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Pan B, Toms D, Shen W, Li J. MicroRNA-378 regulates oocyte maturation via the suppression of aromatase in porcine cumulus cells. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 308:E525-34. [PMID: 25628423 PMCID: PMC4360015 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00480.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We sought to investigate whether miR-378 plays a role in cumulus cells and whether the manipulation of miRNA levels in cumulus cells influences oocyte maturation in vitro. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from ovarian follicles had significantly lower levels of precursor and mature miR-378 in cumulus cells surrounding metaphase II (MII) oocytes than cumulus cells surrounding germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes, suggesting a possible role of miR-378 during COC maturation. Overexpression of miR-378 in cumulus cells impaired expansion and decreased expression of genes associated with expansion (HAS2, PTGS2) and oocyte maturation (CX43, ADAMTS1, PGR). Cumulus cell expression of miR-378 also suppressed oocyte progression from the GV to MII stage (from 54 ± 2.7 to 31 ± 5.1%), accompanied by a decrease of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), zona pellucida 3 (ZP3), and CX37 in the oocytes. Subsequent in vitro fertilization resulted in fewer oocytes from COCs overexpressing miR-378 reaching the blastocyst stage (7.3 ± 0.7 vs. 16.6 ± 0.5%). miR-378 knockdown led to increased cumulus expansion and oocyte progression to MII, confirming a specific effect of miR-378 in suppressing COC maturation. Aromatase (CYP19A1) expression in cumulus cells was also inhibited by miR-378, leading to a significant decrease in estradiol production. The addition of estradiol to IVM culture medium reversed the effect of miR-378 on cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic progression, suggesting that decreased estradiol production via suppression of aromatase may be one of the mechanisms by which miR-378 regulates the maturation of COCs. Our data suggest that miR-378 alters gene expression and function in cumulus cells and influences oocyte maturation, possibly via oocyte-cumulus interaction and paracrine regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Derek Toms
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Wei Shen
- Laboratory of Germ Cell Biology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Julang Li
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and
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52
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da Silveira JC, de Andrade GM, Nogueira MFG, Meirelles FV, Perecin F. Involvement of miRNAs and Cell-Secreted Vesicles in Mammalian Ovarian Antral Follicle Development. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:1474-83. [PMID: 25736328 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115574344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian follicular development is a controlled series of events culminating with an ovulatory or atretic follicle. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in translational regulation of genes in different developmental processes. Deletion of Dicer in mice ovaries demonstrated the importance of miRNAs in reproduction, which led to infertility. The miRNAs were thought to act only within host cells; however, these molecules are also present in cell-secreted vesicles. These vesicles are present in body fluids such as milk, serum, and ovarian follicular fluid. Vesicles are secreted in extracellular fluids and travel from donor to target cells, mediating transfer of bioactive material. Herein we discuss the role of hormonal-regulated miRNAs within different ovarian follicular cells as well as cell-secreted vesicles participation in mammalian ovarian follicular fluid. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of miRNAs transference mediated by cell-secreted vesicles present in ovarian follicular fluid, increasing the versatility of miRNA functions during antral follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano C da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriella M de Andrade
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo F G Nogueira
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo State, Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávio V Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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Di R, He J, Song S, Tian D, Liu Q, Liang X, Ma Q, Sun M, Wang J, Zhao W, Cao G, Wang J, Yang Z, Ge Y, Chu M. Characterization and comparative profiling of ovarian microRNAs during ovine anestrus and the breeding season. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:899. [PMID: 25318541 PMCID: PMC4287553 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Seasonal estrus is a critical limiting factor of animal fecundity, and it involves changes in both ovarian biology and hormone secretion in different seasons. Previous studies indicate that two classes of small RNAs (miRNAs and piRNAs) play important regulatory roles in ovarian biology. To understand the roles of small RNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation in ovine seasonal estrus, the variation in expression patterns of ovarian small RNAs during anestrus and the breeding season were analyzed using Solexa sequencing technology. In addition, reproductive hormone levels were determined during ovine anestrus and the breeding season. Results A total of 483 miRNAs (including 97 known, 369 conserved and 17 predicated novel miRNAs), which belong to 183 different miRNA families, were identified in ovaries of Tan sheep and Small Tail Han (STH) sheep. Compared with the three stages of the breeding season, 25 shared significantly differentially expressed (including 19 up- and six down-regulated) miRNAs were identified in ovine anestrus. KEGG Pathway analysis revealed that the target genes for some of the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in reproductive hormone related pathways (e.g. steroid biosynthesis, androgen and estrogen metabolism and GnRH signaling pathway) as well as follicular/luteal development related pathways. Moreover, the expression of the differentially expressed miRNAs and most of their target genes were negatively correlated in the above pathways. Furthermore, the levels of estrogen, progesterone and LH in ovine anestrus were significantly lower than those in the breeding season. Combining the results of pathway enrichment analysis, expression of target genes and hormone measurement, we suggest that these differentially expressed miRNAs in anestrus might participate in attenuation of ovarian activity by regulating the above pathways. Besides miRNAs, a large and unexpectedly diverse set of piRNAs were also identified. Conclusions The miRNA profiles of ovine ovaries in anestrus were presented for the first time. The identification and characterization of miRNAs that are differentially expressed between ovine anestrus and the breeding season will help understanding of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of seasonal estrus, and provides candidates for determining miRNAs which could be potentially used to regulate ovine seasonal estrus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-899) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Germplasm Innovation of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No, 2, Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, China.
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Zielak-Steciwko AE, Browne JA, McGettigan PA, Gajewska M, Dzięcioł M, Szulc T, Evans ACO. Expression of microRNAs and their target genes and pathways associated with ovarian follicle development in cattle. Physiol Genomics 2014; 46:735-45. [PMID: 25096366 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00036.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of ovarian follicles is controlled at the molecular level by several gene products whose precise expression leads to regression or ovulation of follicles. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through sequence-specific base pairing with target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) causing translation repression or mRNA degradation. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs expressed in theca and/or granulosa layers and their putative target genes/pathways that are involved in bovine ovarian follicle development. By using miRCURY microarray (Exiqon) we identified 14 and 49 differentially expressed miRNAs (P < 0.01) between dominant and subordinate follicles in theca and granulosa cells, respectively. The expression levels of four selected miRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR. To identify target prediction and pathways of differentially expressed miRNAs we used Union of Genes option in DIANA miRPath v.2.0 software. The predicted targets for these miRNAs were enriched for pathways involving oocyte meiosis, Wnt, TGF-beta, ErbB, insulin, P13K-Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways. This study identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the theca and granulosa cells of dominant and subordinate follicles and implicates them in having important roles in regulating known molecular pathways that determine the fate of ovarian follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Zielak-Steciwko
- Institute of Animal Breeding, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland;
| | - J A Browne
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P A McGettigan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Gajewska
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; and
| | - M Dzięcioł
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - T Szulc
- Institute of Animal Breeding, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - A C O Evans
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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55
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Traver S, Assou S, Scalici E, Haouzi D, Al-Edani T, Belloc S, Hamamah S. Cell-free nucleic acids as non-invasive biomarkers of gynecological cancers, ovarian, endometrial and obstetric disorders and fetal aneuploidy. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:905-23. [PMID: 24973359 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper folliculogenesis is fundamental to obtain a competent oocyte that, once fertilized, can support the acquisition of embryo developmental competence and pregnancy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of folliculogenesis, which are expressed in the cumulus-oocyte complex and in granulosa cells and some can also be found in the bloodstream. These circulating miRNAs are intensively studied and used as diagnostic/prognostic markers of many diseases, including gynecological and pregnancy disorders. In addition, serum contains small amounts of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), presumably resulting from the release of genetic material from apoptotic/necrotic cells. The quantification of nucleic acids in serum samples could be used as a diagnostic tool for female infertility. METHODS An overview of the published literature on miRNAs, and particularly on the use of circulating miRNAs and cfDNA as non-invasive biomarkers of gynecological diseases, was performed (up to January 2014). RESULTS In the past decade, cell-free nucleic acids have been studied for potential use as biomarkers in many diseases, particularly in gynecological cancers, ovarian and endometrial disorders, as well as in pregnancy-related pathologies and fetal aneuploidy. The data strongly suggest that the concentration of cell-free nucleic acids in serum from IVF patients or in embryo culture medium could be related to the ovarian hormone status and embryo quality, respectively, and be used as a non-invasive biomarker of IVF outcome. CONCLUSIONS The profiling of circulating nucleic acids, such as miRNAs and cfDNA, opens new perspectives for the diagnosis/prognosis of ovarian disorders and for the prediction of IVF outcomes, namely (embryo quality and pregnancy).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Traver
- CHU Montpellier, Institute for Research in Biotherapy, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, INSERM U1040, Montpellier, France
| | - S Assou
- CHU Montpellier, Institute for Research in Biotherapy, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, INSERM U1040, Montpellier, France Université Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
| | - E Scalici
- CHU Montpellier, Institute for Research in Biotherapy, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, INSERM U1040, Montpellier, France Université Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
| | - D Haouzi
- CHU Montpellier, Institute for Research in Biotherapy, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, INSERM U1040, Montpellier, France
| | - T Al-Edani
- CHU Montpellier, Institute for Research in Biotherapy, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, INSERM U1040, Montpellier, France Université Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
| | - S Belloc
- Eylau-Unilabs Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - S Hamamah
- CHU Montpellier, Institute for Research in Biotherapy, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, INSERM U1040, Montpellier, France Université Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France ART-PGD Department, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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56
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Sontakke SD, Mohammed BT, McNeilly AS, Donadeu FX. Characterization of microRNAs differentially expressed during bovine follicle development. Reproduction 2014; 148:271-83. [PMID: 24920665 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several different miRNAs have been proposed to regulate ovarian follicle function; however, very limited information exists on the spatiotemporal patterns of miRNA expression during follicle development. The objective of this study was to identify, using microarray, miRNA profiles associated with growth and regression of dominant-size follicles in the bovine monovular ovary and to characterize their spatiotemporal distribution during development. The follicles were collected from abattoir ovaries and classified as small (4-8 mm) or large (12-17 mm); the latter were further classified as healthy or atretic based on estradiol and CYP19A1 levels. Six pools of small follicles and individual large healthy (n=6) and large atretic (n=5) follicles were analyzed using Exiqon's miRCURY LNA microRNA Array 6th gen, followed by qPCR validation. A total of 17 and 57 sequences were differentially expressed (greater than or equal to twofold; P<0.05) between large healthy and each of small and large atretic follicles respectively. Bovine miRNAs confirmed to be upregulated in large healthy follicles relative to small follicles (bta-miR-144, bta-miR-202, bta-miR-451, bta-miR-652, and bta-miR-873) were further characterized. Three of these miRNAs (bta-miR-144, bta-miR-202, and bta-miR-873) were also downregulated in large atretic follicles relative to large healthy follicles. Within the follicle, these miRNAs were predominantly expressed in mural granulosa cells. Further, body-wide screening revealed that bta-miR-202, but not other miRNAs, was expressed exclusively in the gonads. Finally, a total of 1359 predicted targets of the five miRNAs enriched in large healthy follicles were identified, which mapped to signaling pathways involved in follicular cell proliferation, steroidogenesis, prevention of premature luteinization, and oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadanand D Sontakke
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesUniversity of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKThe Queen's Medical Research InstituteMRC Centre for Reproductive Health, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Bushra T Mohammed
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesUniversity of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKThe Queen's Medical Research InstituteMRC Centre for Reproductive Health, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Alan S McNeilly
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesUniversity of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKThe Queen's Medical Research InstituteMRC Centre for Reproductive Health, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - F Xavier Donadeu
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesUniversity of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKThe Queen's Medical Research InstituteMRC Centre for Reproductive Health, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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57
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Neural-specific expression of miR-344-3p during mouse embryonic development. J Mol Histol 2013; 45:363-72. [PMID: 24292630 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-013-9555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs involved in various biological processes. We characterized the expression of miR-344-3p during mouse embryonic development. At E9.5-E10.5 and E15.5, in situ hybridization detected strong miR-344-3p signal in the central nervous system, including the cerebral cortex, hindbrain, cerebellum, thalamus, hindbrain, medulla oblongata, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. Further, qRT-PCR analysis identified miR-344-3p expression at E15.5, with expression stably maintained in the brain from E12.5 to E18.5 before decreasing to relatively low levels postnatally. We also analyzed miR-344-3p expression using immunofluorescence in situ hybridization at E18.5 and within the adult brain. miR-344-3p signal was mainly detected in cortical regions surrounding the ventricular system, choroid plexus, glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb, and granular cell layer of the cerebellar cortex. Altogether, our results indicate miR-344-3p may play an important role in morphogenesis, nervous system development in the brain.
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58
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Donadeu FX, Schauer SN. Differential miRNA expression between equine ovulatory and anovulatory follicles. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2013; 45:122-5. [PMID: 23932580 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Relatively little is known about the physiological roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) during follicular development. Previous evidence from in vitro studies suggests specific roles for a subset of miRNAs, including miR-21, miR-23a, miR-145, miR-503, miR-224, miR-383, miR-378, miR-132, and miR-212, in regulating ovarian follicle development. The objective of this study was to gain insight on the involvement of these miRNAs during follicle maturation. Follicular fluid was aspirated from dominant follicles (>32 mm) during the ovulatory season (July to October) and the anovulatory season (January to March) in each of 5 mares, and the levels of steroids, IGF1, and miRNAs were analyzed by immunoassays and quantitative PCR. Levels of progesterone, testosterone, and IGF1 were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in anovulatory than in ovulatory follicles. Relative to ovulatory follicles, anovulatory follicles had higher (P < 0.05) mean levels of miR-21, miR-23b, miR-378, and miR-202 and tended to have higher (P = 0.06) levels of miR-145. Levels of miR-224 and miR-383 could not be detected in follicular fluid. These novel results indicate a physiological association between increases in follicular miRNA levels and seasonal anovulation in mares; further studies should elucidate the precise involvement of miR-21, miR-23b, miR-145, miR-378, and miR-202 in follicle maturation in the mare.
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Affiliation(s)
- F X Donadeu
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9RG, Midlothian, UK.
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59
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Schauer SN, Sontakke SD, Watson ED, Esteves CL, Donadeu FX. Involvement of miRNAs in equine follicle development. Reproduction 2013; 146:273-82. [PMID: 23813447 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous evidence from in vitro studies suggests specific roles for a subset of miRNAs, including miR-21, miR-23a, miR-145, miR-503, miR-224, miR-383, miR-378, miR-132, and miR-212, in regulating ovarian follicle development. The objective of this study was to determine changes in the levels of these miRNAs in relation to follicle selection, maturation, and ovulation in the monovular equine ovary. In Experiment 1, follicular fluid was aspirated during ovulatory cycles from the dominant (DO) and largest subordinate (S) follicles of an ovulatory wave and the dominant (DA) follicle of a mid-cycle anovulatory wave (n=6 mares). Follicular fluid levels of progesterone and estradiol were lower (P<0.01) in S follicles than in DO follicles, whereas mean levels of IGF1 were lower (P<0.01) in S and DA follicles than in DO follicles. Relative to DO and DA follicles, S follicles had higher (P≤0.01) follicular fluid levels of miR-145 and miR-378. In Experiment 2, follicular fluid and granulosa cells were aspirated from dominant follicles before (DO) and 24 h after (L) administration of an ovulatory dose of hCG (n=5 mares/group). Relative to DO follicles, L follicles had higher follicular fluid levels of progesterone (P=0.05) and lower granulosa cell levels of CYP19A1 and LHCGR (P<0.005). Levels of miR-21, miR-132, miR-212, and miR-224 were increased (P<0.05) in L follicles; this was associated with reduced expression of the putative miRNA targets, PTEN, RASA1, and SMAD4. These novel results may indicate a physiological involvement of miR-21, miR-145, miR-224, miR-378, miR-132, and miR-212 in the regulation of cell survival, steroidogenesis, and differentiation during follicle selection and ovulation in the monovular ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Schauer
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
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60
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Abramov R, Fu G, Zhang Y, Peng C. Expression and regulation of miR-17a and miR-430b in zebrafish ovarian follicles. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 188:309-15. [PMID: 23453964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and control many developmental and physiological processes. Oocyte maturation in fish is mainly regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and maturation-inducing hormone (MIH). In addition, growth factors, including members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, have also been shown to play important roles in regulating oocyte maturation. In this study, we determined the expression and regulation of two miRNAs, miR-17a and miR-430b, which potentially target signalling molecules in the TGF-β pathway, in zebrafish ovarian follicles. Using real-time PCR, we observed that miR-17a and miR-430b levels in follicular cells were significantly lower in late vitellogenic and full grown follicles than in early vitellogenic follicles. Treatment with a LH analog, human chorionic gonadotropin, significantly down-regulated miR-17a and miR-430b expression in follicular cells but had no effect on their expression in oocytes. Forskolin also inhibited follicular cell miR-430b expression; however, no significant changes in miR-17a levels were observed after Forskolin treatment. Finally, MIH did not affect the expression of these miRNAs either in follicular cells or oocytes at the time points tested. These findings suggest that miR-17a and miR-430b may be involved in the regulation of follicle development and oocyte maturation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Abramov
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Canada
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61
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Dai A, Sun H, Fang T, Zhang Q, Wu S, Jiang Y, Ding L, Yan G, Hu Y. MicroRNA-133b stimulates ovarian estradiol synthesis by targeting Foxl2. FEBS Lett 2013; 587:2474-82. [PMID: 23810756 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead L2 (Foxl2) is expressed in ovarian granulosa cells and participates in steroidogenesis by transcriptionally regulating target genes such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and CYP19A1. In this study, a direct link between microRNA-133b (miR-133b) and Foxl2-mediated estradiol release in granulosa cells was established. miR-133b was involved in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced estrogen production. Luciferase assays confirmed that miR-133b was bound to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of Foxl2 mRNA. Consistent with this finding, miR-133b overexpression reduced the Foxl2 levels. Furthermore, miR-133b inhibited Foxl2 binding to the StAR and CYP19A1 promoter sequences. These results demonstrate that miR-133b down-regulates Foxl2 expression in granulosa cells by directly targeting the 3'UTR, thus inhibiting the Foxl2-mediated transcriptional repression of StAR and CYP19A1to promote estradiol production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anyi Dai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, PR China
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62
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MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets in chemoresistance. Drug Resist Updat 2013; 16:47-59. [PMID: 23757365 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite substantial progress in understanding the cancer signaling network, effective therapies remain scarce due to insufficient disruption of oncogenic pathways, drug resistance and drug-induced toxicity. New and more creative approaches are therefore required for the treatment of cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by sequence-selective targeting of mRNAs, leading to a translational repression or mRNA degradation. Experimental evidence demonstrates that dysregulation of specific miRNAs leads to drug resistance in different cancers and correction of these miRNAs using miRNA mimics or antagomiRs can normalize the gene regulatory network and signaling pathways and sensitize cancerous cells to chemotherapy. Therefore, miRNA-based gene therapy provides an attractive anti-tumor approach for integrated cancer therapy. Here, we will discuss the involvement of microRNAs in chemotherapy resistance and focus on recent advancements in the development and delivery of miRNA-based cancer therapeutics.
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63
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Velthut-Meikas A, Simm J, Tuuri T, Tapanainen JS, Metsis M, Salumets A. Research resource: small RNA-seq of human granulosa cells reveals miRNAs in FSHR and aromatase genes. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 27:1128-41. [PMID: 23660593 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The granulosa cells in the mammalian ovarian follicle respond to gonadotropin signaling and are involved in the processes of folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. Studies on gene expression and regulation in human granulosa cells are of interest due to their potential for estimating the oocyte viability and in vitro fertilization success. However, the posttranscriptional gene expression studies on micro-RNA (miRNA) level in the human ovary have been scarce. The current study determined the miRNA profile by deep sequencing of the 2 intrafollicular somatic cell types: mural and cumulus granulosa cells (MGCs and CGCs, respectively) isolated from women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization. Altogether, 936 annotated and 9 novel miRNAs were identified. Ninety of the annotated miRNAs were differentially expressed between MGCs and CGCs. Bioinformatic prediction revealed that TGFβ, ErbB signaling, and heparan sulfate biosynthesis were targeted by miRNAs in both granulosa cell populations, whereas extracellular matrix remodeling, Wnt, and neurotrophin signaling pathways were enriched among miRNA targets in MGCs. Two of the nine novel miRNAs found were of intronic origin: one from the aromatase and the other from the FSH receptor gene. The latter miRNA was predicted to target the activin signaling pathway. In addition to revealing the genome-wide miRNA signature in human granulosa cells, our results suggest that posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression by miRNAs could play an important role in the modification of gonadotropin signaling. miRNA expression studies could therefore lead to new prognostic markers in assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Competence Centre on Reproductive Medicine and Biology, Tiigi 61B, 50410 Tartu, Estonia.
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MicroRNA profiling during rat ventricular maturation: A role for miR-29a in regulating cardiomyocyte cell cycle re-entry. FEBS Lett 2013; 587:1548-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2012] [Revised: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Abstract
Although much progress has been made in the genetic dissection of biological networks involved in follicular/luteal development in the mammalian ovary, the gene regulation mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. Over the last 10 years, miRNAs have emerged as master regulators of tissue growth and differentiation in animals. However, compared with other body tissues, little is still known about the functional involvement of miRNAs in the ovary. Several studies have identified miRNA populations specifically associated with the development of follicles and corpora lutea, particularly in relation to the follicular-luteal transition, and the functional involvement of some of these miRNAs has been characterised in vitro and/or in vivo. Specifically, three different miRNAs, miR-224, miR-378 and miR-383, have shown to be involved in regulating aromatase expression during follicle development. In addition, miR-21 has been identified as promoting follicular cell survival during ovulation, and pro-angiogenic miR-17-5p and let-7b were shown to be necessary for normal development of the corpus luteum. Experimental evidence for the involvement of several other miRNAs in different aspects of follicle/luteal development has also been obtained. In addition, many of these studies exemplify the challenges associated with identifying physiologically relevant targets of ovarian miRNAs. Continuous advances in this field will be considerably facilitated by progress in understanding miRNA physiology in other body systems and will eventually lead to a much better understanding of the control of follicular/luteal development. In turn, through the potential offered by miRNA diagnostics and miRNA therapeutics, this new knowledge should bring considerable benefits to reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- F X Donadeu
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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