQ groups. Small-EVs were isolated from FFs, characterized, and their miRNA cargo was identified using the Illumina NovaSeq sequencing platform. Additionally, s-EVs from the HQ and LQ groups were utilized to investigate their effect on oocyte development after co-incubation during in vitro maturation. Results A total of 19 miRNAs (including miR-125b, miR-193a-5p, and miR-320) were significantly upregulated, while 23 (including miR-9, miR-206, and miR-6516) were downregulated in the HQ compared to the LQ group. Apoptosis, p53 signaling, and cAMP signaling were among the top pathways targeted by the elevated miRNAs in the HQ group while oocyte meiosis, gap junction, and TGF-beta signaling were among the top pathways targeted by the elevated miRNAs in the LQ group. The supplementation of small-EVs during maturation does not affect the oocyte developmental rates. However, LQ s-EVs increase the proportion of oocytes with homogeneous mitochondrial distribution and decrease the proportion of heterogeneous distribution. Conclusion Our findings indicated that FF-EVs contain different miRNA cargos associated with oocyte quality and could affect the mitochondrial distribution patterns during oocyte maturation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00723-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gad
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Matej Murin
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic.
| | - Alexandra Bartkova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 94901, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Kinterova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Marcollova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Laurincik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 94901, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Radek Prochazka
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic
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15
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Culture conditions for in vitro maturation of oocytes – A review. REPRODUCTION AND BREEDING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbre.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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16
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Verplancke R, Van Vlierberghe S, Vanfleteren J. Electrically-driven handling of gametes and embryos: taking a step towards the future of ARTs. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1852-1875. [PMID: 35510672 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01160j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of gametes and embryos and on-chip manipulation of microdroplets of culture medium serve as promising tools for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Thus far, dielectrophoresis (DEP), electrorotation (ER) and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) proved compatible with most laboratory procedures offered by ARTs. Positioning, entrapment and selection of reproductive cells can be achieved with DEP and ER, while EWOD provides the dynamic microenvironment of a developing embryo to better mimic the functions of the oviduct. Furthermore, these techniques are applicable for the assessment of the developmental competence of a mammalian embryo in vitro. Such research paves the way towards the amelioration and full automation of the assisted reproduction methods. This article aims to provide a summary on the recent developments regarding electrically stimulated lab-on-chip devices and their application for the manipulation of gametes and embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
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Cimini C, Moussa F, Taraschi A, Ramal-Sanchez M, Colosimo A, Capacchietti G, Mokh S, Valbonetti L, Tagaram I, Bernabò N, Barboni B. Pre-Treatment of Swine Oviductal Epithelial Cells with Progesterone Increases the Sperm Fertilizing Ability in an IVF Model. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091191. [PMID: 35565617 PMCID: PMC9103098 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are infertile immediately after ejaculation and need to undergo a functional modification, called capacitation, in order to acquire their fertilizing ability. Since oviductal epithelial cells (SOECs) and progesterone (P4) are two major modulators of capacitation, here we investigated their impact on sperm functionality by using an IVF swine model. To that, we treated SOECs with P4 at 10, 100, and 1000 ng/mL before the coincubation with spermatozoa, thus finding that P4 at 100 ng/mL does not interfere with the cytoskeleton dynamics nor the cells’ doubling time, but it promotes the sperm capacitation by increasing the number of spermatozoa per polyspermic oocyte (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that SOECs pre-treatment with P4 100 ng/mL is able to promote an increase in the sperm fertilizing ability, without needing the hormone addition at the time of fertilization. Our results are probably due to the downregulation in the expression of OVGP1, SPP1 and DMBT1 genes, confirming an increase in the dynamism of our system compared to the classic IVF protocols. The results obtained are intended to contribute to the development of more physiological and efficient IVF systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Cimini
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Fadl Moussa
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Doctoral School of Science, Technology Lebanese University, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Angela Taraschi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Istituto Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Ramal-Sanchez
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Giulia Capacchietti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Samia Mokh
- National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC), Laboratory for Analysis of Organic Compound (LACO), Beirut 8281, Lebanon;
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Israiel Tagaram
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, 00015 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
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Hatching is modulated by microRNA-378a-3p derived from extracellular vesicles secreted by blastocysts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122708119. [PMID: 35298333 PMCID: PMC8944274 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122708119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hatching from the zona pellucida is a prerequisite for embryo implantation and is less likely to occur in vitro for reasons unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by the embryo into the culture medium. Yet the role that embryonic EVs and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) play in blastocyst hatching has not been elucidated, partially due to the difficulties of isolating them from low amounts of culture medium. Here, we optimized EV-miRNA isolation from medium conditioned by individually cultured bovine embryos and subsequently showed that miR-378a-3p, which was up-regulated in EVs secreted by blastocysts, plays a crucial role in promoting blastocyst hatching. This demonstrates the regulatory effect of miR-378-3p on hatching, which is an established embryo quality parameter linked with implantation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of embryo development to the blastocyst stage and beyond. Before implantation can take place, hatching of blastocysts from their zona pellucida is required. However, underlying mechanisms by which blastocyst formation and hatching are initiated remain largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence that embryonic EVs containing bta-miR-378a-3p play a crucial role in blastocyst hatching, using a bovine model. A customized procedure was used to isolate EV-miRNAs from culture droplets conditioned by individual bovine embryos that either developed to the blastocyst stage or did not (nonblastocyst). RNA sequencing identified 69 differentially expressed miRNAs between EVs derived from blastocyst conditioned medium (CM) and nonblastocyst CM. Among the miRNAs up-regulated in blastocyst CM, we selected bta-miR-378a-3p for further validation by functionality testing on developing in vitro embryos by means of mimics and inhibitors. Supplementing the embryo culture medium with miR-378a-3p mimic significantly improved blastocyst quality, with higher cell numbers and reduced apoptosis, and improved hatching, while the opposite was found after supplementation with miR-378a-3p inhibitor (P < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis of embryos treated with miR-378 mimic/inhibitor showed differential expression (P < 0.01) of genes associated with embryo development and implantation, including RAP1GAP, ARFGEF2, SLC7A6, CENPA, SP1, LDLR, PYCR1, MYD88, TPP1, and NCOA3. In conclusion, miR-378a-3p is up-regulated in EVs secreted by embryos that develop to the blastocyst stage, and this EV-derived miR-378a-3p increases blastocyst quality and regulates embryo hatching, which is essential for embryo implantation.
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Montjean D, Neyroud AS, Yefimova MG, Benkhalifa M, Cabry R, Ravel C. Impact of Endocrine Disruptors upon Non-Genetic Inheritance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063350. [PMID: 35328771 PMCID: PMC8950994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar to environmental factors, EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) can influence gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. It is commonly accepted that the transgenerational inheritance of parentally acquired traits is conveyed by epigenetic alterations also known as “epimutations”. DNA methylation, acetylation, histone modification, RNA-mediated effects and extracellular vesicle effects are the mechanisms that have been described so far to be responsible for these epimutations. They may lead to the transgenerational inheritance of diverse phenotypes in the progeny when they occur in the germ cells of an affected individual. While EDC-induced health effects have dramatically increased over the past decade, limited effects on sperm epigenetics have been described. However, there has been a gain of interest in this issue in recent years. The gametes (sperm and oocyte) represent targets for EDCs and thus a route for environmentally induced changes over several generations. This review aims at providing an overview of the epigenetic mechanisms that might be implicated in this transgenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Montjean
- Fertilys Fertility Center, 1950 Rue Maurice-Gauvin #103, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada;
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Anne-Sophie Neyroud
- CHU de Rennes, Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Reproduction Humaine-CECOS, Hôpital Sud, 16 Boulevard de Bulgarie, 35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Marina G. Yefimova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- Fertilys Fertility Center, 1950 Rue Maurice-Gauvin #103, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada;
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS de Picardie, CHU Amiens, 80054 Amiens, France;
- UFR de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
- Peritox, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
| | - Rosalie Cabry
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS de Picardie, CHU Amiens, 80054 Amiens, France;
- UFR de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
- Peritox, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
| | - Célia Ravel
- CHU de Rennes, Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Reproduction Humaine-CECOS, Hôpital Sud, 16 Boulevard de Bulgarie, 35000 Rennes, France;
- CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, University Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (C.R.)
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Zhang F, Guo J, Zhang Z, Duan M, Wang G, Qian Y, Zhao H, Yang Z, Jiang X. Application of engineered extracellular vesicles for targeted tumor therapy. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:14. [PMID: 35189894 PMCID: PMC8862579 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00798-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All cells, including prokaryotes and eukaryotes, could release extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs contain many cellular components, including RNA, and surface proteins, and are essential for maintaining normal intercellular communication and homeostasis of the internal environment. EVs released from different tissues and cells exhibit excellent properties and functions (e.g., targeting specificity, regulatory ability, physical durability, and immunogenicity), rendering them a potential new option for drug delivery and precision therapy. EVs have been demonstrated to transport antitumor drugs for tumor therapy; additionally, EVs' contents and surface substance can be altered to improve their therapeutic efficacy in the clinic by boosting targeting potential and drug delivery effectiveness. EVs can regulate immune system function by affecting the tumor microenvironment, thereby inhibiting tumor progression. Co-delivery systems for EVs can be utilized to further improve the drug delivery efficiency of EVs, including hydrogels and liposomes. In this review, we discuss the isolation technologies of EVs, as well as engineering approaches to their modification. Moreover, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of EVs in tumors, including engineered extracellular vesicles and EVs' co-delivery systems. Technologies such as microfluidics can improve EVs isolation efficiency. Engineering technologies can improve EVs drug loading efficiency and tumor targeting. EVs-based drug co-delivery systems are being developed, such as those with liposomes and hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinshuai Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenghou Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meiqi Duan
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiping Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haiying Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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21
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Yi C, Ni Y, Sun P, Gao T, Li K. Differential Size Distribution and Estrogen Receptor Cargo of Oviductal Extracellular Vesicles at Various Stages of Estrous Cycle in Mice. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2847-2858. [PMID: 35137347 PMCID: PMC9537198 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00862-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oviductal extracellular vesicles (OEVs) play an important role in fertilization and embryo development. However, it remains largely unknown whether the size and protein cargo of OEVs change during the estrous cycle in mice. This study analyzed the changes in the size distribution and protein cargo of OEVs at four stages of the estrous cycle in mice. The distribution widths of OEVs according to the estrous cycle stage were as follows: proestrus, 20–690 nm in diameter, with two peaks at 50 and 250 nm; estrus, 22–420 nm in diameter, with two peaks at 40 and 200 nm; metestrus, 30–70 nm diameter, with a single peak at 40 nm; and diestrus, 10–26 nm diameter, with a single peak at 20 nm. The estrogen receptor (ER) level in OEVs at the proestrus stage differed significantly from that at estrus (P = 0.013) and diestrus (P = 0.005). The levels of CD9 and Hsc70 fluctuated across the four stages, although with no significant differences. Furthermore, OEVs were observed among the cilia and microvilli of epithelial cells at the proestrus, estrus, and diestrus stages, but not at the metestrus stage. The number of observed OEVs was the highest at the proestrus stage, followed by the estrus, and the diestrus stage. Endosomes were also observed at the estrus and diestrus stages. The change of the OEV size and ER cargo is associated with the estrous cycle in mice. Our findings increase the understanding of the physiological characteristics of OEVs, which may have clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Yi
- Institute for Reproductive Health, Hang Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Ni
- Institute for Reproductive Health, Hang Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peibei Sun
- Institute for Reproductive Health, Hang Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Gao
- Institute for Reproductive Health, Hang Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Li
- Institute for Reproductive Health, Hang Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China.
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22
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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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23
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Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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24
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Tesfaye D, Menjivar N, Gebremedhn S. Current knowledge and the future potential of extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:174-189. [PMID: 35231266 DOI: 10.1071/rd21277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain various functional classes of vesicles, namely exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, represent the major nano-shuttle to transfer bioactive molecules from donor to recipient cells to facilitate cell-to-cell communication in the follicular, oviduct, and uterine microenvironments. In addition to transferring various molecular cargos in the form of miRNAs, mRNAs, proteins, lipids, and DNA molecules, the relative proportion of those molecular cargos in the reproductive fluids can be associated with the physiological and pathological condition of the host animal. Inside the follicle, EV-mediated circulation of miRNAs has been reported to be associated with the growth status of the enclosed oocytes, the metabolic status, and the advanced maternal aging of the animal. Importantly, EVs have the potential to protect their cargo molecules from extracellular degradation or modification while travelling to the recipient cells. This fact together with the enormous availability in almost all biological fluids and spent culture media make them attractive in the search for biomarkers of oocyte/embryo developmental competence, receptive maternal environment and a multitude of reproductive pathophysiological conditions. One of the key factors that have contributed to the lower efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is the absence of several maternal in vivo factors in the ART procedures. For this, several studies have been conducted to supplement various components present in the follicular and oviductal fluids into the existing ART procedures and significant positive impacts have been observed in terms of embryo cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, resistance to stress, and survival after cryopreservation. The potential of EVs in shuttling protective messages against environmental and physiological stressors has been evidenced. The effective use of the EV-coupled molecular signals against stress-associated conditions has the potential to pave the path for the application of these protective signals against oxidative stress-associated pathological conditions including PCOS, ageing, and endometritis. In this review, we provide current knowledge and potential future use of EVs as remedies in reproductive pathophysiological conditions, mainly in follicular and oviductal microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Nico Menjivar
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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