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.
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
Cell Biology
Katherine A. Maniates, Andrew Singson
Summary: Complementary forward and reverse genetic approaches have led to a recent surge in the discovery of fertilization genes in various model systems. The number of genetically validated gamete surface molecules has more than doubled in the past few years, with all sperm fertilization genes encoding transmembrane or secreted molecules. However, the discovery of genes encoding oocyte molecules has lagged behind. This review discusses potential experimental biases and biological reasons that may have hindered the identification of egg fertilization genes, as well as current strategies to overcome these obstacles.
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.
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
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
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)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kogiku Shiba, Kazuo Inaba
Summary: Spermatozoa can sense and respond to environmental signals to ensure successful fertilization. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, CNG channels play a vital role in regulating sperm motility and intracellular calcium regulation during chemotaxis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yamei Xue, Xiaohong Cheng, Yuping Xiong, Kun Li
Summary: This review summarizes and discusses the mutations of nine important genes associated with fertilization failure in infertile patients. The review highlights their roles in the fertilization process and suggests these mutations as potential targets for precision treatments in reproductive medicine. Furthermore, the review provides helpful clues for genetic counseling and optimizing clinical treatments for human infertility by supplying timely information on the genetic causes of fertilization failure.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gerard Campos, Romualdo Sciorio, Sandro C. Esteves
Summary: Total fertilization failure is the failure of all metaphase II oocytes to fertilize in assisted reproduction cycles. Oocyte activation deficiency is the main cause of fertilization failure, attributed to sperm or oocyte issues. Diagnostic testing and artificial oocyte activation treatments are crucial for overcoming fertilization failure.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Juan J. Ferreira, Pascale Lybaert, Lis C. Puga-Molina, Celia M. Santi
Summary: Our study shows that CatSper channels in mouse and human sperm are activated through alkaline conditions and the presence of HCO3-, leading to an influx of Ca2+. Furthermore, HCO3- activates the soluble adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway, which sensitizes CatSper channels to respond to membrane depolarization, allowing for Ca2+ influx.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jiude Mao, Michal Zigo, Dalen Zuidema, Miriam Sutovsky, Peter Sutovsky
Summary: NEDL2 is present in mammalian gametes, zygotes, and preimplantation embryos, and may be involved in processes such as sperm DNA decondensation and male pronuclear formation.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Marga Esbert, Andrew Carmody, Agustin Ballesteros, Emre Seli, Richard T. Scott
Summary: This study found that activation and cleavage can occur in unfertilized oocytes after failure to fertilize. However, exposure to Ca.I A23187 does not increase the prevalence of activation. These embryos arrest before reaching the blastocyst stage and have no reproductive potential.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Haixia Chen, Peng Li, Xiaoling Du, Yiding Zhao, Lingling Wang, Ye Tian, Xueru Song, Ling Shuai, Xiaohong Bai, Lingyi Chen
Summary: Mutation in the SEPTIN12 gene is associated with male infertility. Male mice with Septin12 knockout are infertile and have abnormal sperm, but fertility can be restored with artificial oocyte activation. Loss of PLC zeta might be the reason for failed fertilization in Septin12-deficient sperm.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Norio Kansaku, Yasuko Tobari, Gen Hiyama, Shin Wakui, Naokazu Minoguchi, Masazumi Numata, Katsutoshi Kino, David Zadworny
JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE
(2016)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Y. Tobari, N. Kansaku, K. Tsutsui
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gen Hiyama, Shusei Mizushima, Mei Matsuzaki, Yasuko Tobari, Jae-Hoon Choi, Takashi Ono, Masaoki Tsudzuki, Satoshi Makino, Gen Tamiya, Naoki Tsukahara, Shoei Sugita, Tomohiro Sasanami
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2018)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yasuko Tobari, Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maki Kamoshita, Katsuyoshi Fujiwara, Junya Ito, Naomi Kashiwazaki
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful generation of live mice from vitrified GV oocytes for the first time, highlighting the potential of this method for preserving genetic resources and female fertility.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Yasuko Tobari, Ami Masuzawa, Norika Harada, Kenta Suzuki, Simone L. Meddle
Summary: The study found that the crowing vocalization of male Japanese quails can be immediately suppressed by the intracerebroventricular injection of clonidine, a specific agonist for alpha 2-adrenergic receptor. This suppression was accompanied by a reduction of immediate early gene, zenk mRNA, in the ICo. Further experiments suggested that noradrenaline may regulate courtship vocalization in quails through the alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors expressed on ICo neurons.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yasuko Tobari, Yana Aleksandrova, Yoko Fukahori, Kazuyoshi Tsutsui, Simone L. Meddle
Summary: Social environment influences hormone levels and social behavior in animals, with GnIH being identified as a negative regulator of the HPG axis. It responds to social cues and regulates both reproductive physiology and behavior, highlighting the intricate connection between social information and neural processes.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Yasuko Tobari, Constantina Theofanopoulou, Chihiro Mori, Yoshimi Sato, Momoka Marutani, Sayaka Fujioka, Norifumi Konno, Kenta Suzuki, Akari Furutani, Shiomi Hakataya, Cheng-Te Yao, En-Yun Yang, Chia-Ren Tsai, Pin-Chi Tang, Chih-Feng Chen, Cedric Boeckx, Erich D. Jarvis, Kazuo Okanoya
Summary: The Bengalese finch, domesticated from the wild white-rumped munia, exhibits reduced fear response and lower corticosterone levels compared to the wild type. Differences in oxytocin sequence, brain expression pattern, and content between the two strains suggest a brain region-specific pattern of neurochemical expression associated with domestication and behavioral changes. The study highlights evolutionary trends and potential factors contributing to the differences in stress coping and auditory processing between domesticated and wild avian strains.
GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
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.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Atsuko Kageyama, Ayumi Suyama, Ruka Kinoshita, Junya Ito, Naomi Kashiwazaki
Summary: This study investigated the amounts and localization of zinc ions during maturation, fertilization, activation, and embryonic development in mouse oocytes. The results showed a dramatic decrease of zinc ions during fertilization and activation, but a rapid increase in blastocysts.
ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Takafumi Namiki, Maki Kamoshita, Atsuko Kageyama, Jumpei Terakawa, Junya Ito, Naomi Kashiwazaki
Summary: This study introduced a new Pgr(iresCre) mouse line, which allows for the breeding of homozygous mice and enables uterine research. The findings suggest that this new mouse line is useful for generating uterine-specific knockout mice, contributing to the understanding of reproductive systems and diseases in humans and domestic animals.
ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hiroomi Kawano, Naoki Yamashita, Junya Ito, Naomi Kashiwazaki
Summary: The study aimed to assess chromosome numbers in human giant oocytes (GOs) using micromanipulation and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Chromosomal aneuploidy was confirmed in all three GOs, indicating chromosomal abnormalities in human GOs.
REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Takafumi Namiki, Junya Ito, Naomi Kashiwazaki
REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2018)
