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Animals
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In Vitro Embryo Production in Domestic Animals
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In Vitro Embryo Production in Domestic Animals

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 12272

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carolina Maside Mielgo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Postdoctoral Research at SaBio Group (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Albacete, Spain
Interests: oocyte; embryo; fertilization; ovine; bovine; porcine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ana Josefa Soler

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, 02071 Albacete, Spain
Interests: oocyte; embryo; fertilization; ovine; small ruminants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luis Alberto Vieira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Postdoctoral researcher at Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
Interests: oocyte; embryo; fertilization; ovine; bovine; porcine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, we aim to gather publications regarding in vitro embryo production (IVP) in domestic animals. In recent years, in the IVP system—including in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF), and culture (IVC)—embryos produced in vitro have shown significant progress and are being increasingly utilized in domestic animals. IVP is a prized tool, aiding the understanding of early mammalian development in the preservation of gametes from animals of high genetic merit or threatened species, and in the genetic improvement of domestic animals. Furthermore, IVP is an essential instrument for other reproductive biotechnologies, such as cloning, transgenics, or gene editing in a species, serving as a suitable model for human research and xenotransplantation.

We invite researchers to submit original research and review papers on the current status and future outlook of IVP in domestic animals that contribute to the optimization of the procedure. Please contact carolinamaside@gmail.com if you are interested.

Dr. Carolina Maside Mielgo
Dr. Ana Josefa Soler
Dr. Luis Alberto Vieira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • oocyte
  • embryo
  • fertilization
  • ovine
  • bovine
  • porcine
  • equine
  • canine
  • feline

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 1919 KiB  
Article
Dynamics of the Reproductive Changes and Acquisition of Oocyte Competence in Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) Calves during the Early and Intermediate Prepubertal Periods
by Taynan Stonoga Kawamoto, João Henrique Moreira Viana, Thais Preisser Pontelo, Maurício Machaim Franco, Otávio Augusto Costa de Faria, Andrei Antonioni Guedes Fidelis, Luna Nascimento Vargas and Ricardo Alamino Figueiredo
Animals 2022, 12(16), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12162137 - 20 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1566
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the reproductive physiology, oocyte competence, and chromatin compaction in Nelore calves in the early-prepubertal period (EPP) and the intermediate-prepubertal period (IPP). Calves aged 2–5 (EPP) and 8–11 months old (IPP) were assigned to Trial 1 [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to characterize the reproductive physiology, oocyte competence, and chromatin compaction in Nelore calves in the early-prepubertal period (EPP) and the intermediate-prepubertal period (IPP). Calves aged 2–5 (EPP) and 8–11 months old (IPP) were assigned to Trial 1 (morpho-physiological–endocrine evaluations, n = 8) or Trial 2 (oocyte donors, n = 8) vs. the respective control groups of cows (n = 8, each). All morphological endpoints, except the antral follicle count, increased from the EPP to the IPP. The EPP LH-FSH plasma concentrations were similar to cows, whereas LH was lower and FSH was higher in the IPP than in cows. . Cows produced more Grade I (12.9% vs. 4.1% and 1.7%) and fewer Grade III COC (30.1% vs. 44.5% and 49.0%) than the EPP and IPP calves, respectively. The IPP calves’ oocyte diameter was similar to those from cows but greater than those from EPP females (124.8 ± 8.5 and 126.0 ± 7.5 μm vs. 121.3 ± 7.5 μm, respectively). The expression of the chromatin compaction-related gene HDAC3 was downregulated in calves. The proportion of the blastocyst rate to the controls was lower in EPP than in IPP calves (43.7% vs. 78.7%, respectively). Progressive oocyte competence was found during the prepubertal period, which can help to decide whether to recover oocytes from calves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In Vitro Embryo Production in Domestic Animals)
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12 pages, 2388 KiB  
Article
cd26 Knockdown Negatively Affects Porcine Parthenogenetic Preimplantation Embryo Development
by In-Sul Hwang, Joohyun Shim, Keon Bong Oh, Haesun Lee and Mi-Ryung Park
Animals 2022, 12(13), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12131662 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1321
Abstract
cd26 is ubiquitously distributed in the body, particularly in the endothelial and epithelial cells, with the highest expression in the kidney, liver, and small intestine. In humans, cd26 serves as a marker for the embryo implantation phase. However, little is known about the [...] Read more.
cd26 is ubiquitously distributed in the body, particularly in the endothelial and epithelial cells, with the highest expression in the kidney, liver, and small intestine. In humans, cd26 serves as a marker for the embryo implantation phase. However, little is known about the role of cd26 in porcine pre-implantation embryo development. Here, we aimed to examine siRNA-induced cd26 downregulation in the cytoplasm of MII oocytes, to determine whether cd26 is involved in the regulation of porcine pre-implantation embryonic development. The cd26 siRNA was micro-injected into the cytoplasm of MII oocytes, which were then parthenogenetically activated electrically in a medium containing 0.3M Mannitol. Inhibition of the cd26 expression did not affect cleavage but stopped development in the blastocyst stage. Additionally, the cd26 siRNA-treated blastocysts had significantly more apoptotic cells than the untreated blastocysts. Among the 579 transcripts evaluated with transcriptome resequencing, 38 genes were differentially expressed between the treatment and control blastocysts (p < 0.05). Twenty-four genes were upregulated in cd26 siRNA-injected blastocysts, whereas 14 were downregulated. These genes are involved in apoptosis, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and aberrant expression of ribosomal protein genes. Our results indicate that cd26 is required for proper porcine parthenogenetic activation during embryonic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In Vitro Embryo Production in Domestic Animals)
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15 pages, 3825 KiB  
Article
BOEC–Exo Addition Promotes In Vitro Maturation of Bovine Oocyte and Enhances the Developmental Competence of Early Embryos
by Yiran Wei, Muhammad Idrees, Tabinda Sidrat, Myeondon Joo, Lianguang Xu, Jonghyeok Ko and Ilkeun Kong
Animals 2022, 12(4), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040424 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2499
Abstract
Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles with abundant nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other regulatory molecules. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of BOEC–Exo on bovine in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro embryo development. We found that a 3% Exo [...] Read more.
Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles with abundant nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other regulatory molecules. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of BOEC–Exo on bovine in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro embryo development. We found that a 3% Exo supplementation to IVM media significantly enhanced the oocyte maturation and reduced the accumulation of ROS in MII-stage bovine oocytes. Oocyte maturation related genes (GDF9 and CPEB1) also confirmed that 3% Exo treatment to oocytes significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the oocyte maturation. Next, we cultured bovine cumulus cells and assessed the effects of 3% Exo, which showed a reduced level of apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and p-NF-κB protein expressions). Furthermore, we examined the gap junction (CX43 and CX37) and cumulus cells expansion related genes (HAS2, PTX3, and GREM1) in cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs), and all those genes showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher expressions in 3% Exo-treated COCs as compared with the control group. Moreover, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and lipid metabolism-related genes (CPT1 and FABP3) were also analyzed in both the control and 3% Exo groups and the results showed significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in the lipid metabolism. Finally, the oocytes matured in the presence of 3% Exo showed a significantly higher rate of embryo development and better implantation potential. Finally, we concluded that Exo positively influenced bovine oocyte in vitro maturation and improved the early embryo’s developmental competence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In Vitro Embryo Production in Domestic Animals)
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14 pages, 1225 KiB  
Article
Oocyte Morphometric Assessment and Gene Expression Profiling of Oocytes and Cumulus Cells as Biomarkers of Oocyte Competence in Sheep
by Carolina Maside, Irene Sánchez-Ajofrín, Daniela Medina-Chávez, Benner Alves, José Julián Garde and Ana Josefa Soler
Animals 2021, 11(10), 2818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102818 - 27 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2559
Abstract
Oocyte quality is crucial for subsequent embryo development and so it is a major challenge in assisted reproductive technologies. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the morphometric parameters of oocytes (experiment 1) and the relative gene expression of oocytes and [...] Read more.
Oocyte quality is crucial for subsequent embryo development and so it is a major challenge in assisted reproductive technologies. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the morphometric parameters of oocytes (experiment 1) and the relative gene expression of oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) (experiment 2) as biomarkers of oocyte quality after individually culturing them (one oocyte or embryo/drop). In experiment 1, individually matured oocytes were measured and classified into small, intermediate, and large oocytes after a cluster analysis, based on total diameter (with zona pellucida, ZP), oocyte diameter (without ZP), and ZP thickness. These oocytes were individually fertilized in vitro and cultured. The embryo development was evaluated up to the blastocyst stage. According to the total diameter, oocyte diameter, and ZP thickness, the blastocyst rate decreased in the small oocytes group (3.1 ± 3.1, 14.1 ± 9.4, and 26.7 ± 3.9, respectively) compared to the intermediate (29.4 ± 5.2, 30.5 ± 10.1, and 28.6 ± 9.6, respectively) and large oocytes groups (54.2 ± 13.5, 44.4 ± 3.9, and 67.6 ± 12.4, respectively). In addition, the probability of reaching the blastocyst stage was positively related to the total diameter (p < 0.001), oocyte diameter (p < 0.05), and ZP thickness (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the relative gene expression of BAX, BCL2, GDF9, and GJA1 was lower in oocytes classified as large. In experiment 2, the mRNA transcript relative abundance pattern of genes in CCs was evaluated according to oocyte total diameter and developmental stage reached. CCs from oocytes classified as large and oocytes capable of developing to the blastocyst stage had a lower relative expression of BAX, STAR, and PTGS2, while a higher expression of HAS2 and SDC2 transcript was observed for those oocytes. In conclusion, oocyte morphometric parameters and gene expression analysis in oocytes and CCs provide methods for the identification of the most competent oocytes for assisted reproductive technologies in sheep. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In Vitro Embryo Production in Domestic Animals)
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15 pages, 2131 KiB  
Article
cAMP Modulators before In Vitro Maturation Decrease DNA Damage and Boost Developmental Potential of Sheep Oocytes
by Daniela-Alejandra Medina-Chávez, Irene Sánchez-Ajofrín, Patricia Peris-Frau, Carolina Maside, Vidal Montoro, Rocío Fernández-Santos, José Julián Garde and Ana Josefa Soler
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2512; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092512 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3006
Abstract
To date, the underlying mechanisms by which cAMP modulators act during in vitro maturation to improve oocyte developmental competence are poorly understood. Here, we sought to fill this knowledge gap by evaluating the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and adenylyl cyclase activator [...] Read more.
To date, the underlying mechanisms by which cAMP modulators act during in vitro maturation to improve oocyte developmental competence are poorly understood. Here, we sought to fill this knowledge gap by evaluating the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin during a culture period of 2 h before in vitro maturation (pre-IVM) on the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation features in essential organelles, cumulus cells activity, and in vitro developmental potential of sheep oocytes. Results showed that pre-IVM treatment significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the DNA damage of mature oocytes (pre-IVM = 2.08% ± 3.51% vs. control = 20.58% ± 3.51%) and increased (p ≤ 0.05) expanded blastocyst rates compared to the control (from the total of oocytes: pre-IVM = 23.89% ± 1.47% vs. control = 18.22% ± 1.47%, and from the cleaved embryos: pre-IVM = 45.16% ± 1.73% vs. control = 32.88% ± 1.73%). Considering that oocytes are highly vulnerable to the accumulation of DNA damage because of exposure to in vitro culture conditions, our results suggest that the modulation of intra-oocyte cAMP levels with forskolin and IBMX before IVM might afford oocytes a more effective DNA repair mechanism to overcome damage obstacles and ultimately improve developmental competence. This previously unappreciated action of cAMP modulators could help to develop improved methods for assisted reproduction technologies in animal and clinical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In Vitro Embryo Production in Domestic Animals)
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