Extracellular vesicles and its advances in female reproduction

Abstract

Intercellular communication is an essential mechanism for development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were recently described as new players in the intercellular communication. EVs are double-membrane vesicles secreted by cells and are classified according to their biosynthesis, protein markers and morphology. These extracellular vesicles contain bioactive materials such as miRNA, mRNA, protein and lipids. These characteristics permit their involvement in different biological processes. Reproductive physiology is complex and involves constant communication between cells. Different laboratories have described the presence of EVs secreted by ovarian follicular cells, oviductal cells, in vitro produced embryos and by the endometrium, suggesting that EVs are involved in the development of gametes and embryos, in animals and humans. Therefore, is important to understand physiological mechanisms and contributions of EVs in female reproduction in order to develop new tools to improve in vivo reproductive events and assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). This review will provide the current knowledge related to EVs in female reproductive tissues and their role in ARTs.

Proteomic profile of pre‐implantational ovine embryos produced in vivo

“…Several cell types secrete EVs, including in vitro ‐ and in vivo‐produced embryos (Burns et al., 2016; Mellisho et al., 2017; Nakamura et al., 2016). Extracellular vesicles transport bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, DNA, miRNAs and mRNAs (Giacomini et al., 2017; Kropp & Khatib, 2015; Simon et al., 2020), which influence embryonic development, maternal–embryonic communication and mammalian gestation (Ávila et al., 2019; Bridi et al., 2020). In the ovine, the production of EVs by the pre‐implantation embryo was demonstrated by Burns et al.…”

Extracellular vesicles in embryo implantation and disorders of the endometrium

“…Production of EVs by diverse male and female reproductive tissues such as the epididymis, prostate, seminal fluid, ovary, fallopian tube, endometrium, decidua, embryo and placenta have been reported 16‐18 . The biochemical and molecular cargo of EVs from tissues of the female reproductive tract, embryos and placenta have been recently reviewed 17,19,20 . In the present review, we will focus on the roles of EVs in different steps of embryo implantation and endometrial pathologies.…”

“…[16][17][18] The biochemical and molecular cargo of EVs from tissues of the female reproductive tract, embryos and placenta have been recently reviewed. 17,19,20 In the present review, we will focus on the roles of EVs in different steps of embryo implantation and endometrial pathologies.…”

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 supplementation enhances cumulus expansion, nuclear maturation and progesterone production of in vitro‐matured bovine cumulus‐oocyte complexes

“…It is believed that OSFs determine oocyte programming during in vitro maturation by regulation of COC microenvironment (Alam & Miyano, 2019; Hussein et al., 2006). Conversely, granulosa cells use gap junctions to supply nutrients and metabolites to oocytes and also secrete paracrine signals and extracellular vesicles containing RNAs to regulate oocyte growth, development and maturation (Alam & Miyano, 2019; Avila et al., 2019; Sirard et al., 2006).…”