Genomic integrity in the male germ line: evidence in support of the disposable soma hypothesis
The Big Blue Select-cII selection system has been employed along with whole-exome sequencing to examine the susceptibility of the male germ line to mutation in two challenging situations (i) exposure to a chemotherapeutic regime including bleomycin, etoposide and cis-platinum (BEP) and (ii) the ageing process. A 3-week exposure to BEP induced complete azoospermia associated with a loss of developing germ cells and extensive vacuolization of Sertoli cell cytoplasm. Following cessation of treatment, spermatozoa first appeared in the caput epididymis after 6 weeks and by 12 weeks motile spermatozoa could be recovered from the...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Xavier, M. J., Mitchell, L. A., McEwan, K. E., Scott, R. J., Aitken, R. J. Tags: Research Source Type: research
CFTR is required for the migration of primordial germ cells during zebrafish early embryogenesis
Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene affect fertility in both sexes. However, the involvement of CFTR in regulating germ cell development remains largely unknown. Here, we used zebrafish model to investigate the role of CFTR in primordial germ cells (PGCs) development. We generated a cftr frameshift mutant zebrafish line using CRISPR/Cas9 technique and investigated the migration of PGCs during early embryo development. Our results showed that loss of Cftr impairs the migration of PGCs from dome stages onward. The migration of PGCs was also perturbed by treatment of CFTRinh-172, a...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Liao, H., Chen, Y., Li, Y., Xue, S., Liu, M., Lin, Z., Liu, Y., Chan, H. C., Zhang, X., Sun, H. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Activated-farnesoid X receptor (FXR) expressed in human sperm alters its fertilising ability
In conclusion, in this study, we demonstrated for the first time a novel target for FXR and that the activated receptor alters the acquisition of sperm fertilising ability. We showed that sperm itself express the FXR and it is responsive to specific ligands of the receptor; therefore, bile acids influence this cell both in male and in female genital tracts. It might be hypothesized that bile acid levels could be involved in infertility with idiopathic origin as these compounds are not systematically measured in men undergoing medically assisted procreation. (Source: Reproduction)
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Malivindi, R., Santoro, M., De Rose, D., Panza, S., Gervasi, S., Rago, V., Aquila, S. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Expression of atresia biomarkers in granulosa cells after ovarian stimulation in heifers
The use of younger gamete donors in dairy cattle genetic selection programs significantly accelerates genetic gains by decreasing the interval between generations. Ovarian stimulation (OS) and the practice of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) withdrawal, also known as coasting, are intensively used in pre-pubertal heifers without detrimental effects on subsequent reproductive performance but generally with lower embryo yields. However, recent data from embryo transfer programs showed similar embryo yields in younger and sexually mature animals but with a significant difference in the coasting period. The aim of the presen...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Landry, D. A., Rossi-Perazza, L., Lafontaine, S., Sirard, M.-A. Tags: Research Source Type: research
NLRP3 in somatic non-immune cells of rodent and primate testes
NLRP3 is part of the NLRP3 inflammasome and a global sensor of cellular damage. It was recently discovered in rodent Sertoli cells. We investigated NLRP3 in mouse, human and non-human primate (marmoset and rhesus macaque) testes, employing immunohistochemistry. Sertoli cells of all species expressed NLRP3, and the expression preceded puberty. In addition, peritubular cells of the adult human testes expressed NLRP3. NLRP3 and associated genes (PYCARD, CASP1, IL1B) were also found in isolated human testicular peritubular cells and the mouse Sertoli cell line TM4. Male infertility due to impairments of spermatogenesis may be ...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Walenta, L., Schmid, N., Schwarzer, J. U., Kohn, F.-M., Urbanski, H. F., Behr, R., Strauss, L., Poutanen, M., Mayerhofer, A. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Blastocyst-induced changes in the bovine endometrial transcriptome
The objectives of this study were (i) to determine whether blastocyst-induced responses in endometrial explants were detectable after 6- or 24-h co-culture in vitro; (ii) to test if direct contact is required between embryos and the endometrial surface in order to stimulate endometrial gene expression; (iii) to establish the number of blastocysts required to elicit a detectable endometrial response; (iv) to investigate if upregulation of five interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the endometrium was specific to the blastocyst stage and (v) to test if alterations in endometrial gene expression can be induced by blastocyst-c...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Passaro, C., Tutt, D., Mathew, D. J., Sanchez, J. M., Browne, J. A., Boe-Hansen, G. B., Fair, T., Lonergan, P. Tags: Research Source Type: research
IRF5 is increased in labouring myometrium and regulates pro-labour mediators
Preterm birth continues to be the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidities that can extend into adult life. Few treatment options stem from our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of human labour and delivery. Activation of the inflammatory response in gestational tissues by inflammation and/or infection leads to the production of pro-inflammatory and pro-labour mediators, thus preterm birth. Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) has recently emerged as an important pro-inflammatory transcription factor involved in acute and chronic inflammation. The aims of this study were to determine the expression of ...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Lim, R., Barker, G., Lappas, M. Tags: Research Source Type: research
SPEN protein expression and interactions with chromatin in mouse testicular cells
SPEN (spen family transcription repressor) is a nucleic acid-binding protein putatively involved in repression of gene expression. We hypothesized that SPEN could be involved in general downregulation of the transcription during the heat shock response in mouse spermatogenic cells through its interactions with chromatin. We documented predominant nuclear localization of the SPEN protein in spermatocytes and round spermatids, which was retained after heat shock. Moreover, the protein was excluded from the highly condensed chromatin. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments clearly indicated interactions of SPEN with chroma...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Korfanty, J., Stokowy, T., Chadalski, M., Toma-Jonik, A., Vydra, N., Widłak, P., Wojtaś, B., Gielniewski, B., Widlak, W. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Regulation of GnRH pulsatility in ewes
Early work in ewes provided a wealth of information on the physiological regulation of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion by internal and external inputs. Identification of the neural systems involved, however, was limited by the lack of information on neural mechanisms underlying generation of GnRH pulses. Over the last decade, considerable evidence supported the hypothesis that a group of neurons in the arcuate nucleus that contain kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin (KNDy neurons) are responsible for synchronizing secretion of GnRH during each pulse in ewes. In this review, we describe our curr...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Nestor, C. C., Bedenbaugh, M. N., Hileman, S. M., Coolen, L. M., Lehman, M. N., Goodman, R. L. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Effects of micronutrients on placental function: evidence from clinical studies to animal models
Micronutrient deficiencies are common in pregnant women due to low dietary intake and increased requirements for fetal development. Low maternal micronutrient status is associated with a range of pregnancy pathologies involving placental dysfunction, including fetal growth restriction (FGR), small-for-gestational age (SGA), pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. However, clinical trials commonly fail to convincingly demonstrate beneficial effects of supplementation of individual micronutrients, attributed to heterogeneity and insufficient power, potential interactions and lack of mechanistic knowledge of effects on the placenta....
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Baker, B. C., Hayes, D. J., Jones, R. L. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Regulation of the porcine corpus luteum during pregnancy
The new corpora lutea (CLs) in pigs are formed from the preovulatory follicles after the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. However, total autonomy and independence of CLs from LH up to Day 12 of cycle has recently been questioned. Transformation of estrous cycle CL to CL of pregnancy initiated by embryonic signals requires not only the cessation of prostaglandin F2 (PGF2α) supply to the luteal tissue but also needs the CL to overcome luteolytic acquisition and/or changing its sensitivity to PGF2α during Days 12–14 of pregnancy. The luteolytic cascade is prevented by inhibition of lymphocyte infiltration and...
Source: Reproduction - August 17, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Ziecik, A. J., Przygrodzka, E., Jalali, B. M., Kaczmarek, M. M. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Impact of exercise on oocyte quality in the POLG mitochondrial DNA mutator mouse
The mtDNA ‘mutator’ mouse, also called the ‘POLG’ mouse, is a well-characterized model frequently used for studies of progeroid aging. Harboring a mutation in the proofreading domain of the mitochondrial polymerase, polymerase- (Polg), POLG mice acquire mtDNA mutations at an accelerated rate. This results in premature mitochondrial dysfunction and a systemic aging phenotype. Previous work has demonstrated that the progeroid phenotype in POLG is attenuated following endurance exercise, the only reported intervention to extend health span and lifespan of these mice. Herein, oocyte quality was evaluate...
Source: Reproduction - July 31, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Faraci, C., Annis, S., Jin, J., Li, H., Khrapko, K., Woods, D. C. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Imprint stability and plasticity during development
There have been a number of recent insights in the area of genomic imprinting, the phenomenon whereby one of two autosomal alleles is selected for expression based on the parent of origin. This is due in part to a proliferation of new techniques for interrogating the genome that are leading researchers working on organisms other than mouse and human, where imprinting has been most studied, to become interested in looking for potential imprinting effects. Here, we recap what is known about the importance of imprints for growth and body size, as well as the main types of locus control. Interestingly, work from a number of la...
Source: Reproduction - July 31, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Mackin, S.-J., Thakur, A., Walsh, C. P. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Progressive methylation of POU5F1 regulatory regions during blastocyst development
The POU5F1 gene encodes one of the ‘core’ transcription factors necessary to establish and maintain pluripotency in mammals. Its function depends on its precise level of expression, so its transcription has to be tightly regulated. To date, few conserved functional elements have been identified in its 5' regulatory region: a distal and a proximal enhancer, and a minimal promoter, epigenetic modifications of which interfere with POU5F1 expression and function in in vitro-derived cell lines. Also, its permanent inactivation in differentiated cells depends on de novo methylation of its promoter. However, little is...
Source: Reproduction - July 30, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Canon, E., Jouneau, L., Blachere, T., Peynot, N., Daniel, N., Boulanger, L., Maulny, L., Archilla, C., Voisin, S., Jouneau, A., Godet, M., Duranthon, V. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Sphingolipid synthesis and role in uterine epithelia proliferation
In conclusion, we demonstrate that sphingolipid synthesis and signaling are involved in uterine epithelial cell proliferation during the estrous cycle of the rat. (Source: Reproduction)
Source: Reproduction - July 27, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Cerbon, J., Baranda-Avila, N., Falcon-Munoz, A., Camacho-Arroyo, I., Cerbon, M. Tags: Research Source Type: research
