Source: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
OVARIAN INFLUENCES ON EMBRYONIC SURVIVAL IN RUMINANTS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0220518
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
NE-1027
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2009
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2012
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762
Performing Department
Animal & Dairy Science
Non Technical Summary
Embryo mortality is one of the leading causes of pregnancy failures in cattle. The proposed research is aimed at identifying molecular markers to predict embryo quality and thus its developmental potential. We will use molecular biology methods to identify biomarkers to predict developmental potential of preimplantation embryos. As an outcome of these projects, we expect to identify RNA and protein markers to increase reproduction efficiency of cattle.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
3013399104025%
3013399105025%
3013499104025%
3013499105025%
Knowledge Area
301 - Reproductive Performance of Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
3499 - Dairy cattle, general/other; 3399 - Beef cattle, general/other;

Field Of Science
1040 - Molecular biology; 1050 - Developmental biology;
Goals / Objectives
Fertility is one of the most important factors controlling efficient production of cattle. It is known that genotype has significant impact on animal growth and development. However, genes, proteins and biological networks controlling early bovine embryonic development are not well defined. The goal of research in our laboratory is to determine molecular phenotypes of bovine embryos with high developmental potential. We will accomplish our goals with the following specific objectives: 1. Identify genes and gene networks in bovine embryos with varying developmental potential. 2. Determine the role of bovine leukocyte antigen-G (BLA-G) in early bovine development. As an outcome of the research proposed here, we expect to identify list of genes, gene products and biological networks regulating developmental potential in preimplantation bovine embryos.
Project Methods
Objective 1. Identify genes and gene networks in bovine embryos with varying developmental potential. Gene expression profiles (transcripts) of blastocysts generated in vitro vs. in vivo will be compared to determine genes whose mRNA transcripts are dynamically regulated in the two culture conditions. Biological networks regulating embryonic development will be determined using Patway Studio. Objective 2. Determine the role of bovine leukocyte antigen-G (BLA-G) in early bovine development. Experiment 1. Expression dynamics of BLA-G will be analyzed in blastocysts derived from in vitro vs. in vivo using reverse transcriptase real time PCR. Experiment 2: Presence and copy number of bla-g will be analyzed in oocytes and sperm with which embryos will be produced in vitro. Embryonic development and quality of blastocysts will be determined by rates of cleavage and blastocyst and by TUNEL assay on blastocysts, respectively.

Progress 09/01/09 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Most of our recent studies have been primarily on researching paternal influence on early embryonic development. However, also had some studies on the environmental impacts on oocytes and embryos, as well as fundamental biology of oocyte borne factors in reprogramming the paternal DNA and somatic cell nucleus. Our objectives in this area of research were: 1. Determining the effects of mycotoxins on porcine embryo development. 2. Identifying transcriptional reprogramming of somatic nucleus by the oocytes in bovine. PARTICIPANTS: Project Director: Erdogan Memili TARGET AUDIENCES: Students, scientists, animal producers, and consumers/public. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
We have used diverse sets of tools in modern biology to accomplish the above objectives. Our results showed that the mycotoxins do impair porcine embryo quality, and that somatic cell nucleus has undergone significant amounts of reprogramming in the matured oocytes. The knowledge generated is significant because the findings illuminate basic biology of oocytes as well as environmental factors that affect oocyte quality that influence embryo quality and development.

Publications

  • Wang H, Camargo OD and Memili E. Mycotoxin Alpha-Zearalenol Impairs the Quality of Preimplantation Porcine Embryos in vitro. (2012) Journal of Reproduction and Development. 58(3):338-43.
  • Ayres SL, Gavin W, Memili E, Behboodi E. Superovulation in goats during the second follicular wave, with or without exogenous progesterone. (2011) Small Ruminant Research. DOI information: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.006
  • Rodriguez-Osorio N, Urrego R, Cibelli JB. Eilertsen K, Memili E. Reprogramming Mammalian Somatic Cell. (2012) Theriogenology PMID: 22979962


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Oocyte physiology: Quality of oocytes is vitally important for fertilization and early embryonic development. To determine important proteins involved in oocyte development, we performed proteomics studies of GV stage bovine oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells. We then analyzed the results within a systems biology approach. The results demonstrated the intimate bidirectional relationships between the oocyte and its cumulus cells that support oocyte maturation. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators: Dr. Shane Burgess Dr. Abdullah Kaya Dr. Bindu Nanduri Graduate students: Divya Peddinti Xiaojun Wang TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Using functional genomics approaches, we studied functional gene products, proteins, in bovine oocytes and cumulus cells. We also studied the male gemete, sperm, to better understand molecular factors contributing to developmental competency of preimplantation embryos. The findings, large numbers of proteins and their potential roles in gamete development, fertilization and in early embryonic development have been reported as journal article, book chapter, MS and Ph.D. thesis (Publication). Impact: The identified proteins in oocytes help us better understand molecular physiology of the gametes. In addition, these protein markers can be used to determine quality of the gametes for assisted reproductive technologies including IVF and artificial insemination.

Publications

  • Peddinti D, Memili E, Burgess SC. Proteomic-based systems biology modeling of bovine germinal vesicle stage oocyte and cumulus cell interaction. (2010) PLoS One 5(6):e11240.
  • Book Chapter: Peddinti D, Memili E, Burgess SC. Proteomics in animal reproduction and breeding In Methods in Animal Proteomics. In press. (2011)
  • MS Thesis: Protein markers in Angus bull spermatozoa for fertility By Ms. Xiaojun Wang. Major Advisor: Dr. Erdogan Memili; Research committee members: Drs. Attila Karsi, Abdullah Kaya, David Peebles. (2010)
  • Ph.D. Thesis: Systems biology modeling of bovine fertility using proteomics by Dr. Divya Swetha Peddinti. Major Advisors: Dr. Shane C. Burgess and Bindu Nanduri; Research committee members: Drs. Susan Bridges, Fiona McCarthy, Erdogan Memili. (2010)