Search Results

You are looking at 1 - 10 of 15 items for

  • Author: Zhang Qian x
  • Refine by access: All content x
Clear All Modify Search
Miao Zhao College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China

Search for other papers by Miao Zhao in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Wen-Qian Zhang College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China

Search for other papers by Wen-Qian Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Ji-Long Liu College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China

Search for other papers by Ji-Long Liu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Although regional differences in mouse decidualization have been recognized for decades, the molecular mechanisms remain understudied. In the present study, by using RNA-seq, we compared transcriptomic differences between the anti-mesometrial (AM) region and the mesometrial (M) region of mouse uterus on day 8 of pregnancy. A total of 1423 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 811 genes were upregulated and 612 genes were downregulated in the AM region compared to those in the M region. Gene ontology analysis showed that upregulated genes were generally involved in cell metabolism and differentiation, whereas downregulated genes were associated with lymphocyte themes and immune response. Through network analysis, we identified a total of 6 hub genes. These hub genes are likely more important than other genes due to their key positions in the network. We also examined the promoter regions of differentially expressed genes for the enrichment of transcription factor-binding sites. In the end, we demonstrated that a similar regional gene expression pattern can be observed in the artificial decidualization model. Our study contributes to an increase in the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying regional decidualization in mice.

Free access
Nan Meng NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Nan Meng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xinyue Wang Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Xinyue Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yan Shi NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Yan Shi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yanyan Mao NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Yanyan Mao in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Qian Yang NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Qian Yang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Baohui Ju Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Baohui Ju in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Qianxi Zhu NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Qianxi Zhu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Tingting Zhang Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Tingting Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yan Gu Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Yan Gu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Xuan Zhang NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Xuan Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Decidualization is essential for the successful establishment of pregnancy, and the dysregulated decidualization may lead to early pregnancy loss. It was previously reported by us that miR-3074-5p could promote apoptosis but inhibit invasion of human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells in vitro, and the expression level of miR-3074-5p in villus tissues of recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients was significantly increased. The aim of this study was to preliminarily explore the role of miR-3074-5p played in the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). It was found that the decidual expression level of miR-3074-5p in RM patients was remarkably higher than that in the control group. The overexpression of miR-3074-5p in the immortalized human ESC line, T-HESCs, showed suppressive effects not only on the cell proliferation, as well as the intracellular expression levels of cyclin B1 (CCNB1), CCND1 and CCNE1 but also on the in vitro-induced decidualization. CLN8 mRNA, encoding an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated membrane protein, was validated to be directly targeted by miR-3074-5p. And, the expression level of CLN8 was continuously increased along with the decidualization process, whereas down-regulated CLN8 expression could inhibit the decidualization of T-HESCs in vitro. Furthermore, contrary to the increased expression level of miR-3074-5p, a significantly decreased CLN8 expression was observed in decidual tissues of RM patients. Collectively, these data suggested that an increased miR-3074-5p expression in ESCs might cause early pregnancy failure by disturbing decidualization of ESCs via the miR-3074-5p/CLN8 pathway, providing a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for RM.

Restricted access
Jian Zhang College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Search for other papers by Jian Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Linlin Hao Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Linlin Hao in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Qian Wei Department of Heat Disease, Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Qian Wei in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Sheng Zhang Academy of Translational Medicine, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Sheng Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Hui Cheng College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Hui Cheng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yanhui Zhai College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Yanhui Zhai in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yu Jiang College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Yu Jiang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xinglan An Academy of Translational Medicine, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Xinglan An in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ziyi Li Academy of Translational Medicine, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Ziyi Li in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xueming Zhang College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Xueming Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Bo Tang College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Search for other papers by Bo Tang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been successfully used for cloning in a variety of mammalian species. However, SCNT reprogramming efficiency is relatively low, in part, due to incomplete DNA methylation reprogramming of donor cell nuclei. We previously showed that ten-eleven translocation 3 (TET3) is responsible for active DNA demethylation during preimplantation embryonic development in bovines. In this study, we constructed TET3-overexpressing cell lines in vitro and observed that the use of these fibroblasts as donor cells increased the blastocyst rate by approximately 18 percentage points compared to SCNT. The overexpression of TET3 in bovine SCNT embryos caused a decrease in the global DNA methylation level of the pluripotency genes Nanog and Oct-4, ultimately resulting in an increase in the transcriptional activity of these pluripotency genes. Moreover, the quality of bovine TET3-NT embryos at the blastocyst stage was significantly improved, and bovine TET3-NT blastocysts possessed more total number of cells and fewer apoptotic cells than the SCNT blastocysts, similar to in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. Nevertheless, DNA methylation of the imprinting control region (ICR) for the imprinted genes H19-IGF2 in SCNT embryos remained unaffected by TET3 overexpression, maintaining parent-specific activity for further development. Thus, the results of our study provide a promising approach to rectify incomplete epigenetic reprogramming and achieve higher cloning efficiency.

Free access
Chuwei Li C Li, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Chuwei Li in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Zhang Qian Z Qian, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Zhang Qian in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Hong Zhang H Zhang, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Hong Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xie Ge X Ge, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Xie Ge in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Li Chen L Chen, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Li Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ting Tang T Tang, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Ting Tang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mengqi Xue M Xue, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Mengqi Xue in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Zhaowanyue He Z He, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Zhaowanyue He in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Lu Zheng L Zheng, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Lu Zheng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Chun Cao C Cao, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China

Search for other papers by Chun Cao in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Kemei Zhang K Zhang, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Kemei Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Rujun Ma R Ma, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Rujun Ma in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Bing Yao B Yao, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Search for other papers by Bing Yao in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

With an increase in the mean age at parturition worldwide, female reproductive aging has become a key health problem. Advanced maternal age is reflected by decreased oocyte quality; however, the molecular mechanisms of oocyte aging are uncharacterized. O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), a dynamic posttranslational modification, plays a critical role in the development of many age-related diseases, yet it remains unclear whether and how O-GlcNAc participates in oocyte aging. Here, we found that global O-GlcNAc was elevated in normal biological aging mice oocytes (32-34 weeks) which were characterized by meiotic maturation failure and impaired mitochondrial function. Specifically, O-GlcNAc targeted the mitochondrial fission protein dynamic-related protein 1 (DRP1) to meditate mitochondrial distribution in the process of aging. Using the O-GlcNAcase (OGA) pharmacological inhibitor Thiamet-G and OGA knockdown (OGA-KD) to mimic the age-related high O-GlcNAc in young oocytes from 6-8 week-old mice mimicked the phenotype of oocyte aging. Moreover, reducing O-GlcNAc levels in aging oocytes restored spindle organization to improve oocyte quality. Our results demonstrate that O-GlcNAc is a key regulator of meiotic maturation that participates in the progression of oocyte aging.

Open access
Wen-Wen Gu NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Wen-Wen Gu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Long Yang NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Long Yang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xing-Xing Zhen NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Xing-Xing Zhen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yan Gu The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China

Search for other papers by Yan Gu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Hua Xu Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Hua Xu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Miao Liu Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Miao Liu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Qian Yang NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Qian Yang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xuan Zhang NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Xuan Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Jian Wang NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Jian Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

The invasion of maternal decidua by extravillous trophoblast (EVT) is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, and abnormal trophoblast invasion could lead to placenta-associated pathologies including early pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. SEC5, a component of the exocyst complex, plays important roles in cell survival and migration, but its role in early pregnancy has not been reported. Thus, the present study was performed to explore the functions of SEC5 in trophoblast cells. The results showed that SEC5 expression in human placental villi at first trimester was significantly higher than it was at the third trimester, and it was abundantly localized in the cytotrophoblast (CTB) and the trophoblastic column. SEC5 knockdown was accompanied by reduced migration and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. In addition, the expression and plasma membrane distribution of integrin β1 was also decreased. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated knockdown of SEC5 inhibited the outgrowth of first trimester placental explants. SEC5 and InsP3R were colocalized in the cytoplasm of HTR-8/SVneo cells, and the cell-permeant calcium chelator BAPTA-AM could significantly inhibit HTR-8/SVneo cell invasion. The Ca2+ imaging results showed that the 10% fetal bovine serum-stimulated cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) was not only reduced by downregulated SEC5 but also was blocked by the InsP3R inhibitor. Furthermore, either the [Ca2+]c was buffered by BAPTA-AM or the knockdown of SEC5 disrupted HTR-8/SVneo cell F-actin stress fibers and caused cytoskeleton derangement. Taken together, our results suggest that SEC5 might be involved in regulating trophoblast cell migration and invasion through the integrin/Ca2+ signal pathway to induce cytoskeletal rearrangement.

Restricted access
Qian Chen Department of Histo-Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Center of Reproductive Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Qian Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yong Fan Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Yong Fan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xiaowei Zhou Center of Reproductive Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Xiaowei Zhou in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Zheng Yan Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Zheng Yan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yanping Kuang Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Yanping Kuang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Aijun Zhang Department of Histo-Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Center of Reproductive Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Aijun Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Chen Xu Department of Histo-Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Chen Xu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Some studies have demonstrated that the implantation rate of fresh transfer cycles is lower in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol than in the GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) protocol during in vitro fertilization (IVF). This effect may be related to endometrial receptivity. However, the mechanisms are unclear. Here, endometrial tissues obtained from the mid-secretory phase of patients treated with GnRH-a or GnRH-ant protocols and from patients on their natural cycle were assessed. Endometrial expression of B-type creatine kinase (CKB), which plays important roles in the implantation phase, was significantly reduced in the GnRH-ant group. At the same time, expression of the endometrial receptivity marker HOXA10 was considerably reduced in the GnRH-ant group. GnRH-ant exposure in endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) in vitro decreased CKB expression and ATP generation and blocked polymerization of actin. Furthermore, in vitro GnRH-ant-exposed Ishikawa cells showed enhanced F-actin depolymerization, and these effects were rescued by CKB overexpression. Similar effects were observed after CKB knockdown, and these effects were rescued by CKB overexpression. Moreover, cell migration was decreased in CKB-knockdown Ishikawa cells compared with that in control cells, and this effect was also rescued by CKB overexpression. Overall, these findings showed that GnRH-ant affected CKB expression in EECs, resulting in cytoskeletal damage and migration failure. These results provide insight into the roles and molecular mechanisms of GnRH-ant treatment in the endometrium.

Restricted access
Qian Li Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Province Women and Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China

Search for other papers by Qian Li in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Li Yang Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Province Women and Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China

Search for other papers by Li Yang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Feng Zhang Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Province Women and Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China

Search for other papers by Feng Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jiaxi Liu Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Province Women and Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China

Search for other papers by Jiaxi Liu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Min Jiang Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Province Women and Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China

Search for other papers by Min Jiang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yannan Chen Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Province Women and Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China

Search for other papers by Yannan Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Chenchen Ren Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Province Women and Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China

Search for other papers by Chenchen Ren in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

In brief

Inflammation and abnormal immune response are the key processes in the development of endometriosis (EMs), and m6A modification can regulate the inflammatory response. This study reveals that METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays an important role in EMs.

Abstract

m6A modification is largely involved in the development of different diseases. This study intended to investigate the implication of m6A methylation transferase methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) in EMs. EMs- and m6A-related mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs were identified through bioinformatics analysis. Next, EM mouse models established by endometrial autotransplantation and mouse endometrial stromal cell (mESC) were prepared and treated with oe-METTL3 or sh-MIR17HG for pinpointing the in vitro and in vivo effects of METTL3 on EMs in relation to MIR17HG through the determination of mESC biological processes as well as estradiol (E2) and related lipoprotein levels. We demonstrated that METTL3 and MIR17HG were downregulated in the EMs mouse model. Overexpression of METTL3 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of mESCs. In addition, METTL3 enhanced the expression of MIR17HG through m6A modification. Moreover, METTL3 could inhibit the E2 level and alter related lipoprotein levels in EMs mice through the upregulation of MIR17HG. The present study highlighted that the m6A methylation transferase METTL3 prevents EMs progression by upregulating MIR17HG expression.

Restricted access
Qian Zhang State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Qian Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Song Yu State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Song Yu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xing Huang State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Xing Huang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yi Tan State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Yi Tan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Cheng Zhu State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Cheng Zhu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yan-Ling Wang State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Yan-Ling Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Haibin Wang State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Haibin Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Hai-Yan Lin State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Hai-Yan Lin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jiejun Fu State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Jiejun Fu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Hongmei Wang State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-related Diseases, Laboratory Animal Center, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China

Search for other papers by Hongmei Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Cullin 3 (CUL3), a scaffold protein, assembles a large number of ubiquitin ligase complexes, similar to Skp1-Cullin 1-F-box protein complex. Several genetic models have shown that CUL3 is crucial for early embryonic development. Nevertheless, the role of CUL3 in human trophoblast function remains unclear. In this study, immunostaining revealed that CUL3 was strongly expressed in the villous cytotrophoblasts, the trophoblast column, and the invasive extravillous trophoblasts. Silencing CUL3 significantly inhibited the outgrowth of villous explant ex vivo and decreased invasion and migration of trophoblast HTR8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, CUL3 siRNA decreased pro-MMP9 activity and increased the levels of TIMP1 and 2. We also found that the level of CUL3 in the placental villi from pre-eclamptic patients was significantly lower as compared to that from their gestational age-matched controls. Moreover, in the lentiviral-mediated placenta-specific CUL3 knockdown mice, lack of CUL3 resulted in less invasive trophoblast cells in the maternal decidua. Taken together, these results suggest an essential role for CUL3 in the invasion and migration of trophoblast cells, and dysregulation of its expression may be associated with the onset of pre-eclampsia.

Free access
Shou-Bin Tang College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Shou-Bin Tang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Lei-Lei Yang College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Lei-Lei Yang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ting-Ting Zhang Reproductive Medicine Center of People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Ting-Ting Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Qian Wang Reproductive Medicine Center of People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Qian Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Shen Yin College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Shen Yin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Shi-Ming Luo College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Shi-Ming Luo in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Wei Shen College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Wei Shen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Zhao-Jia Ge College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Zhao-Jia Ge in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Qing-Yuan Sun College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Qing-Yuan Sun in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

It is demonstrated that repeated superovulation has deleterious effects on mouse ovaries and cumulus cells. However, little is known about the effects of repeated superovulation on early embryos. Epigenetic reprogramming is an important event in early embryonic development and could be easily disrupted by the environment. Thus, we speculated that multiple superovulations may have adverse effects on histone modifications in the early embryos. Female CD1 mice were randomly divided into four groups: (a) spontaneous estrus cycle (R0); (b) with once superovulation (R1); (c) with three times superovulation at a 7-day interval (R3) and (d) with five times superovulation at a 7-day interval (R5). We found that repeated superovulation remarkably decreased the fertilization rate. With the increase of superovulation times, the rate of early embryo development was decreased. The expression of Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog was also affected by superovulation in blastocysts. The immunofluorescence results showed that the acetylation level of histone 4 at lysine 12 (H4K12ac) was significantly reduced by repeated superovulation in mouse early embryos (P < 0.01). Acetylation level of histone 4 at lysine 16 (H4K16ac) was also significantly reduced in pronuclei and blastocyst along with the increase of superovulation times (P < 0.01). H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 were significantly increased in four-cell embryos and blastocysts. We further found that repeated superovulation treatment increased the mRNA level of histone deacetylases Hdac1, Hdac2 and histone methyltransferase G9a, but decreased the expression level of histone demethylase-encoding genes Kdm6a and Kdm6b in early embryos. In a word, multiple superovulations alter histone modifications in early embryos.

Open access
Xiao-Qian Meng Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250002, People’s Republic of China, Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Xiao-Qian Meng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ke-Gang Zheng Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250002, People’s Republic of China, Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Ke-Gang Zheng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yong Yang Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250002, People’s Republic of China, Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Yong Yang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Man-Xi Jiang Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250002, People’s Republic of China, Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Man-Xi Jiang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yan-Ling Zhang Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250002, People’s Republic of China, Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Yan-Ling Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Qing-Yuan Sun Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250002, People’s Republic of China, Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Qing-Yuan Sun in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Yun-Long Li Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250002, People’s Republic of China, Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, People’s Republic of China

Search for other papers by Yun-Long Li in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Microfilaments (actin filaments) regulate various dynamic events during meiotic maturation. Relatively, little is known about the regulation of microfilament organization in mammalian oocytes. Proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2), a protein tyrosine kinase related to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is essential in actin filaments organization. The present study was to examine the expression and localization of Pyk2, and in particular, its function during rat oocyte maturation. For the first time, by using Western blot and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we detected the expression of Pyk2 in rat oocytes and found that Pyk2 and Try402 phospho-Pyk2 were localized uniformly at the cell cortex and surrounded the germinal vesicle (GV) or the condensed chromosomes at the GV stage or after GV breakdown. At the metaphase and the beginning of anaphase, Pyk2 distributed asymmetrically both in the ooplasm and the cortex with a marked staining associated with the chromosomes and the region overlying the meiotic spindle. At telophase, Pyk2 was observed in the cleavage furrows in addition to its cortex and cytoplasm localization. The dynamics of Pyk2 were similar to that of F-actin, and this kinase was found to co-localize with microfilaments in several developmental stages during rat oocyte maturation. Microinjection of Pyk2 antibody demolished the microfilaments assembly and also inhibited the first polar body (PB1) emission. These findings suggest an important role of Pyk2 for rat oocyte maturation by regulating the organization of actin filaments.

Free access