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1.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(8)2024 Apr 18.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38674059

RESUMO

The oocyte competence of prepubertal females is lower compared to that of adults, mainly because they originate from small follicles. In adult females, the germinal vesicle (GV) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been associated with oocyte competence. This study aimed to analyze GV chromatin configuration and EGFR expression in prepubertal goat and sheep oocytes obtained from small (<3 mm) and large (≥3 mm) follicles and compare them with those from adults. GV chromatin was classified from diffuse to condensed as GV1, GVn, and GVc for goats and NSN, SN, and SNE for sheep. EGFR was quantified in cumulus cells (CCs) by Western blotting and in oocytes by immunofluorescence. Oocytes from prepubertal large follicles and adults exhibited highly condensed chromatin in goats (71% and 69% in GVc, respectively) and sheep (59% and 75% in SNE, respectively). In both species, EGFR expression in CCs and oocytes was higher in prepubertal large follicles than in small ones. In adult females, EGFR expression in oocytes was higher than in prepubertal large follicles. In conclusion, GV configuration and EGFR expression in CCs and oocytes were higher in the large than small follicles of prepubertal females.


Assuntos
Cromatina , Células do Cúmulo , Receptores ErbB , Cabras , Oócitos , Animais , Oócitos/metabolismo , Receptores ErbB/metabolismo , Feminino , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Ovinos , Cromatina/metabolismo , Folículo Ovariano/metabolismo
2.
Cell Reprogram ; 26(2): 79-84, 2024 Apr.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38579133

RESUMO

Cumulus cells (CCs) synthesize estrogens that are essential for follicular development. However, the effects of androgen on estrogen production in buffalo CCs remain unknown. In the present study, the impacts of testosterone on estrogen synthesis of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes were investigated. The results showed that testosterone supplementation improved both the expression levels of estrogen synthesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and 17ß-HSD) and the secretion levels of estradiol in buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes. Furthermore, testosterone treatment enhanced the sensitivity of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This study indicated that testosterone supplementation promoted the estrogen synthesis of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes mainly through strengthening the responsiveness of CCs to FSH. The present study serves as a foundation of acquiring high-quality recipient oocytes for buffalo somatic cell nuclear transfer.


Assuntos
Búfalos , Testosterona , Feminino , Animais , Testosterona/farmacologia , Testosterona/metabolismo , Células do Cúmulo , Oócitos , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/farmacologia , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/metabolismo , Suplementos Nutricionais , Estrogênios/farmacologia , Estrogênios/metabolismo
3.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 15: 1274376, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38524634

RESUMO

The leading indicator for successful outcomes in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the quality of gametes in oocytes and sperm. Thus, advanced research aims to highlight the parameter in assessing these qualities - DNA fragmentation in sperm and oocyte development capacity (ODC) via evaluation of microenvironments involving its maturation process. Regarding oocytes, most evidence reveals the role of cumulus cells as non-invasive methods in assessing their development competency, mainly via gene expression evaluation. Our review aims to consolidate the evidence of GDF-9 derivatives, the HAS2, GREM1, and PTGS2 gene expression in cumulus cells used as ODC markers in relevant publications and tailored to current IVF outcomes. In addition to that, we also added the bioinformatic analysis in our review to strengthen the evidence aiming for a better understanding of the pathways and cluster of the genes of interest - HAS2, GREM1, and PTGS2 in cumulus cell level. Otherwise, the current non-invasive method can be used in exploring various causes of infertility that may affect these gene expressions at the cumulus cell level. Nevertheless, this method can also be used in assessing the ODC in various cohorts of women or as an improvement of markers following targeted tools or procedures by evaluating the advancement of these gene expressions following the targeted intervention.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Sêmen , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/genética , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/metabolismo , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Oócitos/metabolismo , Expressão Gênica , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular/genética , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular/metabolismo , Hialuronan Sintases/metabolismo
4.
Biomolecules ; 14(3)2024 Feb 26.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38540702

RESUMO

Age-related changes in the mitochondrial status of human cumulus cells (hCCs) impact oocyte quality; however, the relationship between hCC mitochondrial (dys)function and reproductive aging remains poorly understood. This study aimed to establish the interplay between hCC mitochondrial dysfunction and women's reproductive potential. In this investigation, 266 women were enrolled and categorized into two groups based on their age: a young group (<35 years old) and an advanced maternal age (AMA) group (≥35 years old). Comprehensive analysis of reproductive outcomes was conducted in our population. Various mitochondrial-related parameters were analyzed across distinct subsets. Specifically, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and mitochondrial mass were examined in 53 samples, mtDNA content in 25 samples, protein levels in 23 samples, bioenergetic profiles using an XF24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer in 6 samples, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in 39 and 43 samples, respectively. In our study, the reproductive potential of AMA women sharply decreased, as expected. Additionally, an impairment in the mitochondrial function of hCCs in older women was observed; however, no differences were found in terms of mitochondrial content. Regarding oxidative phosphorylation, metabolic profiling of hCCs from AMA women indicated a decrease in respiratory capacity, which was correlated with an age-dependent decrease in the ATP synthase (ATP5A1) protein level. However, intracellular ROS and ATP levels did not differ between groups. In conclusion, our study indicates that age-related dysfunction in hCCs is associated with impaired mitochondrial function, and, although further studies are required, ATP synthase could be relevant in this impairment.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Doenças Mitocondriais , Humanos , Feminino , Idoso , Adulto , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Trifosfato de Adenosina/metabolismo , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo
5.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(6)2024 Mar 13.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38542236

RESUMO

Cumulus cell (CC) expansion is pivotal for oocyte maturation, during which CCs release factors that initiate paracrine signaling within the follicular fluid (FF). The FF is abundant in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that facilitate intercellular communication. Although bovine and murine EVs can control cumulus expansion, these effects have not been observed in equines. This study aimed to assess the impact of FF-derived EVs (ffEVs) on equine CC expansion, viability, and transcriptome. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) that underwent in vitro maturation (IVM) in the presence (200 µg protein/mL) or absence (control) of ffEVs were assessed for cumulus expansion and viability. CCs were isolated after 12 h of IVM, followed by RNA extraction, cDNA library generation, and subsequent transcriptome analysis using next-generation sequencing. Confocal microscopy images illustrated the internalization of labeled ffEVs by CCs. Supplementation with ffEVs significantly enhanced cumulus expansion in both compacted (Cp, p < 0.0001) and expanded (Ex, p < 0.05) COCs, while viability increased in Cp groups (p < 0.01), but decreased in Ex groups (p < 0.05), compared to the controls. Although transcriptome analysis revealed a subtle effect on CC RNA profiles, differentially expressed genes encompassed processes (e.g., MAPK and Wnt signaling) potentially crucial for cumulus properties and, consequently, oocyte maturation.


Assuntos
Vesículas Extracelulares , Líquido Folicular , Feminino , Animais , Cavalos , Bovinos , Camundongos , Transcriptoma , Sobrevivência Celular , Células do Cúmulo , Oócitos , Vesículas Extracelulares/genética , RNA , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos
6.
Theriogenology ; 220: 56-69, 2024 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38479090

RESUMO

Metabolic coupling between oocytes and the surrounding somatic cells allows for normal two-way communication, and their interactions is necessary for generating developmentally competent eggs. However, the metabolic framework that support oocyte maturation in surrounding cumulus cells is still lacking. Herin, we established a temporal metabolome profile of porcine cumulus cells at three key stages during oocyte maturation, illustrating the picture of global metabolic network in cumulus cells. Importantly, we discovered the novel metabolic signature in cumulus cells during meiotic maturation, in specific, significant consumption of fatty acids, elevated activity of hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), and enhanced polyamine biosynthesis. Meanwhile, we observed the different utilization of tryptophan, active biosynthesis of progesterone, and progressive decrease in purine and pyrimidine metabolism as the oocytes progress through meiosis. Collectively, our metabolomic data serves an entree to elaborate on the dynamic changes in these metabolic pathways, which not only reveals the metabolic networks controlling oocyte development, but also lays a foundation for the discovery of biomarkers in the improvement in porcine oocyte culture system.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Oócitos , Feminino , Animais , Suínos , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Oogênese , Meiose
7.
Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol ; 63(2): 205-213, 2024 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38485316

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the autophagy status of cumulus cells (CCs) in women with poor ovarian response (POR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCs were divided into normal ovarian response (NOR) group and POR group. The ultrastructure of autophagy was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (NOR: n = 18, POR: n = 26). The mRNA and protein of autophagy markers were detected by Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (NOR: n = 15, POR: n = 19) and Western blotting (NOR: n = 41, POR: n = 38), respectively. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated abundant autophagosomes and even autophagic death in the POR group. There were no differences in LC3 and P62 mRNA expression between the two groups (p > 0.05). The BCL2 mRNA expression was lower in the POR group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LC3 II/I ratio and the P62 protein expression were significantly higher in the POR group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Autophagy in CCs of POR women is activated and the autophagic flux is blocked. The up-regulation of autophagy in CCs may be related to the pathogenesis of POR.


Assuntos
Autofagia , Células do Cúmulo , Humanos , Feminino , Regulação para Cima , Western Blotting , RNA Mensageiro/genética
8.
PLoS One ; 19(3): e0298316, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38466703

RESUMO

To identify markers of oocyte competence, we compared the biochemical characteristics of fluid and cells from follicles containing oocytes with different capacities to form an embryo. Follicles (5-6 mm) were dissected, and follicular fluid (FF), granulosa cells (GC), cumulus cells (CC) from immature and mature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC) were individually collected. The oocytes were matured, fertilized, and cultured individually until day 8 (D8) of development. On D8, the samples were grouped according to embryo production into those that gave rise to blastocysts (EMB) and those that did not reach the blastocyst stage (NEMB). In CCs from immature and mature COCs and GCs, expression of CASP3, SERPINE2, VCAN, LUM, FSHR, EGFR, PGR, and GHR genes was quantified. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), progesterone, and estradiol concentrations in the FF were determined. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test (GraphPad Prism 9). GHR was highly expressed in immature CCs from the EMB group, whereas CASP3 was highly expressed in mature CCs from the NEMB group (P<0.05). During maturation, the expression of CASP3 and GHR genes increased only in the NEMB group. ART2 cfDNA was highly detected in FF of the NEMB compared to the EMB group. Progesterone concentration was similar between the groups, whereas estradiol concentration was higher (P<0.05) in the EMB than in the NEMB group. It was concluded that a higher level of GHR transcripts in immature CCs, lower CASP3 expression in CCs from matured COCs, lower levels of ART2, and higher estradiol concentrations in FF may indicate oocytes with greater potential for development.


Assuntos
Ácidos Nucleicos Livres , Progesterona , Feminino , Bovinos , Animais , Caspase 3/metabolismo , Progesterona/metabolismo , Serpina E2/metabolismo , Oócitos/metabolismo , Líquido Folicular/metabolismo , Estradiol/metabolismo , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Ácidos Nucleicos Livres/análise
9.
Theriogenology ; 220: 84-95, 2024 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38490113

RESUMO

Understanding the mechanisms for oocyte maturation and optimizing the protocols for in vitro maturation (IVM) are greatly important for improving developmental potential of IVM oocytes. The miRNAs expressed in cumulus cells (CCs) play important roles in oocyte maturation and may be used as markers for selection of competent oocytes/embryos. Although a recent study from our group identified several new CCs-expressed miRNAs that regulate cumulus expansion (CE) and CC apoptosis (CCA) in mouse oocytes, validation of these findings and further investigation of mechanisms of action in other model species was essential before wider applications. By using both in vitro and in vivo pig oocyte models with significant differences in CE, CCA and developmental potential, the present study validated that miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes. We demonstrated that miR-149 and miR-31 targeted SMAD family member 6 (SMAD6) and transforming growth factor ß2 (TGFB2), respectively, in the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling. Furthermore, both miR-149 and miR-31 increased CE and decreased CCA via activating SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) and increasing the expression of SMAD2 and SMAD family member 4. In conclusion, the present results show that miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes by activating the TGF-ß signaling, suggesting that they might be used as markers for pig oocyte quality.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos , MicroRNAs , Oócitos , Animais , Feminino , Células do Cúmulo/fisiologia , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos/veterinária , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos/métodos , MicroRNAs/genética , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , Oócitos/fisiologia , Suínos , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta/farmacologia , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta/metabolismo
10.
Apoptosis ; 29(5-6): 649-662, 2024 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38409352

RESUMO

Cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) play a crucial role in follicular development, but so far, no research has explored the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on ovarian function from the perspective of CGCs. In the present study, we compared the cycle outcomes between infected and uninfected female patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation, performed bulk RNA-sequencing of collected CGCs, and used bioinformatic methods to explore transcriptomic changes. The results showed that women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during stimulation had significantly lower number of oocytes retrieved and follicle-oocyte index, while subsequent fertilization and embryo development were similar. CGCs were not directly infected by SARS-CoV-2, but exhibited dramatic differences in gene expression (156 up-regulated and 65 down-regulated). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses demonstrated a high enrichment in antiviral, immune and inflammatory responses with necroptosis. In addition, the pathways related to telomere organization and double strand break repair were significantly affected by infection in gene set enrichment analysis. Further weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified a key module associated with ovarian response traits, which was mainly enriched as a decrease of leukocyte chemotaxis and migration in CGCs. For the first time, our study describes how SARS-CoV-2 infection indirectly affects CGCs at the transcriptional level, which may impair oocyte-CGC crosstalk and consequently lead to poor ovarian response during fertility treatment.


Assuntos
COVID-19 , Células do Cúmulo , Indução da Ovulação , SARS-CoV-2 , Transcriptoma , Humanos , Feminino , COVID-19/virologia , COVID-19/genética , SARS-CoV-2/fisiologia , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Adulto , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Células do Cúmulo/virologia , Células da Granulosa/virologia , Células da Granulosa/metabolismo , Oócitos/virologia , Oócitos/metabolismo , Recuperação de Oócitos
11.
Theriogenology ; 219: 65-74, 2024 Apr 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38402699

RESUMO

Both oocyte secretory factors (OSFs) and estrogen are essential for the development and function of mammalian ovarian follicles, playing synergistic role in regulating oocyte growth. OSFs can significantly affect the biological processes regulated by estrogen in cumulus cells (CCs). It is a scientific question worth investigating whether oocyte secretory factors can influence the expression of estrogen receptors in CCs. In our study, we observed a significant increase in the mRNA and protein expressions of estrogen receptor ß (Esr2/ERß) and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in cumulus cells of goat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) cultured in vitro for 6 h. Furthermore, the addition of 10 ng/mL growth-differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and 5 ng/mL bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) to the culture medium of goat COCs resulted in a significant increase in the expressions of ERß and GPER in cumulus cells. To explore the mechanism further, we performed micromanipulation to remove oocyte contents and co-cultured the oocytectomized complexes (OOXs) with denuded oocytes (DOs) or GDF9/BMP15. The expressions of ERß and GPER in the co-culture groups were significantly higher than those in the OOXs group, but there was no difference compared to the COCs group. Mechanistically, we found that SB431542 (inhibitor of GDF9 bioactivity), but not LDN193189 (inhibitor of BMP15 bioactivity), abolished the upregulation of ERß and GPER in cumulus cells and the activation of Smad2/3 signaling. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the oocyte secretory factor GDF9 promotes the activation of Smad2/3 signaling in cumulus cells during goat COCs culture in vitro, and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 induces the expression of estrogen receptors ERß and GPER in cumulus cells.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Receptores de Estrogênio , Feminino , Animais , Células do Cúmulo/fisiologia , Receptores de Estrogênio/metabolismo , Fator 9 de Diferenciação de Crescimento/genética , Fator 9 de Diferenciação de Crescimento/metabolismo , Cabras/metabolismo , Receptor beta de Estrogênio/genética , Receptor beta de Estrogênio/metabolismo , Oócitos/fisiologia , Estrogênios/metabolismo , Proteína Morfogenética Óssea 15/metabolismo
12.
Dev Biol ; 509: 51-58, 2024 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38342400

RESUMO

Glucose and fatty acids (FA) metabolism disturbances during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) affect their metabolism and surrounding cumulus cells, but only inhibition of glucose metabolism decreases embryo culture efficiency. Therefore, the present experiment aimed to reveal if glucose or FA metabolism inhibition leads to the disruption of embryo developmental potential, and to characterize the metabolic landscape of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage. Inhibitors of glucose (IO + DHEA) or FA (ETOMOXIR) metabolism were applied during IVM, and the control group was matured under standard conditions. Blastocysts obtained from experimental and control groups were analyzed with regard to lipidome and metabolome (mass spectrometry), transcriptome (RNA-Seq) and fluorescence lipid droplets staining (BODIPY). We showed that inhibition of glucose and fatty acid metabolism leads to cellular stress response compromising the quality of preimplantation embryos. The inhibition of energy metabolism affects membrane fluidity as well as downregulates fatty acids biosynthesis and gene expression of trophectoderm cell line markers. Therefore, we conclude that oocyte maturation environment exerts a substantial effect on preimplantation development programming at cellular and molecular levels.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Oócitos , Feminino , Bovinos , Animais , Oócitos/metabolismo , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Desenvolvimento Embrionário , Metabolismo Energético , Blastocisto/metabolismo , Glucose/metabolismo , Ácidos Graxos/metabolismo
13.
Theriogenology ; 218: 163-173, 2024 Apr 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38330860

RESUMO

Cumulus cells surrounding oocytes furnish nutritional support crucial for oocyte maturation in vitro, and thereby enhance oocyte quality significantly. Our previous studies affirmed the role of SIRT2 in regulation of mitochondrial function in sheep granulosa cells. However, the effect of SIRT2 action on mitophagy in these cells remain unclear. Here, RNA-seq was used to scrutinize pathways where differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are enriched following SIRT2 knockdown in cumulus cells. Prior to SIRT2 knock down, cumulus cells were treated with the mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1. Potential mechanisms by which SIRT2 affects apoptosis via mitophagy were explored. Results indicated that DEGs after SIRT2 knockdown were enriched in various pathways including mitochondria, mitophagy, and apoptosis. The expression levels of CASP3/CASP9 were significantly increased after mitophagy activation (P < 0.01), whereas inhibition of mitophagy had no effect on apoptosis (P > 0.05). Pretreatment of cumulus cells with Mdivi-1 prior to SIRT2 knockdown significantly reduced the expression of mitophagy-related genes, the number of autolysosomes, the expression of CASP3/CASP9, and the levels of Ca2+ and cytochrome C (P < 0.05). In addition, an improvement in mitochondrial morphology and increases in ATP levels and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy numbers were observed. Interestingly, double knockdown of SIRT2 and MAPK15 was found to reverse increased mitophagy and apoptosis activity caused by SIRT2 knockdown. Our findings indicate that SIRT2 modulate apoptosis in cumulus cells by regulating mitophagy, with MAPK15 likely playing a pivotal role in this process.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Mitofagia , Feminino , Animais , Ovinos/genética , Mitofagia/genética , Células do Cúmulo/fisiologia , Caspase 3/metabolismo , Sirtuína 2/metabolismo , Oócitos/fisiologia , Apoptose , DNA Mitocondrial
14.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(3)2024 Jan 30.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38338985

RESUMO

In the field of human in vitro fertilization (IVF), selecting the best oocyte for freezing or embryo for transfer remains an important focus of clinical practice. Although several techniques are and have been used for this goal, results have generally not been favorable and/or are invasive such that damage to some embryos occurs, resulting in a reduced number of healthy births. Therefore, the search continues for non-invasive oocyte and embryo quality markers that signal the development of high-quality embryos. Multiple studies indicate the important positive effects of retinoic acid (RA) on oocyte maturation and function. We previously showed that a high follicular fluid (FF) RA concentration at the time of oocyte retrieval in IVF protocols was associated with oocytes, giving rise to the highest quality embryos, and that cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) are the primary source of follicle RA synthesis. Data also demonstrated that connexin-43 (Cx43), the main connexin that forms gap junctions in CGCs, is regulated by RA and that RA induces a rapid increase in gap junction communication. Here, we hypothesize that CGC RA plays a causal role in oocyte competency through its action on Cx43 and, as such, may serve as a biomarker of oocyte competence. Multiple studies have demonstrated the requirement for Cx43 in CGCs for the normal progression of folliculogenesis, and that the increased expression of this connexin is linked to the improved developmental competence of the oocyte. The data have shown that RA can up-regulate gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in the cumulus-oocyte complex via a non-genomic mechanism that results in the dephosphorylation of Cx43 and enhanced GJIC. Recognizing the positive role played by gap junctions in CGCs in oocyte development and the regulation of Cx43 by RA, the findings have highlighted the possibility that CGC RA levels may serve as a non-invasive indicator for selecting high-quality oocytes for IVF procedures. In addition, the data suggest that the manipulation of Cx43 with retinoid compounds could provide new pharmacological approaches to improve IVF outcomes in cases of failed implantation, recurrent miscarriage, or in certain diseases that are characterized by reduced fecundity, such as endometriosis.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Tretinoína , Feminino , Humanos , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Tretinoína/farmacologia , Tretinoína/metabolismo , Conexina 43/metabolismo , Oócitos/metabolismo , Fertilização in vitro , Conexinas/metabolismo , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos
15.
Reproduction ; 167(4)2024 Apr 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38271822

RESUMO

In brief: Pyruvate metabolism is one of the main metabolic pathways during oocyte maturation. This study demonstrates that pyruvate metabolism also regulates the epigenetic and molecular maturation in bovine oocytes. Abstract: Pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis, undergoes conversion into acetyl-CoA within the mitochondria of oocytes, serving as a primary fuel source for the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The citrate generated in the TCA cycle can be transported to the cytoplasm and converted back into acetyl-CoA. This acetyl-CoA can either fuel lipid synthesis or act as a substrate for histone acetylation. This study aimed to investigate how pyruvate metabolism influences lysine 9 histone 3 acetylation (H3K9ac) dynamics and RNA transcription in bovine oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM). Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in vitro for 24 h, considering three experimental groups: Control (IVM medium only), DCA (IVM supplemented with sodium dichloroacetate, a stimulant of pyruvate oxidation into acetyl-CoA), or IA (IVM supplemented with sodium iodoacetate, a glycolysis inhibitor). The results revealed significant alterations in oocyte metabolism in both treatments, promoting the utilization of lipids as an energy source. These changes during IVM affected the dynamics of H3K9ac, subsequently influencing the oocyte's transcriptional activity. In the DCA and IA groups, a total of 148 and 356 differentially expressed genes were identified, respectively, compared to the control group. These findings suggest that modifications in pyruvate metabolism trigger the activation of metabolic pathways, particularly lipid metabolism, changing acetyl-CoA availability and H3K9ac levels, ultimately impacting the mRNA content of in vitro matured bovine oocytes.


Assuntos
Histonas , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos , Animais , Bovinos , Feminino , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos/veterinária , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos/métodos , Acetilcoenzima A/metabolismo , Histonas/metabolismo , Oócitos/metabolismo , Ácido Pirúvico/farmacologia , Ácido Pirúvico/metabolismo , Epigênese Genética , Células do Cúmulo
16.
Mol Hum Reprod ; 30(2)2024 Feb 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38244573

RESUMO

Antioxidants are free radical scavengers that increase oocyte quality and improve female fertility by suppressing oxidative stress. However, the related mechanisms remain unclear. The present study was designed to examine whether a reduction of oxidative stress from using the antioxidant sericin led to expanded cumulus cell (CC)-oocyte communication and oocyte developmental acquisition in a bovine model. We found that cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) matured in the presence of sericin showed a significantly increased oocyte meiotic maturation rate (P < 0.01) and accelerated subsequent blastocyst formation, as more blastocysts were found at the hatched stage (P < 0.05) compared to that in the control group. In contrast to the control group, sericin suppressed H2O2 levels in COCs, resulting in a markedly enhanced CC-oocyte gap junction communication index and number of transzonal projections, which were preserved until 18 h of oocyte maturation. These findings indicate that sericin reduces disruption of oocyte-follicular cell communication induced by oxidative stress. Sericin consistently increased intra-oocyte glutathione (GSH) levels and reduced oocyte H2O2 levels (P < 0.05), both of which were ablated when GSH synthesis was inhibited by buthionine sulfoximide (an inhibitor of GSH synthesis). Furthermore, the inhibition of GSH synthesis counteracted the positive effects of sericin on subsequent embryo developmental competence (P < 0.01). Intra-oocyte GSH levels were positively associated with blastocyst development and quality. These outcomes demonstrate new perspectives for the improvement of oocyte quality in assisted reproductive technology and may contribute to developing treatment strategies for infertility and cancer.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Sericinas , Animais , Bovinos , Feminino , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Sericinas/farmacologia , Sericinas/metabolismo , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos/métodos , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/farmacologia , Oócitos/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Comunicação Celular , Glutationa/metabolismo , Blastocisto/metabolismo , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo
17.
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab ; 326(3): E366-E381, 2024 Mar 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38197792

RESUMO

Mammalian oocytes develop and mature in a mutually dependent relationship with surrounding cumulus cells. The oocyte actively regulates cumulus cell differentiation and function by secreting soluble paracrine oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs). We characterized the molecular mechanisms by which two model OSFs, cumulin and BMP15, regulate oocyte maturation and cumulus-oocyte cooperativity. Exposure to these OSFs during mouse oocyte maturation in vitro altered the proteomic and multispectral autofluorescence profiles of both the oocyte and cumulus cells. In oocytes, cumulin significantly upregulated proteins involved in nuclear function. In cumulus cells, both OSFs elicited marked upregulation of a variety of metabolic processes (mostly anabolic), including lipid, nucleotide, and carbohydrate metabolism, whereas mitochondrial metabolic processes were downregulated. The mitochondrial changes were validated by functional assays confirming altered mitochondrial morphology, respiration, and content while maintaining ATP homeostasis. Collectively, these data demonstrate that cumulin and BMP15 remodel cumulus cell metabolism, instructing them to upregulate their anabolic metabolic processes, while routine cellular functions are minimized in the oocyte during maturation, in preparation for ensuing embryonic development.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) promote oocyte and cumulus cell cooperativity by altering the molecular composition of both cell types. OSFs downregulate protein catabolic processes and upregulate processes associated with DNA binding, translation, and ribosome assembly in oocytes. In cumulus cells, OSFs alter mitochondrial number, morphology, and function, and enhance metabolic plasticity by upregulating anabolic pathways. Hence, the oocyte via OSFs, instructs cumulus cells to increase metabolic processes on its behalf, thereby subduing oocyte metabolism.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Proteômica , Gravidez , Feminino , Animais , Camundongos , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Oócitos/metabolismo , Comunicação Celular , Desenvolvimento Embrionário , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos , Mamíferos
18.
Biol Reprod ; 110(5): 895-907, 2024 May 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38267362

RESUMO

It is known that the oocyte has a limited capacity to acquire and metabolize glucose, and it must rely on cumulus cells (CCs) to take up glucose and produce pyruvate for use to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. We therefore propose that miRNAs might regulate glucose metabolism (GM) in CCs and might be used as markers for oocyte quality assessment. Here, mouse CC models with impaired glycolysis or pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) were established, and miRNAs targeting the key enzymes in glycolysis/PPP were predicted using the miRNA target prediction databases. Expression of the predicted miRNAs was compared between CCs with normal and impaired glycolysis/PPP to identify candidate miRNAs. Function of the candidate miRNAs was validated by transfecting CCs or cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) with miRNA inhibitors and observing effects on glucose metabolites of CCs and on competence of oocytes. The results validated that miR-23b-3p, let-7b-5p, 34b-5p and 145a-5p inhibited glycolysis, and miR-24-3p, 3078-3p,183-5p and 7001-5p inhibited PPP of CCs. Our observation using a more physiologically relevant model (intact cultured COCs) further validated the four glycolysis-targeting miRNAs we identified. Furthermore, miR-let-7b-5p, 34b-5p and 145a-5p may also inhibit PPP, as they decreased the production of glucose-6-phosphate. In conclusion, miRNAs play critical roles in GM of CCs and may be used as markers for oocyte quality assessment. Summary sentence:  We identified and validated eight new miRNAs that inhibit glycolysis and/or pentose phosphate pathways in cumulus cells (CCs) suggesting that miRNAs play critical roles in glucose metabolism of CCs and may be used for oocyte quality markers.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Glucose , Glicólise , MicroRNAs , Animais , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , MicroRNAs/genética , Camundongos , Glucose/metabolismo , Feminino , Glicólise/fisiologia , Via de Pentose Fosfato , Oócitos/metabolismo
19.
Reprod Sci ; 31(5): 1408-1419, 2024 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38216777

RESUMO

Cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs) are the first extracellular barriers that sperm must pass through to fuse with oocytes, which have an important role in oocyte maturation and fertilization. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of COCs involved in fertilization. In this study, COCs were collected and then randomly divided into a test group that interacted with sperm and a control group that did not interact with sperm. Then, the total RNA was extracted; RNA transcriptome and small RNA libraries were prepared, sequenced, and analyzed. The results showed that 1283 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 560 upregulated and 723 downregulated genes. In addition, 57 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) with 35 upregulated and 22 downregulated were also detected. After the RNA-seq results were verified by RT-qPCR, 86 effective DEGs and 40 DEMIs were finally screened and a DEMI-DEG regulatory network was constructed. From this, the top ten hub target genes were HNF4A, SPN, WSCD1, TMEM239, SLC2A4, E2F2, SIAH3, ADORA3, PIK3R2, and GDNF, and they were all downregulated. The top ten hub DEMIs were miR-6876-5p, miR-877-3p, miR-6818-5p, miR-4690-3p, miR-6789-3p, miR-6837-5p, miR-6861-5p, miR-4421, miR-6501-5p, and miR-6875-3p, all of which were upregulated. The KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that the effective DEGs were significantly enriched in the calcium, AMPK, and phospholipase D signaling pathways. Our study identified several DEGs and DEMIs and potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory pathways in COCs and these may contribute to fertilization. This study may provide novel insights into potential biomarkers for fertilization failure.


Assuntos
Células do Cúmulo , Redes Reguladoras de Genes , MicroRNAs , RNA Mensageiro , MicroRNAs/genética , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , Feminino , Animais , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , RNA Mensageiro/genética , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo , Fertilização/genética , Masculino , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Transcriptoma , Camundongos , Regulação da Expressão Gênica
20.
Biol Reprod ; 110(4): 672-683, 2024 Apr 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38263524

RESUMO

Chemically defined oocyte maturation media supplemented with FGF2, LIF, and IGF-1 (FLI medium) enabled significantly improved oocyte quality in multiple farm animals, yet the molecular mechanisms behind such benefits were poorly defined. Here, we first demonstrated that FLI medium enhanced mouse oocyte quality assessed by blastocyst formation after in vitro fertilization and implantation and fetal development after embryo transfer. We then analyzed the glucose concentrations in the spent media; reactive oxygen species concentrations; mitochondrial membrane potential; spindle morphology in oocytes; and the abundance of transcripts of endothelial growth factor-like factors, cumulus expansion factors, and glucose metabolism-related genes in cumulus cells. We found that FLI medium enabled increased glucose metabolism through glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, as well as more active endothelial growth factor-like factor expressions in cumulus cells, resulting in improved cumulus cell expansion, decreased spindle abnormality, and overall improvement in oocyte quality. In addition, the activities of MAPK1/3, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT3, and mTOR signaling pathways in cumulus cells were assessed by the phosphorylation of MAPK1/3, AKT, STAT3, and mTOR downstream target RPS6KB1. We demonstrated that FLI medium promoted activations of all these signaling pathways at multiple different time points during in vitro maturation.


Assuntos
Fator 2 de Crescimento de Fibroblastos , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos , Animais , Camundongos , Feminino , Técnicas de Maturação in Vitro de Oócitos/veterinária , Fator 2 de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fator de Crescimento Insulin-Like I/metabolismo , Fatores de Crescimento Endotelial/análise , Fatores de Crescimento Endotelial/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinases/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-akt/metabolismo , Oócitos/metabolismo , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismo , Suplementos Nutricionais , Glucose/farmacologia , Glucose/metabolismo , Células do Cúmulo/metabolismo
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