scholarly journals Uterine fluid proteome changes during diapause and resumption of embryo development in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Reproduction ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 158 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
V A van der Weijden ◽  
J T Bick ◽  
S Bauersachs ◽  
G J Arnold ◽  
T Fröhlich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Citrate Synthase ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Uterine Fluid ◽  
The Impact

The uterine microenvironment during pre-implantation presents a pro-survival milieu and is essential for embryo elongation in ruminants. The European roe deer (Careolus capreolus) pre-implantation embryo development is characterised by a 4-month period of reduced development, embryonic diapause, after which the embryo rapidly elongates and implants. We investigated the uterine fluid proteome by label-free liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry at four defined stages covering the phase of reduced developmental pace (early diapause, mid-diapause and late diapause) and embryo elongation. We hypothesised that embryo development during diapause is halted by the lack of signals that support progression past the blastocyst stage. Three clusters of differentially abundant proteins were identified by a self-organising tree algorithm: (1) gradual reduction over development; (2) stable abundance during diapause, followed by a sharp rise at elongation; and (3) gradual increase over development. Proteins in the different clusters were subjected to gene ontology analysis. ‘Cellular detoxification’ in cluster 1 was represented by alcohol dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase and peroxiredoxin-2. ATP-citrate synthase, nucleolin, lamin A/C, and purine phosphorylase as cell proliferation regulators were found in cluster 2 and ‘cortical cytoskeleton’, ‘regulation of substrate adhesion-dependent cell spreading’ and ‘melanosome’ were present in cluster 3. Cell cycle promoters were higher abundant at elongation than during diapause, and polyamines presence indicates their role in diapause regulation. This study provides a comprehensive overview of proteins in the roe deer uterine fluid during diapause and forms a basis for studies aiming at understanding the impact of the lack of cell cycle promoters during diapause.

6 Decelerating embryo development? Characterisation of the uterine environment in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during diapause

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
V. A. van der Weijden ◽  
A. R. Vegas ◽  
V. Milojevic ◽  
A. B. Rüegg ◽  
J. T. Bick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stage ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Embryonic Diapause ◽  
Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Uterine Fluid ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽  
Uterine Environment ◽  
Differentially Abundant Proteins

The early developing embryo faces a continuously changing microenvironment to supports its growth. In the European roe deer, this environment accompanies embryonic diapause, a period of up to 4 months in which fertilization and subsequent implantation are decoupled. Diapause is characterised by a deceleration of embryonic growth. In most ruminants such as cattle and sheep, interferon tau (IFNt) plays a major role in maternal recognition of pregnancy. Uniquely to ruminants, the roe deer embryo does not secrete IFNt. The roe deer was used as a model species to gain insights into the changing uterine environment devoid of IFNt that supports prolonged decelerated embryo development, resumption of developmental velocity, and subsequent implantation. Uterine fluid samples from 188 female does were collected during regular huntings between September and January, and 4 developmental stages-blastocysts at early, mid, and late diapause and elongated embryos (16, 57, 97, and 18 does per developmental stage, respectively)-were defined. The developmental stages were assigned based on morphological characteristics of the embryo and the embryonic genomic DNA content. For the analysis of amino acids (AA), all 188 uterine fluid samples were subjected to targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Almost all AA increased over the course of embryo development. Although most AA showed developmental stage-specific concentration peaks, serine, glycine, alanine, glutamate, and glutamine were most abundantly present irrespective of the developmental progression. For the analysis of the protein abundances in the uterine fluid in a selected subset of samples (n=5 per developmental stage), holistic liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified and quantified a total of 819 proteins with a false discovery rate of <1%. Comparison between the developmental stages revealed 106 differentially abundant proteins. Most changes in protein abundance that occurred related to embryo elongation. Interestingly, 713 proteins remained stable during embryo development, indicating that these proteins may contribute to prolonged embryo survival during embryonic diapause. The differentially abundant proteins were clustered with DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.8 (https://david.ncifcrf.gov/). The most enriched clusters were cell-cell adhesion, biosynthesis of AA and carbon metabolism, microtubule, structural molecule activity, and chaperone binding. The ongoing detailed identification of stably abundant proteins will advance our basic understanding of the embryos’ needs for sustained survival during prolonged decelerated development. In addition, a comparison with the protein abundances around the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy in other species could advance our knowledge on conserved proteins that support embryo development and establishment of pregnancy in mammals. Our findings may contribute to defining optimal in vitro embryo culture conditions in a species-independent manner and potentially identify factors capable of halting embryo development.

scholarly journals Gliding into diapause: early embryo development in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Drews ◽  
SE Ulbrich ◽  
Vegas A Rudolf ◽  
K Jewgenow ◽  
J Zahmel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Early Embryo Development

scholarly journals Progestogen Profiling Over the Course of Diapause and Resumption of Embryo Development in the European Roe Deer

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 158-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera A. Van der Weijden ◽  
Anna-Katharina Hankele ◽  
Anna B. Rüegg ◽  
Marion Schmicke ◽  
Karoline Rehm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryonic Diapause ◽  
Weak Correlation ◽  
Species Specific

Progesterone (P4) plays a pivotal role in maintenance of pregnancy in many mammalian species. Species-specific P4 metabolites have been shown to function as primary acting progestogen and the receptor binding capacity varies between species. The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) displays a 4-5 month period of embryonic diapause, which decouples fertilization from implantation. The majority of roe deer have two corpora lutea that secrete P4. No changes in P4 concentrations have been observed during pre-implantation embryo development. As 5α-DHP is known to play a major role during pregnancy in elephants and horses, we hypothesized that 5α-DHP functions as additional progestogen facilitating embryo reactivation. The profile of 11 progestogens was quantified in roe deer plasma over the course of diapause and resumption of embryo development including P4, 3α- and 3β-DHP, 20α- and 20β-DHP, 5α- and 5β-DHP, 3α,5α- and 3α,5β-THP, as well as 3β,5α- and 3β,5β-THP. While P4 was most abundant during diapause and resumption of development, 20α-DHP was the most abundant P4 metabolite. This is different than in pregnant elephants, where 5α-DHP was most abundant, and the luteal phase in cattle, where 3α,5α-THP was most abundant. With the exception of a weak correlation of 3β,5α-THP, none of the progestogens significantly correlated with embryonic development in the roe deer. Thus, plasma 5α-DHP does not seem to play a role in embryo reactivation. We propose that progestogens might contribute to priming the endometrium for supporting embryo development and preparation for implantation.

scholarly journals The impact of lynx and wolf on roe deer hunting benefits in Sweden

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Elofsson ◽  
Tobias Häggmark
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Marginal Cost ◽  
Private Property ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Deer Hunting ◽  
Marginal Costs ◽  
The Impact

AbstractLarge carnivores provide ecosystem and cultural benefits but also impose costs on hunters due to the competition for game. The aim of this paper was to identify the marginal impact of lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolf (Canis lupus) on the harvest of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Sweden and the value of this impact. We applied a production function approach, using a bioeconomic model where the annual number of roe deer harvested was assumed to be determined by hunting effort, abundance of predators, availability of other game, and winter severity. The impact of the predators on the roe deer harvests was estimated econometrically, and carnivore marginal impacts were derived. The results showed that if the roe deer resource was harvested under open access, the marginal cost in terms of hunting values foregone varied between different counties, and ranged between 18,000 and 58,000 EUR for an additional lynx family, and 79,000 and 336,000 EUR for an additional wolf individual. Larger marginal costs of the wolf, in terms of the impact on roe deer hunting, were found in counties where the hunting effort was high and the abundance of moose (Alces alces) was low. If instead, hunters could exert private property rights to the resource, the average marginal cost was about 20% lower than it would have been if there was open access, and the difference in wolf impact between counties with high and low moose density was smaller. Together, results suggest that the current plan for expanding the wolf population in south Sweden can be associated with a substantial cost.

scholarly journals Amino acids activate mTORC1 to release roe deer embryos from decelerated proliferation during diapause

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (35) ◽  
pp. e2100500118
Author(s):  
Vera A. van der Weijden ◽  
Jochen T. Bick ◽  
Stefan Bauersachs ◽  
Anna B. Rüegg ◽  
Thomas B. Hildebrandt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Tca Cycle ◽  
Preimplantation Embryo Development ◽  
Uterine Fluid ◽  
Cell Doubling Time ◽  
Nutrient Signaling ◽  
One Carbon Metabolism

Embryonic diapause in mammals leads to a reversible developmental arrest. While completely halted in many species, European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) embryos display a continuous deceleration of proliferation. During a 4-mo period, the cell doubling time is 2 to 3 wk. During this period, the preimplantation blastocyst reaches a diameter of 4 mm, after which it resumes a fast developmental pace to subsequently implant. The mechanisms regulating this notable deceleration and reacceleration upon developmental resumption are unclear. We propose that amino acids of maternal origin drive the embryonic developmental pace. A pronounced change in the abundance of uterine fluid mTORC1-activating amino acids coincided with an increase in embryonic mTORC1 activity prior to the resumption of development. Concurrently, genes related to the glycolytic and phosphate pentose pathway, the TCA cycle, and one carbon metabolism were up-regulated. Furthermore, the uterine luminal epithelial transcriptome indicated increased estradiol-17β signaling, which likely regulates the endometrial secretions adapting to the embryonic needs. While mTORC1 was predicted to be inactive during diapause, the residual embryonic mTORC2 activity may indicate its involvement in maintaining the low yet continuous proliferation rate during diapause. Collectively, we emphasize the role of nutrient signaling in preimplantation embryo development. We propose selective mTORC1 inhibition via uterine catecholestrogens and let-7 as a mechanism regulating slow stem cell cycle progression.

scholarly journals The role of Kifc1, Kchn5 and miRNA-302 on in vitro development in 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stage of mouse embryos

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Ntzeros ◽  
Despoina Mavrogianni ◽  
Athina Koutsi ◽  
Antonia Kandaraki ◽  
Anastasios Papadelas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Expression Profile ◽  
Cell Cycle Control ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Circadian Oscillators ◽  
Mouse Embryo Development ◽  
Morula Stage ◽  
Vitro Development

Introduction: Embryo development is characterized by lack of cell cycle check-points and overexpression of core circadian oscillators. On previous report we have identified several genes over-and under-detected at human embryo blastomeres. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of Kcnh5, KIFC1 and miRNA-302 genes at three pre-implantation stages of mouse embryo development. Material and methods: Total RNA was extracted from mouse embyos at 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stage. The expression profile of Kcnh5, KIFC1 and miRNA-302 was assessed by RT-PCR and the results were normalized with G6pdh expression levels. Results: Kcnh5 showed absence of expression at all stages, indicating novel mechanisms of cell cycle control during blastomeres divisions. KIFC1 showed positive expression at all stages, with decreasing levels as the embryogenesis progresses. This finding indicates that KIFC1 may have more important role at early events. miRNA-302 showed increased levels of expression at all stages, with morula having the highest levels. Therefore, miRNA-302 might play an important role at the events that happen during morula stage such as compaction. Conclusions: Cell cycle control of blastomeres at early embryogenesis might be based on different mechanisms compared to somatic cells and more research is needed in order to reveal crucial cycling elements.

65 IMPACT OF AIRPORT RADIATION ON BOVINE SPERM DNA INTEGRITY, FERTILIZING ABILITY, AND EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
K. E. M. Hendricks ◽  
D. Evenson ◽  
P. J. Hansen ◽  
M. Kaproth ◽  
L. M. Penfold
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Bovine Sperm ◽  
Sperm Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Fertilizing Ability ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Biological samples, including cryopreserved sperm, are routinely shipped using air transportation, in dry shippers that are x-rayed along with routine baggage. Accordingly, it is important to demonstrate that there are no potential risks associated with semen transport. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of airport radiation used for a) checked luggage and b) carry-on luggage on bovine sperm DNA integrity, fertilizing ability, and embryo development. Frozen domestic bull sperm collected from known fertile bulls (n = 9) and stored in a dry shipper (–196°C) were x-rayed 0, 1, 2, and 3 times as a) checked luggage and b) carry-on luggage. Duplicate straws were thawed and assessed for DNA damage using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA®, SCSA Diagnostics, Brookings, SD) and fertilization and embryo development by in vitro fertilization. The SCSA® parameters are the mean and SD of the DNA fragmentation index (mean DFI and SD DFI). Multiple x-rays did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect sperm chromatin heterogeneity assessed by SCSA® and no differences were observed in the mean, SD, and DFI for any of the sperm treatments. No differences (P > 0.05) were seen in embryo cleavage or blastocyst development rates (expressed as percentage of oocytes becoming blastocysts or percentage of cleaved embryos becoming blastocysts) for sperm x-rayed 0, 1, 2, or 3 times using either checked or carry-on luggage doses. The percentage of oocytes developing to the blastocyst stage was 13.8, 11.5, 12.8, and 9.0% (SEM = 2.3%) for sperm exposed to the checked luggage dose 0, 1, 2, and 3 times. The percentage of oocytes developing to the blastocyst stage was 13.0, 12.8, 14.0, and 13.5% (SEM = 3.5%) for sperm exposed to the carry-on luggage dose 0, 1, 2, and 3 times. As future x-ray machines are planned that deliver greater doses of radiation to scan large quantities of baggage with a single scan, it is important that continued monitoring of shipped sperm is performed. The authors are grateful to Lara Metrione, Brian Delauter, and the TSA staff at Jacksonville Airport for assistance with this study.

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