scholarly journals Molecular Determinants of Oocyte Competence: Potential Functional Role for Maternal (Oocyte-Derived) Follistatin in Promoting Bovine Early Embryogenesis

Endocrinology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 150 (5) ◽  
pp. 2463-2471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung-Bon Lee ◽  
Anilkumar Bettegowda ◽  
Gabbine Wee ◽  
James J. Ireland ◽  
George W. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Small Interfering Rna ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Early Embryogenesis ◽  
Type I ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Interfering Rna

Previous studies established a positive relationship between oocyte competence and follistatin mRNA abundance. Herein, we used the bovine model to test the hypothesis that follistatin plays a functional role in regulation of early embryogenesis. Treatment of early embryos with follistatin during in vitro culture (before embryonic genome activation) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in time to first cleavage, increased numbers of blastocysts, and increased blastocyst total and trophectoderm cell numbers. To determine the requirement of endogenous follistatin for early embryogenesis, follistatin ablation/replacement studies were performed. Microinjection of follistatin small interfering RNA into zygotes reduced follistatin mRNA and protein and was accompanied by a reduction in number of embryos developing to eight- to 16-cell and blastocyst stages and reduced blastocyst total and trophectoderm cell numbers. Effects of follistatin ablation were rescued by culture of follistatin small interfering RNA-injected embryos in the presence of exogenous follistatin. To investigate whether follistatin regulation of early embryogenesis is potentially mediated via inhibition of endogenous activin activity, the effects of treatment of embryos with exogenous activin, SB-431542 (inhibitor of activin, TGF-β, and nodal type I receptor signaling) and follistatin plus SB-431542 were investigated. Activin treatment mimicked positive effects of follistatin on time to first cleavage and blastocyst development, whereas negative effects of SB-431542 treatment were observed. Stimulatory effects of follistatin on embryogenesis were not blocked by SB-431542 treatment. Results support a functional role for oocyte-derived follistatin in bovine early embryogenesis and suggest that observed effects of follistatin are likely not mediated by classical inhibition of activin activity.

109 THE ROLE OF FOLLISTATIN IN BOVINE EARLY EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
K. B. Lee ◽  
A. Bettegowda ◽  
J. J. Ireland ◽  
G. W. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Small Interfering Rna ◽  
Early Embryogenesis ◽  
Mrna Abundance ◽  
Early Embryonic Development ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Interfering Rna

We have previously demonstrated a positive association of follistatin mRNA abundance with bovine oocyte competence. Furthermore, exogenous follistatin supplementation during the early stages of in vitro bovine embryo development (before embryonic genome activation) can reduce time to first cleavage, increase proportion of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage, and increase trophectoderm cell numbers, suggesting a potential role for follistatin in bovine early embryonic development. However, the requirement of endogenous follistatin for early embryogenesis in cattle has not been directly tested. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the requirement of follistatin for early embryonic development using small interfering RNA (siRNA)- based knockdown procedures. Small interfering RNA corresponding to exons 2 (siRNA 2) and 3 (siRNA 3) of the bovine follistatin gene were synthesized, and the optimal dose of each siRNA resulting in maximal reduction in follistatin mRNA (at the 4-cell stage) following microinjection into presumptive zygotes was determined. Injection of follistatin siRNA 2 or siRNA 3 resulted in a >80% decrease in follistatin mRNA abundance in 4-cell embryos, but mRNA abundance for 5 housekeeping genes and the oocyte-specific gene JY-1 was not affected. Effects of follistatin siRNA injection on follistatin protein abundance were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining of 16-cell embryos. Follistatin immunoreactivity was dramatically reduced in siRNA-treated v. uninjected embryos. Upon validation, the effects of follistatin siRNA on early embryonic development were investigated. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were harvested from ovaries obtained from a local abattoir, matured and fertilized in vitro. Sixteen to 18 h following fertilization, denuded presumptive zygotes (25–30 per treatment, n = 4 replicates) were microinjected with (1) follistatin siRNA 2, (2) negative control (nonspecific) siRNA, (3) sham (water), or (4) served as uninjected controls. After injections, embryos were cultured in KSOM medium supplemented with 0.3% BSA. Proportions of embryos reaching the 2-cell stage within 30 h (early cleaving), 30–36 h (late cleaving), and within 48 h post-fertilization (total cleavage rate) were recorded. Number of embryos reaching the 8–16-cell stage was recorded 72 h after fertilization, and embryos were cultured in fresh KSOM medium supplemented with 0.3% BSA and 10% fetal bovine serum until day 7. Injection of follistatin siRNA 2 did not affect proportion of early and late cleaving embryos (21 v. 19% and 41 v. 37%) and total cleavage rate (80 v. 81%). However, injection of follistatin siRNA 2 decreased the proportion of embryos reaching the 8–16-cell stage (41 v. 59%) and percentage blastocyst development (12 v. 27%, P < 0.05). Experiments were repeated, and effects of follistatin siRNA 3 determined (25–30 embryos per treatment, n = 4 replicates). Similar results were obtained as for follistatin siRNA 2 injection. Results support a requirement of endogenous follistatin for bovine early embryogenesis.

scholarly journals Muscle-specific microRNA miR-206 promotes muscle differentiation

2006 ◽  
Vol 174 (5) ◽  
pp. 677-687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hak Kyun Kim ◽  
Yong Sun Lee ◽  
Umasundari Sivaprasad ◽  
Ankit Malhotra ◽  
Anindya Dutta
Keyword(s):  
Antisense Oligonucleotide ◽  
Small Interfering Rna ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Microrna Target ◽  
C2c12 Myoblasts ◽  
Target Sites ◽  
The Many ◽  
Interfering Rna ◽  
In Vitro Transfection

Three muscle-specific microRNAs, miR-206, -1, and -133, are induced during differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts in vitro. Transfection of miR-206 promotes differentiation despite the presence of serum, whereas inhibition of the microRNA by antisense oligonucleotide inhibits cell cycle withdrawal and differentiation, which are normally induced by serum deprivation. Among the many mRNAs that are down-regulated by miR-206, the p180 subunit of DNA polymerase α and three other genes are shown to be direct targets. Down-regulation of the polymerase inhibits DNA synthesis, an important component of the differentiation program. The direct targets are decreased by mRNA cleavage that is dependent on predicted microRNA target sites. Unlike small interfering RNA–directed cleavage, however, the 5′ ends of the cleavage fragments are distributed and not confined to the target sites, suggesting involvement of exonucleases in the degradation process. In addition, inhibitors of myogenic transcription factors, Id1-3 and MyoR, are decreased upon miR-206 introduction, suggesting the presence of additional mechanisms by which microRNAs enforce the differentiation program.

scholarly journals WNT-5A regulates TGF-β-related activities in liver fibrosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (3) ◽  
pp. G219-G227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonie Beljaars ◽  
Sara Daliri ◽  
Christa Dijkhuizen ◽  
Klaas Poelstra ◽  
Reinoud Gosens
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Collagen Type ◽  
Collagen Type I ◽  
Matrix Proteins ◽  
Type I ◽  
Human Livers

WNT-5A is a secreted growth factor that belongs to the noncanonical members of the Wingless-related MMTV-integration family. Previous studies pointed to a connection between WNT-5A and the fibrogenic factor TGF-β warranting further studies into the functional role of WNT-5A in liver fibrosis. Therefore, we studied WNT-5A expressions in mouse and human fibrotic livers and examined the relation between WNT-5A and various fibrosis-associated growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins. WNT-5A gene and protein expressions were significantly increased in fibrotic mouse and human livers compared with healthy livers. Regression or therapeutic intervention in mice resulted in decreased hepatic WNT-5A levels paralleled by lower collagen levels. Immunohistochemical analysis showed WNT-5A staining in fibrotic septa colocalizing with desmin staining indicating WNT-5A expression in myofibroblasts. In vitro studies confirmed WNT-5A expression in this cell type and showed that TGF-β significantly enhanced WNT-5A expression in contrast to PDGF-BB and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Additionally, TGF-β induces the expression of the WNT receptors FZD2 and FZD8. After silencing of WNT-5A, reduced levels of collagen type I, vimentin, and fibronectin in TGF-β-stimulated myofibroblasts were measured compared with nonsilencing siRNA-treated controls. Interestingly, the antifibrotic cytokine IFNγ suppressed WNT-5A in vitro and in vivo. IFNγ-treated fibrotic mice showed significantly less WNT-5A expression compared with untreated fibrotic mice. In conclusion, WNT-5A paralleled collagen I levels in fibrotic mouse and human livers. WNT-5A expression in myofibroblasts is induced by the profibrotic factor TGF-β and plays an important role in TGF-β-induced regulation of fibrotic matrix proteins, whereas its expression can be reversed upon treatment, both in vitro and in vivo. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes the localization and functional role of WNT-5A in human and mouse fibrotic livers. Hepatic WNT-5A expression parallels collagen type I expression. In vivo and in vitro, the myofibroblasts were identified as the key hepatic cells producing WNT-5A. WNT-5A is under control of TGF-β and its activities are primarily profibrotic.

scholarly journals In vitro suppression of the MMP-3 gene in normal and cytokine-treated human chondrosarcoma using small interfering RNA

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Korakot Nganvongpanit ◽  
Patama Chaochird ◽  
Puntita Siengdee ◽  
Peraphan Pothacharoen ◽  
Kasisin Klunklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Interfering Rna ◽  
Human Chondrosarcoma ◽  
Interfering Rna

scholarly journals 324SPHINGOSINE-1-PHOSPHATE PROTECTS CULTURED BOVINE OOCYTES FROM PHYSIOLOGICALLY RELEVANT THERMAL STRESS

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Roth ◽  
P.J. Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Caspase Activity ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Cell Death Pathway

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a sphingolipid metabolite that can block the sphingomyelin cell-death pathway by suppressing ceramide-induced apoptosis. The present study was performed to test whether S1P protects oocytes from heat shock during in vitro maturation. Cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained by slicing follicles were placed in maturation medium with or without 50nM S1P and cultured at 38.5°C (CON) or 41°C (41C) for the first 12h of maturation. Incubation during the last 10h of maturation (22-h total maturation time), fertilization, and embryonic development were performed at 38.5°C and 5% (v/v) CO2. Blastocyst development was recorded at 8 days post-insemination (dpi) and activity of group II caspases in 8-day blastocysts was determined using a fluoroprobe, PhiPhiLux-G1D2 (OncoImmunin, Gaithersburg, MD, USA). Data were analysed by least-squares ANOVA with the GLM procedure of SAS. Percentage data were subjected to arcsin transformation before analysis. Exposure of oocytes to thermal stress during the first 12h of maturation reduced cleavage rate (P&lt;0.01) and the number of oocytes developing to the blastocyst stage (P&lt;0.04). There was a temperature x S1P interaction for cleavage rate (P&lt;0.03) because S1P blocked effects of thermal stress on cleavage rate. Without S1P, the percentage of oocytes that cleaved by 3 dpi were 83.6±2.7% and 65.8±2.7% for CON and 41C, respectively. In the presence of S1P, percent cleavage was 86.7±2.7% and 83.9±2.7% for CON and 41C, respectively. There was a trend (P=0.06) for a temperature x S1P interaction for percent oocytes developing to blastocyst stage because S1P blocked effects of heat shock on development. Without S1P, the percentages of oocytes that developed to the blastocyst stage were 28.7±3.0% and 15.2±3.0% for CON and 41C, respectively. In the presence of S1P, percent blastocysts were 24.3±3.4% and 23.9±3.0% for CON and 41C, respectively. When development was expressed as percentage of cleaved embryos, however, there were no effects of temperature, S1P, or temperature x S1P on percent development to the blastocyst stage. Blastocyst caspase activity was not affected by temperature or S1P. In summary, exposure to physiologically relevant thermal stress during the first 12h of maturation has a deleterious effect on oocyte competence and this effect can be reduced by S1P. The fact that heat shock reduced the percentage of oocytes but not the percentage of cleaved embryos that became blastocysts suggests that oocytes that survive effects of heat shock and cleave have normal potential to develop to the blastocyst stage. Moreover, since heat shock did not affect caspase activity, it is likely that blastocysts from heat-shocked oocytes have normal developmental potential, at least as determined by caspase activity. Support: BARD FI-330-2002 and USDA Grants 2002-35203-12664 and 2001-52101-11318.

scholarly journals Natural Polysaccharides for siRNA Delivery: Nanocarriers Based on Chitosan, Hyaluronic Acid, and Their Derivatives

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (14) ◽  
pp. 2570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inés Serrano-Sevilla ◽  
Álvaro Artiga ◽  
Scott G. Mitchell ◽  
Laura De Matteis ◽  
Jesús M. de la Fuente
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Small Interfering Rna ◽  
Drug Delivery Systems ◽  
Sirna Delivery ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Low Toxicity ◽  
Interfering Rna

Natural polysaccharides are frequently used in the design of drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Moreover, they are diverse in structure, size, and charge, and their chemical functional groups can be easily modified to match the needs of the final application and mode of administration. This review focuses on polysaccharidic nanocarriers based on chitosan and hyaluronic acid for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery, which are highly positively and negatively charged, respectively. The key properties, strengths, and drawbacks of each polysaccharide are discussed. In addition, their use as efficient nanodelivery systems for gene silencing applications is put into context using the most recent examples from the literature. The latest advances in this field illustrate effectively how chitosan and hyaluronic acid can be modified or associated with other molecules in order to overcome their limitations to produce optimized siRNA delivery systems with promising in vitro and in vivo results.

scholarly journals Uvaol Improves the Functioning of Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells and Accelerates the Healing of Cutaneous Wounds in Mice

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (21) ◽  
pp. 4982
Author(s):  
Julianderson Carmo ◽  
Polliane Cavalcante-Araújo ◽  
Juliane Silva ◽  
Jamylle Ferro ◽  
Ana Carolina Correia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Virgin Olive Oil ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Type I ◽  
Pentacyclic Triterpene ◽  
Cutaneous Wounds ◽  
Positive Effects

Uvaol is a natural pentacyclic triterpene that is widely found in olives and virgin olive oil, exerting various pharmacological properties. However, information remains limited about how it affects fibroblasts and endothelial cells in events associated with wound healing. Here, we report the effect of uvaol in the in vitro and in vivo healing process. We show the positive effects of uvaol on migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells in the scratch assay. Protein synthesis of fibronectin and laminin (but not collagen type I) was improved in uvaol-treated fibroblasts. In comparison, tube formation by endothelial cells was enhanced after uvaol treatment. Mechanistically, the effects of uvaol on cell migration involved the PKA and p38-MAPK signaling pathway in endothelial cells but not in fibroblasts. Thus, the uvaol-induced migratory response was dependent on the PKA pathway. Finally, topical treatment with uvaol caused wounds to close faster than in the control treatment using experimental cutaneous wounds model in mice. In conclusion, uvaol positively affects the behavior of fibroblasts and endothelial cells, potentially promoting cutaneous healing.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document