1
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Granados-Aparici S, Yang Q, Clarke HJ. SMAD4 promotes somatic-germline contact during murine oocyte growth. eLife 2024; 13:RP91798. [PMID: 38819913 PMCID: PMC11142639 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Development of the mammalian oocyte requires physical contact with the surrounding granulosa cells of the follicle, which provide it with essential nutrients and regulatory signals. This contact is achieved through specialized filopodia, termed transzonal projections (TZPs), that extend from the granulosa cells to the oocyte surface. Transforming growth factor (TGFβ) family ligands produced by the oocyte increase the number of TZPs, but how they do so is unknown. Using an inducible Cre recombinase strategy together with expression of green fluorescent protein to verify Cre activity in individual cells, we examined the effect of depleting the canonical TGFβ mediator, SMAD4, in mouse granulosa cells. We observed a 20-50% decrease in the total number of TZPs in SMAD4-depleted granulosa cell-oocyte complexes, and a 50% decrease in the number of newly generated TZPs when the granulosa cells were reaggregated with wild-type oocytes. Three-dimensional image analysis revealed that TZPs of SMAD4-depleted cells were longer than controls and more frequently oriented towards the oocyte. Strikingly, the transmembrane proteins, N-cadherin and Notch2, were reduced by 50% in SMAD4-depleted cells. SMAD4 may thus modulate a network of cell adhesion proteins that stabilize the attachment of TZPs to the oocyte, thereby amplifying signalling between the two cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Granados-Aparici
- Research Institute, McGill University Health CentreMontrealCanada
- Present address: Cancer CIBER (CIBERONC)MadridSpain
- Present address: Pathology Department, Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVAValenciaSpain
| | - Qin Yang
- Research Institute, McGill University Health CentreMontrealCanada
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Research Institute, McGill University Health CentreMontrealCanada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biology, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill UniversityMontréalCanada
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2
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Clarke HJ. Transzonal projections: Essential structures mediating intercellular communication in the mammalian ovarian follicle. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:509-525. [PMID: 36112806 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of germ cells relies on contact and communication with neighboring somatic cells that provide metabolic support and regulatory signals. In females, contact is achieved through thin cytoplasmic processes that project from follicle cells surrounding the oocyte, extend through an extracellular matrix (ECM) that lies between them, and reach its surface. In mammals, the ECM is termed the zona pellucida and the follicular cell processes are termed transzonal projections (TZPs). TZPs become detectable when the zona pellucida is laid down during early folliculogenesis and subsequently increase in number as oocyte growth progresses. They then rapidly disappear at the time of ovulation, permanently breaking germ-soma contact. Here we review the life cycle and functions of the TZPs. We begin with an overview of the morphology and cytoskeletal structure of TZPs, in the context of actin- and tubulin-based cytoplasmic processes in other cell types. Next, we review the roles played by TZPs in mediating progression through successive stages of oocyte development. We then discuss two mechanisms that may generate TZPs-stretching at pre-existing points of granulosa cell-oocyte contact and elaboration of new processes that push through the zona pellucida-as well as gene products implicated in their formation or function. Finally, we describe the signaling pathways that cause TZPs to be retracted in response to signals that also trigger meiotic maturation and ovulation of the oocyte. The principles and mechanisms that govern TZP behavior may be relevant to understanding communication between physically separated cells in other physiological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh J Clarke
- Program in Child Health and Human Development, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Frost ER, Ford EA, Peters AE, Lovell-Badge R, Taylor G, McLaughlin EA, Sutherland JM. A New Understanding, Guided by Single-Cell Sequencing, of the Establishment and Maintenance of the Ovarian Reserve in Mammals. Sex Dev 2022; 17:145-155. [PMID: 36122567 DOI: 10.1159/000526426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocytes are a finite and non-renewable resource that are maintained in primordial follicle structures. The ovarian reserve is the totality of primordial follicles, present from birth, within the ovary and its establishment, size, and maintenance dictates the duration of the female reproductive lifespan. Understanding the cellular and molecular dynamics relevant to the establishment and maintenance of the reserve provides the first steps necessary for modulating both individual human and animal reproductive health as well as population dynamics. SUMMARY This review details the key stages of establishment and maintenance of the ovarian reserve, encompassing germ cell nest formation, germ cell nest breakdown, and primordial follicle formation and activation. Furthermore, we spotlight several formative single-cell sequencing studies that have significantly advanced our knowledge of novel molecular regulators of the ovarian reserve, which may improve our ability to modulate female reproductive lifespans. KEY MESSAGES The application of single-cell sequencing to studies of ovarian development in mammals, especially when leveraging genetic and environmental models, offers significant insights into fertility and its regulation. Moreover, comparative studies looking at key stages in the development of the ovarian reserve across species has the potential to impact not just human fertility, but also conservation biology, invasive species management, and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Frost
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emmalee A Ford
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra E Peters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Güneş Taylor
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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4
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Granados-Aparici S, Volodarsky-Perel A, Yang Q, Anam S, Tulandi T, Buckett W, Son WY, Younes G, Chung JT, Jin S, Terret MÉ, Clarke HJ. MYO10 promotes transzonal projection (TZP)-dependent germ line-somatic contact during mammalian folliculogenesis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:474-487. [PMID: 35470858 PMCID: PMC9382396 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells of growing ovarian follicles elaborate filopodia-like structures termed transzonal projections (TZPs) that supply the enclosed oocyte with factors essential for its development. Little is known, however, of the mechanisms underlying the generation of TZPs. We show in mouse and human that filopodia, defined by an actin backbone, emerge from granulosa cells in early-stage primary follicles and that actin-rich TZPs become detectable as soon as a space corresponding to the zona pellucida appears. mRNA encoding Myosin10 (MYO10), a motor protein that accumulates at the base and tips of filopodia and has been implicated in their initiation and elongation, is present in granulosa cells and oocytes of growing follicles. MYO10 protein accumulates in foci located mainly between the oocyte and innermost layer of granulosa cells, where it co-localizes with actin. In both mouse and human, the number of MYO10 foci increases as oocytes grow, corresponding to the increase in the number of actin-TZPs. RNAi-mediated depletion of MYO10 in cultured mouse granulosa cell-oocyte complexes is associated with a 52% reduction in the number of MYO10 foci and a 28% reduction in the number of actin-TZPs. Moreover, incubation of cumulus-oocyte complexes in the presence of epidermal growth factor, which triggers a 93% reduction in the number of actin-TZPs, is associated with a 55% reduction in the number of MYO10 foci. These results suggest that granulosa cells possess an ability to elaborate filopodia, which when directed towards the oocyte become actin-TZPs, and that MYO10 increases the efficiency of formation or maintenance of actin-TZPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Granados-Aparici
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexander Volodarsky-Perel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Qin Yang
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sibat Anam
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Togas Tulandi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - William Buckett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Weon-Young Son
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Grace Younes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jin-Tae Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Shaoguang Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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5
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Hainaut M, Clarke HJ. Germ cells of the mammalian female: A limited or renewable resource? Biol Reprod 2021; 105:774-788. [PMID: 34114006 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In many non-mammalian organisms, a population of germ-line stem cells supports continuing production of gametes during most or all the life of the individual, and germ-line stem cells are also present and functional in male mammals. Traditionally, however, they have been thought not to exist in female mammals, who instead generate all their germ cells during fetal life. Over the last several years, this dogma has been challenged by several reports, while supported by others. We describe and compare these conflicting studies with the aim of understanding how they came to opposing conclusions. We first consider studies that, by examining marker-gene expression, the fate of genetically marked cells, and consequences of depleting the oocyte population, addressed whether ovaries of post-natal females contain oogonial stem cells (OSC) that give rise to new oocytes. We next discuss whether ovaries contain cells that, even if inactive under physiological conditions, nonetheless possess OSC properties that can be revealed through cell-culture. We then examine studies of whether cells harvested after long-term culture of cells obtained from ovaries can, following transplantation into ovaries of recipient females, give rise to oocytes and offspring. Finally, we note studies where somatic cells have been re-programmed to acquire a female germ-cell fate. We conclude that the weight of evidence strongly supports the traditional interpretation that germ-line stem cells do not exist post-natally in female mammals. However, the ability to generate germ cells from somatic cells in vitro establishes a method to generate new gametes from cells of post-natal mammalian females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Hainaut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal Canada
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal Canada
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6
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Tian Y, Zhang MY, Zhao AH, Kong L, Wang JJ, Shen W, Li L. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling provides insights into the toxic effects of Zearalenone exposure on primordial follicle assembly. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5197-5213. [PMID: 33859742 PMCID: PMC8039963 DOI: 10.7150/thno.58433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Zearalenone (ZEN), a pollutant in our daily diet, seriously threatens the reproductive health of humans and animals. The primordial follicle (PF) assembly in the mouse occurs during the perinatal period, which determines the whole ovarian reserve in reproductive lifespan. In the current investigation, we administered ZEN orally to perinatal mice from 16.5 days post coitum (dpc) to postnatal day 3 (PD3), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on PD0 and PD3 ovarian tissues in the offspring to check ZEN toxic to primordial follicle formation at the single cell level. Methods: Ovarian tissues (in vivo) were examined by single cell RNA sequencing analysis, Immunostaining, and Western blotting. Ovarian tissues (in vitro) were examined by qRT-PCR, Immunostaining, and Western blotting. Results: We found that ZEN exposure altered the developmental trajectory of both germ cells and granulosa cells. Furthermore, after establishing the cell-cell communication network between germ cells and granulosa cells, we found that this was perturbed by ZEN exposure, especially during the Hippo signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study showed that ZEN affected the status of germ cells and granulosa cells through the Hippo signaling pathway and blocked the assembly of PFs. This research contributes to our deeper understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity in different cell types and the disruption of normal intercellular signaling by ZEN exposure.
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7
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Zhang Y, Zhou X, Zhu Y, Wang H, Xu J, Su Y. Current mechanisms of primordial follicle activation and new strategies for fertility preservation. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6128515. [PMID: 33538812 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by symptoms caused by ovarian dysfunction in patients aged <40 years. It is associated with a shortened reproductive lifespan. The only effective treatment for patients who are eager to become pregnant is IVF/Embryo Transfer (ET) using oocytes donated by young women. However, the use of the technique is constrained by the limited supply of oocytes and ethical issues. Some patients with POI still have some residual follicles in the ovarian cortex, which are not regulated by gonadotropin. These follicles are dormant. Therefore, activating dormant primordial follicles (PFs) to obtain high-quality oocytes for assisted reproductive technology may bring new hope for patients with POI. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors related to PF activation, such as the intercellular signaling network, the internal microenvironment of the ovary and the environment of the organism. In addition, we discussed new strategies for fertility preservation, such as in vitro activation and stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Hanbin Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Yiping Su
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
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8
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Fu A, Koth ML, Brown RM, Shaw SA, Wang L, Krentz KJ, Zhang X, Hui CC, Jorgensen JS. IRX3 and IRX5 collaborate during ovary development and follicle formation to establish responsive granulosa cells in the adult mouse†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:620-629. [PMID: 32507881 PMCID: PMC7822710 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy development of ovarian follicles depends on appropriate interactions and function between oocytes and their surrounding granulosa cells. Previously, we showed that double knockout of Irx3 and Irx5 (Irx3/5 DKO) in mice resulted in abnormal follicle morphology and follicle death. Further, female mouse models of individual Irx3 or Irx5 knockouts were both subfertile but with distinct defects. Notably, the expression profile of each gene suggests independent roles for each; first, they are colocalized in pre-granulosa cells during development that then progresses to include oocyte expression during germline nest breakdown and primordial follicle formation. Thereafter, their expression patterns diverge between oocytes and granulosa cells coinciding with the formulation and maturation of intimate oocyte-granulosa cell interactions. The objective of this study was to investigate the contributions of Irx5 and somatic cell-specific expression of Irx3 during ovarian development. Our results show that Irx3 and Irx5 contribute to female fertility through different mechanisms and that Irx3 expression in somatic cells is important for oocyte quality and survival. Based on evaluation of a series of genetically modified mouse models, we conclude that IRX3 and IRX5 collaborate in the same cells and then in neighboring cells to foster a healthy and responsive follicle. Long after these two factors have extinguished, their legacy enables these intercellular connections to mature and respond to extracellular signals to promote follicle maturation and ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Fu
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Megan L Koth
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ryan M Brown
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sarah A Shaw
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Linda Wang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kathleen J Krentz
- Genome Editing and Animal Models Core, Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi-chung Hui
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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9
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Clarke H. Control of Mammalian Oocyte Development by Interactions with the Maternal Follicular Environment. Results Probl Cell Differ 2019; 63:17-41. [PMID: 28779312 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60855-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Development of animal germ cells depends critically on continuous contact and communication with the somatic compartment of the gonad. In females, each oocyte is enclosed within a follicle, whose somatic cells supply nutrients that sustain basal metabolic activity of the oocyte and send signals that regulate its differentiation. This maternal microenvironment thus plays an indispensable role in ensuring the production of fully differentiated oocytes that can give rise to healthy embryos. The granulosa cells send signals, likely membrane-associated Kit ligand, which trigger oocytes within resting-stage primordial follicles to initiate growth. During growth, the granulosa cells feed amino acids, nucleotides, and glycolytic substrates to the oocyte. These factors are necessary for the oocyte to complete its growth and are delivered via gap junctions that couple the granulosa cells to the oocyte. In a complementary manner, growing oocytes also release growth factors, notably growth-differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15, which are necessary for proper differentiation of the granulosa cells and for these cells to support oocyte growth. During the late stages of oocyte growth, cyclic GMP that is synthesized by the granulosa cells and diffuses into the oocyte is required to prevent its precocious entry into meiotic maturation. Finally, at the early stages of maturation, granulosa cell signals promote the synthesis of a subset of proteins within the oocyte that enhance their ability to develop as embryos. Thus, the maternal legacy of the follicular microenvironment is witnessed by the fertilization of the ovulated oocyte and subsequent birth of healthy offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Room E.M0.2218, Glen Research Building, 100 Boul Decarie, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1.
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10
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Fu A, Oberholtzer SM, Bagheri-Fam S, Rastetter RH, Holdreith C, Caceres VL, John SV, Shaw SA, Krentz KJ, Zhang X, Hui CC, Wilhelm D, Jorgensen JS. Dynamic expression patterns of Irx3 and Irx5 during germline nest breakdown and primordial follicle formation promote follicle survival in mouse ovaries. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007488. [PMID: 30071018 PMCID: PMC6071956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Women and other mammalian females are born with a finite supply of oocytes that determine their reproductive lifespan. During fetal development, individual oocytes are enclosed by a protective layer of granulosa cells to form primordial follicles that will grow, mature, and eventually release the oocyte for potential fertilization. Despite the knowledge that follicles are dysfunctional and will die without granulosa cell-oocyte interactions, the mechanisms by which these cells establish communication is unknown. We previously identified that two members of the Iroquois homeobox transcription factor gene family, Irx3 and Irx5, are expressed within developing ovaries but not testes. Deletion of both factors (Irx3-Irx5EGFP/Irx3-Irx5EGFP) disrupted granulosa cell-oocyte contact during early follicle development leading to oocyte death. Thus, we hypothesized that Irx3 and Irx5 are required to develop cell-cell communication networks to maintain follicle integrity and female fertility. A series of Irx3 and Irx5 mutant mouse models were generated to assess roles for each factor. While both Irx3 and Irx5 single mutant females were subfertile, their breeding outcomes and ovary histology indicated distinct causes. Careful analysis of Irx3- and Irx5-reporter mice linked the cause of this disparity to dynamic spatio-temporal changes in their expression patterns. Both factors marked the progenitor pre-granulosa cell population in fetal ovaries. At the critical phase of germline nest breakdown and primordial follicle formation however, Irx3 and Irx5 transitioned to oocyte- and granulosa cell-specific expression respectively. Further investigation into the cause of follicle death in Irx3-Irx5EGFP/Irx3-Irx5EGFP ovaries uncovered specific defects in both granulosa cells and oocytes. Granulosa cell defects included poor contributions to basement membrane deposition and mis-localization of gap junction proteins. Granulosa cells and oocytes both presented fewer cell projections resulting in compromised cell-cell communication. Altogether, we conclude that Irx3 and Irx5 first work together to define the pregranulosa cell population of germline nests. During primordial follicle formation, they transition to oocyte- and granulosa cell-specific expression patterns where they cooperate in neighboring cells to build the foundation for follicle integrity. This foundation is left as their legacy of the essential oocyte-granulosa cell communication network that ensures and ultimately optimizes the integrity of the ovarian reserve and therefore, the female reproductive lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Fu
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sydney M. Oberholtzer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raphael H. Rastetter
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire Holdreith
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Valeria L. Caceres
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Steven V. John
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Shaw
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kathleen J. Krentz
- Genome Editing and Animal Models Core, Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi-chung Hui
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Clarke HJ. Regulation of germ cell development by intercellular signaling in the mammalian ovarian follicle. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 7:10.1002/wdev.294. [PMID: 28892263 PMCID: PMC5746469 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prior to ovulation, the mammalian oocyte undergoes a process of differentiation within the ovarian follicle that confers on it the ability to give rise to an embryo. Differentiation comprises two phases-growth, during which the oocyte increases more than 100-fold in volume as it accumulates macromolecules and organelles that will sustain early embryogenesis; and meiotic maturation, during which the oocyte executes the first meiotic division and prepares for the second division. Entry of an oocyte into the growth phase appears to be triggered when the adjacent granulosa cells produce specific growth factors. As the oocyte grows, it elaborates a thick extracellular coat termed the zona pellucida. Nonetheless, cytoplasmic extensions of the adjacent granulosa cells, termed transzonal projections (TZPs), enable them to maintain contact-dependent communication with the oocyte. Through gap junctions located where the TZP tips meet the oocyte membrane, they provide the oocyte with products that sustain its metabolic activity and signals that regulate its differentiation. Conversely, the oocyte secretes diffusible growth factors that regulate proliferation and differentiation of the granulosa cells. Gap junction-permeable products of the granulosa cells prevent precocious initiation of meiotic maturation, and the gap junctions also enable oocyte maturation to begin in response to hormonal signals received by the granulosa cells. Development of the oocyte or the somatic compartment may also be regulated by extracellular vesicles newly identified in follicular fluid and at TZP tips, which could mediate intercellular transfer of macromolecules. Oocyte differentiation thus depends on continuous signaling interactions with the somatic cells of the follicle. WIREs Dev Biol 2018, 7:e294. doi: 10.1002/wdev.294 This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling Early Embryonic Development > Gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Wang C, Zhou B, Xia G. Mechanisms controlling germline cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2547-2566. [PMID: 28197668 PMCID: PMC11107689 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2480-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In fetal females, oogonia proliferate immediately after sex determination. The progress of mitosis in oogonia proceeds so rapidly that the incompletely divided cytoplasm of the sister cells forms cysts. The oogonia will then initiate meiosis and arrest at the diplotene stage of meiosis I, becoming oocytes. Within each germline cyst, oocytes with Balbiani bodies will survive after cyst breakdown (CBD). After CBD, each oocyte is enclosed by pre-granulosa cells to form a primordial follicle (PF). Notably, the PF pool formed perinatally will be the sole lifelong oocyte source of a female. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of CBD and PF formation is not only meaningful for solving mysteries related to ovarian development but also contributes to the preservation of reproduction. However, the mechanisms that regulate these phenomena are largely unknown. This review summarizes the progress of cellular and molecular research on these processes in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Graft-versus-host disease targets ovary and causes female infertility in mice. Blood 2016; 129:1216-1225. [PMID: 27903524 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-07-728337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility associated with ovarian failure is a serious late complication for female survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Although pretransplant conditioning regimen has been appreciated as a cause of ovarian failure, increased application of reduced-intensity conditioning allowed us to revisit other factors possibly affecting ovarian function after allogeneic SCT. We have addressed whether donor T-cell-mediated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) could be causally related to female infertility in mice. Histological evaluation of the ovaries after SCT demonstrated donor T-cell infiltration in close proximity to apoptotic granulosa cells in the ovarian follicles, resulting in impaired follicular hormone production and maturation of ovarian follicles. Mating experiments showed that female recipients of allogeneic SCT deliver significantly fewer newborns than recipients of syngeneic SCT. GVHD-mediated ovary insufficiency and infertility were independent of conditioning. Pharmacologic GVHD prophylaxis protected the ovary from GVHD and preserved fertility. These results demonstrate for the first time that GVHD targets the ovary and impairs ovarian function and fertility and has important clinical implications in young female transplant recipients with nonmalignant diseases, in whom minimally toxic regimens are used.
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Zhang J, Liu W, Sun X, Kong F, Zhu Y, Lei Y, Su Y, Su Y, Li J. Inhibition of mTOR Signaling Pathway Delays Follicle Formation in Mice. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:585-595. [PMID: 27301841 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - Xinhui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - Feifei Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Gynecology; Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - Yue Lei
- Department of Gynecology; Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - Youqiang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - Yiping Su
- Department of Gynecology; Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
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Mak W, Fang C, Holden T, Dratver MB, Lin H. An Important Role of Pumilio 1 in Regulating the Development of the Mammalian Female Germline. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:134. [PMID: 27170441 PMCID: PMC4946805 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.137497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pumilio/FBF (PUF) proteins are a highly conserved family of translational regulators. The Drosophila PUF protein, Pumilio, is crucial for germline establishment and fertility. In mammals, primordial folliculogenesis is a key process that establishes the initial cohort of female mammalian germ cells prior to birth, and this primordial follicle pool is a prerequisite for female reproductive competence. We sought to understand whether PUF proteins have a conserved role in mammals during primordial folliculogenesis and female reproductive competency. In mammals, two homologs of Pumilio exist: Pumilio 1 (Pum1) and Pum2. Here, we report that PUMILIO (PUM) 1 plays an important role in the establishment of the primordial follicle pool, meiosis, and female reproductive competency, whereas PUM2 does not have a detectable function in these processes. Furthermore, we show that PUM1 facilitates the transition of the late meiotic prophase I oocyte from pachytene to diplotene stage by regulating SYCP1 protein. Our study reveals an important role of translational regulation in mammalian female germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winifred Mak
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Caodi Fang
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Tobias Holden
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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El-Hayek S, Clarke HJ. Control of Oocyte Growth and Development by Intercellular Communication Within the Follicular Niche. Results Probl Cell Differ 2016; 58:191-224. [PMID: 27300180 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31973-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the mammalian ovary, each oocyte grows and develops within its own structural and developmental niche-the follicle. Together with the female germ cell in the follicle are somatic granulosa cells, specialized companion cells that surround the oocyte and provide support to it, and an outer layer of thecal cells that serve crucial roles including steroid synthesis. These follicular compartments function as a single physiological unit whose purpose is to produce a healthy egg, which upon ovulation can be fertilized and give rise to a healthy embryo, thus enabling the female germ cell to fulfill its reproductive potential. Beginning from the initial stage of follicle formation and until terminal differentiation at ovulation, oocyte and follicle growth depend absolutely on cooperation between the different cellular compartments. This cooperation synchronizes the initiation of oocyte growth with follicle activation. During growth, it enables metabolic support for the follicle-enclosed oocyte and allows the follicle to fulfill its steroidogenic potential. Near the end of the growth period, intra-follicular interactions prevent the precocious meiotic resumption of the oocyte and ensure its nuclear differentiation. Finally, cooperation enables the events of ovulation, including meiotic maturation of the oocyte and expansion of the cumulus granulosa cells. In this chapter, we discuss the cellular interactions that enable the growing follicle to produce a healthy oocyte, focusing on the communication between the germ cell and the surrounding granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephany El-Hayek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Block E-M0.2218, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Block E-M0.2218, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1.
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Clarke HJ, Vieux KF. Epigenetic inheritance through the female germ-line: The known, the unknown, and the possible. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 43:106-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Bertoldo MJ, Guibert E, Faure M, Ramé C, Foretz M, Viollet B, Dupont J, Froment P. Specific deletion of AMP-activated protein kinase (α1AMPK) in murine oocytes alters junctional protein expression and mitochondrial physiology. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119680. [PMID: 25767884 PMCID: PMC4359026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis and folliculogenesis are dynamic processes that are regulated by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine signals. These signals are exchanged between the oocyte and the somatic cells of the follicle. Here we analyzed the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, by using transgenic mice deficient in α1AMPK specifically in the oocyte. We found a decrease of 27% in litter size was observed in ZP3-α1AMPK-/- (ZP3-KO) female mice. Following in vitro fertilization, where conditions are stressful for the oocyte and embryo, ZP3-KO oocytes were 68% less likely to pass the 2-cell stage. In vivo and in cumulus-oocyte complexes, several proteins involved in junctional communication, such as connexin37 and N-cadherin were down-regulated in the absence of α1AMPK. While the two signalling pathways (PKA and MAPK) involved in the junctional communication between the cumulus/granulosa cells and the oocyte were stimulated in control oocytes, ZP3-KO oocytes exhibited only low phosphorylation of MAPK or CREB proteins. In addition, MII oocytes deficient in α1AMPK had a 3-fold lower ATP concentration, an increase in abnormal mitochondria, and a decrease in cytochrome C and PGC1α levels, suggesting perturbed energy production by mitochondria. The absence of α1AMPK also induced a reduction in histone deacetylase activity, which was associated with an increase in histone H3 acetylation (K9/K14 residues). Together, the results of the present study suggest that absence of AMPK, modifies oocyte quality through energy processes and oocyte/somatic cell communication. The limited effect observed in vivo could be partly due to a favourable follicle microenvironment where nutrients, growth factors, and adequate cell interaction were present. Whereas in a challenging environment such as that of in vitro culture following IVF, the phenotype is revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Bertoldo
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edith Guibert
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Melanie Faure
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Ramé
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marc Foretz
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Viollet
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
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