Article
Biology
Naoki Hirose, Yasuyuki Kikuchi, Atsuko Kageyama, Hibiki Sugita, Miu Sakurai, Yui Kawata, Jumpei Terakawa, Teruhiko Wakayama, Junya Ito, Naomi Kashiwazaki
Summary: During mammalian fertilization, intracellular calcium oscillations are needed for oocyte activation. Sperm lacking PLC zeta can still induce calcium rises in oocytes after IVF but not ICSI. Additional activation treatments such as SrCl2 and PLC zeta mRNA can rescue the developmental ability of Plcz1(-/-) sperm-derived oocytes after ICSI, leading to successful term development and healthy offspring.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Veena Unnikrishnan, John Kastelic, Jacob Thundathil
Summary: In cattle, the efficiency of ICSI is hindered by failed oocyte activation post sperm injection. Research focusing on proteins like Na/K-ATPase and PLC zeta is key to improving the success rate. Enhancing the efficiency of bovine ICSI has significant implications for the cattle breeding industry.
Article
Andrology
Junaid Kashir, Bhavesh Mistry, Maha Adel Gumssani, Muhammad Rajab, Reema Abu-Dawas, Falah AlMohanna, Michail Nomikos, Celine Jones, Raed Abu-Dawud, Nadya Al-Yacoub, Kevin Coward, F. Anthony Lai, Abdullah M. Assiri
Summary: The study shows that with advancing male age, levels and variability of PLC zeta protein and mRNA in sperm decrease. There are also changes in the localization patterns of PLC zeta in sperm from older male mice.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Developmental Biology
Yuhkoh Satouh
Summary: This article reports on the study of oocyte activation induced by PLCZ1 in mice, as well as the generation of PLCZ1-deficient mouse models using genome-editing techniques. The findings show that PLCZ1 deficiency in mice leads to subfertility but can be fully restored by intracytoplasmic sperm injection, indicating a PLCZ1-independent oocyte activation mechanism. These findings raise new questions in the field of sperm biology and have implications for the treatment and phenotypic interpretation of oocyte activation failure in patients.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yoon Hee Jung, Hsiao-Lin Wang, Daniel Ruiz, Brianna J. Bixler, Hannah Linsenbaum, Jian-Feng Xiang, Samantha Forestier, Andrew M. Shafik, Peng Jin, Victor G. Corces
Summary: This study demonstrates that exposure of pregnant mice to bisphenol A (BPA) can lead to transgenerational transmission of obesity in F2 progeny up to the F6 generation. Chromatin accessibility analysis reveals alterations near binding motifs for CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) at two cis-regulatory elements of the Fto gene, which correlate with the transmission of obesity. The interaction between these cis-regulatory elements and the Irx3 and Irx5 genes, involved in the differentiation of appetite-controlling neurons, is increased in sperm of obese mice. Deletion of the CTCF site in Fto results in mice that have normal food intake and fail to become obese when ancestrally exposed to BPA.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Junaid Kashir, Durga Ganesh, Celine Jones, Kevin Coward
Summary: Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is a major cause of ICSI cycle failure. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is a method that artificially increases the levels of intracytoplasmic calcium ions (Ca2+) through mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical stimuli. However, the safety and efficacy of AOA are still controversial. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of AOA techniques.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jing Dai, Qi Li, Qinwei Zhou, Shen Zhang, Junru Chen, Yize Wang, Jing Guo, Yifan Gu, Fei Gong, Yueqiu Tan, Guangxiu Lu, Wei Zheng, Ge Lin
Summary: This study used whole-exome sequencing to identify the genetic causes of total fertilization failure (TFF) in male infertility. Homozygous variants in the novel gene IQCN were found in two individuals with abnormal acrosome structures. Knockout mice lacking the Iqcn gene showed similar phenotypes to humans with TFF. The study also revealed the role of IQCN in regulating microtubule nucleation during manchette assembly, and provided a genetic marker and therapeutic option for male TFF.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Nicoletta Tarozzi, Marco Nadalini, Giovanni Coticchio, Carlotta Zaca, Cristina Lagalla, Andrea Borini
Summary: Sperm is crucial for reconstitution of embryonic diploidy and specialized developmental functions. It triggers activation through PLC-zeta after gamete fusion, impacting fertilization and chromosome segregation. Sperm-specific epigenetic factors also contribute to embryonic development and have implications for assisted reproduction treatments.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Developmental Biology
Nicoletta Tarozzi, Marco Nadalini, Giovanni Coticchio, Carlotta Zaca, Cristina Lagalla, Andrea Borini
Summary: Sperm is essential for embryonic development, playing roles in activation, development, chromosome segregation, and more. Sperm's contribution to development goes beyond just fertilization, with implications for embryo health and assisted reproduction treatments.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jing Dai, Tianlei Zhang, Jing Guo, Qinwei Zhou, Yifan Gu, Jue Zhang, Liang Hu, Yurong Zong, Juan Song, Shuoping Zhang, Can Dai, Fei Gong, Guangxiu Lu, Wei Zheng, Ge Lin
Summary: Genetic variations in the ACTL9 gene in male individuals have been found to cause total fertilization failure (TFF). These variations disrupt the perinuclear theca structure and affect the localization of PLCz in sperm, leading to abnormal calcium oscillations in oocytes and subsequent TFF. Overcoming TFF can be achieved through assisted oocyte activation with calcium ionophore exposure.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jing Ling Ruan, Shan Shan Liang, Jia Ping Pan, Zhi Qin Chen, Xiao Ming Teng
Summary: This retrospective study found that artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with calcium ionophore ionomycin can significantly improve the reproductive outcomes of patients with previous fertilization failure and poor embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). AOA can increase fertilization rate, embryo quality, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate, while decreasing miscarriage rate. The study suggests that AOA is an effective and safe treatment option for some infertility patients.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Andrology
Meng Wang, Juepu Zhou, Rui Long, Huizi Jin, Limin Gao, Lixia Zhu, Lei Jin
Summary: This study investigates the genetic causes of male-related fertilization failure. Mutations in the ACTL7A gene were found to be responsible for fertilization failure and male infertility.
Review
Cell Biology
Ingrid Fliniaux, Guillaume Marchand, Caroline Molinaro, Mathieu Decloquement, Alain Martoriati, Matthieu Marin, Jean-Francois Bodart, Anne Harduin-Lepers, Katia Cailliau
Summary: Sialic acids are a group of monosaccharides with unique physicochemical properties that modulate the biological functions of molecules they are associated with. They play a role in various stages of the reproductive process, particularly in the formation and binding of gametes. Sialoglycoproteins form a specific coat on the surface of gametes, and marine species oocytes have specific polysialylated chains. Spermatozoa undergo crucial changes in sialic acid in the female reproductive tract, facilitating migration, survival, and binding with the oocyte.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Matheus R. Felix, Regina M. Turner, Tamara Dobbie, Katrin Hinrichs
Summary: This study demonstrates that pre-incubation of fresh equine sperm with penicillamine, hypotaurine, and epinephrine can greatly improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization and the production of viable blastocysts. The use of extended semen and 22 hours of pre-incubation resulted in high rates of fertilization and blastocyst formation. This is the first report of successful standard in vitro fertilization in horses and the production of blastocysts and foals through this technique.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronika Merc, Michaela Frolikova, Katerina Komrskova
Summary: Integrins are a type of cell adhesion receptor involved in interactions between cells, between cells and the extracellular matrix, and between cells and pathogens. They play crucial roles in signal transduction pathways and are able to transmit signals into and out of cells. Integrins have been found not only on somatic cells but also on germ cells, where they are known to be essential for important physiological events such as sperm-oocyte fusion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Anna Storey, Khalil Elgmati, Yisu Wang, Paul Knaggs, Karl Swann
Summary: The study revealed that mouse eggs are about 10 times more sensitive to InsP(3) than human eggs, and have consistently higher ATP levels. As a result, mouse eggs can undergo Ca2+ oscillations in response to Sr2+ stimulation, while human eggs may be unresponsive due to lower cytosolic ATP levels.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Junaid Kashir, Ayesha Rahman Ambia, Areez Shafqat, Muhammad Raihan Sajid, Khaled AlKattan, Ahmed Yaqinuddin
Summary: This article discusses the potential occurrence of vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) through inflammatory reactions and the overproduction of NETs by neutrophils, with similar autoimmune mechanisms observed in HIT.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Ayesha Rahman Ambia, Tasnim Atef Elgazzar, Maha Bint Mishari AlSaud, Junaid Kashir
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV2, is a global airway disease with significant morbidity and mortality rates, particularly affecting the elderly and those with comorbidities. IVIG administration is being explored as a potential therapeutic option to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for severe cases, drawing on its anti-inflammatory effects observed in other inflammatory conditions.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Muhammad Faisal Ikram, Ayesha Rahman Ambia, Raghad Alaujan, Junaid Kashir
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment due to neurodegenerative processes. Models such as animal and 3D culture models have provided significant insights into the disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES NU
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Serdar Coskun, Sateesh Maddirevula, Khalid Awartani, Meshael Aldeery, Wafa Qubbaj, Junaid Kashir, Fowzan S. Alkuraya
Summary: This study investigates two cases of recurrent spontaneous oocyte activation (SOA) to identify the underlying causes and potential treatments. The results show that there is no clear genetic or pathological factor causing SOA in these patients. Further research is needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms of oocyte activation and calcium dynamics that contribute to recurrent SOA.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Yisu Wang, Iestyn Pope, Henry Brennan-Craddock, Emma Poole, Wolfgang Langbein, Paola Borri, Karl Swann
Summary: The primary effect of saturated fatty acid PA on mouse oocytes is to disrupt the structure of the ER, without affecting the mitochondria or Ca2+ stores.
Article
Biology
Chris F. Graham, Shane Windsor, Anna Ajduk, Thanh Trinh, Anna Vincent, Celine Jones, Kevin Coward, Dilraj Kalsi, Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, Karl Swann, Adrian L. R. Thomas
Summary: Morphokinetics of mouse zygotes were studied at different stages, revealing changing patterns of shape and area, as well as the development of vortices during cell division. These shape and area cycles may play a role in promoting exchange with the environment, while the persistent circulation in the cytoplasm could aid in communication between the cell's interior and periphery.
Article
Cell Biology
Areez Shafqat, Junaid Kashir, Sulaiman Alsalameh, Khaled Alkattan, Ahmed Yaqinuddin
Summary: This article discusses the basis of oocyte activation deficiency and explores the role of epigenetic regulation in it. By studying the changes in DNA methylation and key pathways involved in the regulation of Ca2+ signaling, we aim to reveal the association between these epigenetic alterations and TFF. From a therapeutic perspective, if our hypothesis is confirmed, it will provide new directions for the treatment of TFF.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sahar Isa Da'as, Waseem Hasan, Rola Salem, Nadine Younes, Doua Abdelrahman, Iman A. Mohamed, Arwa Aldaalis, Ramzi Temanni, Lisa Sara Mathew, Stephan Lorenz, Magdi Yacoub, Michail Nomikos, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Khalid A. Fakhro
Summary: The study investigated the cardiac impairment related to HCM by generating a zebrafish mypbc3-knockout model. The knockout zebrafish exhibited significant heart morphological alterations and cardiomyocyte hyperplasia in larval stages with preserved cardiac contractility. However, adult zebrafish showed thickened ventricular walls, reduced heart function, and decreased swimming abilities, indicating the crucial role of cMyBP-C variants in the initiation and progression of HCM.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Areez Shafqat, Tarek Z. Arabi, Belal N. Sabbah, Humzah S. Abdulkader, Shameel Shafqat, Adhil Razak, Junaid Kashir, Khaled Alkattan, Ahmed Yaqinuddin
Summary: The COVID-19 virus has mutated significantly, giving rise to variants of concern (VOCs) that are more transmissible and with increased ability to evade antibody responses. While COVID-19 vaccines may have reduced efficacy in preventing infection, they still offer protection against severe cases, likely due to the role of T-cell responses in maintaining immunity. Understanding T-cell responses is crucial for informing public health policies and future vaccine development.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Junaid Kashir, Bhavesh V. V. Mistry, Lujain BuSaleh, Michail Nomikos, Sarah Almuqayyil, Raed Abu-Dawud, Nadya AlYacoub, Hamdan Hamdan, Saad AlHassan, F. Anthony Lai, Abdullah M. M. Assiri, Serdar Coskun
Summary: The application of antigen unmasking/retrieval (AUM) enhances the visualization of PLC zeta in human sperm, allowing for accurate assessment of sperm fertilization capacity.
Review
Cell Biology
Wjdan S. Bafleh, Haia M. R. Abdulsamad, Sally M. Al-Qaraghuli, Riwa Y. El Khatib, Rawdah Taha Elbahrawi, Azhar Mohamud Abdukadir, Shaima M. Alsawae, Zakia Dimassi, Hamdan Hamdan, Junaid Kashir
Summary: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in various fields, including society, law, economics, science, and medicine. The use of mRNA-based vaccines has been approved for the first time by drug regulatory authorities to combat the outbreak. While this represents a novel application of mRNA technology in vaccination medicine, the introduction of RNA into cells to produce molecules is not a new concept. It has been commonly practiced in research to manipulate oocytes and embryos and has potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications in combating infertility. This article describes the potential clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of mRNA-based platforms, and discusses how recent advances driven by the pandemic can benefit infertility treatment. Future directions for enhancing RNA therapeutics in reproductive biology, specifically in oocyte and embryo delivery, are also presented.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Haia M. R. Abdulsamad, Zoha F. F. Murtaza, Hessa M. M. AlMuhairi, Wjdan S. S. Bafleh, Salma A. A. AlMansoori, Shaikha A. A. AlQubaisi, Hamdan Hamdan, Junaid Kashir
Summary: Oocyte activation, driven by calcium oscillations mainly regulated by PLC zeta, is crucial for mammalian fertilization and embryogenesis. Failure of calcium release or defects in related mechanisms can lead to infertility in humans. Exploration of PLC zeta and its patterns in human sperm may offer potential for diagnosing and treating human fertility issues. This review provides a comprehensive update on the clinical associations between calcium release, PLC zeta, oocyte activation, and human fertility, discussing their implications in defective embryogenesis and infertility treatments.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Junaid Kashir, Durga Ganesh, Celine Jones, Kevin Coward
Summary: Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is a major cause of ICSI cycle failure. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is a method that artificially increases the levels of intracytoplasmic calcium ions (Ca2+) through mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical stimuli. However, the safety and efficacy of AOA are still controversial. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of AOA techniques.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Abdul Hakim Almakadma, Junaid Kashir
Summary: Less than 2% of children are reported to test positive for SARS-CoV-2, but increasing reports describe COVID-positive children showing symptoms resembling Kawasaki disease. The authors discussed how SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to activation of proinflammatory cytokines and the production of neutrophil and macrophage extracellular traps.
AIMS MOLECULAR SCIENCE
(2021)