Sperm selection by rheotaxis improves sperm quality and early embryo development

peer-reviewedThe objective of this work was to elucidate whether a sperm selection method that combines rheotaxis and microfluidics can improve the selection of spermatozoa over density gradient and swim-up. For this purpose human sperm selected by rheotaxis were compared against density gradient, swim-up and a control group of non-selected spermatozoa in split frozen-thawed (FT) and fresh (F) semen samples. Sperm quality was assessed in terms of motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), viability, acrosome integrity and membrane fluidity. Using a mouse model, we compared fertilisation and embryo development rates after performing ICSI with spermatozoa, sorted using rheotaxis or swim-up. Selection by rheotaxis yielded a sperm population with reduced DFI than the control (P < 0.05), improved normal morphology (P < 0.001) and higher total motility (TM; P < 0.001) than the other techniques studied in F and FT samples. Swim-up increased TM compared to density gradient and control in FT or F samples (P < 0.001), and yielded lower DFI than the control with F samples (P < 0.05). In FT samples, selection by rheotaxis yielded sperm with higher viability than control, density gradient and swim-up (P < 0.01) while acrosomal integrity and membrane fluidity were maintained. When mouse spermatozoa were selected for ICSI using rheotaxis compared to swim-up, there was an increase in fertilisation (P < 0.01), implantation (P < 0.001) and foetal development rates (P < 0.05). These results suggest that, in the absence of non-destructive DNA testing, the positive rheotaxis can be used to select a population of low DNA fragmentation spermatozoa with high motility, morphology and viability, leading to improved embryo developmental rates

TMEM95 is a sperm membrane protein essential for mammalian fertilization.

The fusion of gamete membranes during fertilization is an essential process for sexual reproduction. Despite its importance, only three proteins are known to be indispensable for sperm-egg membrane fusion: the sperm proteins IZUMO1 and SPACA6, and the egg protein JUNO. Here we demonstrate that another sperm protein, TMEM95, is necessary for sperm-egg interaction. TMEM95 ablation in mice caused complete male-specific infertility. Sperm lacking this protein were morphologically normal exhibited normal motility, and could penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the oolemma. However, once bound to the oolemma, TMEM95-deficient sperm were unable to fuse with the egg membrane or penetrate into the ooplasm, and fertilization could only be achieved by mechanical injection of one sperm into the ooplasm, thereby bypassing membrane fusion. These data demonstrate that TMEM95 is essential for mammalian fertilization. © 2020, Lamas-Toranzo et al

Zrsr2 and functional U12-dependent spliceosome are necessary for follicular development

SUMMARY ZRSR2 is a splicing factor involved in recognition of 30 -intron splice sites that is frequently mutated in myeloid malignancies and several tumors; however, the role of mutations of Zrsr2 in other tissues has not been analyzed. To explore the bio logical role of ZRSR2,we generated threeZrsr2 mutantmouse lines. AllZrsr2 mutant lines exhibited blood cell anomalies, and in two lines, oogenesis was blocked at the secondary follicle stage. RNA-seq of Zrsr2mu secondary follicles showed aberrations in gene expression and showed altered alternative splicing (AS) events involving enrichment of U12-type intron retention (IR), supporting the functional Zrsr2 action in minor spliceosomes. IR events were preferentially associated with centriole repli cation, protein phosphorylation, and DNA damage checkpoint. Notably, we found alterations in AS events of 50 meiotic genes. These results indicate that ZRSR2 mu tations alter splicing mainly in U12-type introns, which may affect peripheral blood cells, and impede oogenesis and female fertility

Análisis de factores peri-concepcionales que influyen en la proporción del sexo en el ratón

Introducción: La proporción de sexos está distribuida de forma equilibrada en la mayor parte de las especies, y generalmente está determinada por el sexo heterogamético. En mamíferos, los ovocitos producidos por las hembras mantienen siempre la misma carga cromosómica sexual (cromosoma “X”), y son los machos, con una dotación cromosómica distinta en sus gametos (cromosomas “X” e “Y”) los que determinan el sexo. Durante la espermatogénesis se produce igual cantidad de gametos portadores del cromosoma “X” e “Y”, por lo que la probabilidad de tener una cría macho o una cría hembra por cada evento de fecundación en especies monotocas o politocas sería del 50%. Sin embargo, los datos obtenidos por los registros en muchas especies nos muestran que no siempre la proporción de los sexos es equilibrada al 50%. En la literatura se han descrito muchos factores que podrían tener influencia directa o indirecta en el desequilibrio de la proporción de sexos. A pesar de ello, hasta la fecha se desconocen con precisión los mecanismos por los cuales se produce este fenómeno. Objetivo: La presente tesis propone analizar distintos factores y posibles mecanismos que pueden estar relacionados con la proporción de sexos. Metodología: En nuestro estudio, utilizamos un modelo ratón transgénico que posee una secuencia marcadora integrada en el cromosoma “X”, y hemos analizado en primer lugar la posible distorsión primaria y secundaria del sexo debida a la presencia del transgén. Así como la calidad embrionaria medida en número de células del blastocisto. Analizamos el efecto de la dieta durante los periodos de pre-implantación y post-implantación, tomando en consideración la lateralidad (origen ovárico o uterino). Se estudiaron las relaciones que existen entre la ovariectomía y la compensación hormonal ovárica, la proporción del sexo y la posición adoptada en el útero por cada uno de los sexos. Se analizó si existía una relación entre la velocidad de desarrollo pre-implantacional (segunda división mitótica embrionaria y posterior desarrollo a blastocisto) y la calidad y el sexo de los embriones producidos in vivo. Resultados y Discusión: En el capítulo I. Se observó que esta modificación genética, no alteraba las proporciones primaria ni secundaria de sexos, ni el número celular de embriones pre-implantacionales, y debido a ello, consideramos el factor transgénico como no determinante en la proporción de los sexos. En el capítulo II se encontraron diferencias de proporción del sexo cuando se registraron los datos del lado de procedencia (derecho o izquierdo), principalmente en estadios cercanos al momento de la fecundación, y en ratonas de menor constitución física. Estas diferencias se correlacionan con la perdida embrionaria y dejan de ser significativas cuando se observaban estas proporciones de manera global. En el capítulo III, no se encontraron diferencias en las proporciones de machos y hembras entre las hemi-ovariectomías derecha e izquierda. Sin embargo los resultados muestran una preferencia de las hembras a implantar en secciones uterinas cercanas al cérvix, siendo estas hembras de un peso inferior al resto de hembras implantadas en otras secciones del útero. Por último, en el capítulo IV, nuestros resultados no indican una diferencia de la proporción del sexo en los embriones recuperados en el paso de 2 a 3 células, ni tampoco en la velocidad de desarrollo a blastocisto. Solamente se observó una mayor proporción de hembras en los embriones que más lentamente se dividían a 3 células y posteriormente tardaban más en llegar al estadio de blastocisto. También se observó una relación entre la calidad embrionaria definida por la expresión de marcadores de pluripotencia y la velocidad de división pre-implantacional. Summary Introduction: Sex ratio is equally distributed in most species, and it is generally determined by the heterogametic sex. In mammals, oocytes produced by females always keep the same chromosomal sex (chromosome “X”); however, the males, with a different chromosome in their gametes (chromosomes “X” and “Y”)determine the sex. During spermatogenesis, equal number of gametes carrying the chromosome “X” and “Y” is produced. According to Mendelian’s genetic, the chance of breeding a male or a female pup per fertilization event in polytocous and monotocous species would be 50%. However, the data obtained in many species show that not always the sex ratio is balanced at 50%. In the literature, many factors that could have a direct or indirect influence on the imbalance of the sex ratio have been described. However, the precise mechanism by which this phenomenon occurs is still unknown. Objetive: This thesis aims to analyze various factors and possible mechanisms that may be related to the sex ratio. Methods: In our study, we used a transgenic mouse model that presents a marker sequence integrated in the “X” chromosome, and we first analyzed the possible primary and secondary sex distortion due to the presence of the transgene, as well as embryo quality measured by the number of cells of the blastocyst. We analyzed the effect of diet during pre-implantation and post-implantation periods, considering laterality (ovarian or uterine origin). The relationship between ovariectomy and ovarian hormonal balance, sex proportion and position in the uterus for each of the sexes were studied. We analyzed whether there was a relationship between the rate of preimplantation development (second mitotic division and subsequent embryo development to blastocyst) and the quality and sex of embryos produced in vivo. Results and discussion: In chapter I, It was noted that this genetic modification did not alter the sex ratio primary or secondary, or cell number of pre-implantation embryos, and because of this, we considered the transgenic factor as non-determinant in the sex ratio. In Chapter II, differences in sex ratio were found when the data of the source side (right or left) were recorded, mainly in stages near to the time of fertilization, and in mice with minor physical condition. These differences were correlated with embryonic loss and were not significantly different when these ratios were observed globally. In Chapter III, no differences in the proportions of males and females between the right and left hemi-ovariectomy were found. However, the results showed that females had a tendency to implant in sections close to uterine cervix, presenting a lower weight than those females implanted elsewhere in the uterus. Finally, in Chapter IV, our results do not show a difference in the sex ratio in embryos recovered in the 2 to 3-cells stage, nor on the rate of development to blastocyst. It was only observed a higher proportion of females in embryos that arrived to the 3-cell stage the slowest and subsequently took longer to reach the blastocyst stage. A relationship between the embryo quality defined by the expression of markers of pluripotency and by the preimplantation speed division was also observed

Transcriptome profiling of liver of non-genetic low birth weight and long term health consequences

[Background] It is believed that the main factors of low prenatal growth in mammals are genetic and environmental. We used isogenic mice maintained in standard conditions to analyze how natural non-genetic microsomia (low birth weight) is produced in inbred mice and its long term effect on health. To better understand the molecular basis of non-genetic microsomia, we undertook transcriptome profiling of both male and female livers from small and normal size mice at birth.[Results] Naturally occurring neonatal microsomia was defined as a gender-specific weanling weight under the 10th percentile of the colony. Birth weight variation was similar in inbred and outbred lines. Mice were phenotyped by weight, size, blood pressure, organ size, their response to a glucose challenge, and survival rates. Regardless of diet, adult mice born with microsomia showed a significantly lower body weight and size, and differences in the weight of several organs of microsomic adult mice compared to normal birth weight adults were found. After a high-fat diet, microsomic mice were less prone to obesity, showing a better glucose tolerance and lower blood pressure. Through a transcriptome analysis, we detected a different pattern of mRNA transcription in the liver at birth comparing male vs female and microsomic vs normal mice, noting some modifications in epigenetic regulatory genes in females and modifications in some growth factor genes in males. Finally, using embryo transfer of embryos of different quality and age, we identified a putative preimplantation origin of this non-genetic microsomia.[Conclusions] (1) neonatal microsomia is not always a risk factor for adult metabolic syndrome, (2) neonatal non-genetic microsomia displays changes in the expression of important epigenetic genes and changes in liver mRNA transcription profile at birth, exaggerating sexual dimorphism, and (3) random preimplantation phenotypic variability could partially explain body birth weight variation in isogenic lines.This work was funded by Grant AGL2012-39652 from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation

Minor Splicing Factors Zrsr1 and Zrsr2 Are Essential for Early Embryo Development and 2-Cell-Like Conversion

Minor splicing plays an important role in vertebrate development. Zrsr1 and Zrsr2 paralog genes have essential roles in alternative splicing, mainly participating in the recognition of minor (U12) introns. To further explore their roles during early embryo development, we produced Zrsr1mu and Zrsr2mu mutant mice, containing truncating mutations within the second zinc finger domain. Both homozygous mutant mice were viable with a normal lifespan. When we crossed a homozygous Zrsr2mu/mu female with Zrsr1mu/mu male, the double heterozygotes were non-viable, giving rise to embryos that stopped developing mainly between the 2- and 4-cell stages, just after zygotic gene activation. RNA-seq analysis of Zrsr1/2mu 2-cell embryos showed altered gene and isoform expression of thousands of genes enriched in gene ontology terms and biological pathways related to ribosome, RNA transport, spliceosome, and essential zygotic gene activation steps. Alternative splicing was analyzed, showing a significant increase in intron retention in both U2 and U12 intron-containing genes related to cell cycle and mitotic nuclear division. Remarkably, both Zrsr1 and Zrsr2 were required for the conversion of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells into 2C-like cells. According to our results, Zrsr1 or Zrsr2 are necessary for ZGA and both are indispensable for the conversion of induced pluripotent stem cells into 2C-like cells

Transcriptome profiling of liver of non-genetic low birth weight and long term health consequences

BACKGROUND: It is believed that the main factors of low prenatal growth in mammals are genetic and environmental. We used isogenic mice maintained in standard conditions to analyze how natural non-genetic microsomia (low birth weight) is produced in inbred mice and its long term effect on health. To better understand the molecular basis of non-genetic microsomia, we undertook transcriptome profiling of both male and female livers from small and normal size mice at birth. RESULTS: Naturally occurring neonatal microsomia was defined as a gender-specific weanling weight under the 10th percentile of the colony. Birth weight variation was similar in inbred and outbred lines. Mice were phenotyped by weight, size, blood pressure, organ size, their response to a glucose challenge, and survival rates. Regardless of diet, adult mice born with microsomia showed a significantly lower body weight and size, and differences in the weight of several organs of microsomic adult mice compared to normal birth weight adults were found. After a high-fat diet, microsomic mice were less prone to obesity, showing a better glucose tolerance and lower blood pressure. Through a transcriptome analysis, we detected a different pattern of mRNA transcription in the liver at birth comparing male vs female and microsomic vs normal mice, noting some modifications in epigenetic regulatory genes in females and modifications in some growth factor genes in males. Finally, using embryo transfer of embryos of different quality and age, we identified a putative preimplantation origin of this non-genetic microsomia. CONCLUSIONS: (1) neonatal microsomia is not always a risk factor for adult metabolic syndrome, (2) neonatal non-genetic microsomia displays changes in the expression of important epigenetic genes and changes in liver mRNA transcription profile at birth, exaggerating sexual dimorphism, and (3) random preimplantation phenotypic variability could partially explain body birth weight variation in isogenic lines

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection using DNA-fragmented sperm in mice negatively affects embryo-derived embryonic stem cells, reduces the fertility of male offspring and induces heritable changes in epialleles.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in mice using DNA-fragmented sperm (DFS) has been linked to an increased risk of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities both in embryos and offspring. This study examines: whether embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from DFS-ICSI embryos reflect the abnormalities observed in the DFS-ICSI progeny; the effect of DFS-ICSI on male fertility; and whether DFS-ICSI induces epigenetic changes that lead to a modified heritable phenotype. DFS-ICSI-produced embryos showed a low potential to generate ESC lines. However, these lines had normal karyotype accompanied by early gene expression alterations, though a normal expression pattern was observed after several passages. The fertility of males in the DFS-ICSI and control groups was compared by mating test. Sperm quantity, vaginal plug and pregnancy rates were significantly lower for the DFS-ICSI-produced males compared to in vivo-produced mice, while the number of females showing resorptions was higher. The epigenetic effects of DFS-ICSI were assessed by analyzing the phenotype rendered by the Axin1Fu allele, a locus that is highly sensitive to epigenetic perturbations. Oocytes were injected with spermatozoa from Axin1Fu/+ mice and the DFS-ICSI-generated embryos were transferred to females. A significantly higher proportion of pups expressed the active kinky-tail epiallele in the DFS-ICSI group than the controls.1) ESCs cannot be used as a model of DFS-ICSI; 2) DFS-ICSI reduces sperm production and fertility in the male progeny; and 3) DFS-ICSI affects the postnatal expression of a defined epigenetically sensitive allele and this modification may be inherited across generations

ZP4 Is Present in Murine Zona Pellucida and Is Not Responsible for the Specific Gamete Interaction

International audienceMammalian eggs are surrounded by an extracellular matrix called the zona pellucida (ZP). This envelope participates in processes such as acrosome reaction induction, sperm binding, protection of the oviductal embryo, and may be involved in speciation. In eutherian mammals, this coat is formed of three or four glycoproteins (ZP1–ZP4). While Mus musculus has been used as a model to study the ZP for more than 35 years, surprisingly, it is the only eutherian species in which the ZP is formed of three glycoproteins Zp1, Zp2, and Zp3, Zp4 being a pseudogene. Zp4 was lost in the Mus lineage after it diverged from Rattus , although it is not known when precisely this loss occurred. In this work, the status of Zp4 in several murine rodents was tested by phylogenetic, molecular, and proteomic analyses. Additionally, assays of cross in vitro fertilization between three and four ZP rodents were performed to test the effect of the presence of Zp4 in murine ZP and its possible involvement in reproductive isolation. Our results showed that Zp4 pseudogenization is restricted to the subgenus Mus , which diverged around 6 MYA. Heterologous in vitro fertilization assays demonstrate that a ZP formed of four glycoproteins is not a barrier for the spermatozoa of species with a ZP formed of three glycoproteins. This study identifies the existence of several mouse species with four ZPs that can be considered suitable for use as an experimental animal model to understand the structural and functional roles of the four ZP proteins in other species, including human