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Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in tubal endometriosis (EM) are still poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the differential expression of miRNAs and the related gene networks and signaling pathways in tubal EM. Four tubal epithelium samples from tubal EM patients and five normal tubal epithelium samples from uterine leiomyoma patients were collected for miRNA microarray. Bioinformatics analyses, including Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, were performed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validation of five miRNAs was performed in six tubal epithelium samples from tubal EM and six from control. A total of 17 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs and 4343 potential miRNA-target genes involved in tubal EM were identified (fold change >1.5 and FDR-adjusted P value <0.05). IPA indicated connections between miRNAs, target genes and other gynecological diseases like endometrial carcinoma. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that most of the identified genes were involved in the mTOR signaling pathway, SNARE interactions in vesicular transport and endocytosis. We constructed an miRNA-gene-disease network using target gene prediction. Functional analysis showed that the mTOR pathway was connected closely to tubal EM. Our results demonstrate for the first time the differentially expressed miRNAs and the related signal pathways involved in the pathogenesis of tubal EM which contribute to elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of tubal EM-related infertility.
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The Apolipoprotein (Apo) family is implicated in lipid metabolism. There are five types of Apo: Apoa, Apob, Apoc, Apod, and Apoe. Apoe has been demonstrated to play a central role in lipoprotein metabolism and to be essential for efficient receptor-mediated plasma clearance of chylomicron remnants and VLDL remnant particles by the liver. Apo e-deficient (Apoe −/− ) mice develop atherosclerotic plaques spontaneously, followed by obesity. In this study, we investigated whether lipid deposition caused by Apo e knockout affects reproduction in female mice. The results demonstrated that Apoe −/− mice were severely hypercholesterolemic, with their cholesterol metabolism disordered, and lipid accumulating in the ovaries causing the ovaries to be heavier compared with the WT counterparts. In addition, estrogen and progesterone decreased significantly at D 100. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that at D 100 the expression of cytochromeP450 aromatase (Cyp19a1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Hsd3b), mechanistic target of rapamycin (Mtor), and nuclear factor-κB (Nfkb) decreased significantly, while that of BCL2-associated agonist of cell death (Bad) and tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (Tsc2) increased significantly in the Apoe −/− mice. However, there was no difference in the fertility rates of the Apoe −/− and WT mice; that is, obesity induced by Apoe knockout has no significant effect on reproduction. However, the deletion of Apoe increased the number of ovarian follicles and the ratio of ovarian follicle atresia and apoptosis. We believe that this work will augment our understanding of the role of Apoe in reproduction.
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Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumour Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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In vitro activation of primordial follicles is becoming more essential in assisted reproductive technologies. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is one of the members of the neurotrophin family which has demonstrated to have an impact on follicle development in recent years. This study aims to investigate the effect of VIP on the activation of primordial follicles in neonatal rat in an in vitro culture system and to determine the relevant molecular mechanism of their activation. Ovaries of 4-day-old rats were examined for the expression of VIP receptors and were cultured in mediums containing VIP with or without inhibitors of the ERK–mTOR signalling pathway. They were then collected for histological analysis or measurement of the molecular expression of this pathway. The receptors of VIP were found in granular cells and oocytes of primordial and early-growing follicles in neonatal ovary. The ratio of growing follicle increased in the presence VIP at different concentrations, with the highest level of increase being observed in the 10−7 mol/L VIP-treated group. The ratio of PCNA-positive granular cells was also increased, while that of the apoptotic oocytes were decreased, and protein analysis showed increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, mTOR and RPS6 in the VIP-treated group. However, the effect of VIP on the activation of primordial follicle became insignificant with the addition of MEK inhibitor (U0126) or mTORC1 inhibitor (rapamycin). This study indicated that VIP could activate neonatal rat primordial follicle through the ERK-mTOR signalling pathway, suggesting a strategy for in vitro primordial follicle recruitment.
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Viral infections of the ovary may perturb ovarian functions. However, the mechanisms underlying innate immune responses in the ovary are poorly understood. The present study demonstrates that cytosolic viral DNA sensor signaling initiates the innate immune response in mouse ovarian granulosa cells and affects endocrine function. The cytosolic DNA sensors p204 and cGAS and their common signaling adaptor stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) were constitutively expressed in granulosa cells. Transfection with VACV70, a synthetic vaccinia virus (VACV) DNA analog, induced the expression of type I interferons (IFNA/B) and major inflammatory cytokines (TNFA and IL6) through IRF3 and NF-κB activation respectively. Moreover, several IFN-inducible antiviral proteins, including 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase, IFN-stimulating gene 15 and Mx GTPase 1, were also induced by VACV70 transfection. The innate immune responses in granulosa cells were significantly reduced by the transfection of specific small-interfering RNAs targeting p204, cGas or Sting. Notably, the VACV70-triggered innate immune responses affected steroidogenesis in vivo and in vitro. The data presented in this study describe the mechanism underlying ovarian immune responses to viral infection.
Metabolomics and Proteomics Technology Platform, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
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In brief
The metabolic processes of the gestation period in pandas remain poorly understood. Our study comprehensively characterizes the metabolism of giant pandas during gestation and proposes arginine and histidine as potential novel biomarkers for detecting the pregnancy state of giant pandas.
Abstract
There has been remarkable progress in the conservation and reproduction of giant pandas. However, the physiology of the gestation period in pandas remains poorly understood. The metabolic processes from estrus to pregnancy are dynamic and precisely regulated, playing a crucial role in pregnancy and related dysfunctions. In this study, we conducted a metabolomic analysis of 37 blood samples collected from pandas in estrus, acyclic, and potential pregnant states, employing rigorous screening to minimize the influence of diet. Our findings suggest that a reduced appetite can serve as an indicator for evaluating implantation time, representing a characteristic response to pregnancy and aiding in the prediction of delivery time in pregnant pandas. Metabolomic results indicate great metabolism variation from estrus to pregnancy, highlighting the association between amino acid metabolism and pregnancy outcomes. Compared to other pandas, individuals who successfully bred exhibit significantly elevated levels of arginine and histidine, even 2 months before experiencing a reduced appetite. Furthermore, the lipid profile undergoes distinct dynamic changes only in estrus samples. In summary, our study comprehensively characterizes the metabolism of giant pandas during gestation and proposes arginine and histidine as potential novel biomarkers for detecting the pregnancy state of giant pandas.
Shanghai Key Laboratory Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Shanghai Key Laboratory Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Shanghai Key Laboratory Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Shanghai Key Laboratory Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Shanghai Key Laboratory Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Shanghai Key Laboratory Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Tubal endometriosis (tubal EM) is a subtype of endometriosis (EM) associated with fallopian tube impairments and infertility. Since the molecular mechanism underlying tubal EM is not clear, we assume that an aberrant transcriptome of fallopian tube epithelium and microenvironment changes caused by cytokines in tubal fluid are possible causes. The aim of this study was to identify potential hub mRNAs/proteins of tubal EM through integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses and to elucidate significant pathways, cellular functions, and interaction networks during the initiation and progression of tubal EM. We obtained human fallopian tube epithelium and tubal fluid samples from patients with and without tubal EM. Tubal epithelia were analyzed using microarray, and tubal fluid was analyzed using quantitative label-free LC-MS/MS. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and determined common mRNAs/protein. We observed 35 commonly deregulated mRNAs/proteins, and IPA indicated that cellular movement, inflammatory response, and immune cell trafficking were significantly activated during the pathogenesis of tubal EM. We also identified acute phase response signaling pathway activation as a unique pathogenesis signature of tubal EM. Our results demonstrate that an integrated analysis of the transcriptome and proteome has the potential to reveal novel disease mechanisms at a molecular level.
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
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Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
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Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
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Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
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Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
National Demonstration Center for Experimental Veterinary Medicine Education (Huazhong Agricultural University), Wuhan, China
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Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
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Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, P. R. China
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In brief
Normal gene expression during early embryonic development and in the placenta is crucial for a successful pregnancy. Nicotine can disrupt normal gene expression during development, leading to abnormal embryonic and placental development.
Abstract
Nicotine is a common indoor air pollutant that is present in cigarette fumes. Due to its lipophilic nature, nicotine can rapidly transport through membrane barriers and spread throughout the body, which can lead to the development of diseases. However, the impact of nicotine exposure during early embryonic development on subsequent development remains elusive. In this study, we found that nicotine significantly elevated reactive oxygen species, DNA damage and cell apoptosis levels with the decrease of blastocyst formation during early embryonic development. More importantly, nicotine exposure during early embryonic development increased placental weight and disrupted placental structure. In molecular level, we also observed that nicotine exposure could specifically cause the hypermethylation of Phlda2 promoter (a maternally expressed imprinted gene associated with placental development) and reduce the mRNA expression of Phlda2. By RNA sequencing analysis, we demonstrated that nicotine exposure affected the gene expression and excessive activation of the Notch signaling pathway thereby affecting placental development. Blocking the Notch signaling pathway by DAPT treatment could recover abnormal placental weight and structure induced by nicotine exposure. Taken together, this study indicates that nicotine causes the declining quality of early embryos and leads to placental abnormalities related to over-activation of the Notch signaling pathway.
Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation; its etiology is still undefined. This study investigated the expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and CXCR7 in PCOS rats and their role in regulation of apoptosis. To accomplish this, we established an in vivo PCOS rat model and studied KGN cells (human ovarian granulosa cell line) in vitro. In PCOS rats, the ovarian expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and CXCR7 was reduced, and the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was increased, accompanied by decreased expression of BCL2 and increased expression of BAX and cleaved CASPASE3 (CASP3). We further showed that recombinant human CXCL12 treatment upregulated BCL2, downregulated BAX, and cleaved CASP3 in KGN cells to inhibit their apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner; moreover, the effect of CXCL12 was weakened by CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 and anti-CXCR7 neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, PCOS rats showed decreased CXCL12, CXCR4, and CXCR7 expression and increased apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells. Further, in human KGN cells, CXCL12 regulated the expression of BAX, BCL2, and cleaved CASP3 to inhibit apoptosis through CXCR4- and CXCR7-mediated signal transmission. These findings may provide a theoretical and practical basis for illuminating the role of proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
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This study was designed to examine the effect of Taxol pretreatment on vitrification of porcine oocytes matured in vitro by an open pulled straw (OPS) method. In the first experiment, the effect of Taxol pretreatment and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining on parthenogenetic development of oocytes was evaluated. In the second experiment, viability, microtubule organization and embryo development of oocytes were assessed after oocytes were exposed to vitrification/warming solutions or after vitrification with or without Taxol pretreatment. The results showed that Taxol pretreatment and/or FDA staining did not negatively influence the oocyte’s developmental competence after parthenogenetic activation. After being exposed to vitrification/warming solutions, the survival rate (83.3%) of the oocytes was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced as compared with that in the control (100%). Vitrification/warming procedures further reduced the survival rates of oocytes regardless of oocytes being treated with (62.1%) or without (53.8%) Taxol. The proportions of oocytes with normal spindle configuration were significantly reduced after the oocytes were exposed to vitrification/warming solutions (38.5%) or after vitrification with (10.3%) or without (4.1%) Taxol pretreatment as compared with that in control (76.8%). The rates of two-cell-stage (5.6–53.2%) embryos at 48 h and blastocysts (0–3.8%) at 144 h after activation were significantly reduced after exposure to vitrification/warming solutions or after vitrification as compared with control (90.9% and 26.6% respectively). However, the proportion of vitrified oocytes developed to two-cell stage was significantly higher when oocytes were pretreated with (24.3%) than without (5.6%) Taxol. These results indicate that pretreatment of oocytes with Taxol before vitrification helps to reduce the damage induced by vitrification and is a potential way to improve the development of vitrified porcine oocytes.
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SPINLW1 (previously known as eppin (epididymal protease inhibitor)) is a target under intense scrutiny in the study of male contraceptive vaccines. B-cell-dominant epitopes are now recognized as key parts of the induction of humoral immune responses against target antigens. The generation of robust humoral responses in vivo has become a crucial problem in the development of modern vaccines. In this study, we developed a completely novel B-cell-dominant-epitope-based mimovirus vaccine, which is a kind of virus-size particulate antigen delivery system. The mimovirus successfully self-assembled from a cationic peptide containing a cell-penetrating peptide of TAT49–57 and a plasmid DNA encoding both three SPINLW1 (103–115) copies and adjuvant C3d3. The male mice were immunized with the epitope-based mimovirus vaccine, which resulted in a gradual elevation of specific serum IgG antibody levels. These reached a peak at week 4. Mating for the fertility assay showed that the mimovirus vaccine had accomplished a moderate fertility inhibition effect and investigation into the mechanism of action showed that it did so by interfering with the reproductive function of the sperm but that it did not damage the structures of the testes or cause serum testosterone to decline. Our results suggest an ideal protocol for suppressing fertility in mice by an engineered mimovirus vaccine.
