Effects of gamete source and culture conditions on the competence of in vitro-produced embryos for post-transfer survival in cattle

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Hansen ◽  
Jeremy Block ◽  
Barbara Loureiro ◽  
Luciano Bonilla ◽  
Katherine E. M. Hendricks
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Embryonic Survival ◽  
Filtration System

One limitation to the use of in vitro-produced embryos in cattle production systems is the fact that pregnancy rates after transfer to recipients are typically lower than when embryos produced in vivo are transferred. Conceptually, the oocyte and spermatozoon from which the embryo is derived could affect competence for post-transfer survival. There are sire differences in embryonic survival after transfer, but there is little evidence that an embryo’s ability to establish pregnancy is determined by sex sorting of spermatozoa by flow cytometry. The role of the source of the oocyte as a determinant of embryonic survival after transfer has not been examined carefully. Conditions for embryo culture after fertilisation can have an impact on the ability of the embryo to establish pregnancy following transfer. Among the specific molecules produced in the reproductive tract of the cow that have been shown to improve competence of in vitro-produced embryos for post-transfer survival are colony-stimulating factor 2, insulin-like growth factor-1 (for recipients exposed to heat stress) and hyaluronan (for less-advanced embryos). There is also a report that embryo competence for post-transfer survival can be improved by inclusion of a carbon-activated air filtration system in the incubator used to culture embryos. Progress in developing culture systems to improve embryonic competence for survival after transfer would be hastened by the development of in vitro assays that accurately predict the potential of an embryo to establish pregnancy after transfer. A group of 52 genes has been identified that are differentially expressed in embryos that developed to term v. embryos that did not establish pregnancy. Perhaps a gene microarray consisting of these genes, alone or in combination with other genes, could be used to screen embryos for competence to establish pregnancy.

scholarly journals HIF-1α is a key mediator of the lung inflammatory potential of lithium-ion battery particles

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Violaine Sironval ◽  
Mihaly Palmai-Pallag ◽  
Rita Vanbever ◽  
François Huaux ◽  
Jorge Mejia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Inhalation Toxicity ◽  
Cobalt Nickel ◽  
Occupational Settings

Abstract Background Li-ion batteries (LIB) are increasingly used worldwide. They are made of low solubility micrometric particles, implying a potential for inhalation toxicity in occupational settings and possibly for consumers. LiCoO2 (LCO), one of the most used cathode material, induces inflammatory and fibrotic lung responses in mice. LCO also stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) -1α, a factor implicated in inflammation, fibrosis and carcinogenicity. Here, we investigated the role of cobalt, nickel and HIF-1α as determinants of toxicity, and evaluated their predictive value for the lung toxicity of LIB particles in in vitro assays. Results By testing a set of 5 selected LIB particles (LCO, LiNiMnCoO2, LiNiCoAlO2) with different cobalt and nickel contents, we found a positive correlation between their in vivo lung inflammatory activity, and (i) Co and Ni particle content and their bioaccessibility and (ii) the stabilization of HIF-1α in the lung. Inhibition of HIF-1α with chetomin or PX-478 blunted the lung inflammatory response to LCO in mice. In IL-1β deficient mice, HIF-1α was the upstream signal of the inflammatory lung response to LCO. In vitro, the level of HIF-1α stabilization induced by LIB particles in BEAS-2B cells correlated with the intensity of lung inflammation induced by the same particles in vivo. Conclusions We conclude that HIF-1α, stabilized in lung cells by released Co and Ni ions, is a mechanism-based biomarker of lung inflammatory responses induced by LIB particles containing Co/Ni. Documenting the Co/Ni content of LIB particles, their bioaccessibility and their capacity to stabilize HIF-1α in vitro can be used to predict the lung inflammatory potential of LIB particles.

scholarly journals Robust and Scalable Angiogenesis Assay of Perfused 3D Human iPSC-Derived Endothelium for Anti-Angiogenic Drug Screening

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 4804
Author(s):  
Vincent van Duinen ◽  
Wendy Stam ◽  
Eva Mulder ◽  
Farbod Famili ◽  
Arie Reijerkerk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Screening ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Screening Assay ◽  
Angiogenesis Assay

To advance pre-clinical vascular drug research, in vitro assays are needed that closely mimic the process of angiogenesis in vivo. Such assays should combine physiological relevant culture conditions with robustness and scalability to enable drug screening. We developed a perfused 3D angiogenesis assay that includes endothelial cells (ECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and assessed its performance and suitability for anti-angiogenic drug screening. Angiogenic sprouting was compared with primary ECs and showed that the microvessels from iPSC-EC exhibit similar sprouting behavior, including tip cell formation, directional sprouting and lumen formation. Inhibition with sunitinib, a clinically used vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor type 2 inhibitor, and 3-(3-pyridinyl)-1-(4-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one (3PO), a transient glycolysis inhibitor, both significantly reduced the sprouting of both iPSC-ECs and primary ECs, supporting that both cell types show VEGF gradient-driven angiogenic sprouting. The assay performance was quantified for sunitinib, yielding a minimal signal window of 11 and Z-factor of at least 0.75, both meeting the criteria to be used as screening assay. In conclusion, we have developed a robust and scalable assay that includes physiological relevant culture conditions and is amenable to screening of anti-angiogenic compounds.

scholarly journals Preliminary Study and Improve the Production of Metabolites with Antifungal Activity by a Bacillus Sp Strain IBA 33

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. MBI.S995 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Antonieta Gordillo ◽  
Antonio Roberto Navarro ◽  
Lidia María Benitez ◽  
Marta Inés Torres De Plaza ◽  
Maria Cristina Maldonado
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Geotrichum Candidum ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Penicillium Expansum ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Bacillus Sp ◽  
In Vivo Assays ◽  
Metabolites Production

Bacillus sp strain IBA 33 metabolites, isolated from decaying lemon fruits, were evaluated for the control of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi ( Penicillium digitatum, Geotrichum candidum, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium moniliforme). These metabolites were recovered from Landy medium (LM) without aminoacids. In order to optimize metabolites production the LM was modified by adding different concentrations and sources of amino acids and carbohydrates at different culture conditions. Bacillus sp strain IBA 33 metabolites efficacy to control fungi were evaluated with in vitro and in vivo assays. A. flavus growth inhibition was 52% with the metabolites of Bacillus sp strain IBA 33 recovered from LM (MBLM) in vitro assays. MBLM supplemented with 0.5% glutamic acid, inhibited the growth of P. digitatum, G. candidum, A. clavatus, A. niger and F. moniliforme by 65%, 88.44%, 84%, 34% and 92% respectively. The highest inhibition of P. expansum was 45% with MBLM supplemented with 0.5% aspartic acid. Similar results were obtained in vivo assays. These results showed that Bacillus sp strain IBA 33 metabolites specificity against fungi depended on the composition of the LM.

scholarly journals In vitro granulocyte adherence and in vivo margination: two associated complement-dependent functions

1977 ◽  
Vol 146 (3) ◽  
pp. 641-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Fehr ◽  
HS Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Human Model ◽  
Classical Pathway ◽  
Autologous Plasma ◽  
Heat Stable ◽  
Filtration System ◽  
Fresh Plasma ◽  
Flow Filtration

To study mechanisms and mediators regulating the distribution of intravascular granulocytes between circulating and marginated pools, a human model with extreme transient margination, the neutropenia of continuous flow filtration leukophoresis, was analyzed. Studies in animals demonstrated the existence of a complement (C)-derived granulocytopenia-inducing factor. Thus, autologous plasma, exposed to nylon fibers (NF) of the filtration system, produced an acute selective decrement of circulating granulocytes and monocytes. This phenomenon was blocked by decomplementing plasma, by pretreatment of plasma with EDTA or hydrazine, and by preheating at 56 degrees C, but did occur after recombination of heat-inactivated and hydrazine-treated plasma before NF exposure. Preheating plasma at 50 degrees C did not inhibit the neutropenic response, suggesting involvement of the classical pathway of C activation. Ultrafiltration studies indicated that the NF-provoked neutropenia-inducing factor has a mol wt in the range of 10,000-30,000, and is heat stable (56 degrees C). To analyze the hypothesis that C- induced neutrophil margination might be consequent to increased cell adhesiveness to endothelial surfaces, the role of C in promoting granulocyte adherence was evaluated in vitro. Measured with a plastic Petridish assay, granulocyte adherence was significantly reduced in heat- inactivated (56 degrees C) and hydrazine-treated plasma, but adherence promoting capacity was restored by mixing the two plasmas, or by adding purified C3 to hydrazine-treated plasma. After exposure to activated C, neutrophils showed significantly increased adhesiveness which was maintained when cells were resuspended in heat-inactivated plasma, but progressively lost when resuspended in fresh plasma. On the basis of these results we conclude that granulocyte adhesiveness in vitro and margination in vivo are closely associated, C-dependent phenomena.

Plastoquinone-9 biosynthesis in cyanobacteria differs from that in plants and involves a novel 4-hydroxybenzoate solanesyltransferase

2012 ◽  
Vol 442 (3) ◽  
pp. 621-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radin Sadre ◽  
Christian Pfaff ◽  
Stephan Buchkremer
Keyword(s):  
Biosynthetic Pathway ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Transport Chain ◽  
In Vivo Labelling ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Transformation Processes ◽  
Synechocystis Sp

PQ-9 (plastoquinone-9) has a central role in energy transformation processes in cyanobacteria by mediating electron transfer in both the photosynthetic as well as the respiratory electron transport chain. The present study provides evidence that the PQ-9 biosynthetic pathway in cyanobacteria differs substantially from that in plants. We identified 4-hydroxybenzoate as being the aromatic precursor for PQ-9 in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, and in the present paper we report on the role of the membrane-bound 4-hydroxybenzoate solanesyltransferase, Slr0926, in PQ-9 biosynthesis and on the properties of the enzyme. The catalytic activity of Slr0926 was demonstrated by in vivo labelling experiments in Synechocystis sp., complementation studies in an Escherichia coli mutant with a defect in ubiquinone biosynthesis, and in vitro assays using the recombinant as well as the native enzyme. Although Slr0926 was highly specific for the prenyl acceptor substrate 4-hydroxybenzoate, it displayed a broad specificity with regard to the prenyl donor substrate and used not only solanesyl diphosphate, but also a number of shorter-chain prenyl diphosphates. In combination with in silico data, our results indicate that Slr0926 evolved from bacterial 4-hydroxybenzoate prenyltransferases catalysing prenylation in the course of ubiquinone biosynthesis.

scholarly journals L1CAM promotes ovarian cancer stemness and tumor initiation via FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Giordano ◽  
Alessandra Decio ◽  
Chiara Battistini ◽  
Micol Baronio ◽  
Fabrizio Bianchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Tumor Initiation ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Stat3 Signaling

Abstract Background Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been implicated in tumor progression. In ovarian carcinoma (OC), CSC drive tumor formation, dissemination and recurrence, as well as drug resistance, thus contributing to the high death-to-incidence ratio of this disease. However, the molecular basis of such a pathogenic role of ovarian CSC (OCSC) has been elucidated only to a limited extent. In this context, the functional contribution of the L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) to OC stemness remains elusive. Methods The expression of L1CAM was investigated in patient-derived OCSC. The genetic manipulation of L1CAM in OC cells provided gain and loss-of-function models that were then employed in cell biological assays as well as in vivo tumorigenesis experiments to assess the role of L1CAM in OC cell stemness and in OCSC-driven tumor initiation. We applied antibody-mediated neutralization to investigate L1CAM druggability. Biochemical approaches were then combined with functional in vitro assays to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional role of L1CAM in OCSC. Results We report that L1CAM is upregulated in patient-derived OCSC. Functional studies showed that L1CAM promotes several stemness-related properties in OC cells, including sphere formation, tumor initiation and chemoresistance. These activities were repressed by an L1CAM-neutralizing antibody, pointing to L1CAM as a druggable target. Mechanistically, L1CAM interacted with and activated fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), which in turn induced the SRC-mediated activation of STAT3. The inhibition of STAT3 prevented L1CAM-dependent OC stemness and tumor initiation. Conclusions Our study implicate L1CAM in the tumorigenic function of OCSC and point to the L1CAM/FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling pathway as a novel driver of OC stemness. We also provide evidence that targeting this pathway can contribute to OC eradication.

scholarly journals Targeting Myeloid-Cell Specific Integrin α9β1 Inhibits Arterial Thrombosis in Mice

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3581-3581
Author(s):  
Nirav Dhanesha ◽  
Manasa K Nayak ◽  
Prakash Doddapattar ◽  
Anil K Chauhan
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Arterial Thrombosis ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Myeloid Cell ◽  
Cathepsin G ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Laser Injury

Background: Coordinated interactions between neutrophils, platelets and endothelial cells contribute towards the development of arterial thrombosis. Neutrophils along with platelets are the first immune cells that are recruited at the site of endothelial activation/injury or infection. Recent studies have suggested that neutrophils modulate thrombosis via several mechanisms, including NETosis (formation of neutrophil extracellular traps). The integrin α9 is highly expressed on neutrophils while platelets do not express it. The integrin α9 up-regulated upon neutrophil activation and is implicated in stable adhesion and transmigration. The mechanisms underlying the role of integrin α9 towards the progression of arterial thrombosis has not been explored yet. Objective: To elucidate the mechanistic insights into the role of myeloid-cell specific integrin α9 in neutrophil adhesion and arterial thrombosis. Methods: We generated novel myeloid-specific α9-/- mice (α9fl/fl LysMcre+l-) by crossing α9fl/fl with LysMcr+/+mice. Littermates α9fl/flLysMcre-l-mice were used as controls. Standardized in vitro assays were used to evaluate the role of integrin α9 in neutrophil mediated platelet aggregation, NETosis and Cathepsin-G release. Susceptibility to arterial thrombosis and hemostasis was evaluated in vivo (FeCl3-induced carotid and laser-injury induced mesenteric artery thrombosis models) by utilizing intravital microscopy and tail bleeding assay respectively. Results: α9fl/flLysMCre+/-mice developed smaller thrombi (~40% occlusion), when compared with α9fl/flmice (~80% occlusion, 10 minutes post-FeCl3 induced injury). The mean time to complete occlusion was significantly prolonged in α9fl/flLysMCre+/-mice (P<0.05 vs α9fl/fl mice). Consistent with this, α9fl/flLysMCre+/-mice displayed significantly decreased platelet mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and reduced rate of thrombus growth in laser injury-induced thrombosis model (P<0.05 vs. α9fl/fl mice). Together, these results suggest that myeloid cell-specific integrin α9 contributes to the experimental thrombosis at arterial shear rates. Monocytes depletion experiments demonstrated a minimal role for monocyte in progression of arterial thrombosis. In vitro mechanistic studies demonstrated a reduction in neutrophil-mediated platelet aggregation and cathepsin-G secretion in myeloid cell-specific integrin α9-/- mice, when compared with litter-mates control wild-type mice. Notably, the percentage of cells releasing NETs was markedly reduced in myeloid cell-specific integrin α9-/- mice that was concomitant with reduced MPO levels in carotid thrombus of α9fl/flLysMCre+/-mice. Together, these results suggest most likely integrin α9 expressed on neutrophils, but not monocytes, promotes arterial thrombosis. Comparable tail bleeding time between α9fl/flLysMcreand littermate α9fl/fl mice suggested that myeloid-cell specific deficiency of integrin α9 does not alter hemostasis. Conclusion: These findings reveal a novel role for integrin α9 in modulation of arterial thrombosis. While the clinical implications of these findings remains to be explored, we suggest that targeting integrin α9 may reduce post reperfusion thrombo-inflammatory injury, following acute myocardial infarction or stroke. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Macrophage Class A Scavenger Receptor-Mediated Phagocytosis of Escherichia coli: Role of Cell Heterogeneity, Microbial Strain, and Culture Conditions In Vitro

2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 1953-1963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Peiser ◽  
Peter J. Gough ◽  
Tatsuhiko Kodama ◽  
Siamon Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Host Defense ◽  
Bacterial Strain ◽  
Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Class A

ABSTRACT Macrophage class A scavenger receptors (SR-AI and SR-AII) contribute to host defense by binding polyanionic ligands such as lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid. SR-A knockout (SR-A−/−) mice are more susceptible to endotoxic shock and Listeria monocytogenes infection in vivo, possibly due to decreased clearance of lipopolysaccharide and microorganisms, respectively. We have used flow cytometry to analyze the role of SR-A and other scavenger-like receptors in phagocytosis of bacteria in vitro. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with human SR-A bound Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus but ingested few organisms. Primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (Mφ) bound and ingested E. coli more efficiently, and this was partially but selectively blocked by the general SR inhibitor, poly(I). A specific and selective role for SR-A was shown, since bone marrow culture-derived Mφ from SR-A−/− mice ingested fewer E. coli organisms than did wild-type cells, while uptake of antibody-opsonized E. coli was unaffected. SR-A-dependent uptake of E. colivaried with the bacterial strain; ingestion of DH5α and K1 by SR-A−/− Mφ was reduced by 30 to 60% and 70 to 75%, respectively. Phagocytosis and endocytosis via SR-A were markedly down-modulated when Mφ were plated on serum-coated tissue culture plastic compared to bacteriologic plastic, where cell adhesion is mediated by SR-A and CR3, respectively. This paper demonstrates that SR-A can bind and ingest bacteria directly, consistent with a role in host defense in vivo, and highlights the importance of the source of the Mφ, bacterial strain, and culture conditions on receptor function in vitro.

scholarly journals Leukotrienes modulate secretion of progesterone and prostaglandins during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in cattle: an in vivo study

Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna J Korzekwa ◽  
Mamadou M Bah ◽  
Andrzej Kurzynowski ◽  
Karolina Lukasik ◽  
Agnieszka Groblewska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Ovarian Cell

Recently, we showed that leukotrienes (LTs) regulate ovarian cell functionin vitro. The aim of this study was to examine the role of LTs in corpus luteum (CL) function during both the estrous cycle and early pregnancyin vivo. mRNA expression of LT receptors (BLTfor LTB4andCYSLTfor LTC4), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in CL tissue and their localization in the ovary were studied during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Moreover, concentrations of LTs (LTB4and C4) in the CL tissue and blood were measured.5-LOandBLTmRNA expression increased on days 16–18 of the cycle, whereasCYSLTmRNA expression increased on days 16–18 of the pregnancy. The level of LTB4was evaluated during pregnancy compared with the level of LTC4, which increased during CL regression. LT antagonists influenced the duration of the estrous cycle: the LTC4antagonist (azelastine) prolonged the luteal phase, whereas the LTB4antagonist (dapsone) caused earlier luteolysisin vivo. Dapsone decreased progesterone (P4) secretion and azelastine increased P4secretion during the estrous cycle. In summary, LT action in the bovine reproductive tract is dependent on LT type: LTB4is luteotropic during the estrous cycle and supports early pregnancy, whereas LTC4is luteolytic, regarded as undesirable in early pregnancy. LTs are produced/secreted in the CL tissue, influence prostaglandin function, and serve as important factors during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in cattle.

scholarly journals The Extracellular Matrix Influences Ovarian Carcinoma Cells’ Sensitivity to Cisplatinum: A First Step towards Personalized Medicine

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Balduit ◽  
Chiara Agostinis ◽  
Alessandro Mangogna ◽  
Veronica Maggi ◽  
Gabriella Zito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standardized Testing ◽  
Ovarian Carcinoma ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Carcinoma Cells ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Platinum Chemotherapy

The development of personalized therapies for ovarian carcinoma patients is still hampered by several limitations, mainly the difficulty of predicting patients’ responses to chemotherapy in tumor cells isolated from peritoneal fluids. The main reason for the low predictive power of in vitro assays is related to the modification of the cancer cells’ phenotype induced by the culture conditions, which results in changes to the activation state and drug sensitivity of tumor cells compared to their in vivo properties. We have defined the optimal culture conditions to set up a prognostic test to predict high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) patients’ responses to platinum chemotherapy. We evaluated the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) and fibronectin matrices and the contribution of freezing/thawing processes to the cell response to platinum-based treatment, collecting spheroids from the ascitic fluids of 13 patients with stage II or III HGSOC. Our findings indicated that an efficient model used to generate predictive data for in vivo sensitivity to platinum is culturing fresh spheroids on HA, avoiding the use of previously frozen primary tumor cells. The establishment of this easy, reproducible and standardized testing method can significantly contribute to an improvement in therapeutic effectiveness, thus bringing the prospect of personalized therapy closer for ovarian carcinoma patients.

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