Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Angela Pipari, Alfredo Guillen, Maria Cruz, Alberto Pacheco, Juan A. Garcia-Velasco
Summary: The study found that while higher AMH levels were associated with a higher number of biopsied embryos, the rate of aneuploid embryos was relatively lower in the high AMH group. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the rate of aneuploid embryos across different ranges of AMH values. Overall, there was no significant correlation between AMH and embryo aneuploidy.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Yaorong Wang, Zhiyuan Li, Yuwen Guo, Chuntai Nong, Charles Brighton Ndandala, Hao Yang, Hai Huang, Guangli Li, Huapu Chen
Summary: In this study, lncRNAs and mRNAs involved in IGF3-induced ovarian maturation were evaluated in spotted scat (Scatophagus argus). The results demonstrate that lncRNAs might be involved in the reproductive processes in S. argus.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ignacio Bejarano, Monica Dorado-Silva, Helia Sarmiento-Soto, Nuria Alvarez-Sanchez, Patricia Judith Lardone, Juan Miguel Guerrero, Pascual Sanchez-Martin, Antonio Carrillo-Vico
Summary: Despite advances in assisted reproduction technology, success rates remain low. The study found that the expression of GPX3 in cumulus cells was significantly reduced in embryos that successfully implanted, suggesting its potential as a poor prognostic indicator of implantation success.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chengjun Liu, Ketong Su, Lu Chen, Zijiao Zhao, Xin Wang, Chenfeng Yuan, Yuqi Liang, Huili Ji, Chunjin Li, Xu Zhou
Summary: The research identified 129 differentially expressed genes associated with high developmental competence of oocytes, and confirmed that COL1A2 and renin can be used to evaluate oocyte quality and embryo developmental competence through RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lin Yin, Aleksandar I. Mihajlovic, Gongshe Yang, Greg FitzHarris
Summary: Age-related oocyte aneuploidy is caused by chromosome segregation errors in female meiosis, which occurs due to the deterioration of the chromosome segregation machinery with age. In this study, we investigate the impact of age on the kinetochore, a multi-protein structure connecting the chromosome and spindle microtubules. We find that older oocytes have a smaller and weaker outer kinetochore, which is associated with a thinner microtubule bundle and increased mis-attachments. This suggests that the progressive loss of centromere with advancing maternal age contributes to chromosome segregation fallibility in older females.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yun-Yao Luo, Xi Zeng, Ling Zhu, Chong Li, Juan Xie, Qiang Dong, Qing-Yuan Sun, Guo-Ning Huang, Jing-Yu Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that growth hormone supplementation can enhance the quantity and quality of aged oocytes, reduce aneuploidy, and improve mitochondrial function through the MAPK3/1 pathway, suggesting its potential clinical significance for aged women undergoing assisted reproduction technology.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alvaro Martinez-Moro, Leopoldo Gonzalez-Brusi, Ismael Lamas-Toranzo, Pilar Gonzalez-Dosal, Felix Rodriguez-Juarez, Pablo Bermejo-Alvarez
Summary: RNA sequencing analysis showed that the transcriptome of cumulus cells is largely unrelated to the embryo's developmental competence, except for a subset of genes that may indicate the ability to develop to the blastocyst stage.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jing Xu, Mary B. Zelinski
Summary: In vitro follicle development (IVFD) is a valuable model for understanding folliculogenesis, screening ovarian toxicity, and preserving fertility and species. This review discusses the culture systems used in IVFD across various species and the improvements made in follicle growth and oocyte maturation through optimization of culture conditions. The evaluation of oocyte quality following IVFD, including epigenetic and genetic profile, maturation, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcomes, is summarized. The review also highlights the limitations and knowledge gaps in IVFD for proper oocyte development. This information contributes to the goal of producing competent oocytes with genetic integrity for successful embryonic development and healthy offspring.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan-Jing Zou, Meng-Meng Shan, Xiang Wan, Jing-Cai Liu, Kun-Huan Zhang, Jia-Qian Ju, Chun-Hua Xing, Shao-Chen Sun
Summary: The study reveals the critical role of KIF15 in mouse oocyte meiosis, as its depletion or inhibition disrupts cell cycle progression and results in chromosome misalignment.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Danilo Cimadomo, Alberto Vaiarelli, Cecilia Petriglia, Gemma Fabozzi, Susanna Ferrero, Mauro Schimberni, Cindy Argento, Silvia Colamaria, Maddalena Giuliani, Nicolo Ubaldi, Laura Rienzi, Filippo Maria Ubaldi
Summary: The study found that using GnRH-a or u-hCG ovulation triggers in vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer did not significantly affect oocyte maturity and implantation rates. However, there was an impact on the overall live birth rate due to factors such as patient age and number of inseminated oocytes.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Meghan L. Ruebel, Filippo Zambelli, Peter Z. Schall, Montserrat Barragan, Catherine A. VandeVoort, Rita Vassena, Keith E. Latham
Summary: Research identified shared transcriptome abnormalities in rhesus monkey and human failed-to-mature (FTM) oocytes, including effects on mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), lipid metabolism, and other cellular functions. These results suggest fundamental aspects of cellular function are abnormal in FTM oocytes and raise concerns about using them for assisted reproduction technology (ART).
PHYSIOLOGICAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Osamu Samura, Yoshiharu Nakaoka, Norio Miharu
Summary: Gametogenesis differs between oocytes and sperm, with oocytes having chromosomal aneuploidies and most structural anomalies originating from sperm. Increasing female age leads to an increased number of chromosomal aberrations due to a prolonged meiotic period. Chromosome analysis of sperm is challenging but methods have been developed, allowing for the evaluation of individual sperm. Understanding gametic chromosomal abnormalities is crucial in assisted reproductive technology, but questions regarding which cases should undergo sperm chromosome analysis and result interpretation need to be addressed.
Article
Cell Biology
Marilena Rizzo, Tom A. E. Stout, Santo Cristarella, Marco Quartuccio, Geert J. P. L. Kops, Marta De Ruijter-Villani
Summary: Aneuploidy originating during meiosis in oocytes is a major cause of reduced fertility, implantation failure, and miscarriage in women beyond their mid-thirties. The underlying molecular defects leading to error-prone chromosome segregation in older women's oocytes are not well understood, but loss of chromosome cohesion, defective microtubule dynamics, and spindle assembly are major contributors. In aged mares, gene expression for the kinases Mps1, Spc25, and AurkC is reduced, leading to instability in spindle (re)assembly and predisposing to chromosome segregation errors.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Eleni Greenwood Jaswa, Charles E. McCulloch, Rhodel Simbulan, Marcelle Cedars, Mitchell P. Rosen
Summary: Women with diminished ovarian reserve have lower euploid blastocyst rates, but no significant difference in live birth rates after euploid single-embryo transfer, regardless of age.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Caroline M. Da Luz, Michele G. Da Broi, Jessica R. Placa, Wilson A. Silva Jr, Juliana Meola, Paula A. Navarro
Summary: The transcriptome of cumulus cells is altered in infertile women with advanced endometriosis, regardless of the presence of endometrioma. Differentially expressed genes in cumulus cells of endometriosis patients are involved in important pathways for oocyte competence acquisition, such as oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism, mitochondrial function, acetylation, and steroid biosynthesis. Comparing cumulus cells from women with advanced endometriosis with and without endometrioma did not show any differentially expressed genes.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonie Morin-Dore, Patrick Blondin, Christian Vigneault, Francois-Xavier Grand, Remi Labrecque, Marc-Andre Sirard
MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria B. Rabaglino, Jan Bojsen-Moller Secher, Marc-Andre Sirard, Poul Hyttel, Haja N. Kadarmideen
Summary: By comparing epigenomic and transcriptomic modifications in internal organs of calves produced through in vitro embryo production (IVP) and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), it was found that pathways related to the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis were enriched in IVP calves. Blood epigenomic data could be used to predict methylation levels of internal organs, and potential biomarkers were identified for embryo origin prediction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meihong Shi, Marc-Andre Sirard
Summary: The study revealed that exposure to high levels of NEFAs during in vitro maturation had detrimental impacts on gene expression and DNA methylation of early embryos in pigs, leading to decreased blastocyst rate and delayed blastocyst development.
MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Meihong Shi, Marc-Andre Sirard
Summary: In co-culture experiments with porcine granulosa cells and cumulus-oocyte complexes, it was found that granulosa cells responded to elevated NEFAs by inhibiting the transition to luteal cells, undergoing metabolic changes, anti-inflammation, mitochondrial function modulation, and anti-inflammatory factor communication with co-cultured COCs.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Patricia G. Tremblay, Chloe Fortin, Marc-Andre Sirard
Summary: Maternal metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes, can negatively impact fertility and the success rates of medically assisted procreation procedures. High concentrations of fatty acids and insulin were found to have adverse effects on human granulosa cells, potentially leading to cell death and hindered differentiation processes.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arjoune Asma, Sirard Marc-Andre
Summary: This study found that melatonin may regulate metabolic processes during folliculogenesis by activating PKA and PKB signaling pathways, thereby slowing down follicular growth and differentiation and preventing follicular atresia and early luteinization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simon Lafontaine, Marc-Andre Sirard
Summary: This study found that some methylation patterns in bovine oocytes are acquired in the last phase of folliculogenesis, which is important for explaining the observed hypomethylation at maternally imprinted sites in some bovine embryos.
MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Asma Arjoune, Abrar B. B. Alsaleh, Safia A. A. Messaoudi, Hanen Chelbi, Refka Jelassi, Mourad Assidi, Taha Najar, Brahim Haddad, Marc-Andre Sirard
Summary: The aim of this research was to study the effect of MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on the reproductive performance of two Mediterranean sheep breeds. A total of 26 SNPs were found, and three SNPs caused amino acid changes. Two SNPs were totally linked and correlated with reproductive activity resumption. This study provides new knowledge for the control of sheep reproductive seasonality and farm management.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mengqi Wang, Nathalie Bissonnette, Mario Laterriere, Pier-Luc Dudemaine, David Gagne, Jean-Philippe Roy, Marc -Andre Sirard, Eveline M. Ibeagha-Awemu
Summary: "Study on the genetic changes caused by Staphylococcus aureus in mastitis" used deep RNA sequencing technology to study the transcriptomes of milk somatic cells from 15 cows with persistent S. aureus infection and 10 healthy control cows. It revealed 4,077 differentially expressed genes that play important roles in immune response and disease processes, and provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of S. aureus mastitis.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Simon Lafontaine, Remi Labrecque, Patrick Blondin, Roger I. Cue, Marc-Andre Sirard
Summary: The use of assisted-reproduction technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), is increasing in dairy cattle. However, the long-term consequences of IVF on metabolism, growth, and fertility have not been directly addressed. This study compared the performance and fertility of dairy cows conceived by IVF, artificial insemination (AI), and multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET), and found that while IVF and MOET cows outperformed AI cows in certain aspects, there were no significant differences in milk production across the first 3 lactations when accounting for genetic potential.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Ying Zhang, Camila Bruna de Lima, Remi Labrecque, Marc Andre Sirard
Summary: This study identified DNA methylation biomarkers associated with bull fertility using whole-genome enzymatic methyl sequencing. The study found that most differentially methylated cytosines and regions were located on the X and Y chromosomes, indicating the importance of sex chromosomes in bull fertility. Functional analysis revealed the involvement of genes related to the beta-defensin family, zinc finger protein family, and olfactory and taste receptors in bull fertility. The findings could enhance genetic evaluation methods and improve the selection of high-quality bulls in the future.
Review
Developmental Biology
Camila Bruna de Lima, Erika Cristina dos Santos, Marc-Andre Sirard
Summary: This review discusses advances in the knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms regulating mitochondrial DNA and its relationship with reproductive biology. Mitochondria play a key role in cellular functions beyond ATP production, and their communication with the nucleus is crucial for cell homeostasis. Mitochondrial dysfunction can affect oocyte quality and embryo development, with long-lasting consequences. The role of mitochondrial epigenetics, also known as 'mitoepigenetics', in reproductive biology and preimplantation development, specifically mtDNA methylation, is still largely unknown and controversial. Understanding mitoepigenetics regulation will provide insights into mitochondrial dysfunction and potentially aid in reproductive technologies and preventing metabolic-related disorders.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camila Bruna de Lima, Helene Martin, Marcella Pecora Milazzotto, Marc-Andre Sirard
Summary: This study characterized the methylation profile of mtDNA during early bovine embryo development and found variations in methylation levels at different stages. Higher methylation levels were observed at the 4-cell and 16-cell stages, as well as in specific gene regions (ND6, CYTB, and tRNA-Phe). There was also an inverse correlation between methylation levels and the quantity of transcripts for these regions, suggesting a regulatory role of methylation in mtDNA transcription during embryonic development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengqi Wang, Nathalie Bissonnette, Mario Laterriere, David Gagne, Pier-Luc Dudemaine, Jean-Philippe Roy, Marc-Andre Sirard, Eveline M. Ibeagha-Awemu
Summary: This study found potential DNA methylation changes in subclinical mastitis caused by coagulase-negative staphylococcus. Abundant DNA methylation changes related to mastitis were identified, which were associated with immune functions and could potentially serve as biomarkers for mammary gland health and production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Zhang, Clement Plessis, Julien Prunier, Helene Martin, Remi Labrecque, Marc Andre Sirard
Summary: The current decline in dairy cattle fertility has caused significant financial losses for farmers. Previous efforts to improve fertility have focused on management and genetics, while this study explores the role of epigenetics. Through enzymatic methylation sequencing, the study finds methylation differences in certain genes related to germ cell formation and development, particularly on the X chromosome. These findings have implications for selecting superior bulls and understanding paternal epigenetic inheritance.