Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hugh J. Clarke
Summary: The development of germ cells relies on contact and communication with neighboring somatic cells. This contact is achieved through transzonal projections (TZPs) that extend from follicle cells and reach the surface of the zona pellucida, which is the extracellular matrix. TZPs are detectable during early folliculogenesis and disappear at the time of ovulation. This review discusses the morphology, functions, formation, and retraction mechanisms of TZPs.
MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Anamaria-Cristina Herta, Nazli Akin, Katy Billooye, Laura Saucedo-Cuevas, Francesca Lolicato, Ingrid Segers, Ellen Anckaert, Johan Smitz
Summary: The study shows that oocytes from cultured mouse follicles can overcome complete denudation, restoring functional transzonal projections, with no significant differences in meiotic and developmental competence compared to those from intact cultured follicles. These findings provide good premises for developing successful strategies to rescue human oocyte competence in in vitro culture approaches.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Julieta S. Del Valle, Vanessa Mancini, Maitane Laverde Garay, Joyce D. Asseler, Xueying Fan, Jeroen Metzemaekers, Leoni A. Louwe, Gonneke S. K. Pilgram, Lucette A. J. van der Westerlaken, Norah M. van Mello, Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
Summary: This study used a microfluidics platform to culture cryopreserved-thawed human cortical tissue for 8 days and evaluated the effect of different flow rates on follicular activation and growth. The results showed that the system supported follicular development, although with low efficiency. Stromal cells in the tissue were sensitive to flow and exhibited high levels of apoptosis under high flow rates. Additionally, after 8 days of culture, the stromal compartment showed an increase in collagen deposition, particularly in static culture.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Joyce D. Asseler, Judith A. F. Huirne, Mariette Goddijn, Marieke O. Verhoeven, Norah M. van Mello
Summary: This study investigates the outcomes and experiences of oocyte vitrification treatment in trans masculine individuals before and after testosterone use. The results show that, on average, 20 oocytes are retrieved after ovarian stimulation, with 17 oocytes being able to be vitrified. The survey identifies hormone injections as the most burdensome aspect of oocyte vitrification treatment. These findings can be utilized to improve gender sensitive fertility counseling and treatment strategies.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Brid Ni Dhonnabhain, Nagla Elfaki, Kyra Fraser, Aviva Petrie, Benjamin P. Jones, Srdjan Saso, Paul J. Hardiman, Natalie Getreu
Summary: This study compares obstetric outcomes in cancer patients who undergo cryopreservation of reproductive cells or tissues before gonadotoxic therapy. The results indicate that cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos, and ovarian tissue has similar effectiveness in terms of clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. However, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is associated with a significantly lower miscarriage rate compared to embryo cryopreservation.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Seido Takae, Yuriko Iwahata, Yodo Sugishita, Hideyuki Iwahata, Ryo Kanamori, Eriko Shiraishi, Kaoru Ito, Yuki Suzuki, Yoshiko Yamaya, Kunihide Tanaka, Kei Oyama, Dai Keino, Kentaro Nakamura, Kei Odawara, Yuki Horage, Lingbo Meng, Arby Igualada, Ahmad Mohd Faizal, Ludmilla Ogouma Aworet, Shigeyuki Furuta, Miki Sakamoto, Tetsuya Mori, Hiroaki Kitagawa, Nao Suzuki
Summary: A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the understanding and awareness of fertility preservation (FP) in pediatric patients. The results showed that most children understood that the treatment would affect their fertility, and 88.9% expressed understanding for FP and wished to receive it. Concerns about FP mainly focused on fear, pain, and costs. Children expressed satisfaction and happiness after being provided with information about FP treatment.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lin Chen, Zirui Dong, Xiaoyan Chen
Summary: Survival rates for children and adolescents with malignancy have increased due to advances in oncology treatments, but these treatments can have toxic effects on the reproductive organs. Cryopreservation of oocytes and sperm is recognized as an effective strategy for preserving fertility in pubertal patients, while the use of hormonal agonists for ovarian protection is controversial. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the only option for prepubertal girls, but the outcomes after transplantation are varied. Immature testicular tissue cryopreservation is experimental for prepubertal boys. Guidelines for fertility preservation exist, but implementation in clinical practice is limited. This review aims to discuss indications, outcomes, and workflow for fertility preservation.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jiaojiao Cheng, Xiangyan Ruan, Juan Du, Fengyu Jin, Muqing Gu, Alfred Mueck, Yurui O. Wu
Summary: The case report highlighted the importance of early evaluation for fertility preservation in TS patients and suggested OTC as a reasonable option for highly selected young females with mosaic TS, as long as endocrine evaluation does not indicate POI and other health problems do not rule out future pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
A. Tsafrir, H. Holzer, T. Miron-Shatz, T. Eldar-Geva, M. Gal, I Ben-ami, N. Dekel, A. Weintruab, D. Goldberg, O. Schonberger, N. Srebnik, J. Hyman
Summary: Most women who underwent planned oocyte cryopreservation did so because they didn't want to become pregnant without a partner. While the majority of those who attempted to conceive were successful, some eventually chose to use donor spermatozoa for conception.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marcos Eiji Shiroma, Luciana Lamarao Damous, Fernanda Pereira Cotrim, Cristiane Lima Roa, Jose Cipolla-Neto, Russel Joseph Reiter, Edmund Chada Baracat, Jose Maria Soares Jr
Summary: Melatonin pretreatment improves the quality of rat ovarian grafts by promoting the restart of the estrous cycle, increasing the expression of various key proteins in the ovaries, and reducing apoptosis levels. Further studies on reproductive function enhancement are warranted based on these findings.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Daniel Shai, Sarit Aviel-Ronen, Itai Spector, Hila Raanani, Moran Shapira, Itai Gat, Hadassa Roness, Dror Meirow
Summary: The study revealed a significant increase in primordial follicle loss and a rise in the number of growing follicles in ovaries treated with alkylating agent chemotherapy. Additionally, a decrease in nuclear FOXO3A localization in primordial follicle oocytes was observed in these ovaries removed within an ultrashort time interval. The findings suggest a pathological mechanism of follicle activation contributing to chemotherapy-induced follicle loss in patients receiving alkylating agent treatment.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yae Ji Choi, Yeon Hee Hong, Seongbeen Kim, Seul Ki Kim, Jung Ryeol Lee, Chang Suk Suh
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of fertility preservation in a single tertiary hospital in Korea, and found that options such as oocyte, embryo, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation are feasible for preserving fertility. It highlights the importance of providing these opportunities for women at risk of fertility decline.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Liu, Jing Zhang, Lu Wang, Shenglian Liang, Boqun Xu, Xiaoyan Ying, Jing Li
Summary: The pretreatment of rapamycin before vitrification has been shown to effectively inhibit the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway, increase follicle survival rate, reduce apoptosis, and promote ovarian survival during the process of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation, demonstrating important clinical implications.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Melody Devos, Paula Diaz Vidal, Jason Bouziotis, Ellen Anckaert, Marie-Madeleine Dolmans, Isabelle Demeestere
Summary: Chemotherapy exposure prior to ovarian tissue cryopreservation increases follicle apoptosis rates but not follicular activation. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hippo signaling pathways are modified in the cortex. However, the consequences of treatment on follicle activation and survival require further investigation.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hanne Vlieghe, Ellen C. R. Leonel, Parinaz Asiabi, Christiani A. Amorim
Summary: Theca cells play multiple roles during folliculogenesis but their recruitment process and function are not well understood. This review aims to discuss the recent advancements in the characterization and origins of theca cells, their applications in vitro culture for fertility preservation and studies, and their importance in understanding pathogenic pathways and hormonal replacement therapies. Isolation and in vitro culture techniques have improved the understanding of theca cells as a specific cell population. Unraveling the origins of theca cells in the adult ovary will assist in developing hormonal replacement therapies and treating diseases influenced by theca cells.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anne Marie De Man, Alexandra Rashedi, Willianne Nelen, Antoinette Anazodo, Alfred Rademaker, Saskia De Roo, Catharina Beerendonk, Teresa K. Woodruff
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Emma S. Gargus, Hunter B. Rogers, Kelly E. McKinnon, Maxwell E. Edmonds, Teresa K. Woodruff
NATURE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Correction
Engineering, Biomedical
Emma S. Gargus, Hunter B. Rogers, Kelly E. McKinnon, Maxwell E. Edmonds, Teresa K. Woodruff
NATURE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Biology
Nicole C. Woitowich, Annaliese Beery, Teresa Woodruff
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qinan Hu, Francesca E. Duncan, Andrew B. Nowakowski, Olga A. Antipova, Teresa K. Woodruff, Thomas V. O'Halloran, Mariana F. Wolfner
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hunter B. Rogers, Luhan T. Zhou, Atsuko Kusuhara, Emily Zaniker, Saman Shafaie, Benjamin C. Owen, Francesca E. Duncan, Teresa K. Woodruff
Summary: Researchers engineered the first female reproductive tract on a chip (EVATAR) for sex-based ex vivo research, and explored the use of 3D printing technologies to create 3DP microphysiologic platforms. They found potential toxicity in certain 3D-printed resins towards oocytes, underscoring the importance of rigorous evaluation and designation of biocompatible materials for biomedical applications.
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Teresa K. Woodruff, Lauren Ataman-Millhouse, Kelly S. Acharya, Teresa Almeida-Santos, Antoinette Anazodo, Richard A. Anderson, Leslie Appiah, Joy Bader, Kerri Becktell, Robert E. Brannigan, Lesley Breech, Maria T. Bourlon, Zana Bumbuliene, Karen Burns, Lisa Campo-Engelstein, Jacira R. Campos, Grace M. Centola, Mauricio Barbour Chehin, Diane Chen, Michel De Vos, Francesca E. Duncan, Ahmed El-Damen, Douglas Fair, Yemi Famuyiwa, Patricia Y. Fechner, Paula Fontoura, Olivia Frias, Sabrina A. Gerkowicz, Jill Ginsberg, Clarisa R. Gracia, Kara Goldman, Veronica Gomez-Lobo, Brent Hazelrigg, Michael H. Hsieh, Luis R. Hoyos, Alfonso Hoyos-Martinez, Robert Jach, Jacek Jassem, Murid Javed, Yasmin Jayasinghe, Roohi Jeelani, Jacqueline S. Jeruss, Nalini Kaul-Mahajan, Jessica Keim-Malpass, Tyler G. Ketterl, Mohamed Khrouf, Dana Kimelman, Atsuko Kusuhara, William H. Kutteh, Monica M. Laronda, Jung Ryeol Lee, Vicky Lehmann, Joseph M. Letourneau, Lynda K. McGinnis, Eileen McMahon, Lillian R. Meacham, Monserrat Fabiola Velez Mijangos, Molly Moravek, Leena Nahata, George Moses Ogweno, Kyle E. Orwig, Mary Ellen Pavone, Fedro Alessandro Peccatori, Romina Ileana Pesce, Hanna Pulaski, Gwendolyn Quinn, Ramiro Quintana, Tomas Quintana, Bruno Ramalho de Carvalho, Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman, Joyce Reinecke, Fernando M. Reis, Julie Rios, Alice S. Rhoton-Vlasak, Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg, Cassandra Roeca, Seth J. Rotz, Erin Rowell, Mahmoud Salama, Amanda J. Saraf, Anibal Scarella, Tara Schafer-Kalkhoff, Deb Schmidt, Suneeta Senapati, Divya Shah, Ariella Shikanov, Margarett Shnorhavorian, Jodi L. Skiles, James F. Smith, Kristin Smith, Fabio Sobral, Kyle Stimpert, H. Irene Su, Kouhei Sugimoto, Nao Suzuki, Mili Thakur, David Victorson, Luz Viale, Wendy Vitek, W. Hamish Wallace, Ellen A. Wartella, Lynn M. Westphal, Stacy Whiteside, Lea H. Wilcox, Christine Wyns, Shuo Xiao, Jing Xu, Mary Zelinski
Summary: The Oncofertility Consortium is an international initiative addressing the reproductive futures of cancer survivors and individuals undergoing fertility-limiting treatments. Through open information sharing, the community aims to provide the best care for patients and prepare for future challenges in the field.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
John F. Seeler, Ajay Sharma, Nestor J. Zaluzec, Reiner Bleher, Barry Lai, Emma G. Schultz, Brian M. Hoffman, Carole LaBonne, Teresa K. Woodruff, Thomas O'Halloran
Summary: Mammalian and amphibian oocytes both undergo zinc sparks upon fertilization, accompanied by dynamic calcium waves on the cell surface. Zinc and manganese are sequestered in cortical granules abundant at the animal pole, and their fluxes serve as a physiological block to polyspermy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kewa Jiang, Jiyang Zhang, Yuping Huang, Yingzheng Wang, Shuo Xiao, M. Kyle Hadden, Teresa K. Woodruff, Jianjun Sun
Summary: There is a significant unmet need for new contraceptive options for both women and men due to various reasons. However, using Drosophila as a model, potential compounds have been identified as nonsteroidal contraceptive candidates, showing promise for the development of novel contraceptive agents.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teresa K. Woodruff
Summary: Identification of a novel pituitary protein could offer new therapeutic possibilities for regulating female fertility.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Aaron C. Sue, Sarah M. Wignall, Teresa K. Woodruff, Thomas O'Halloran
Summary: This study investigates the role of zinc transporters in reproductive systems using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model. Phenotypic analysis of mutants reveals that two zinc transporters, ZIPT-2.4 and ZIPT-15, play an important role in reproductive output and gonad development. These findings suggest a complex zinc trafficking network that is crucial for reproductive success.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Yang, Tanya Y. Tian, Teresa K. Woodruff, Benjamin F. Jones, Brian Uzzi
Summary: The changing demographics in science have raised questions about research team diversity and outcomes. This study examines mixed-gender research teams in the medical sciences, analyzing 6.6 million papers published since 2000. The findings show that mixed-gender teams are underrepresented but their publications are more novel and impactful compared to same-gender teams. The study also finds that the gender balance on a team correlates with better performance measures. These patterns hold across medical subfields and persist even after controlling for various factors.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hideyuki Iwahata, So-Youn Kim, Yuriko Iwahata, Nao Suzuki, Teresa K. Woodruff
Summary: Cancer therapy can cause ovarian insufficiency, and current methods for fertility preservation in female cancer patients are limited. This study investigates the potential protective effects of triiodothyronine (T3) on apoptosis induced by cisplatin and X-ray in mouse ovaries, as well as in breast cancer cells. The findings suggest that T3 is not effective as a fertoprotective agent and its candidacy for fertility preservation should be reconsidered.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Elnur Babayev, Min Xu, Lonnie D. Shea, Teresa K. Woodruff, Francesca E. Duncan
Summary: This study investigates the impact of enzymatic digestion on follicle function and compares follicle collection methods. The results show that mechanical isolation promotes follicle growth and function better, and preserves theca-interstitial cell layer on the outer edge of the follicle. Additionally, the study finds that in the absence of theca-interstitial cells, granulosa cells have the potential to differentiate into androgen-producing cells.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Maxwell E. Edmonds, Teresa K. Woodruff