O-077 Depletion of MFF from oocytes impairs mitochondrial dynamics, leading to inhibited oocyte maturation and early embryonic development in mice
Authors: Hua R , Hai Z , Gu J , Yeung W S B , Wang T 
Published: July 2024

Study question

To investigate the effect of mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) on oocyte competence and female fertility using an oocyte-specific Mff knockout mouse model.

Summary answer

Oocyte-specific Mff deficiency hindered oocyte maturation and early embryonic development via regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, resulting in female subfertility.

What is known already

Emerging studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial dynamics play a vital role in oocyte maturation and early embryo development. MFF is one of the crucial proteins regulating mitochondrial dynamics. Our previous studies have indicated that Mff is necessary for oocyte competence and fertility using a global Mff knockout mouse model. However, further investigation is needed to determine whether the deletion of Mff in oocytes could affect oocyte competence and early embryonic development by regulating mitochondrial dynamics.

Study design, size, duration

The oocyte-specific Mff knockout (Mfffl/fl; Gdf9-Cre) mice were generated using the Cre-LoxP conditional knockout system. The 2-month-old female mice from each group (Mfffl/fl; Gdf9-Cre or Mfffl/fl, n = 6) were mated to assess the fecundity over 10 months. The maturation and mitochondrial dynamics of germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were determined. The spindle and chromosome morphologies of ovulated oocytes were also analyzed. Additionally, the 2-cell embryos were collected and cultured in vitro to assess early embryonic development.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Female mice from each group were mated with adult males to assess the fecundity. GV oocytes, ovulated oocytes, and 2-cell embryos were collected and cultured in vitro after superovulation, as indicated. Mitochondria, spindle, and chromosome were stained and then imaged using confocal microscopy. The microscopic morphology of mitochondria was assessed using electron microscopy.

Main results and the role of chance

The Mfffl/fl; Gdf9-Cre mice consistently exhibited reduced fertility with a significant decrease in litter size (3.00 vs. 5.42, p &lt; 0.001), number of litters per female (4.33 vs. 7.50, p &lt; 0.001), and number of pups per female (13.00 vs. 40.67, p &lt; 0.001) compared to the Mfffl/fl mice. The numbers of GV oocytes (29.37 vs. 39.10, p &lt; 0.05), ovulated oocytes (9.81 vs. 20.91, p &lt; 0.001) and 2-cell embryos (3.50 vs. 10.17, p &lt; 0.05) were significantly lower in the Mfffl/fl; Gdf9-Cre mice. The blastocyst (32.32% vs. 68.44%, p &lt; 0.05) embryo development rate per 2-cell embryos was also significantly lower. In vitro maturation revealed that of Mfffl/fl; Gdf9-Cre GV oocytes had significantly lower rates of GV break-down (68.89% vs. 91.57%, p &lt; 0.05) and polar body extrusion (42.76% vs. 81.87%, p &lt; 0.05). The ratios of aberrant spindle (71.56% vs. 23.74%, p &lt; 0.001) and misaligned chromosomes (71.82% vs. 23.14%, p &lt; 0.01) in ovulated oocytes from Mfffl/fl; Gdf9-Cre mice were significantly increased. In terms of mitochondrial dynamics, the mitochondrial size (0.59 µm2 vs. 0.15µm2, p &lt; 0.001) and the ratio (62.50% vs. 18.67%, p &lt; 0.01) of abnormal mitochondrial distribution (unevenly aggregated) in Mfffl/fl; Gdf9-Cre oocytes significantly elevated. This study found that the Mff played a crucial role in oocyte maturation and early embryonic development.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Further research is needed to determine the downstream targets or pathways of Mff in oocytes.

Wider implications of the findings

These results shed light on the important role played by MFF in ensuring proper mitochondrial dynamics in oocytes and underscore the significance of this protein in female fertility. This study provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for infertility and related diseases in humans.

Trial registration number

not applicable