Publications by authors named "R H Six"
In a previous study we found that the levels of the novel microRNAs (miRNAs) bta-novel-miR-117 bta-novel-miR-234 and bta-novel-miR-417 (P < 0.001) are significantly up-regulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the culture medium of degenerating embryos compared to blastocysts. Because the functions of these novel miRNAs are still unknown, we investigated their regulatory roles during bovine blastocyst development by adding their mimics and inhibitors to the culture medium.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExtracellular vesicles (EVs) contain microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important regulators of embryonic development. Nevertheless, little is known about the precise molecular processes controlling blastocyst development and quality. In a previous study, we identified bta-miR-665 as one of the miRNAs more abundantly present in extracellular vesicles of embryo-conditioned culture media of blastocysts compared to degenerate ones.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Within the follicular fluid, extracellular vesicles (EVs) guide oocyte growth through their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we investigated the role of EVs and their cargo miRNAs by linking the miRNAs found in EVs, derived from the fluid of an individual follicle, to the ability of its oocyte to become a blastocyst (competent) or not (non-competent).
Methods: Bovine antral follicles were dissected, categorized as small (2-4 mm) or large (5-8 mm) and the corresponding oocytes were subjected to individual maturation, fertilization and embryo culture to the blastocyst stage.
Expression profile and gap-junctional transfer of microRNAs in the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex.
Front Cell Dev Biol
July 2024
Article Synopsis
- * The study investigated how miRNAs communicate between oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells, using gap junctions, with a particular focus on bta-miR-21-5p, which was previously identified as important for cell viability and maturation.
- * Results showed that miRNA exchange occurs through gap junctions in the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex, providing new insights into the communication mechanisms during this process.
Article Synopsis
- Late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD) is a rare genetic eye disease caused by a specific gene variant, primarily affecting patients aged 21-81, with visual function typically declining after age 55.
- Findings in L-ORD include diverse initial retinal appearances, such as atrophic patches and subretinal dots, but most patients eventually progress to a similar severe retinal condition after 65 years.
- Despite variations in presentation, there is notable intrafamilial variability in disease progression and visual potential, with some patients maintaining fair vision until their 70s.