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Ma R, Yu S, Cui Y, Pan Y, Wang M, Wang L, Wang J, Zhao L, Zhang H. Epidermal growth factor regulates autophagy activity and endocytosis of yak cumulus cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1081643. [PMID: 36699336 PMCID: PMC9868291 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1081643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autophagy and endocytosis are crucial biological activities in mammalian follicle development and oocyte maturation, which are easily affected by external environmental factors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), as an important component of follicular fluid, regulates the growth and apoptosis of follicular cells. However, its regulatory mechanism of autophagy and endocytosis in mammals, especially in large domestic animals such as plateau yak, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of EGF on autophagy and endocytosis in yak cumulus cells. Methods Yak cumulus cells were treated with different concentrations of EGF and appropriate concentrations of EGFR inhibitor gefitinib (10 μM). The dynamic expression levels of Atg5, Beclin1, LC3, Cav1 and Cav2 were detected by immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR and Western-blot. Results EGF inhibited autophagy in yak cumulus cells by down-regulating the expression of Atg5, Beclin1, and LC3. The level of autophagy varied with the concentration of ligands, and the inhibition was most significant at 100 ng/mL. Noteworthy, EGF can promote endocytosis by regulating the expression of Cav1 and Cav2, but the EGFR-mediated signaling pathway is not the main way to regulate the expression of these proteins. Discussion These results provide a reference for further exploring the effects of growth factors on livestock germ cells and the regulatory role of autophagy-endocytosis crosstalk mechanism in follicle development and oocyte maturation, to improve the fecundity of yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,*Correspondence: Sijiu Yu ✉
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Yan Cui ✉
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Meng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Libin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Li SY, Bhandary B, Gu X, DeFalco T. Perivascular cells support folliculogenesis in the developing ovary. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2213026119. [PMID: 36194632 PMCID: PMC9564831 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213026119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Supporting cells of the ovary, termed granulosa cells, are essential for ovarian differentiation and oogenesis by providing a nurturing environment for oocyte maintenance and maturation. Granulosa cells are specified in the fetal and perinatal ovary, and sufficient numbers of granulosa cells are critical for the establishment of follicles and the oocyte reserve. Identifying the cellular source from which granulosa cells and their progenitors are derived is an integral part of efforts to understand basic ovarian biology and the etiology of female infertility. In particular, the contribution of mesenchymal cells, especially perivascular cells, to ovarian development is poorly understood but is likely to be a source of new information regarding ovarian function. Here we have identified a cell population in the fetal ovary, which is a Nestin-expressing perivascular cell type. Using lineage tracing and ex vivo organ culture methods, we determined that perivascular cells are multipotent progenitors that contribute to granulosa, thecal, and pericyte cell lineages in the ovary. Maintenance of these progenitors is dependent on ovarian vasculature, likely reliant on endothelial-mesenchymal Notch signaling interactions. Depletion of Nestin+ progenitors resulted in a disruption of granulosa cell specification and in an increased number of germ cell cysts that fail to break down, leading to polyovular ovarian follicles. These findings highlight a cell population in the ovary and uncover a key role for vasculature in ovarian differentiation, which may lead to insights into the origins of female gonad dysgenesis and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yun Li
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Bidur Bhandary
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Xiaowei Gu
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
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Singh N, Singh D, Bhide A, Sharma R, Sahoo S, Jolly MK, Modi D. Lhx2 in germ cells suppresses endothelial cell migration in the developing ovary. Exp Cell Res 2022; 415:113108. [PMID: 35337816 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
LIM-homeobox genes play multiple roles in developmental processes, but their roles in gonad development are not completely understood. Herein, we report that Lhx2, Ils2, Lmx1a, and Lmx1b are expressed in a sexually dimorphic manner in mouse, rat, and human gonads during sex determination. Amongst these, Lhx2 has female biased expression in the developing gonads of species with environmental and genetic modes of sex determination. Single-cell RNAseq analysis revealed that Lhx2 is exclusively expressed in the germ cells of the developing mouse ovaries. To elucidate the roles of Lhx2 in the germ cells, we analyzed the phenotypes of Lhx2 knockout XX gonads. While the gonads developed appropriately in Lhx2 knockout mice and the somatic cells were correctly specified in the developing ovaries, transcriptome analysis revealed enrichment of genes in the angiogenesis pathway. There was an elevated expression of several pro-angiogenic factors in the Lhx2 knockout ovaries. The elevated expression of pro-angiogenic factors was associated with an increase in numbers of endothelial cells in the Lhx2-/- ovaries at E13.5. Gonad recombination assays revealed that the increased numbers of endothelial cells in the XX gonads in absence of Lhx2 was due to ectopic migration of endothelial cells in a cell non-autonomous manner. We also found that, there was increased expression of several endothelial cell-enriched male-biased genes in Lhx2 knockout ovaries. Also, in absence of Lhx2, the migrated endothelial cells formed an angiogenic network similar to that of the wild type testis, although the coelomic blood vessel did not form. Together, our results suggest that Lhx2 in the germ cells is required to suppress vascularization in the developing ovary. These results suggest a need to explore the roles of germ cells in the control of vascularization in developing gonads. Preprint version of the article is available on BioRxiv at https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.07.483280.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Singh
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Domdatt Singh
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Anshul Bhide
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Richa Sharma
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Rd, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Rd, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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Wang W, Lv J, Duan H, Ding Z, Zeng J, Lv C, Hu J, Zhang Y, Zhao X. Regulatory role of melatonin on epidermal growth factor receptor, Type I collagen α1 chain, and caveolin 1 in granulosa cells of sheep antral follicles. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13760. [PMID: 35932205 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Type I collagen α1 chain (COL1A1), and caveolin 1 (CAV1) during follicular development and examined the regulatory role of melatonin (MLT) on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 in sheep antral ovaries. The expression was detected in granulosa and theca cells by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to examine the expression levels of EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 in small (≤2 mm), medium (2-5 mm), and large (≥5 mm) follicles. The mRNA and protein levels of EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 were found to be the highest in large follicles. Furthermore, cultured granulosa cells were treated with MLT (10-7 -10-11 M), luzindole (nonselective MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonist, 10-7 M), and 4-phenyl-2-propanamide tetraldehyde (4P-PDOT, MT2 selective antagonist, 10-7 M) to detect the regulatory role of MLT on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1. Results indicated COL1A1 and CAV1 were at least partially regulated by MLT through MT1 and MT2 pathways, whereas EGFR was not. This study provided a reference for further studies on MLT regulatory role on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 during sheep follicular development and elucidated the physiological mechanism of MLT regulator production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianshu Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianlin Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chen Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
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Huang K, Dang Y, Zhang P, Shen C, Sui X, Xia G, Qin Y, Jiao X, Wang C, Huo R, Chen ZJ. CAV1 regulates primordial follicle formation via the Notch2 signalling pathway and is associated with premature ovarian insufficiency in humans. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:2087-2095. [PMID: 30304446 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the function of CAV1 in folliculogenesis and female reproduction? SUMMARY ANSWER CAV1 regulates germline cyst breakdown and primordial follicle (PF) formation in mice, and CAV1 mutation may be related to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Pre-granulosa cells are essential for the establishment of the PF pool, which determines female fertility and reproductive lifespan. Cav1 participates in vascularization in fetal mouse ovaries. However, the role of CAV1 in early folliculogenesis and POI pathogenesis remains unclear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cav1 function was investigated in mice and Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells. Ovaries (six per group) were randomly assigned to Cav1-vivo-morpholino, control and control-morpholino groups, and all experiments were repeated at least three times. To investigate CAV1 mutations in women, 200 Chinese women with POI and 200 control individuals with regular menstrual cycles and normal endocrine profiles were recruited from the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University between September 2012 and December 2013. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Wild-type CD1 mice, Lgr5-EGFP-ires-CreERT2 (Lgr5-KI) reporter mice and Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells were used for these experiments. Protein expression was detected by Western blot, and quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect gene expression. The expression pattern of CAV1 in mouse ovaries and the phenotype of Cav1 deficiency in mice were detected by immunofluorescence. Pre-granulosa cell proliferation in ovaries was detected by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay and immunofluorescence. The coding region of the CAV1 gene was sequenced in 200 women with POI and 200 controls. The functional effect of the novel mutation c.142 G > C (p.Glu48Gln) was investigated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays and Western blot. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We confirmed that Cav1 deficiency in mouse ovary induced by CAV1-vivo-morpholino resulted in more multi-oocyte follicles than in the control and control-morpholino groups (P < 0.01). Suppression of Cav1 decreased Leucine rich repeat containing G protein coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5)-positive cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and reduced the number of Lgr5 and Forkhead box L2 (Foxl2) double-positive cells (P < 0.01). Furthermore, suppression of Cav1 inhibited ovarian epithelial Lgr5-positive cell proliferation and differentiation through the Notch2 signalling pathway. Two of the POI women carried novel CAV1 mutations (c.45 C > G synonymous and c.142 G > C [Glu48Gln]). The deleterious effect of p.Glu48Gln was corroborated by showing that it adversely affected the function of CAV1 in cell proliferation and NOTCH2 expression in HEK293FT cells. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The novel Glu48Gln mutation was only detected in one of 200 POI patients and we were unable to investigate its effects in the ovary. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The identification of CAV1 as a potentially causative gene for POI provides a theoretical basis to devise treatments for POI in women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Programs: 2012CB944700; 2013CB945501; 2013CB911400; 2014CB943202), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFC1000604, 2017YFC1001301), the State Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (81430029), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31571540, 81522018, 81471509, 81601245, 81701406, 81571406). The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Dang
- Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuesong Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
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Ożegowska K, Brązert M, Ciesiółka S, Nawrocki MJ, Kranc W, Celichowski P, Jankowski M, Bryja A, Jeseta M, Antosik P, Bukowska D, Skowroński MT, Bruska M, Pawelczyk L, Zabel M, Nowicki M, Kempisty B. Genes Involved in the Processes of Cell Proliferation, Migration, Adhesion, and Tissue Development as New Potential Markers of Porcine Granulosa Cellular Processes In Vitro: A Microarray Approach. DNA Cell Biol 2019; 38:549-560. [PMID: 31120353 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2018.4467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper course of folliculogenesis and oogenesis have an enormous impact on female fertility. Both processes take place in the ovary and involve not only the maturing germ cell, but also few types of somatic cells that assist the ovarian processes and mediate the dialog with the oocyte. These cells, granulosa and theca, are heavily involved in essential reproductive processes, such as ovulation, fertilization, and embryo implantation. In this study, we have used the expressive microarray approach to analyze the transcriptome of porcine granulosa cells, during short-term in vitro culture. We have further selected differentially expressed gene ontologies, involved in cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and tissue development, namely, "cell-cell adhesion," "cell motility," "cell proliferation," "tissue development," and "tissue migration" to screen them for the possibility of discovery of new markers of those processes. A total of 303 genes, expression of which varied significantly in different culture periods and belonged to the analyzed ontology groups, were detected, of which 15 that varied the most (between 0 and 48 h of culture) were selected for validation. As the validation confirmed the transcriptomic patterns, 10 genes of biggest changes in expression (CAV1, IGFBP5, ITGB3, FN1, ITGA2, LAMB1, POSTN, FAM83D, KIF14, and CDK1) were analyzed, described, and referred to the context of the study, with the most promising new markers and further proof for the viability of the currently recognized ones detailed. Overall, the study provided valuable insight into the molecular functioning of in vitro granulosa cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ożegowska
- 1 Department of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Brązert
- 1 Department of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Sylwia Ciesiółka
- 2 Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz J Nawrocki
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiesława Kranc
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Celichowski
- 2 Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maurycy Jankowski
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Artur Bryja
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal Jeseta
- 4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Paweł Antosik
- 5 Veterinary Center, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Dorota Bukowska
- 5 Veterinary Center, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | | | - Małgorzata Bruska
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Leszek Pawelczyk
- 1 Department of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Zabel
- 6 Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.,7 Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Michał Nowicki
- 2 Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- 2 Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,3 Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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Li X, Chen W, Li P, Wei J, Cheng Y, Liu P, Yan Q, Xu X, Cui Y, Gu Z, Simoncini T, Fu X. Follicular Stimulating Hormone Accelerates Atherogenesis by Increasing Endothelial VCAM-1 Expression. Theranostics 2017; 7:4671-4688. [PMID: 29187895 PMCID: PMC5706091 DOI: 10.7150/thno.21216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Postmenopausal atherosclerosis (AS) has for decades been attributed to estrogen deficiency. Although the follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) levels rise sharply in parallel, the direct effect of FSH on AS has never been investigated. In this study, we explored the possible role of FSH in the development of AS. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 48 healthy premenopausal and 15 postmenopausal women. ApoE knockout mice were used as atherosclerosis model and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured as cell model. Serum hormones and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels were measured. Real-time PCR, histology for atherosclerotic lesions, immunofluorescence, luciferase assay, transfection experiments, flow chamber adhesion assay and western blot were performed. Results: In ApoE knockout mice, administration of FSH increased the atherosclerotic lesions and serum VCAM-1 concentration. Importantly, in blood samples of postmenopausal women, we detected significantly higher levels of FSH and VCAM-1 compared with those from premenopausal women, and there was a positive correlation between these two molecules. In cultured HUVECs, FSH receptor (FSHR) mRNA and protein expression were detected and FSH enhanced VCAM-1 expression. This effect was mediated by the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), which was sequentially enhanced by the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade. FSH first enhanced GαS activity resulting in elevated cAMP level and PKA activity, which relayed the signals from FSHR to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade. Furthermore, FSHR was detected in endothelial caveolae fraction and interacted with caveolin-1 and GαS. The disruption of caveolae or the silencing of caveolin-1 blocked FSH effects on signaling activation and VCAM-1 expression, suggesting the existence of a functional signaling module in membrane caveolae. Finally, FSH increased human monocyte adhesion to HUVECs which was reversed by the VCAM-1 neutralizing antibody. Conclusion: FSHR was located in the membrane caveolae of HUVECs and FSH promoted VCAM-1 expression via FSHR/GαS /cAMP/PKA and PI3K/Akt/mTOR/NF-κB pathway. This may contribute to the deleterious role of FSH in the development of AS in postmenopausal women.
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Sohn J, Brick RM, Tuan RS. From embryonic development to human diseases: The functional role of caveolae/caveolin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 108:45-64. [PMID: 26991990 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Caveolae, an almost ubiquitous, structural component of the plasma membrane, play a critical role in many functions essential for proper cell function, including membrane trafficking, signal transduction, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tissue regeneration. Three main types of caveolin proteins have been identified from caveolae since the discovery of caveolin-1 in the early 1990s. All three (Cav-1, Cav-2, and Cav-3) play crucial roles in mammalian physiology, and can effect pathogenesis in a wide range of human diseases. While many biological activities of caveolins have been uncovered since its discovery, their role and regulation in embryonic develop remain largely poorly understood, although there is increasing evidence that caveolins may be linked to lung and brain birth defects. Further investigations are clearly needed to decipher how caveolae/caveolins mediate cellular functions and activities of normal embryogenesis and how their perturbations contribute to developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Sohn
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rachel M Brick
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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10
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Brown HM, Russell DL. Blood and lymphatic vasculature in the ovary: development, function and disease. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 20:29-39. [PMID: 24097804 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The remodelling of the blood vasculature has been the subject of much research while rapid progress in the understanding of the factors controlling lymphangiogenesis in the ovary has only been reported more recently. The ovary undergoes cyclic remodelling throughout each menstrual/estrous cycle. This process requires significant vascular remodelling to supply each new cohort of growing follicles. METHODS Literature searches were performed to review studies on the ovarian lymphatic vasculature that described spatial, temporal and functional data in human or animal species. The role of ovarian blood and lymphatic vasculature in the pathogenesis of ovarian disease and dysfunction was also explored. RESULTS Research in a number of species including zebrafish, rodents and primates has described the lymphatic vasculature within the remodelling ovary, while recent research in mouse has confirmed hormonal regulation of lymphangiogenic growth factors, their receptors and also a role for the protease, ADAMTS1 in the development of the lymphatic vasculature. With a critical role in the maintenence of fluid homeostasis, the ovarian lymphatic vasculature is important for normal ovarian function and has been linked to syndromes involving ovarian fluid imbalance, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and massive ovarian edema. The lymphatic vasculature has also been heavily implicated in the metastatic cancer process. CONCLUSION The spatial and temporal regulation of the ovarian lymphatic vasculature has now been reported in a number of species and the data also implicate the ovarian lymphatic vasculature in ovarian pathologies, including cancer and those linked with use of artificial reproduction technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Brown
- Robinson Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Level 3, Medical School South, Frome Rd., Adelaide 5005, Australia
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11
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Fleming A, Ghahramani N, Zhu MX, Délot EC, Vilain E. Membrane β-catenin and adherens junctions in early gonadal patterning. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1782-98. [PMID: 22972715 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms involved in early patterning of the mammalian gonad as it develops from a bipotential state into a testis or an ovary are as yet not well understood. Sex-specific vascularization is essential in this process, but more specific mechanisms required to, for example, establish interstitial vs. cord compartments in the testis or ovigerous cords in the ovary have not been reported. Adherens junctions (AJs) are known for their roles in morphogenesis; we, therefore, examined expression of AJ components including β-catenin, p120 catenin, and cadherins for possible involvement in sex-specific patterning of the gonad. RESULTS We show that, at the time of early gonadal sex differentiation, membrane-associated β-catenin and p120 catenin colocalize with cell-specific cadherins in both sex-nonspecific and sex-specific patterns. These expression patterns are consistent with an influence of AJs in overall patterning of the testis vs. ovary through known AJ mechanisms of cell-cell adhesion, cell sorting, and boundary formation. CONCLUSIONS Together these complex and dynamic patterns of AJ component expression precisely mirror patterning of tissues during gonadogenesis and raise the possibility that AJs are essential effectors of patterning within the developing testis and ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Fleming
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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12
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Increased caveolae density and caveolin-1 expression accompany impaired NO-mediated vasorelaxation in diet-induced obesity. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 139:309-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-1032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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13
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LUPIÁÑEZ DARÍOG, REAL FRANCISCAM, DADHICH RAJESHK, CARMONA FRANCISCOD, BURGOS MIGUEL, BARRIONUEVO FRANCISCOJ, JIMÉNEZ RAFAEL. Pattern and Density of Vascularization in Mammalian Testes, Ovaries, and Ovotestes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2012; 318:170-81. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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14
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Mo S, Yang S, Cui Z. New glimpses of caveolin-1 functions in embryonic development and human diseases. FRONTIERS IN BIOLOGY 2011; 6:367. [PMID: 32215005 PMCID: PMC7089126 DOI: 10.1007/s11515-011-1132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) isoforms, including Cav-1α and Cav-1β, were identified as integral membrane proteins and the major components of caveolae. Cav-1 proteins are highly conserved during evolution from {itCaenorhabditis elegans} to human and are capable of interacting with many signaling molecules through their caveolin scaffolding domains to regulate the activities of multiple signaling pathways. Thus, Cav-1 plays crucial roles in the regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in a cell-specific and contextual manner. In addition, Cav-1 is essential for embryonic development of vertebrates owing to its regulation of BMP, Wnt, TGF-β and other key signaling molecules. Moreover, Cav-1 is mainly expressed in terminally differentiated cells and its abnormal expression is often associated with human diseases, such as tumor progression, cardiovascular diseases, fibrosis, lung regeneration, and diseases related to virus. In this review, we will further discuss the potential of Cav-1 as a target for disease therapy and multiple drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saijun Mo
- Department of Basic Oncology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Shengli Yang
- Department of Basic Oncology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Zongbin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Conservation of Aquatic Organism, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 China
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15
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Tian XF, Xia XB, Xu HZ, Xiong SQ, Jiang J. Caveolin-1 expression regulates blood-retinal barrier permeability and retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2011; 40:e58-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2011.02656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Zaytouni T, Efimenko EE, Tevosian SG. GATA transcription factors in the developing reproductive system. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2011; 76:93-134. [PMID: 22099693 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386481-9.00004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous work has firmly established the role for both GATA4 and FOG2 in the initial global commitment to sexual fate, but their (joint or individual) function in subsequent steps remained unknown. Hence, gonad-specific deletions of these genes in mice were required to reveal their roles in sexual development and gene regulation. The development of tissue-specific Cre lines allowed for substantial advances in the understanding of the function of GATA proteins in sex determination, gonadal differentiation and reproductive development in mice. Here we summarize the recent work that examined the requirement of GATA4 and FOG2 proteins at several critical stages in testis and ovarian differentiation. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in this regulation through the control of Dmrt1 gene expression in the testis and the canonical Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Zaytouni
- Department of Genetics, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, USA
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17
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Ewen K, Baker M, Wilhelm D, Aitken RJ, Koopman P. Global survey of protein expression during gonadal sex determination in mice. Mol Cell Proteomics 2009; 8:2624-41. [PMID: 19617587 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m900108-mcp200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of an embryo as male or female depends on differentiation of the gonads as either testes or ovaries. A number of genes are known to be important for gonadal differentiation, but our understanding of the regulatory networks underpinning sex determination remains fragmentary. To advance our understanding of sexual development beyond the transcriptome level, we performed the first global survey of the mouse gonad proteome at the time of sex determination by using two-dimensional nanoflow LC-MS/MS. The resulting data set contains a total of 1037 gene products (154 non-redundant and 883 redundant proteins) identified from 620 peptides. Functional classification and biological network construction suggested that the identified proteins primarily serve in RNA post-transcriptional modification and trafficking, protein synthesis and folding, and post-translational modification. The data set contains potential novel regulators of gonad development and sex determination not revealed previously by transcriptomics and proteomics studies and more than 60 proteins with potential links to human disorders of sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Ewen
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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18
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Svingen T, Wilhelm D, Combes AN, Hosking B, Harley VR, Sinclair AH, Koopman P. Ex vivo magnetofection: a novel strategy for the study of gene function in mouse organogenesis. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:956-64. [PMID: 19301396 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene function during mouse development is often studied through the production and analysis of transgenic and knockout models. However, these techniques are time- and resource-consuming, and require specialized equipment and expertise. We have established a new protocol for functional studies that combines organ culture of explanted fetal tissues with microinjection and magnetically induced transfection ("magnetofection") of gene expression constructs. As proof-of-principle, we magnetofected cDNA constructs into genital ridge tissue as a means of gain-of-function analysis, and shRNA constructs for loss-of-function analysis. Ectopic expression of Sry induced female-to-male sex-reversal, whereas knockdown of Sox9 expression caused male-to-female sex-reversal, consistent with the known functions of these genes. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Tmem184a, a gene of unknown function, in female genital ridges, resulted in failure of gonocytes to enter meiosis. This technique will likely be applicable to the study of gene function in a broader range of developing organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terje Svingen
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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19
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Rodríguez H, Silva I, Jiménez L, Sánchez C, Espinoza-Navarro O, Boarelli P, Fornés M. Presencia cualitativa y distribución de caveolina 1 (cav-1) en la celularidad y estadios del ciclo de la espermatogénesis. Rev Int Androl 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1698-031x(09)71613-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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20
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Caton JS, Arndt W, Burchill K, Thorson C, Borowczyk E, Bilski JJ, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP, Vonnahme KA. Cellular proliferation and vascularization in ovine fetal ovaries: effects of undernutrition and selenium in maternal diet. Reproduction 2009; 137:699-707. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sheep were fed a maintenance (M) diet with adequate (A) Se or high (H) Se concentration from 21 days before breeding to day 135 of pregnancy. From day 50 to day 135 of pregnancy (tissue collection day), a portion of the ewes from ASe and HSe groups were fed restricted (R; 60% of M) diet. Fetal ovarian sections were stained for: 1) the presence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (a marker of proliferating cells) to determine the proportion of proliferating primordial follicles, or the labeling index (LI; percentage of proliferating cells) for primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles, stromal tissues, and blood vessels; 2) factor VIII (a marker of endothelial cells) or 3) a presence of apoptotic cells/bodies. The number of proliferating primordial follicles and the LI of primordial follicles was decreased by R and/or HSe diets. The LI was similar for theca and granulosa cells, and for secondary or antral follicles, but was greater in secondary and antral than in primordial and primary follicles. R diet and/or Se affected the LI in all follicle types, in stromal tissues and blood vessels. A dense network of blood vessels was detected in the areas containing secondary to antral follicles, medulla, and hilus, but areas containing primordial follicles were poorly vascularized. The number of apoptotic cells was minimal. These results demonstrate that nutrient restriction and/or Se level in the maternal diet affected cellular proliferation in follicles, blood vessels, and stromal tissues in fetal ovaries. Thus, plane of nutrition and Se in the maternal diet may impact fetal ovarian development and function.
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21
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Coveney D, Ross AJ, Slone JD, Capel B. A microarray analysis of the XX Wnt4 mutant gonad targeted at the identification of genes involved in testis vascular differentiation. Gene Expr Patterns 2008; 8:529-37. [PMID: 18953701 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2008.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
One of the earliest morphological changes during testicular differentiation is the establishment of an XY specific vasculature. The testis vascular system is derived from mesonephric endothelial cells that migrate into the gonad. In the XX gonad, mesonephric cell migration and testis vascular development are inhibited by WNT4 signaling. In Wnt4 mutant XX gonads, endothelial cells migrate from the mesonephros and form a male-like coelomic vessel. Interestingly, this process occurs in the absence of other obvious features of testis differentiation, suggesting that Wnt4 specifically inhibits XY vascular development. Consequently, the XX Wnt4 mutant mice presented an opportunity to focus a gene expression screen on the processes of mesonephric cell migration and testicular vascular development. We compared differences in gene expression between XY Wnt4+/+ and XX Wnt4+/+ gonads and between XX Wnt4-/- and XX Wnt4+/+ gonads to identify sets of genes similarly upregulated in wildtype XY gonads and XX mutant gonads or upregulated in XX gonads as compared to XY gonads and XX mutant gonads. We show that several genes identified in the first set are expressed in vascular domains, and have predicted functions related to cell migration or vascular development. However, the expression patterns and known functions of other genes are not consistent with roles in these processes. This screen has identified candidates for regulation of sex specific vascular development, and has implicated a role for WNT4 signaling in the development of Sertoli and germ cell lineages not immediately obvious from previous phenotypic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Coveney
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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22
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Four-dimensional analysis of vascularization during primary development of an organ, the gonad. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:7212-7. [PMID: 18480267 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0707674105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Time-lapse microscopy has advanced our understanding of yolk sac and early embryonic vascularization. However, it has been difficult to assess endothelial interactions during epithelial morphogenesis of internal organs. To address this issue we have developed the first time-lapse system to study vascularization of a mammalian organ in four dimensions. We show that vascularization of XX and XY gonads is a highly dynamic, sexually dimorphic process. The XX gonad recruits vasculature by a typical angiogenic process. In contrast, the XY gonad recruits and patterns vasculature by a novel remodeling mechanism beginning with breakdown of an existing mesonephric vessel. Subsequently, in XY organs individual endothelial cells migrate and reaggregate in the coelomic domain to form the major testicular artery. Migrating endothelial cells respect domain boundaries well before they are morphologically evident, subdividing the gonad into 10 avascular regions where testis cords form. This model of vascular development in an internal organ has a direct impact on the current dogma of vascular integration during organ development and presents important parallels with mechanisms of tumor vascularization.
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23
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Abstract
Arguably the most defining moment in our lives is fertilization, the point at which we inherit either an X or a Y chromosome from our father. The profoundly different journeys of male and female life are thus decided by a genetic coin toss. These differences begin to unfold during fetal development, when the Y-chromosomal Sry ("sex-determining region Y") gene is activated in males and acts as a switch that diverts the fate of the undifferentiated gonadal primordia, the genital ridges, towards testis development. This sex-determining event sets in train a cascade of morphological changes, gene regulation, and molecular interactions that directs the differentiation of male characteristics. If this does not occur, alternative molecular cascades and cellular events drive the genital ridges toward ovary development. Once testis or ovary differentiation has occurred, our sexual fate is further sealed through the action of sex-specific gonadal hormones. We review here the molecular and cellular events (differentiation, migration, proliferation, and communication) that distinguish testis and ovary during fetal development, and the changes in gene regulation that underpin these two alternate pathways. The growing body of knowledge relating to testis development, and the beginnings of a picture of ovary development, together illustrate the complex mechanisms by which these organ systems develop, inform the etiology, diagnosis, and management of disorders of sexual development, and help define what it is to be male or female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Wilhelm
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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24
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Frank PG, Lisanti MP. Zebrafish as a novel model system to study the function of caveolae and caveolin-1 in organismal biology. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 169:1910-2. [PMID: 17148656 PMCID: PMC1762474 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.060923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe G Frank
- Department of Cancer Biology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 933, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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25
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Wilhelm D, Koopman P. The makings of maleness: towards an integrated view of male sexual development. Nat Rev Genet 2006; 7:620-31. [PMID: 16832429 DOI: 10.1038/nrg1903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
As the mammalian embryo develops, it must engage one of the two distinct programmes of gene activity, morphogenesis and organogenesis that characterize males and females. In males, sexual development hinges on testis determination and differentiation, but also involves many coordinated transcriptional, signalling and endocrine networks that underpin the masculinization of other organs and tissues, including the brain. Here we bring together current knowledge about these networks, identify gaps in the overall picture, and highlight the known defects that lead to disorders of male sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Wilhelm
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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26
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Coveney D, Ross AJ, Slone JD, Capel B. A microarray analysis of the XX Wnt4 mutant gonad targeted at the identification of genes involved in testis vascular differentiation. Gene Expr Patterns 2006; 7:82-92. [PMID: 16844427 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2006.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2005] [Revised: 05/26/2006] [Accepted: 05/29/2006] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the earliest morphological changes during testicular differentiation is the establishment of an XY specific vasculature. The testis vascular system is derived from mesonephric endothelial cells that migrate into the gonad. In the XX gonad, mesonephric cell migration and testis vascular development are inhibited by WNT4 signaling. In Wnt4 mutant XX gonads, endothelial cells migrate from the mesonephros and form a male-like coelomic vessel. Interestingly, this process occurs in the absence of other obvious features of testis differentiation, suggesting that Wnt4 specifically inhibits XY vascular development. Consequently, the XX Wnt4 mutant mice presented an opportunity to focus a gene expression screen on the processes of mesonephric cell migration and testicular vascular development. We compared differences in gene expression between XY Wnt4+/+ and XX Wnt4+/+ gonads and between XX Wnt4+/+ and XX Wnt4+/+ gonads to identify sets of genes similarly upregulated in wildtype XY gonads and XX mutant gonads or upregulated in XX gonads as compared to XY gonads and XX mutant gonads. We show that several genes identified in the first set are expressed in vascular domains, and have predicted functions related to cell migration or vascular development. However, the expression patterns and known functions of other genes are not consistent with roles in these processes. This screen has identified candidates for regulation of sex specific vascular development, and has implicated a role for WNT4 signaling in the development of Sertoli and germ cell lineages not immediately obvious from previous phenotypic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Coveney
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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27
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Wilhelm D, Huang E, Svingen T, Stanfield S, Dinnis D, Koopman P. Comparative proteomic analysis to study molecular events during gonad development in mice. Genesis 2006; 44:168-76. [PMID: 16604525 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.20200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination represents a critical bifurcation in the road of embryonic development. It is based on a finely regulated network of gene activity, as well as protein-protein interactions and activation or silencing of signaling pathways. Despite the identification of a number of critical genes, many aspects of the molecular cascade that drives the differentiation of the embryonic gonad into either a testis or an ovary remain poorly understood. To identify new proteins involved in this cascade, we employed two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to compare the protein expression profiles of fetal mouse testes and ovaries. Three proteins, hnRPA1, TRA1, and HSC71, were found to be expressed in a male-specific manner and this expression was confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. Moreover, HSC71 was found to be hyperphosphorylated in male compared to female gonads, emphasizing the advantage of the proteomic approach in allowing the detection of posttranslational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Wilhelm
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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28
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Abstract
The embryonic gonad is undifferentiated in males and females until a critical stage when the sex chromosomes dictate its development as a testis or ovary. This binary developmental process provides a unique opportunity to delineate the molecular pathways that lead to distinctly different tissues. The testis comprises three main cell types: Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells. The Sertoli cells and germ cells reside in seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurs. The Leydig cells populate the interstitial compartment and produce testosterone. The ovary also comprises three main cell types: granulosa cells, theca cells, and oocytes. The oocytes are surrounded by granulosa and theca cells in follicles that grow and differentiate during characteristic reproductive cycles. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways that regulate the distinct differentiation of these cell types in the developing testis and ovary. In particular, we focus on the transcription factors that initiate these cascades. Although most of the early insights into the sex determination pathway were based on human mutations, targeted mutagenesis in mouse models has revealed key roles for genes not anticipated to regulate gonadal development. Defining these molecular pathways provides the foundation for understanding this critical developmental event and provides new insight into the causes of gonadal dysgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Y Park
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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29
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Yao HHC. The pathway to femaleness: current knowledge on embryonic development of the ovary. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2005; 230:87-93. [PMID: 15664455 PMCID: PMC4073593 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2004.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2004] [Accepted: 10/15/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that organogenesis of the ovary is not a passive process arising by default in the absence of the testis pathway. A coordinated interaction is actually in force between somatic cells and female germ cells in embryonic ovaries, thus creating a unique microenvironment that facilitates the formation of follicles. Identification of the functional roles of several novel regulatory elements such as Figalpha, Foxl2, follistatin, and Wnt4 reveals the complexity of early ovarian organization. Challenges await us to establish the molecular connections of these molecules as well as to discover new candidates in the pathway of early ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA.
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30
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Brennan J, Capel B. One tissue, two fates: molecular genetic events that underlie testis versus ovary development. Nat Rev Genet 2004; 5:509-21. [PMID: 15211353 DOI: 10.1038/nrg1381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 405] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Brennan
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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