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Evidence that heat shock protein A5 (HSPA5) plays a role during bovine in vitro embryo production
Priscila Helena Dos Santos1, Fernanda Fagali Franchi1,2, Sarah Gomes Nunes1
1Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Reproduction (Cambridge, England)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Adding recombinant HSPA5 during the final maturation phase improved bovine oocyte mitochondrial function and increased blastocyst yield. This suggests HSPA5 enhances embryo quality and developmental competence in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oviductal fluid (OF) proteins are crucial for reproductive processes, including zona pellucida (ZP)-sperm interactions.
- HSPA5 is an OF protein hypothesized to interact with oocytes and influence their development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of recombinant HSPA5 (rHSPA5) on bovine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development.
- To assess rHSPA5's impact on oocyte mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress, and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) underwent in vitro maturation for 20 hours, with rHSPA5 added during the final 4 hours.
- Evaluated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), ZP solubility, fertilization rates, and blastocyst development.
- Analyzed gene expression in blastocysts derived from rHSPA5-treated oocytes.
Main Results:
- rHSPA5 significantly enhanced oocyte mitochondrial activity (p=0.0006) and increased blastocyst yield (p=0.04).
- Blastocysts showed upregulated genes related to embryo quality, DNA methylation, development, and oxidative stress.
- rHSPA5 improved mitochondrial function and modulated transcriptional profiles without altering fertilization or oocyte oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- rHSPA5 positively influences the final stage of oocyte maturation in vitro.
- Supplementation with rHSPA5 enhances bovine embryo quality and developmental competence.
- HSPA5 shows potential as a beneficial factor in assisted reproductive technologies.
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