Unlocking a Decade of Research on Embryo-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Discoveries Made and Paths Ahead.

Over the past decade, research on embryo-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) has unveiled their critical roles in embryonic development and intercellular communication. EVs secreted by embryos are nanoscale lipid bilayer vesicles that carry bioactive cargo, including proteins, lipids, RNAs, and DNAs, reflecting the physiological state of the source cells. These vesicles facilitate paracrine and autocrine signaling, influencing key processes such as cell differentiation, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity.

Effect of extracellular vesicles derived from oviductal and uterine fluid on the development of porcine preimplantation embryos.

To improve the efficiency of in-vitro-produced (IVP) porcine embryos, we focused on the events that usually occur during in-vivo embryonic transit from the oviduct to the uterus. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by different mammalian cells and are imperative for intercellular communication and reflect the cell's physiological state. Based on these characteristics, EVs were isolated from oviductal and uterine fluid to imitate the in vivo environment and improve the efficiency of IVP embryos.

Embryotrophic effect of exogenous protein contained adipose-derived stem cell extracellular vesicles.

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate cell metabolism and various biological processes by delivering specific proteins and nucleic acids to surrounding cells. We aimed to investigate the effects of the cargo contained in EVs derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on the porcine embryonic development.

Methods: ASCs were isolated from porcine adipose tissue and characterized using ASC-specific markers via flow cytometry.

Sex ratio and conception rates of fresh/vitrified embryos at different developmental stages by ovum pick up in Hanwoo cows.

Embryo transfer plays a crucial role in enhancing the breeding value of livestock; it has been applied in Hanwoo cattle, which is a popular breed for beef production in Korea. Both -derived (IVD) and -produced (IVP) embryos are used for this purpose; however, IVP embryos have been preferred recently owing to advancements in ovum pick-up (OPU) technology and genomic selection. Despite technological advancements, comprehensive data on large-scale OPU/IVEP/embryo transfer in Hanwoo cows are lacking.