Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dongjie Zhou, Zheng-Wen Nie, Xiang-Shun Cui
Summary: The study revealed that EB1 remains stable during mouse oocyte meiosis, and its knockdown results in spindle disorganization, chromosome misalignment, and missegregation, affecting the number of mature oocytes and reducing the binding of beta-catenin to actin, ultimately influencing chromosomal arrangement.
MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ana Filipa Ferreira, Juliana Machado-Simoes, Maria Soares, Ana Paula Sousa, Joao Ramalho-Santos, Teresa Almeida-Santos
Summary: Sirtuins play an important role in mammalian reproductive processes, including folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. However, the exact mechanisms of sirtuin function are still unclear, and there is limited information on the subcellular localization of sirtuins during bovine meiosis.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wei Wang, Suxia Shao, Wei Chen, Weizhou Wang, Yunhai Chuai, Yunfei Li, Yiming Guo, Shujie Han, Mingming Shu, Qihang Wang, Lei Zhang, Wei Shang
Summary: In this study, it was found that electrofusion stimulation can decrease MPF activity, leading to chromosome abnormality in oocytes reconstructed via spindle transfer. It is recommended to minimize the number of electrofusion stimulations to prevent chromosome abnormalities.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Juan Ge, Na Zhang, Shoubin Tang, Feifei Hu, Xiaojing Hou, Hongzheng Sun, Longsen Han, Qiang Wang
Summary: Maternal diabetes impairs oocyte quality, but controlling the PDK1-mediated Ser232-PDHE1α phosphorylation pathway can partly protect oocytes from the effects of diabetes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shuo Chao, Li -Jun Li, Jun Lu, Shu-Xian Zhao, Ming -Hui Zhao, Gui-An Huang, Shen Yin, Wei Shen, Qing-Yuan Sun, Yong Zhao, Zhao-Jia Ge, Lei Zhao
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of EGCG on the maturation of diabetic oocytes. The results showed that EGCG could reduce the frequency of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome mismatches in diabetic oocytes. Additionally, EGCG alleviated abnormal mitochondrial membrane potential, regulated the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial fusion and fission, reduced reactive oxygen species levels, and decreased DNA damage in diabetic oocytes.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Hao Qin, Yi Qu, Yi-Feng Yuan, Yang-Yang Li, Jie Qiao
Summary: This study revealed that RBM14 is down-regulated in oocytes from old mice and shows overlapped localization patterns with alpha-tubulin in different stages of meiosis. Knockdown of RBM14 may result in symmetric division of oocytes, spindle defects, and chromosome abnormalities. Additionally, RBM14 interacts with endogenous alpha-tubulin and modulates oocyte meiotic maturation by affecting alpha-tubulin acetylation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jodi D. Weiss, Shelby L. McVey, Sarah E. Stinebaugh, Caroline F. Sullivan, R. Kelly Dawe, Natalie J. Nannas
Summary: The assembly and disassembly of spindles in maize meiosis exhibit variability but follow a predictable series of events.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Peng, Yijing He, Weihan Wang, Yajie Chu, Qixin Lin, Rong Rui, Qiao Li, Shiqiang Ju
Summary: In this study, the importance of PAK1 in regulating spindle assembly and cell cycle progression during the first meiotic division of porcine oocytes was highlighted. The activated PAK1 showed dynamic expression and its subcellular localization was closely associated with spindle dynamics. Inhibition of PAK1 activity by IPA-3 led to impaired extrusion of PB1 and failure of bipolar spindle formation, which could be restored by reducing disulfide bonds between PAK1 and IPA-3.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ting Wang, Jie Na
Summary: The nucleolus undergoes significant functional changes during mammalian oocyte meiotic maturation, with FBL-GFP serving as a marker for nucleolus activity and correlating with transcription activity and oocyte quality. Different FBL-GFP patterns in oocytes can help identify those with superior meiotic maturation potential, with active nascent RNA transcription observed in NSN oocytes and transcriptionally quiescent state in SN oocytes. Global transcriptome profiling revealed significant differences in single SN and NSN oocytes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jie Zhang, Hong-Jie Yuan, Jiang Zhu, Shuai Gong, Ming-Jiu Luo, Jing-He Tan
Summary: Topoisomerase II dysfunction impairs chromatin condensation and chromosome alignment, activates Aurora B, and leads to MI arrest and PB1 abscission failure.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ying Chen, Chen Pan, Yajuan Lu, Yilong Miao, Bo Xiong
Summary: In this study, we found that HDAC8 plays a key role in regulating spindle assembly during porcine oocyte meiotic maturation. Depletion or inhibition of HDAC8 led to oocyte meiotic failure, including reduced polar body extrusion rate and aberrant spindle morphologies. The results suggest that HDAC8 is essential for proper chromosome alignment and spindle dynamics in female germ cell development.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Wen Gao, Chen Zhang, Bichun Li, Jeong Su Oh
Summary: Azoxystrobin (AZO), a widely used fungicide in agriculture, has been found to impair mouse oocyte maturation by disturbing spindle formation, chromosome alignment, mitochondrial distribution, and increasing oxidative stress. The toxicity of AZO to oocytes can be relieved by melatonin supplementation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Peinado, Isabel Moya, Paula Saez-Espinosa, Macarena Barrera, Laura Garcia-Valverde, Raquel Frances, Patricia Torres, Maria Jose Gomez-Torres
Summary: Vitrification of immature oocytes followed by maturation showed similar rates of survival, maturation, and metaphase plate conformation compared to the standard strategy, but with a significantly higher percentage of normal spindle. Additionally, extending the IVM time to 48 hours did not seem to negatively affect the oocyte metaphase plate configuration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Igor Astudillo, Karla Aspee, Jaime Palomino, Oscar A. Peralta, Victor H. Parraguez, Monica de los Reyes
Summary: Mammalian ovaries typically contain one oocyte in each follicle, but poly-ovular follicles with more than one oocyte are observed in some species, especially canines. Oocytes from poly-ovular follicles have different morphologies and meiotic potentials, which affects their in vitro maturation. Evaluating the maturity potential of oocytes according to follicle type and estrous cycle is crucial for improving in vitro maturation and reproductive biotechnologies in canines. This study found that oocytes from poly-ovular follicles have slower meiotic development compared to those from mono-ovular follicles, but in vitro maturation is still possible.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Min Gao, Yanling Qiu, Tianqi Cao, Dungao Li, Jingwen Wang, Yiren Jiao, Zhiyun Chen, Junjiu Huang
Summary: In this study, the role of HtrA2 in mouse oocyte maturation was investigated. The findings indicate that HtrA2 is a key regulator of oocyte maturation and its deficiency with age contributes to reproduction failure in females.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Michiel Van Dyck, Rajiv K. Mishra, Francisco Pestana, Peter Verstraelen, Hilde Lavreysen, Juan D. Pita-Almenar, Nachiket D. Kashikar, Winnok H. De Vos
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gaelle Houthaeve, Gerardo Garcia-Diaz Barriga, Stephan Stremersch, Herlinde De Keersmaecker, Juan Fraire, Jo Vandesompele, Pieter Mestdagh, Stefaan De Smedt, Kevin Braeckmans, Winnok H. De Vos
Summary: The study investigates the effects of VNB photoporation on cell homeostasis, finding that A-type lamins are upregulated after photoporation and contribute to the recovery of the nucleus. Selective depletion of A-type lamins reduces cell viability, while stimulation of LMNA transcription increases the survival rate of successfully transfected cells.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Gaelle Houthaeve, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Kevin Braeckmans, Winnok H. De Vos
Summary: Delivery of nanomaterials into cells by disrupting the plasma membrane (PM) can have various effects on cell viability and physiology, including permanent phenotypic alterations. Understanding this cellular response is crucial for optimizing nano-delivery conditions.
Review
Oncology
Sofia Zanotti, Bieke Decaesteker, Suzanne Vanhauwaert, Bram De Wilde, Winnok H. De Vos, Frank Speleman
Summary: Neuroblastoma, a common tumor in children under five, has poor treatment outcomes for high-risk cases and causes long-term side effects. Cellular senescence has been considered a barrier against tumorigenesis, but recent research suggests a more complex and reversible nature for this process, which may impact treatment strategies. Neuroblastoma cells in a senescent state may escape treatment and promote relapse, but senescence could also provide opportunities for new therapies.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Auchi Inalegwu, Bart Cuypers, Jurgen Claesen, Ann Janssen, Amelie Coolkens, Sarah Baatout, Kris Laukens, Winnok H. De Vos, Roel Quintens
Summary: Radiotherapy is the standard treatment for breast cancer, but surviving radioresistant cells can lead to relapse. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of radiation resistance can improve the treatment of radioresistant tumors. Emulating radiation therapy at the cellular level, researchers exposed breast cancer cells to daily radiation doses and found that radioresistant cells showed altered gene expression and similarities with resistance profiles seen in both radiation and endocrine therapy, suggesting potential combination therapies.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elise Van Breedam, Aleksandra Nijak, Tamariche Buyle-Huybrecht, Julia Di Stefano, Marlies Boeren, Jonas Govaerts, Alessandra Quarta, Tine Swartenbroekx, Eva Z. Jacobs, Bjorn Menten, Rik Gijsbers, Peter Delputte, Maaike Alaerts, Behrouz Hassannia, Bart Loeys, Zwi Berneman, Jean-Pierre Timmermans, Philippe G. Jorens, Tom Vanden Berghe, Erik Fransen, An Wouters, Winnok H. De Vos, Peter Ponsaerts
Summary: The study presents a method using human iPSC-derived neurospheroid model for monitoring neural viability under ischemic conditions. The results show that 1-week-old neurospheroids can partially recover neural cells post-OGD, while 4-week-old neurospheroids cannot, highlighting the importance of more mature neurospheroids for better recapitulation of in vivo conditions.
Article
Biology
Aleksandra Nijak, Eline Simons, Bert Vandendriessche, Dieter Van de Sande, Erik Fransen, Ewa Sieliwonczyk, Ilse Van Gucht, Emeline Van Craenenbroeck, Johan Saenen, Hein Heidbuchel, Peter Ponsaerts, Alain J. Labro, Dirk Snyders, Winnok De Vos, Dorien Schepers, Maaike Alaerts, Bart L. Loeys
Summary: Cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-CMs) are a valuable tool for cardiovascular research. This study evaluated two protocols for differentiating iPSCs into cardiomyocytes and found that both protocols resulted in a high percentage of differentiated cells with typical cardiac characteristics. One protocol showed better accessibility for experiments and expressed more cardiac-specific markers.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Nadine Saul, Ineke Dhondt, Mikko Kuokkanen, Markus Perola, Clara Verschuuren, Brecht Wouters, Henrik von Chrzanowski, Winnok H. De Vos, Liesbet Temmerman, Walter Luyten, Aleksandra Zecic, Tim Loier, Christian Schmitz-Linneweber, Bart P. Braeckman
Summary: In this study, a GWAS was conducted to identify potential genetic factors associated with healthy ageing. Candidate genes were then verified using a model organism, C. elegans, and several genes were found to potentially play a role in maintaining health in the elderly.
Article
Pathology
Cedric Peleman, Winnok H. De Vos, Isabel Pintelon, Ann Driessen, Annelies Van Eyck, Christophe Van Steenkiste, Luisa Vonghia, Joris De Man, Benedicte Y. De Winter, Tom Vanden Berghe, Sven M. Francque, Wilhelmus J. Kwanten
Summary: A new image analysis method was used to quantify the differences between liver lobule zones in NAFLD. The results showed that this method accurately measured the distribution of hypoxia markers in the steatotic liver and overcame the impact of steatosis on pathologists' interpretation.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
A. Duval, D. Nogueira, N. Dissler, M. Maskani Filali, F. Delestro Matos, L. Chansel-Debordeaux, M. Ferrer-Buitrago, E. Ferrer, V Antequera, M. Ruiz-Jorro, A. Papaxanthos, H. Ouchchane, B. Keppi, P-y Prima, G. Regnier-Vigouroux, L. Trebesses, C. Geoffroy-Siraudin, S. Zaragoza, E. Scalici, P. Sanguinet, N. Cassagnard, C. Ozanon, A. de la Fuente, E. Gomez, M. Gervoise Boyer, P. Boyer, E. Ricciarelli, X. Pollet-Villard, A. Boussommier-Calleja
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether artificial intelligence algorithms can better predict clinical pregnancy outcomes by enriching multi-centric clinical data. The results showed that training algorithms on multi-centric clinical data significantly improved the AUC compared to algorithms that only analyzed the time-lapse system videos. This study demonstrated the importance of considering multiple clinical factors in embryo evaluation and highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence in improving predictive performances.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilia Goemaere, Deep Punj, Aranit Harizaj, Jessica Woolston, Sofie Thys, Karen Sterck, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Winnok H. De Vos, Kevin Braeckmans
Summary: Photoporation is a gentle and efficient method for transfecting cells, and response surface methodology (RSM) proves to be a valuable approach for optimizing the photoporation procedure. By varying PDNP size, concentration, and laser fluence, the RSM designs successfully identified an optimal delivery yield and revealed a strong dependence on PDNP size.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Sara Pietroforte, Montserrat Barragan Monasterio, Anna Ferrer-Vaquer, Manuel Irimia, Elena Ibanez, Mina Popovic, Rita Vassena, Filippo Zambelli
Summary: Human meiosis in oocytes involves complex regulation of the transcriptome, with a focus on pre-mRNA processing and translation rates. Through RNA sequencing analysis of 40 human oocytes at different meiotic maturation stages, we observed significant changes in gene expression, splicing, and 3’UTR processing. Interestingly, we found that successful meiosis transit was associated with RNA processing, and specific changes in protein isoforms were observed for genes involved in chromosome organization and spindle assembly.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laurie Freire Boullosa, Jinthe Van Loenhout, Tal Flieswasser, Christophe Hermans, Celine Merlin, Ho Wa Lau, Elly Marcq, Marlies Verschuuren, Winnok H. De Vos, Filip Lardon, Evelien L. J. Smits, Christophe Deben
Summary: The study aims to enhance the efficacy of auranofin (AF) as a cancer treatment by combining it with the PARP inhibitor olaparib (referred to as 'aurola'). High concentrations of AF and olaparib synergistically induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC and PDAC cell lines with low levels of mutant p53 protein. The combination strategy of oxidative stress induction with PARP inhibition could be a promising treatment for mutant p53 cancers.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mina Popovic, Lorena Borot, Aline R. Lorenzon, Ana Luiza Rossi de Castro Lopes, Denny Sakkas, Belen Lledo, Ruth Morales, Jose Antonio Ortiz, Nikolaos P. Polyzos, Monica Parriego, Felicitas Azpiroz, Micaela Galain, Aida Pujol, Bjorn Menten, Lien Dhaenens, Frauke Vanden Meerschaut, Dominic Stoop, Maria Rodriguez, Enrique Perez de la Blanca, Amelia Rodriguez, Rita Vassena
Summary: The diagnosis of mosaicism affects the ploidy rates across different providers offering preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A), with providers reporting low rates of mosaicism having significantly higher euploidy rates.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Munevver Serdarogullari, George Liperis, Kashish Sharma, Omar F. Ammar, Julia Uraji, Danilo Cimadomo, Alessandra Alteri, Mina Popovic, Juan J. Fraire-Zamora
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alice Newman-Sanders, Jackson C. Kirkman-Brown, Meurig T. Gallagher
Summary: This study revealed a significant lack of awareness among young adults in the UK regarding the potential impacts of gym lifestyles and supplementation on male infertility. Men were found to have a concerning lack of concern for their own fertility, with differences in awareness levels between men and women. It was also observed that men were more likely to consider making changes to their behavior if it had a long-term impact on their fertility compared to short-term effects.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2024)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Shachar Reuvenny, Michal Youngster, Almog Luz, Rohi Hourvitz, Ettie Maman, Micha Baum, Ariel Hourvitz
Summary: Using a machine-learning model to determine the optimal trigger days can improve the outcomes of antagonist protocol cycles in freeze-all or fresh transfer cycles, for all age groups. Implementing these models can more accurately predict the number of retrieved oocytes, optimizing physicians' decisions, balancing workloads, and creating more standardized yet patient-specific protocols.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2024)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chao Chen, Qi Wen, Feng Deng, Rong Li, Ying Wang, Xiumei Zhen, Jing Hang
Summary: This study investigates the proteomic and phosphoproteomic differences in the endometrium of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared to healthy control women during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The results identify differentially expressed proteins and phosphorylated proteins, and highlight the insulin/cyclic nucleotide signalling pathway and AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway as major contributors to the abnormality of RPL endometrium. The findings provide insights into potential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of RPL and contribute to the identification of potential targets for RPL treatment.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2024)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jaime Guerrero, Juan Carlos Castillo, Jorge Ten, Jose Antonio Ortiz, Belen Lledo, Domingo Orozco, Francisco Quereda, Andrea Bernabeu, Rafael Bernabeu
Summary: The study found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between using oocytes obtained from random-start protocols and those from conventional ovarian stimulation in oocyte donation treatments. Luteal-phase stimulation required longer stimulation and higher FSH consumption.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2024)