Potential biomarkers of DNA quality in cryopreserved fish sperm: impact on gene expression and embryonic development

Abstract

Sperm DNA quality and gene expression are crucial for early embryo development. Abnormal genomic processes can cause irreversible damage to totipotent cells, thereby altering the capacity for cell differentiation. Cryopreservation is a complex procedure that exposes cells to extreme conditions; it is therefore important to determine whether cryopreservation affects genomic stability. Despite this, few studies have focused on the effects of cryopreservation on the genomic stability of fish sperm. Thus, information is lacking to determine how the cryopreservation of fish sperm affects embryo quality and subsequently aquaculture. The aim of this review was to compile background information pertaining to the study of genomic stability in cryopreserved sperm. In this way, we hope to characterize more clearly the embryonic development of fish that are of biological and economic interest. We also discuss the potential use of antioxidants in cryopreservation to help preserve DNA integrity, gene expression and embryo quality. There is a current need to evaluate the use of potential biomarkers of genomic integrity to establish the effects of cryopreservation on the DNA quality of fish gametes and embryos.