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Wei Y, Shen X, Zhao X, He H, Zhang Y, Zhu Q, Yin H. Circular RNA circRPS19 promotes chicken granulosa cell proliferation and steroid hormone synthesis by interrupting the miR-218-5p/INHBB axis. Theriogenology 2024; 219:103-115. [PMID: 38422566 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian follicle development is an important physiological activity for females and makes great significance in maintaining female health and reproduction performance. The development of ovarian follicle is mainly affected by the granulosa cells (GCs), whose growth is regulated by a variety of factors. Here, we identified a novel circular RNA (circRNA) derived from the Ribosomal protein S19 (RPS19) gene, named circRPS19, which is differentially expressed during chicken ovarian follicle development. Further explorations identified that circRPS19 promotes GCs proliferation and steroid hormone synthesis. Furthermore, circRPS19 was found to target and regulate miR-218-5p through a competitive manner with endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Functionals investigation revealed that miR-218-5p attenuates GCs proliferation and steroidogenesis, which is opposite to that of circRPS19. In addition, we also confirmed that circRPS19 upregulates the expression of Inhibin beta B subunit (INHBB) by binding with miR-218-5p to facilitate GCs proliferation and steroidogenesis. Overall, this study revealed that circRPS19 regulates GCs development by releasing the repression of miR-218-5p on INHBB, which suggests a novel mechanism in respect to circRNA and miRNA regulation in ovarian follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoxu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiyu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Haorong He
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Huadong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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Ran M, Ouyang Q, Li X, Hu S, Hu B, Hu J, Dong D, Li L, He H, Liu H, Wang J. Exploring right ovary degeneration in duck and goose embryos by histology and transcriptome dynamics analysis. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:389. [PMID: 37430218 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09493-0] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of asymmetric chick gonads involves separate developmental programs in the left and right gonads. In contrast to the left ovary developing into a fully functional reproductive organ, the right ovary undergoes gradual degeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the the degeneration of the right ovary remain incompletely understood. In the present study, we investigated the histomorphological and transcriptomic changes in the right ovary of ducks and geese during the the embryonic stage up to post-hatching day 1. RESULT Hematoxylin-eosin stainings revealed that the right ovary developed until embryonic day 20 in ducks (DE20) or embryonic day 22 in geese (GE22), after which it started to regress. Further RNA-seq analyses revealed that both the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ducks and geese right ovary developmental stage were significantly enriched in cell adhesion-related pathway (ECM-receptor interaction, Focal adhesion pathway) and Cellular senescence pathway. Then during the degeneration stage, the DEGs were primarily enriched in pathways associated with inflammation, including Herpes simplex virus 1 infection, Influenza A, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, duck-specific DEGs showed enrichment in Steroid hormone biosynthesis, Base excision repair, and the Wnt signaling pathway, while geese-specifically DEGs were found to be enriched in apoptosis and inflammation-related pathways, such as Ferroptosis, Necroptosis, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. These findings suggest that the degeneration process of the right ovary in ducks occurs at a slower pace compared to that in geese. Additionally, the observation of the left ovary of the geese varying degeneration rates in the right ovary after hatching indicated that the development of the left ovary may be influenced by the degeneration of the right ovary. CONCLUSION The data presented in this study provide valuable insights into the dynamic changes in histological structure and transcriptome during the degeneration of the right ovary in ducks and geese. In addition, through the analysis of shared characteristics in the degeneration process of the right ovary in both ducks and geese, we have uncovered the patterns of degradation and elucidated the molecular mechanisms involved in the regression of the right ovary in poultry. Furthermore, we have also made initial discoveries regarding the relationship between the degeneration of the right ovary and the development of the left ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Ran
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qingyuan Ouyang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xuejian Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shenqiang Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jiwei Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Dan Dong
- Yucheng District Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, Ya'an, 625000, China
| | - Liang Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hua He
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hehe Liu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jiwen Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Cheng J, Wei Y, Zhao Z, Xing Q, Gao Z, Cheng J, Yu C, Pan Y, Yang Y, Shi D, Deng Y. MiR-29c-5p regulates the function of buffalo granulosa cells to induce follicular atresia by targeting INHBA. Theriogenology 2023; 205:50-62. [PMID: 37086585 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.013] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in many physiological processes such as signal transduction, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Many studies have shown that miRNAs can regulate the process of follicular development. Our previous studies found that the expression of miR-29c-5p in buffalo atretic follicles was much higher than that in healthy follicles, suggesting that this miRNA may participate in the process of buffalo follicular atresia. In this study, we aim to explore to the role and molecular mechanisms of miR-29c-5p on the functions of buffalo granulosa cells (GCs). GCs cultured in vitro were transfected with miR-29c-5p mimics and its inhibitor, respectively, and it was found that the mimics significantly increased the apoptotic rate of GCs. They also inhibited the proliferation of GCs and the secretion of steroid hormones. The effect of the inhibitor was opposite to that of the mimics. MiR-29c-5p was subsequently shown to target the inhibin subunit beta A, (INHBA). Overexpression of INHBA could promote the production of activin A and inhibin A, and then reverse the effect of miR-29c-5p on buffalo GCs. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR-29c-5p promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation and steroidogenesis by targeting INHBA in buffalo GCs. This may ultimately promote atresia in buffalo follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yaochang Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Ziwen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Qinghua Xing
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Ziyan Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Juanru Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Chengqi Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yu Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yanfei Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China.
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Review: Role and regulatory mechanism of inhibin in animal reproductive system. Theriogenology 2023; 202:10-20. [PMID: 36878034 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.016] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Inhibin (INH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the gonads that inhibit the synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Increasing evidence indicates that INH plays a significant role in the development of the reproductive system including follicle development, ovulation rate, corpus luteum formation and ablation, steroid hormone synthesis and spermatogenesis, subsequently affecting the reproductive capacity of animals such as litter size and egg production. There are currently three main views on how INH inhibits FSH synthesis and secretion: influencing the activity of adenylate cyclase, the expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor or gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, and the competition system of inhibin-activin. This review discusses the current findings on the structure, function, and mechanism of action of INH in the reproductive system of animals.
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Bao Y, Li X, El-Samahy MA, Yang H, Wang Z, Yang F, Yao X, Wang F. Exploration the role of INHBA in Hu sheep granulosa cells using RNA-Seq. Theriogenology 2023; 197:198-208. [PMID: 36525859 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Activin/inhibin is an important factor for the fecundity of Hu sheep, and it is involved in follicular development in ovaries. Inhibin subunit beta A (INHBA) participates in the synthesis of activin A and inhibin A. In this study, we also noted a positive correlation between INHBA level and the secretion of both activin A and inhibin A in culture medium. Nevertheless, both knockdown and overexpression of INHBA downregulated the expression of Inhibin Subunit Alpha (INHA). Based on RNA-Sequencing, we further examined the effect and molecular mechanism of INHBA knockdown in GCs on mRNA expression. A total of 1,687 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (Fold change ≥ 2; False-discovory-rates (FDR) ≤ 0.01), of which 602 genes were upregulated and 1,087 genes were downregulated in the INHBA interference group compared with the control groups. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment indicated that these DEGs were mainly involved in the regulation of cell cycle, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Moreover, DEGs were significantly enriched in 40 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including P53, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. We also noted a positive correlation between INHBA level and many PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-related genes at the gene or/and protein expression. Overall, this study may contribute to a better understanding of the roles of INHBA on GCs of prolific sheep, as well as the molecular effect of low INHBA expression on GCs, clarifying some reproductive failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Bao
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - M A El-Samahy
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Animal Production Research Institute, ARC, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hua Yang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhibo Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaolei Yao
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Bian Z, Li K, Chen S, Man C, Wang F, Li L. Association between INHA gene polymorphisms and litter size in Hainan black goats. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15381. [PMID: 37187517 PMCID: PMC10178212 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15381] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The inhibin alpha (INHA) gene is one of the important genes affecting the reproductive traits of animals. Hainan black goats are the main goat breed in Hainan Island (China), whose development is limited by low reproductive performance. However, the relationship between INHA gene and the reproductive performance of Hainan black goats is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to explore the effect of INHA gene polymorphisms on the litter size of Hainan black goats. Methods Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of INHA were detected, and the genetic parameters and haplotype frequency of these SNPs were calculated and association analysis was performed for these SNPs with the litter size. Finally, the SNP with significant correlations to litter size was analyzed by Bioinformatics tools. Results The results showed that the litter size of individuals with the AC genotype at loci g.28317663A>C of INHA gene was significantly higher than those with the AA genotype. This SNP changed the amino acid sequence, which may affect the function of INHA protein by affecting its structure. Our results suggest that g.28317663A>C loci may serve as a potential molecular marker for improving the reproductive traits in Hainan black goats.
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Fukutomi M, Uedono C, Fujii A, Sato Y. Lrriq1 is an essential factor for fertility by suppressing apoptosis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2647-2657. [PMID: 36129630 PMCID: PMC9723037 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02623-9] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Leucine-rich repeats and IQ motif containing 1 (LRRIQ1) gene is reportedly associated with plasma inhibin B levels. However, the function of LRRIQ1 remains unknown. In this study, we generated Lrriq1 knockout mice (Lrriq1-/- mice) and examined the effects of LRRIQ1 on inhibin B and fertility. METHODS Lrriq1-/- mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. The expression of Inhibin B was examined by Western blotting using a protein extracted from the testis of a 3-month-old male mouse. Mating experiments were conducted using 7-week-old Lrriq1-/- mice and wild-type (WT) mice to examine fertility. Sperm concentration and sperm motility were measured using 3-month-old male mice. RESULTS Expression analysis of inhibin B revealed that Lrriq1-/- mice exhibited reduced mRNA and protein levels of inhibin alpha (Inha), which constitutes the α subunit. In the mating experiment, the litter size of Lrriq1-/- male mice was 4.3 ± 2.9, which was significantly lower than that of WT male mice (8.3 ± 1.3) (p < 0.001). No difference in sperm count was observed between Lrriq1-/- and WT male mice; however, sperm motility (%) was significantly reduced in Lrriq1-/- mice (48.4 ± 4.9) when compared with WT mice (70.2 ± 4.7) (p < 0.001). Based on TUNEL staining, the testes and epididymal sperm of Lrriq1-/- mice showed high numbers of apoptosis-positive cells. CONCLUSION Lrriq1 knockout reduced sperm motility and litter size by inducing apoptosis of testicular germ cells and epididymal sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayu Fukutomi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Information Science, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-78-1 Sho-machi, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Chiharu Uedono
- Department of Pharmaceutical Information Science, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-78-1 Sho-machi, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Aki Fujii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Information Science, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-78-1 Sho-machi, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Youichi Sato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Information Science, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-78-1 Sho-machi, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan.
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Yao X, Li F, Wei Z, EI-Samahy MA, Feng X, Yang F, Wang F. Integrative Genome-Wide DNA Methylome and Transcriptome Analysis of Ovaries from Hu Sheep with High and Low Prolific. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:820558. [PMID: 35186931 PMCID: PMC8850840 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.820558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays an important role in biological processes by affecting gene expression. However, how DNA methylation regulates phenotypic variation in Hu sheep remains unclear. Therefore, we generated genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptomic profiles in the ovaries of Hu sheep with different prolificacies and genotypes (FecBB and FecB+). Results showed that ovary DNA methylome and transcriptome were significantly different between high prolificacy and low prolificacy Hu sheep. Comparative methylome analyses identified 10,644, 9,594, and 12,214 differentially methylated regions and 87, 1,121, and 2,375 genes, respectively, showing differential expression levels in three different comparison groups. Female reproduction-associated differentially methylated regions-related genes and differentially expressed genes were enriched, thereby the respective interaction networks were constructed. Furthermore, systematical integrative analyses revealed a negative correlation between DNA methylation around the transcriptional start site and gene expression levels, which was confirmed by testing the expression of integrin β2 subunit (ITGB2) and lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4 beta (LAPTM4B) in vivo and in vitro. These findings demonstrated that DNA methylation influences the propensity for prolificacy by affecting gene expression in the ovaries, which may contribute to a greater understanding of the epigenome and transcriptome that will be useful for animal breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yao
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengzhe Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zongyou Wei
- Taicang Agricultural and Rural Science and Technology Service Center, and Graduate Workstation, Taicang, China
| | - M. A. EI-Samahy
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Animal Production Research Institute, ARC, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, Egypt
| | - Xu Feng
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Wang,
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Sun X, Liswaniso S, Shan X, Zhao J, Chimbaka IM, Xu R, Qin N. The opposite effects of VGLL1 and VGLL4 genes on granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis of hen ovarian prehierarchical follicles. Theriogenology 2022; 181:95-104. [PMID: 35074718 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.017] [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: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Transcription cofactors Vestigial like family (VGLL) members consisting of four homologs (VGLL1-4) are associated with cell growth and metastasis in mammals, among which VGLL1 gene has been documented to possess tumorigenic functions in various types of tumor, and VGLL4 acts as a new tumor suppressor; likewise several studies indicated that they potentially play a role in the regulation of ovary growth and function. However, the biological effects of chicken VGLL1 and VGLL4 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis of the granulosa cells (GCs) during ovarian follicle development remain unknown now. This study found that VGLL1 and VGLL4 genes present divergent expression patterns of the transcripts in the GCs of various sized prehierarchical follicles (PFs) before follicle selection. Specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) was employed to elucidate the exact roles of VGLL1 and VGLL4 in regulating the PF development of the hen ovary. The results demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of the steroidogenic-related enzyme steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) gene and the cell proliferation-related factors B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), and cyclin D1 (CCND1) genes were significantly down-regulated in the cells with VGLL1 silence but remarkably up-regulated in the cells lacking VGLL4. Whereas the expression level of the cell apoptosis biomarker caspase-3 (CASP3) transcript was noticeably enhanced in the GCs without VGLL1 but significantly decreased in the GCs deprived of VGLL4. Further results showed that the siRNA-mediated silence of VGLL1 caused a significant increase in apoptosis with a reduction in the proliferation of GCs. Nevertheless, knockdown of VGLL4 resulted in a remarkable decrement in apoptosis but a memorable augment in proliferation of the GCs. Taken together, this study proved that VGLL1 promotes cell proliferation and steroidogenesis but inhibits apoptosis. In contrast, VGLL4 stimulates GC apoptosis while suppressing the GC proliferation and steroidogenesis in the hen ovarian follicles. We conluded that VGLL1 and VGLL4 affect oppositely the ovarian prehierarchical follicle development by the different regulatory manner in the GC proliferation and apoptosis of chicken ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Sun
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Simushi Liswaniso
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xuesong Shan
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Ignatius Musenge Chimbaka
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Rifu Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
| | - Ning Qin
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
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Bao Y, Yao X, Li X, Ei-Samahy MA, Yang H, Liang Y, Liu Z, Wang F. INHBA transfection regulates proliferation, apoptosis and hormone synthesis in sheep granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2021; 175:111-122. [PMID: 34537472 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inhibin subunit beta A (INHBA) participates in the synthesis of inhibin A, activin A and activin AB. Here we investigated the effect and molecular mechanism of INHBA on proliferation, apoptosis and hormone synthesis in sheep granulosa cells (GCs) using in vitro transfection. We first noticed that INHBA expression increased with follicle diameter and was widely distributed in ovarian tissue. The proliferation rate of GCs was significantly increased and decreased with overexpression and silence of INHBA, respectively, compared with the negative controls. INHBA transfection affected GC proliferation and apoptosis, regulating the expression of many cell cycle-related and apoptosis-related genes. INHBA overexpression significantly decreased activin and estradiol secretion while increasing inhibin and progesterone secretion. The expression of follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit was significantly decreased and increased with INHBA overexpression and knockdown, respectively. Notably, silence of INHBA inhibited the expression of many transforming growth factor beta-related genes. Overall, the functional molecule of INHBA gene may be associated with follicular development via regulating proliferation, apoptosis and folliculogenesis-related hormone secretion of sheep GCs. In addition, our findings may contribute to a better understanding of the law of follicular development and thus improve the reproductive performance of female animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Bao
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaolei Yao
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - M A Ei-Samahy
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yaxu Liang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zifei Liu
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Ma M, Wang H, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Liu J, Pan Z. circRNA-Mediated Inhibin-Activin Balance Regulation in Ovarian Granulosa Cell Apoptosis and Follicular Atresia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179113. [PMID: 34502034 PMCID: PMC8431694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cells (GC) play an essential role in the development and atresia of follicles. Emerging studies suggest that non-coding RNAs are involved in the regulation of GC apoptosis. Here, we aimed to analyze the function of ssc-circINHA-001, coded by the first exon of the inhibin subunit α gene (INHA), in resisting GC apoptosis and follicular atresia by enhancing the expression of the inhibin subunit β A (INHBA) through a cluster of miRNAs. A higher expression of ssc-circINHA-001 in healthy follicles compared to early atretic follicles was detected by qRT-PCR. Its circular structure was confirmed by RNase R treatment and reversed PCR. The function of ssc-circINHA-001 in GC resistance to apoptosis was detected by in vitro transfection of its si-RNA. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter assay suggested that ssc-circINHA-001 adsorbed three miRNAs, termed miR-214-5p, miR-7144-3p, and miR-9830-5p, which share the common target INHBA. A low expression of ssc-circINHA-001 increased the levels of the free miRNAs, inhibited INHBA expression, and thus raised GCs apoptosis through a shift from the secretion of activin to that of inhibin. Our study demonstrated the existence of a circRNA–microRNAs–INHBA regulatory axis in follicular GC apoptosis and provides insight into the relationship between circRNA function and its coding gene in inhibin/activin balance and ovarian physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.M.); (H.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Huiming Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.M.); (H.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.M.); (H.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jinbi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing 211169, China; (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jingge Liu
- College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing 211169, China; (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Zengxiang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.M.); (H.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Assersohn K, Brekke P, Hemmings N. Physiological factors influencing female fertility in birds. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:202274. [PMID: 34350009 PMCID: PMC8316823 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.202274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fertility is fundamental to reproductive success, but not all copulation attempts result in a fertilized embryo. Fertilization failure is especially costly for females, but we still lack a clear understanding of the causes of variation in female fertility across taxa. Birds make a useful model system for fertility research, partly because their large eggs are easily studied outside of the female's body, but also because of the wealth of data available on the reproductive productivity of commercial birds. Here, we review the factors contributing to female infertility in birds, providing evidence that female fertility traits are understudied relative to male fertility traits, and that avian fertility research has been dominated by studies focused on Galliformes and captive (relative to wild) populations. We then discuss the key stages of the female reproductive cycle where fertility may be compromised, and make recommendations for future research. We particularly emphasize that studies must differentiate between infertility and embryo mortality as causes of hatching failure, and that non-breeding individuals should be monitored more routinely where possible. This review lays the groundwork for developing a clearer understanding of the causes of female infertility, with important consequences for multiple fields including reproductive science, conservation and commercial breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Assersohn
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Patricia Brekke
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Nicola Hemmings
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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