Call for papers: epigenetic regulation of reproduction in human and in animal models
Historically, ‘epigenetics’ has referred to chemical modifications made to DNA that regulate gene expression without changing DNA sequence. These modifications are mitotically heritable and are passed from parent cell to daughter cell. The definition of epigenetics has expanded to include not only modificati ons made to DNA but also post-translational modifications to histones and chromatin structure. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 28, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
MicroRNA-125a-5p modulates the proliferation and apoptosis of TM4 Sertoli cells by targeting RAB3D and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
In conclusion, our data showed that mi R-125a-5p regulated Sertoli cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting RAB3D and regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 17, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
The paternal toolbox for embryo development and health
AbstractThe sperm is essential for reconstitution of embryonic diploidy and highly specialized developmental functions. Immediately after gamete fusion, the sperm-borne PLC-zeta triggers activation, generating intracellular free Ca2+ oscillations. Mutations in the PLC-zeta encoding gene are associated with the absence of this factor in mature sperm and inability to achieve fertilization. Sperm play also a role in the greater game of the choreography of fertilization. In the human, the sperm centrioles are introduced into the oocyte environment with gamete fusion. They interact with the oocyte cytoskeletal apparatus to form...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - June 30, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
The subcortical maternal complex: emerging roles and novel perspectives
AbstractSince its recent discovery, the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) is emerging as a maternally inherited and crucial biological structure for the initial stages of embryogenesis in mammals. Uniquely expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos, where it localizes to the cell subcortex, this multiprotein complex is essential for early embryo development in the mouse and is functionally conserved across mammalian species, including humans. The complex has been linked to key processes leading the transition from oocyte to embryo, including meiotic spindle formation and positioning, regulation of translation, orga...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - June 30, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Reverse transcription priming methods affect normalisation choices for gene expression levels in oocytes and early embryos
In this study, we examined the suitability of either random or oligo(dT) primers for reverse transcription to be used for quantitative RT-PCR. We further looked for changes in poly(A) length of the maternal mRNAs during oocyte maturation. Our data indicate that depending on the method of reverse transcription, the optimal combination of reference genes for normalisation differed. Surprisingly, we observed a shortening of the poly(A) tail lengths of maternal mRNA as oocytes progressed from germinal vesicle to metaphase II. Overall, our findings suggest dynamic maternal regulation of mRNA structure and gene expression during...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - June 21, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Cortisol induces follicle regression, while FSH prevents cortisol-induced follicle regression in pigs
In this study, we comparative analyzed the expression of genes for progesterone converting enzymes (Cytochrome (CYP)11B1,CYP21A2,Hydroxysteroid (HSD)11B2) and cortisol receptor (NR3C1) in VF and NVF granulosa cells. In NVFs, expression of cortisol producing genes (CYP11B1 andCYP21A2) was higher than in VFs. Expression of the gene for the cortisol metabolizing enzymeHSD11B2 in NVFs was significantly lower than in VFs. In NVFs, accompanied by increasing cortisol concentration in follicular fluid, apoptosis of granulosa and cumulus cells was observed. Cultivation with FSH and metyrapone (a CYP11B1 inhibitor) of NVF cumulus â€...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - May 31, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
miRNA-149 targets PARP-2 in endometrial epithelial and stromal cells to regulate the trophoblast attachment process
In conclusion, our data indicate that miR-149 is one of the regulators of endometrial receptivity and decidualization for trophoblast implantation, and it exerts the effects by acting on the downstream targets PARP-2 and caspase-8. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - May 29, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Testicular adenosine acts as a pro-inflammatory molecule: role of testicular peritubular cells
AbstractExtracellular ATP has been described to be involved in inflammatory cytokine production by human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs). The ectonucleotidases ENTPD1 and NT5E degrade ATP and have been reported in rodent testicular peritubular cells. We hypothesized that if a similar situation exists in human testis, ATP metabolites may contribute to cytokine production. Indeed, ENTPD1 and NT5E were foundin situ andin vitro in HTPCs. Malachite green assays confirmed enzyme activities in HTPCs. Pharmacological inhibition of ENTPD1 (by POM-1) significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines evoked by ATP treatment, sugg...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - May 16, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Endometrial epithelial –mesenchymal transition (EMT) by menstruation-related inflammatory factors during hypoxia
AbstractEndometriosis is characterised by inflammation and fibrotic changes. Our previous study using a mouse model showed that proinflammatory factors present in peritoneal haemorrhage exacerbated inflammation in endometriosis-like grafts, at least in part through the activation of prostaglandin (PG) E2 receptor and protease-activated receptor (PAR). In addition, hypoxia is a well-known inducer of fibrosis that may be associated with epithelial –mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the complex molecular interactions between hypoxia and proinflammatory menstruation-related factors, PGE2 and thrombin, a PAR1 agonist, on...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - May 13, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Two alternative methods for the retrieval of somatic cell populations from the mouse ovary
AbstractMany modern techniques employed to uncover the molecular fundamentals underlying biological processes require dissociated cells as their starting point/substrate. Investigations into ovarian endocrinology or folliculogenesis, therefore, necessitate robust protocols for dissociating the ovary into its constituent cell populations. While in the mouse, methods to obtain individual, mature follicles are well-established, the separation and isolation of single cells of all types from early mouse follicles, including somatic cells, has been more challenging. Herein we present two methods for the isolation of somatic cell...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - May 10, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
The RNA content of human sperm reflects prior events in spermatogenesis and potential post-fertilization effects
AbstractTranscriptome analyses using high-throughput methodologies allow a deeper understanding of biological functions in different cell types/tissues. The present study provides an RNA-seq profiling of human sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs (messenger and long non-coding RNAs) in a well-characterized population of fertile individuals. Sperm RNA was extracted from twelve ejaculate samples under strict quality controls. Poly(A)-transcripts were sequenced and aligned to the human genome. mRNAs and lncRNAs were classified according to their mean expression values (FPKM: Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads) a...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - May 5, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Deciphering balanced translocations in infertile males by next-generation sequencing to identify candidate genes for spermatogenesis disorders
In conclusion, this study confirms the relevance of combining different cytogenetic and molecular techniques to investigate patients with spermatogenesis disorders and structural rearrangements on genomic scale. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - May 1, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Lysophosphatidic acid improves oocyte quality during IVM by activating the ERK1/2 pathway in cumulus cells and oocytes
This study demonstrates that LPA improves oocyte quality during IVM through the activation of ERK1/2 pathway CCs and oocytes, which provides evidence for the potential addition of LPA to IVM medium. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - May 1, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Oocyte-secreted factors strongly stimulate sFRP4 expression in human cumulus cells
AbstractSecreted frizzled-related protein-4 (SFRP4) belongs to a family of soluble ovarian-expressed proteins that participate in female reproduction, particularly in rodents. In humans, SFRP4 is highly expressed in cumulus cells (CCs). However, the mechanisms that stimulate SFRP4 in CCs have not been examined. We hypothesise that oocyte-secreted factors such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are involved in the regulation of SFRP4. Human CCs were collected from patients undergoing fertility treatments and treated with GDF9 or BMP15 or their combination in the presence of F...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - April 26, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Thank you to our reviewers – 2020
Although firmly established as one of the leading journals in the field of reproductive biology and medicine, MHR is not complacent and continually strives for improvement. We are acutely aware of the importance of high-quality peer review and its role in maintaining and enhancing the scientific quality and clinical relevance of the articles published in this journal. For this reason, the Editorial Team of MHR would like to thank all those who have taken the time to review for us in 2020. We greatly appreciate this contribution to the ongoing success of the journal. Thank you. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - April 23, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
