This preprint is under consideration at Journal of Ovarian Research. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
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Research
Li-quan Zhou
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9332-9408
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Objective
ACE2, TMPRSS2 and NRP1 are key factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we used immunofluorescence to examine the expression patterns of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and NRP1 in human oocytes and different stages of preimplantation embryos to investigated the susceptibility to be infected by SARS-CoV-2.
Methods
We collected human GV oocytes and different stages of early embryos donated by patients and then performed immunofluorescence followed by confocal microscopy for signals of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and NRP1 proteins in these oocytes and embryos.
Results
We found that ACE2 was abundant in both inner cell mass and trophectoderm at blastocyst stage, while TMPRSS2 was mainly enriched in trophectoderm. Both of the two factors had faint signal in cleavage embryos and oocytes. In contrast, NRP1 was barely detectable in oocytes or any stage of early embryos.
Conclusion
Taken together, we propose that human blastocysts, instead of human oocytes and other stages of early embryos, are susceptible to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, specific attention should be paid to manipulation of human blastocysts in assisted reproductive technology.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2, Oocyte, Blastocyst, ACE2, TMPRSS2, NRP1
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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- FigS1.jpg
Immunofluorescence examination of embryonic stem cells with NRP1 antibody. DAPI was used to stain the cell nuclei at a concentration of 1μg /ml. Scale bar, 200 μm.
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Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 15 Mar, 2021
No community comments so far
Review #1 received
Received 03 Apr, 2021
Review #? received
Received 14 Mar, 2021
Reviewer #1 agreed
On 14 Mar, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 04 Mar, 2021
Editor assigned
On 02 Mar, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 02 Mar, 2021
Editor invited
On 02 Mar, 2021
First submitted
On 01 Mar, 2021
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Subject Areas
Sexual & Reproductive Medicine
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This preprint is under consideration at Journal of Ovarian Research. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research
Li-quan Zhou
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9332-9408
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 15 Mar, 2021
No community comments so far
Review #1 received
Received 03 Apr, 2021
Review #? received
Received 14 Mar, 2021
Reviewer #1 agreed
On 14 Mar, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 04 Mar, 2021
Editor assigned
On 02 Mar, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 02 Mar, 2021
Editor invited
On 02 Mar, 2021
First submitted
On 01 Mar, 2021
Subject Areas
Sexual & Reproductive Medicine
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Objective
ACE2, TMPRSS2 and NRP1 are key factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we used immunofluorescence to examine the expression patterns of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and NRP1 in human oocytes and different stages of preimplantation embryos to investigated the susceptibility to be infected by SARS-CoV-2.
Methods
We collected human GV oocytes and different stages of early embryos donated by patients and then performed immunofluorescence followed by confocal microscopy for signals of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and NRP1 proteins in these oocytes and embryos.
Results
We found that ACE2 was abundant in both inner cell mass and trophectoderm at blastocyst stage, while TMPRSS2 was mainly enriched in trophectoderm. Both of the two factors had faint signal in cleavage embryos and oocytes. In contrast, NRP1 was barely detectable in oocytes or any stage of early embryos.
Conclusion
Taken together, we propose that human blastocysts, instead of human oocytes and other stages of early embryos, are susceptible to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, specific attention should be paid to manipulation of human blastocysts in assisted reproductive technology.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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