3D culture of ovarian follicles: a system towards their engineering?

Abstract

Infertility in women is a health priority. Designing a robust culture protocol capable of attaining complete follicle growth is an exciting challenge, for its potential clinical applications, but also as a model to observe and closely study the sequence of molecular events that lie behind the intricate relationship existing between the oocyte and surrounding follicle cells. Here, we describe the procedures used to maintain the ovarian follicle 3D architecture employing a variety of in vitro systems and several types of matrices. Collagen and alginate are the matrices that led to better results, including proof-of-concept of full-term development. Pioneer in its kind, these studies underlie the drawbacks encountered and the need for a culture system that allows more quantitative analyses and predictions, projecting the culture of the ovarian follicle into the realm of tissue engineering.

The mitochondrial DNA copy number, cytochrome c oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species level in metaphase II oocytes obtained from in vitro culture of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in comparison with in vivo‐obtained oocyte

“…In vitro maturation (IVM) of follicles and oocytes is a suitable strategy for fertility preservation of infertile patients . Several culture systems have been developed for the IVM of follicles, similar to the ovarian microenvironment, which yield different results . IVM could be a method for monitoring the effect of the vitrification procedure on follicular development and oocyte maturation.…”

The nuclear and developmental competence of cumulus–oocyte complexes is enhanced by three‐dimensional coculture with conspecific denuded oocytes during in vitro maturation in the domestic cat model

“…To create scaffolds for oocyte in vitro culture, various natural biomaterials such as the physiological components of extra‐cellular matrix (ECM; collagen and hyaluronic acid) or inert polymers (alginate), have been used. Promising results in terms of oocyte meiosis resumption and achievement of full competence have been obtained in various species (Dorati et al., ; Morselli, Canziani, Vigo, & Luvoni, ; Morselli, Vigo, & Luvoni, ; Pangas, Saudye, Shea, & Woodruff, ; Songsasen, Comizzoli, Nagashima, Fujihara, & Wildt, ; Zuccotti et al., ). The preliminary application of coculture systems in a 3D alginate microenvironment resulted in the resumption of meiosis in domestic cat oocytes, but the in vitro embryo development was not investigated (Morselli et al., , ).…”

Observation of the dynamics of follicular development in the ovary

“…This review focuses on follicular interactions in the ovary. Studying individual follicles is important in investigating follicular development and many researchers have cultured isolated follicles to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of follicular development . These studies revealed interactions among oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells and the factors that are produced by these cells .…”

“…Studying individual follicles is important in investigating follicular development and many researchers have cultured isolated follicles to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of follicular development. [69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76] These studies revealed interactions among oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells and the factors that are produced by these cells. 61,65,66 These results described the regulatory mechanisms of follicular development within a follicle, but were not able to determine the mechanism in the ovary.…”