Professor Karl Swann

Pennaeth yr Is-adran Biofeddygaeth

: SwannK1@caerdydd.ac.uk
: +44 29208 79009
: Adeilad Syr Martin Evans, Rhodfa'r Amgueddfa, Caerdydd, CF10 3AX

: Ar gael fel goruchwyliwr ôl-raddedig

I am interested in cell signalling and metabolism during animal fertilization and early embryo development. I use live cell imaging methods including those based on fluorescence and chemiluminescence.

Selected projects are:

1. The role and mechanism of action of PLCzeta in causing Ca²⁺ oscillation in eggs at fertilization

2. The relationship between Ca²⁺ and mitochondrial ATP production in eggs

3. Lipid droplets and lipid metabolism in eggs and early embryos using CARS microscopy

Roles

Head of Biomedicine Division
Deputy Module Leader and teaching on BI2331 Physiology
Teaching on BI2231 Cell Biology
Supervision of projects for Final Year Undergraduate and Masters students

2023

Biolková, M. et al. 2023. Investigation of potential gender bias in the peer review system at Reproduction. Learned Publishing 36(1), pp. 25-30. (10.1002/leap.1537)

2022

Swann, K. 2022. PLCzeta as the sperm factor that activates eggs: 20 years on. Reproduction 164(1), pp. E1-E4. (10.1530/REP-22-0148)
Thanassoulas, A., Swann, K., Lai, F. A. and Nomikos, M. 2022. Sperm factors and egg activation: the structure and function relationship of sperm plcz1. Reproduction 164(1), pp. F1-F8. (10.1530/REP-21-0477)
Wang, Y., Pope, I., Brennan-Craddock, H., Poole, E., Langbein, W., Borri, P. and Swann, K. 2022. A primary effect of palmitic acid on mouse oocytes is the disruption of the structure of the endoplasmic reticulum. Reproduction 163(1), pp. 45-56. (10.1530/REP-21-0332)

2021

Ostler, T. et al. 2021. Vitrifying multiple embryos in different arrangements does not alter the cooling rate. Cryobiology 103, pp. 22-31. (10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.10.001)
Graham, C. F. et al. 2021. Dynamic shapes of the zygote and two-cell mouse and human. Biology Open 10(12), article number: bio059013. (10.1242/bio.059013)
Pope, I. et al. 2021. Background-free 3D four-wave mixing microscopy of single gold nanoparticles inside biological systems. Presented at: European Conference on Biomedical Optics 2021, Munich, Germany, 20-24 June 2021European Conferences on Biomedical Optics 2021 (ECBO). OSA Technical Digest Optical Society of America pp. EM3B.6.
Storey, A., Elgmati, K., Wang, Y., Knaggs, P. and Swann, K. 2021. The role of ATP in the differential ability of Sr2+ to trigger Ca2+ oscillations in mouse and human eggs. Molecular Human Reproduction 27(1), article number: gaaa086. (10.1093/molehr/gaaa086)

2020

Swann, K. 2020. The soluble sperm factor that activates the egg: PLCzeta and beyond. Reproduction 160(1) (10.1530/REP-20-0079)

2019

Bradley, J., Pope, I., Wang, Y., Langbein, W., Borri, P. and Swann, K. 2019. Dynamic label-free imaging of lipid droplets and their link to fatty acid and pyruvate oxidation in mouse eggs. Journal of Cell Science 132(13), article number: jcs228999. (10.1242/jcs.228999)
Bradley, J. and Swann, K. 2019. Mitochondria and lipid metabolism in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. International Journal of Developmental Biology 63(3-4-5), pp. 93-103. (10.1387/ijdb.180355ks)
Borri, P., Bradley, J., Pope, I., Langbein, W. and Swann, K. 2019. Imaging lipids in living mammalian oocytes and early embryos by coherent Raman scattering microscopy. Presented at: SPIE BIOS, San Francisco, CA, USA, 2-7 February 2019Proceedings Volume 10890, Label-free Biomedical Imaging and Sensing (LBIS) 2019, Vol. 108900. Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) pp. 3., (10.1117/12.2506248)

2018

Swann, K. 2018. The role of Ca 2+ in oocyte activation during In Vitro fertilization: Insights into potential therapies for rescuing failed fertilization. BBA - Molecular Cell Research 1865(11), pp. 1830-1837. (10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.05.003)
Pope, I. et al. 2018. Coherent Raman Scattering microscopy: technology developments and biological applications. Presented at: 20th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON), Bucharest, Romania, 1-5 Jul 201820th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON). IEEE, (10.1109/ICTON.2018.8473706)
FitzHarris, G., Carroll, J. and Swann, K. 2018. Electrical-assisted microinjection for analysis of fertilization and cell division in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. Methods in Cell Biology 144, pp. 431-440. (10.1016/bs.mcb.2018.03.036)
Sanders, J., Ashley, B., Moon, A., Woolley, T. and Swann, K. 2018. PLCz induced Ca2+ oscillations in mouse eggs involve a positive feedback cycle of Ca2+ induced InsP3 formation from cytoplasmic PIP2. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 6, article number: 36. (10.3389/fcell.2018.00036)

2017

Nomikos, M., Swann, K. and Lai, F. A. 2017. Fundamental role for sperm phospholipase C ζ in mammalian fertilization. In: De Jonge, C. J. and Barratt, C. L. R. eds. The Sperm Cell. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 177-192., (10.1017/9781316411124.014)
Nomikos, M. et al. 2017. Male infertility-linked point mutation reveals a vital binding role for the C2 domain of sperm PLCζ. Biochemical Journal 474(6), pp. 1003-1016. (10.1042/BCJ20161057)
Kashir, J. et al. 2017. Antigen unmasking enhances visualization efficacy of the oocyte activation factor, phospholipase C zeta, in mammalian sperm. Molecular Human Reproduction 23(1), pp. 54-67. (10.1093/molehr/gaw073)

2016

Sanders, J. R. and Swann, K. 2016. Molecular triggers of egg activation at fertilization in mammals. Reproduction 152(2), article number: R41. (10.1530/REP-16-0123)
Bradley, J., Pope, I., Masia, F., Sanusi, R., Langbein, W., Swann, K. and Borri, P. 2016. Quantitative imaging of lipids in live mouse oocytes and early embryos using CARS microscopy. Development 143, pp. 2238-2247. (10.1242/dev.129908)
Swann, K. and Lai, F. A. 2016. The sperm phospholipase C-ζ and Ca2+ signalling at fertilization in mammals. Biochemical Society Transactions 44(1), pp. 267-272. (10.1042/BST20150221)
Haverfield, J. et al. 2016. Ca2+ dynamics in oocytes from naturally-aged mice. Scientific Reports 6, article number: 19357. (10.1038/srep19357)
Swann, K. and Lai, F. A. 2016. Egg activation at fertilization by a soluble sperm protein. Physiological Reviews 96(1), pp. 127-149. (10.1152/physrev.00012.2015)

2009

Dumollard, R., Carroll, J., Duchen, M. R., Campbell, K. and Swann, K. 2009. Mitochondrial function and redox state in mammalian embryos. Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology 20(3), pp. 346-353. (10.1016/j.semcdb.2008.12.013)

2008

Ajduk, A. M., Ciemerych, M. A., Nixon, V., Swann, K. and Maleszewski, M. 2008. Fertilization differently affects the levels of cyclin B1 and M-phase promoting factor activity in maturing and metaphase II mouse oocytes. Reproduction 136(6), pp. 741-752. (10.1530/REP-08-0271)
Yu, Y., Halet, G., Lai, F. A. and Swann, K. 2008. Regulation of diacylglycerol production and protein kinase C stimulation during sperm- and PLCζ-mediated mouse egg activation. Biology of the Cell 100(11), pp. 633-643. (10.1042/BC20080033)
Dumollard, R., Campbell, K., Halet, G., Carroll, J. and Swann, K. 2008. Regulation of cytosolic and mitochondrial ATP levels in mouse eggs and zygotes. Developmental Biology 316(2), pp. 431-440. (10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.02.004)
Yu, Y., Saunders, C. M., Lai, F. A. and Swann, K. 2008. Preimplantation development of mouse oocytes activated by different levels of human phospholipase C zeta. Human Reproduction 23(2), pp. 365-373. (10.1093/humrep/dem350)

2006

Campbell, K. and Swann, K. 2006. Ca2+ oscillations stimulate an ATP increase during fertilization of mouse eggs. Developmental Biology 298(1), pp. 225-233. (10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.06.032)

2005

Nomikos, M. et al. 2005. Role of phospholipase C-zeta domains in Ca2+-dependent phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis and cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillations. Journal of biological chemistry 280(35), pp. 31011-31018. (10.1074/jbc.M500629200)

2004

Rogers, N. T., Hobson, E., Pickering, S., Lai, F. A., Braude, P. and Swann, K. 2004. Phospholipase Cζ causes Ca2+ oscillations and parthenogenetic activation of human oocytes. Reproduction 128(6), pp. 697-702. (10.1530/rep.1.00484)
Larman, M. G., Saunders, C. M., Carroll, J., Lai, F. A. and Swann, K. 2004. Cell cycle-dependent Ca2+ oscillations in mouse embryos are regulated by nuclear targeting of PLCzeta. Journal of cell science 117(12), pp. 2513-2521. (10.1242/jcs.01109)

2002

Saunders, C. M. et al. 2002. PLC zeta: a sperm-specific trigger of Ca(2+) oscillations in eggs and embryo development. Development 129(15), pp. 3533-3544.

A major theme in my research is to answer the fundamental question of how the sperm activates the egg at fertilization. At fertilization in all mammals the sperm initiates development by causing a series of oscillations in the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration. We have previously shown that the sperm initiates Ca²⁺ oscillations in egg by introducing the sperm specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCzeta) after gamete membrane fusion. PLCzeta generates cycles of InsP₃ production and Ca²⁺ release. We have shown that PLCzeta is unique amongst mammalian PLCs in causing Ca²⁺ oscillations in eggs, and in that it specifically targets intracellular vesicles containing phosphoinositides. Recent studies in mice suggest that there may be an additional factor that promotes Ca²⁺ oscillations in eggs and we have begun to investigate the nature of a putative second sperm factor.

We are currently investigating exactly how PLCzeta causes Ca²⁺ release and what factors in the egg effect the sensitivity to PLCzeta. We study egg activation in mouse eggs and collaborate with the Wales Fertility Institute to study Ca²⁺ oscillations in human eggs. I also collaborate with Thomas Woolley and Katerina Kaouri in the School of Mathematics in Cardiff University to model the mechanisms of Ca²⁺ oscillations. One of the main aims of these projects is to establish methods for improving egg activation and subsequent embryo development in clinical IVF treatments.

I am also interested in metabolism in eggs and early embryos and specifically in the regulation of mitochondrial activity. I collaborate with Paola Borri and Wolfgang Langbein (Physics, Cardiff University) and use CARS imaging of eggs and embryos to monitor changes in lipid droplets caused by exposure to fatty acids. We study the way in which lipid content effects egg and embryo physiology. We also study the mechanism and function of sperm induced mitochondrial ATP production at fertilization.

Collaborators

Prof Paola Borri - Cardiff University

Thomas Woolley - Cardiff University

Dr Paul Knaggs - Wales Fertility Institute

Current Lab Members

Dr Yisu Wang (postdoc)

Miss Cindy Ikie (PhD student)

Rwy'n ymwneud â chyflwyno addysgu i fyfyrwyr Blwyddyn 2, Meistr a PhD. Rwyf hefyd yn diwtor ar gyfer myfyrwyr Blwyddyn 2, Blwyddyn 3 a PTY.

Mae fy addysgu israddedig yn cynnwys cyfraniadau i fodiwlau:

BI2331: Ffisioleg (Dirprwy Arweinydd Modiwl)

BI2231: Bioleg celloedd

BI2233: Bioleg Celloedd Datblygiadol a Bôn

BI3001: Prosiect Blwyddyn Derfynol Biowyddorau

Cwblheais fy Gradd BSc a'r PhD yn yr Adran Ffisioleg yn UCL dan oruchwyliaeth Michael Whitaker. Gweithiais fel postdoc yn Japan gyda Shun-ichi Miyazaki yn astudio osgiliadau Ca²⁺ mewn ffrwythloni mewn wyau a dychwelais i Lundain i weithio gyda David Whittingham yn Ysgol Feddygol Ysbyty St George. Yn 1994 cefais fy mhenodi'n ddarlithydd yn yr Adran Anatomeg a Bioleg Ddatblygiadol yn UCL. Yna yn 2004 cefais fy mhenodi'n Gadeirydd Bioleg Celloedd Atgenhedlol yn yr Ysgol Meddygaeth ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd. Yn 2016 symudais i Ysgol y Biowyddorau. Mae gen i Drwydded Ymchwil HFEA i astudio actifadu wyau dynol ac rwy'n Aelod Bwrdd Golygyddol o'r cyfnodolyn 'Atproduction'. Rwyf wedi cyflwyno fy ymchwil mewn llawer o gyfarfodydd rhyngwladol gan gynnwys sgyrsiau gwahoddedig mewn pum Cynhadledd Ymchwil Gordon.

Yn y 1990au disgrifiais fodolaeth protein sberm hydawdd gyntaf a allai sbarduno osgiliadau Ca^{2 +} mewn wyau mamaliaid. Arloesais y theori bod y sberm yn actifadu'r wy trwy gyflwyno protein sberm hydawdd ar ôl ymasiad gamete. Mae'r mecanwaith hwn o actifadu wyau bellach yn cael ei gydnabod yn eang fel y ffordd y mae'r sberm yn achosi actifadu wyau ac yn cychwyn datblygiad. Dangosodd y gwaith yn fy labordy gyntaf mai'r prif ffactor sberm mamalaidd yw ffosffolipase C (PLC). Yna, mewn cydweithrediad â Tony Lai ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd, fe wnes i helpu i ddangos bod y ffactor yn PLCzeta. Rwy'n parhau i weithio ar actifadu wyau ac agweddau ar metaboledd mitochondrial mewn wyau mamaliaid.

Rwyf ar gael ar gyfer goruchwylio prosiectau Meistr a PhD ym meysydd cyffredinol y canlynol:

1. Ca2 + osgiliadau ac actifadu wyau wrth ffrwythloni.

2. Rôl mitocondria mewn ffrwythloni a datblygiad cynnar.

Doctoral student to present research to MPs in Westminster

20 February 2023

Exploring how fats affect eggs and embryo development

10 January 2017

External profiles

ORCID