Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine if oocytes were capable of taking up exogenous DNA such as human papillomaviral (HPV) DNA and evaluate the zona pellucida as a barrier to the entry of foreign DNA into the oocyte.
Methods
The experiment consisted of four groups of hamster oocytes exposed to HPV DNA fragments: Group A, zona-free oocytes (n =5); Group B, oocytes with an intact zona pellucida (n =5); Group C, oocytes fixed in 4% buffered formalin solution for 20 min (n =5); and Group D, zona-free oocytes (n =4). Group C oocytes served as an internal control to ensure adequate washing of the oocytes after incubation.
Results
The zona pellucida was not a barrier to foreign DNA molecules. The PCR did not detect L1-HPV and β-globin gene sequences in the untreated hamster oocyte. Uptake of the smaller DNA fragments such as that amplified from the β-globin region was independent of active oocyte cell processes.
Conclusion
Oocytes cultured in vitro can passively take up exogenous DNA fragments. The results suggest a possible role of oocytes as vectors for foreign DNA.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brackett BG, Baranska W, Sawicki W, Koprowski H: Uptake of heterologous genome by mammalian spermatozoa and its transfer to ova through fertilization. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1971;68:353–357
Gagne MB, Pothier F, Sirard M-A: Electroporation of bovine spermatozoa to carry foreign DNA in oocytes. Mol Reprod Dev 1991;29:6–15
Lavitrano M, Camaioni A, Fazio VM, Dolci S, Farace MG, Spadafora C: Sperm cells as vectors for introducing foreign DNA into eggs: Genetic transformation of mice. Cell 1989;57:717–723
Ting Y, Manos MM: Detection and typing of genital human papillomaviruses.In PCR Protocols, MA Innis, DH Gelfand, JJ Sninsky, TJ White (eds). New York, Academic Press, 1990, pp 356–367
Atkinson PW, Hines ER, Beaton S, Matthaei KI, Reed KC, Bradley MP: Association of exogenous DNA with cattle and insect spermatozoa in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 1991;29:1–5
Bauer HM, Ting Y, Greer CE, Chambers JC, Tashiro CJ, Chimera J, Reingold A, Manos MM: Genital human papillomavirus infection in female university students as determined by a PCR-based method. JAMA 1991;265:472–477
Shibata D, Fu YS, Gupta JW, Shah KV, Arnheim N, Martin WJ: Detection of human papillomavirus in normal and dysplastic tissue by the polymerase chain reaction. Lab Invest 1988;59:555–559
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chan, P.J., Su, B.C., Tredway, D.R. et al. Uptake of exogenous human papilloma virus L1 DNA by oocytes and detection by the polymerase chain reaction. J Assist Reprod Genet 9, 531–533 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204249
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204249