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International journal of molecular sciences2024; 25(6); 3262; doi: 10.3390/ijms25063262

Follicular Fluid-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Influence on In Vitro Maturation of Equine Oocyte: Impact on Cumulus Cell Viability, Expansion and Transcriptome.

Abstract: Cumulus cell (CC) expansion is pivotal for oocyte maturation, during which CCs release factors that initiate paracrine signaling within the follicular fluid (FF). The FF is abundant in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that facilitate intercellular communication. Although bovine and murine EVs can control cumulus expansion, these effects have not been observed in equines. This study aimed to assess the impact of FF-derived EVs (ffEVs) on equine CC expansion, viability, and transcriptome. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) that underwent in vitro maturation (IVM) in the presence (200 µg protein/mL) or absence (control) of ffEVs were assessed for cumulus expansion and viability. CCs were isolated after 12 h of IVM, followed by RNA extraction, cDNA library generation, and subsequent transcriptome analysis using next-generation sequencing. Confocal microscopy images illustrated the internalization of labeled ffEVs by CCs. Supplementation with ffEVs significantly enhanced cumulus expansion in both compacted (Cp, < 0.0001) and expanded (Ex, < 0.05) COCs, while viability increased in Cp groups ( < 0.01), but decreased in Ex groups ( < 0.05), compared to the controls. Although transcriptome analysis revealed a subtle effect on CC RNA profiles, differentially expressed genes encompassed processes (e.g., MAPK and Wnt signaling) potentially crucial for cumulus properties and, consequently, oocyte maturation.
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Publication Date: 2024-03-13 PubMed ID: 38542236DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063262Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study examines how extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from follicular fluid impact the expansion, viability and genetic expression of cumulus cells, which play a pivotal role in the maturation of equine oocytes, or egg cells. Findings indicate that these EVs enhance cumulus expansion and influence gene expression related to key biological processes involved in oocyte maturation.

Study Aim and Process

  • The goal of this study was to understand the effects of ffEVs (follicular fluid-derived extracellular vesicles) on the expansion, viability, and transcriptome (the total set of RNA molecules) of equine cumulus cells. Cumulus cells surround and nourish the egg cell during its development and maturation.
  • The researchers subjected Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to in vitro maturation (IVM) in environments both with and without ffEVs. They observed the COCs for any changes in cumulus cell expansion and viability.
  • After 12 hours of in vitro maturation, the cumulus cells were isolated, RNA was extracted, and a cDNA library was generated. This data was then used for transcriptome analysis with next-generation sequencing, a method that allows for rapid, high-throughput sequencing of genetic material.

Findings

  • The ffEVs were internalized by the cumulus cells, as shown through confocal microscopy images.
  • Supplementing the maturation environment with ffEVs significantly improved cumulus expansion in both compacted (Cp) and expanded (Ex) COCs.
  • The viability or survival of cumulus cells increased in the Cp COCs but decreased in the Ex COCs when compared to the control groups.
  • Transcriptome analysis showed a subtle but noticeable impact on cumulus cells’ RNA profiles. This means that the presence of ffEVs influenced the expression of certain genes within these cells.
  • The genes with altered expression were linked to important processes such as MAPK and Wnt signaling, which have potential impact on the properties of cumulus cells and consequently, oocyte maturation.

Implications

  • The results of this study highlight the potential role of ffEVs in enhancing the maturation of equine oocytes through their influence on cumulus cells. This insight could contribute to advancements in reproductive science and veterinary medicine, particularly for species like equines where in vitro maturation and fertilization practices are less established.
  • Understanding the effects of ffEVs on cumulus expansion, cell viability, and gene expression could improve protocols for in vitro maturation of equine egg cells, making these practices more efficient and successful.

Cite This Article

APA
Gabryś J, Gurgul A, Szmatoła T, Kij-Mitka B, Andronowska A, Karnas E, Kucharski M, Wojciechowska-Puchałka J, Kochan J, Bugno-Poniewierska M. (2024). Follicular Fluid-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Influence on In Vitro Maturation of Equine Oocyte: Impact on Cumulus Cell Viability, Expansion and Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci, 25(6), 3262. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063262

Publication

International journal of molecular sciences
ISSN: 1422-0067
NlmUniqueID: 101092791
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 6
PII: 3262

Researcher Affiliations

Gabryś, Julia
  • Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
Gurgul, Artur
  • Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Rędzina 1c, 30-248 Krakow, Poland.
Szmatoła, Tomasz
  • Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Rędzina 1c, 30-248 Krakow, Poland.
Kij-Mitka, Barbara
  • Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
Andronowska, Aneta
  • Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
Karnas, Elżbieta
  • Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
Kucharski, Mirosław
  • Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
Wojciechowska-Puchałka, Joanna
  • Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
Kochan, Joanna
  • Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
Bugno-Poniewierska, Monika
  • Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Cattle
  • Mice
  • Follicular Fluid
  • Transcriptome
  • Cell Survival
  • Cumulus Cells
  • Oocytes
  • Extracellular Vesicles / genetics
  • RNA
  • In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques

Grant Funding

  • 2022/45/N/NZ9/01795 / National Science Center

Citations

This article has been cited 14 times.
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