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Wei C, Chen X, Peng J, Yu S, Chang P, Jin K, Geng Z. BMP4/SMAD8 signaling pathway regulated granular cell proliferation to promote follicle development in Wanxi white goose. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102282. [PMID: 36435162 PMCID: PMC9700011 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Granular cells proliferation in goose regulated by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) signaling pathway is still unknown. In this experiment, BMPs and their receptor, and receptor activated mothers against decapentaplegic homologs (SMADs) were quantitatively expressed in granular cell layer of pre-hierarchycal and hierarchycal follicles in Wanxi White goose. The screened BMP was then used for construction of overexpressed and knockdown vectors and transfected into granular cells of goose to assess the cell proliferation and apoptosis. Granular cells with BMP-overexpressed were then used for ChIP-Seq analysis to elucidate the molecular mechanism of BMP affecting granular cell proliferation. The results showed that the mRNA expression of BMP4 was significantly expressed in pre-hierarchical follicles, and also highly expressed in hierarchical follicles than other BMPs, while the Ⅰ and Ⅱ type of BMP receptors were expressed in basic level. The mRNA expression of SMAD8 was significantly elevated in pre-hierarchical follicles. Overexpression of BMP4 could promote the proliferation of granular cells and inhibited the expression of BMP4 caused a higher cell apoptosis. ChIP-Seq identified multiple regulatory targets of SMAD4, which were mostly related to cell cycle and lipid metabolism according to the GO and KEGG pathway enrichment. From the five most significant binding motif and quantitative expression verification, the activin membrane binding inhibitor (BAMBI) was down regulated in BMP4 overexpressed granular cells. In conclusion, the BMP4 was highly expressed in granular cells and phosphorylates SMAD8, the activated SMAD8 combined with SMAD4 transfers into nucleus to regulate the expression of BAMBI to promote lipid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China
| | - Xingyong Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China,Corresponding author:
| | - Jinzhou Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China
| | - Shiqi Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China
| | - Penghui Chang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China
| | - Kaiming Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoyu Geng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, P.R. China
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2
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Fang L, Yan Y, Wang S, Guo Y, Li Y, Jia Q, Han X, Liu B, Cheng JC, Sun YP. High ovarian GDF-8 levels contribute to elevated estradiol production in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome by stimulating aromatase expression. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2338-2347. [PMID: 34239360 PMCID: PMC8241723 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), also known as myostatin, belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. GDF-8 is expressed in the ovary and regulates various ovarian functions. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one of the most serious disorders during in vitro fertilization treatment. Aromatase, encoded by the CYP19A1 gene, is the enzyme that catalyzes the final step in estradiol (E2) biosynthesis. It has been demonstrated that high serum E2 levels are associated with the development of OHSS. However, the effects of GDF-8 on aromatase expression and its roles in the pathogenesis of OHSS remain unclear. Methods: The effect of GDF-8 on aromatase expression and the underlying mechanisms were explored by a series of in vitro experiments in primary human granulosa-lutein (hGL) and KGN cells. Rat OHSS model and human follicular fluid samples were used to examine the roles of the GDF-8 system in the pathogenesis of OHSS. Results: We demonstrate that GDF-8 stimulates aromatase expression and E2 production in hGL and KGN cells. In addition, TGF-β type I receptor ALK5-mediated SMAD2/3 signaling is required for GDF-8-induced aromatase expression and E2 production. Using a rat OHSS model, we show that the aromatase and GDF-8 levels are upregulated in the ovaries of OHSS rats. Blocking the function of ALK5 by the administration of its inhibitor, SB431542, alleviates OHSS symptoms and the upregulation of aromatase. Clinical results reveal that the protein levels of GDF-8 are upregulated in the follicular fluid of OHSS patients. Moreover, the expression of GDF-8 is increased in hGL cells of OHSS patients. Conclusions: This study helps to elucidate the mechanisms mediating the expression of aromatase in human granulosa cells, which may lead to the development of alternative therapeutic approaches for OHSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanjie Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiongqiong Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Boqun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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3
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Liu T, Huang Y, Lin H. Estrogen disorders: Interpreting the abnormal regulation of aromatase in granulosa cells (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:73. [PMID: 33693952 PMCID: PMC7952251 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) are the most important source of estrogen. Therefore, aromatase (estrogen synthase), which is the key enzyme in estrogen synthesis, is not only an important factor of ovarian development, but also the key to estrogen secretion by GCs. Disorders of the ovarian estrogen secretion are more likely to induce female estrogen-dependent diseases and fertility issues, such as ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome. Hence, aromatase is an important drug target; treatment with its inhibitors in estrogen-dependent diseases has attracted increasing attention. The present review article focuses on the regulation and mechanism of the aromatase activity in the GCs, as well as the specific regulation of aromatase promoters. In GCs, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is dependent on the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway to regulate the aromatase activity, and the regulation of this enzyme is related to the activation of signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, endocrine-disrupting substance and other related factors affect the expression of aromatase, which eventually create an imbalance in the estrogen secretion by the target tissues. The present review highlights these useful factors as potential inhibitors for target therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Yifei Huang
- First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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Cheng JC, Fang L, Yan Y, He J, Guo Y, Jia Q, Gao Y, Han X, Sun YP. TGF-β1 stimulates aromatase expression and estradiol production through SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in human granulosa-lutein cells. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6619-6629. [PMID: 33512728 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol (E2), one of the main steroid hormones secreted by the ovaries, plays an important role in maintaining normal female reproductive function. Ovarian granulosa cells are the main source of E2 production because these cells express aromatase, which is encoded by the CYP19A1 gene and catalyzes the final step in E2 biosynthesis from androgens. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and its receptors are expressed in human granulosa cells, and TGF-β1 expression can be detected in human follicular fluid. To date, TGF-β1 has been shown to regulate various ovarian functions. However, whether aromatase can be regulated by TGF-β1 in human granulosa cells has not been determined. In the present study, we demonstrate that TGF-β1 stimulates aromatase expression in primary human granulosa-lutein cells and in the human ovarian granulose-like tumor cell line, KGN. We used pharmacological inhibitors and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown approaches to reveal that the SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways are involved in TGF-β1-induced aromatase expression and E2 production. These results not only provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that mediate TGF-β1-induced aromatase expression and E2 production in human granulosa cells but also increase the understanding of the normal physiological roles of TGF-β1 in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jingyan He
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanjie Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiongqiong Jia
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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5
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Lu H, Zhao C, Zhu B, Zhang Z, Ge W. Loss of Inhibin Advances Follicle Activation and Female Puberty Onset but Blocks Oocyte Maturation in Zebrafish. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5921142. [PMID: 33045050 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Inhibin was first characterized in mammals as a gonadal dimeric protein that inhibited pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. As in mammals, the inhibin-specific α subunit (INHA/Inha/inha) has also been characterized in teleosts; however, its functions and physiological importance in fish reproduction remain unknown. Using CRISPR/Cas9 method, we generated an inha-deficient zebrafish line and analyzed its reproductive performance. As expected, pituitary expression of fshb increased significantly in both the young and the adult inha mutant. The expression of lhb also increased in the mutant, but only in sexually mature adults. Interestingly, the expression of activin βA (inhbaa) increased significantly in both the ovary and the testis of inha mutant, and the expression of ovarian aromatase (cyp19a1a) also increased dramatically in the mutant ovary. The juvenile female mutant showed clear signs of early follicle activation or precocious puberty onset. However, the adult female mutant was infertile with follicles arrested at the full-grown stage without final oocyte maturation and ovulation. Although follicle growth was normal overall in the mutant, the size and distribution of yolk granules in oocytes were distinct and some follicles showed granulosa cell hypertrophy. In contrast to females, inha-null males showed normal spermatogenesis and fertility. As reported in mammals, we also found sporadic tumor formation in inha mutants. Taken together, our study not only confirmed some conserved roles of inhibin across vertebrates, such as inhibition of FSH biosynthesis and tumor formation, but also revealed novel aspects of inhibin functions such as disruption of folliculogenesis and female infertility but no obvious involvement in spermatogenesis in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Lu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
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6
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Romano S, Kaufman OH, Marlow FL. Loss of dmrt1 restores zebrafish female fates in the absence of cyp19a1a but not rbpms2a/b. Development 2020; 147:dev.190942. [PMID: 32895289 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination and differentiation is a complex process regulated by multiple factors, including factors from the germline or surrounding somatic tissue. In zebrafish, sex-determination involves establishment of a bipotential ovary that undergoes sex-specific differentiation and maintenance to form the functional adult gonad. However, the relationships among these factors are not fully understood. Here, we identify potential Rbpms2 targets and apply genetic epistasis experiments to decipher the genetic hierarchy of regulators of sex-specific differentiation. We provide genetic evidence that the crucial female factor rbpms2 is epistatic to the male factor dmrt1 in terms of adult sex. Moreover, the role of Rbpms2 in promoting female fates extends beyond repression of Dmrt1, as Rbpms2 is essential for female differentiation even in the absence of Dmrt1. In contrast, female fates can be restored in mutants lacking both cyp19a1a and dmrt1, and prolonged in bmp15 mutants in the absence of dmrt1. Taken together, this work indicates that cyp19a1a-mediated suppression of dmrt1 establishes a bipotential ovary and initiates female fate acquisition. Then, after female fate specification, Cyp19a1a regulates subsequent oocyte maturation and sustains female fates independently of Dmrt1 repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Romano
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place Box 1020, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - Odelya H Kaufman
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Florence L Marlow
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place Box 1020, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA .,Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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7
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Bildik G, Akin N, Esmaeilian Y, Hela F, Yildiz CS, Iltumur E, İncir S, Karahuseyinoglu S, Yakin K, Oktem O. Terminal differentiation of human granulosa cells as luteinization is reversed by activin-A through silencing of Jnk pathway. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:93. [PMID: 33042587 PMCID: PMC7511402 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00324-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms underlying luteinization (terminal differentiation of granulosa and theca cells after ovulation) and luteolysis (demise of corpus luteum) are poorly understood in human ovary. Here we report that activin-A, after binding to its cognate receptors induces a functional luteolytic state and reverses luteinization phenotype by downregulating the expression of the steroidogenic enzymes, LH receptor and VEGF and reducing estradiol (E2) progesterone (P4) production and upregulating FSH receptor and cyclin D1 expression in human primary luteinized granulosa cells. Further, this action of activin-A involves downregulation of JNK signaling pathway and is opposite to that of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which acts as a luteotropic hormone and improves luteal function through the activation of JNK pathway in the same cell type. Reversal of luteinization phenotype in luteal granulosa cells by activin-A potentially makes this hormone an attractive candidate for use under certain clinical situations, where induction of luteolysis and rapid reduction of endogenous sex steroid levels are beneficial such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), in which the ovaries hyper-respond to gonadotropin stimulation by producing too many growing follicles along with development of ascites, pleural effusion, and hemo-concentrations as a result of increased vascular permeability and leakage of intravascular volume into third spaces. Our work unveils a previously undefined role for activin-A and JNK signaling pathway in human corpus luteum biology, that might have a direct clinical impact in assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Bildik
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Nazli Akin
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBL), Department of Pathology/Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Vrije Universiteit, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Yashar Esmaeilian
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Francesko Hela
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceren Sultan Yildiz
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ece Iltumur
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Said İncir
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory, Koc University Hospital, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sercin Karahuseyinoglu
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Koc University School of Medicine, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kayhan Yakin
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University Hospital and School of Medicine, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Oktem
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University Hospital and School of Medicine, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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Appiah Adu-Gyamfi E, Tanam Djankpa F, Nelson W, Czika A, Kumar Sah S, Lamptey J, Ding YB, Wang YX. Activin and inhibin signaling: From regulation of physiology to involvement in the pathology of the female reproductive system. Cytokine 2020; 133:155105. [PMID: 32438278 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activins and inhibins - comprising activin A, B, AB, C and E, and inhibin A and B isoforms - belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily. They regulate several biological processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation and invasiveness, to enhance the formation and functioning of many human tissues and organs. In this review, we have discussed the role of activin and inhibin signaling in the physiological and female-specific pathological events that occur in the female reproductive system. The up-to-date evidence indicates that these cytokines regulate germ cell development, follicular development, ovulation, uterine receptivity, decidualization and placentation through the activation of several signaling pathways; and that their dysregulated expression is involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the numerous diseases, including pregnancy complications, that disturb reproduction. Hence, some of the isoforms have been suggested as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the management of some of these diseases. Tackling the research directions highlighted in this review will enhance a detailed comprehension and the clinical utility of these cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Francis Tanam Djankpa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - William Nelson
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sanjay Kumar Sah
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jones Lamptey
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KCCR, Ghana.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Matiller V, Hein GJ, Stassi AF, Angeli E, Belotti EM, Ortega HH, Rey F, Salvetti NR. Expression of TGFBR1, TGFBR2, TGFBR3, ACVR1B and ACVR2B is altered in ovaries of cows with cystic ovarian disease. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:46-54. [PMID: 30120850 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFBR)1, TGFBR2, TGFBR3, activin receptor (ACVR)1B and ACVR2B in ovaries of cows with cystic ovarian disease (COD). The expression of the selected receptors was determined by immunohistochemistry in sections of ovaries from cows with ACTH-induced and spontaneous COD. Expression of TGFBR1 and TGFBR3 was higher in granulosa cells of cysts from cows with spontaneous COD than in tertiary follicles from the control group. Additionally, TGFBR3 expression was higher in granulosa cells of cysts from cows with ACTH-induced COD than in those from the control group and lower in theca cells of spontaneous and ACTH-induced cysts than in tertiary control follicles. There were no changes in the expression of TGFBR2. ACVR1B expression was higher in granulosa cells of tertiary follicles of cows with spontaneous COD than in the control group, whereas ACVR2B expression was higher in cysts of the spontaneous COD group than in tertiary follicles from the control group. The alterations here detected, together with the altered expression of the ligands previously reported, indicate alterations in the response of the ligands in the target cells, modifying their actions at cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Matiller
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gustavo J Hein
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Centro Universitario Gálvez, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Gálvez, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Antonela F Stassi
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Emmanuel Angeli
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Eduardo M Belotti
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Hugo H Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Florencia Rey
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Natalia R Salvetti
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
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10
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Zheng L, Luo R, Su T, Hu L, Gao F, Zhang X. Differentially Expressed lncRNAs After the Activation of Primordial Follicles in Mouse. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:1094-1104. [PMID: 30376771 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118805869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The activation of primordial follicles is critical to ovarian follicle development, which directly influences female fertility and reproductive life span. Several studies have suggested a role for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ovarian function. However, the precise involvement of lncRNAs in the initiation of primordial follicles is still unknown. Here, an in vitro culture model was used to investigate the roles of lncRNAs in primordial follicle activation. We found that primordial follicles in day 3 mouse ovaries were activated after culturing for 8 days in vitro, as indicated by ovarian morphology changes, increases in primary follicle number, and downregulation of mammalian Sterile 20-like kinase messenger RNA (mRNA) and upregulation of growth differentiation factor 9 mRNA. We next examined lncRNA expression profiles by RNA sequencing at the transcriptome level and found that among 60 078 lncRNAs, 6541 lncRNA were upregulated and 2135 lncRNA were downregulated in 3-day ovaries cultured for 8 days in vitro compared with ovaries from day 3 mice. We also found that 4171 mRNAs were upregulated and 1795 were downregulated in the cultured ovaries. Gene ontology and pathway analyses showed that the functions of differentially expressed lncRNA targets and mRNAs were closely linked with many processes and pathways related to ovary development, including cell proliferation and differentiation, developmental processes, and other signaling transduction pathways. Additionally, many novel identified lncRNAs showed inducible expression, suggesting that these lncRNAs may be good candidates for investigating mouse primordial follicle activation. This study provides a foundation for further exploring lncRNA-related mechanisms in the initiation of mouse primordial follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zheng
- 1 Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,2 Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ruichen Luo
- 1 Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,2 Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tie Su
- 1 Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,2 Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Liaoliao Hu
- 1 Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,2 Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fengxin Gao
- 3 Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- 2 Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,3 Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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11
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Sun XF, Sun XH, Cheng SF, Wang JJ, Feng YN, Zhao Y, Yin S, Hou ZM, Shen W, Zhang XF. Interaction of the transforming growth factor-β and Notch signaling pathways in the regulation of granulosa cell proliferation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 28:1873-1881. [PMID: 26036783 DOI: 10.1071/rd14398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling pathways play an important role in granulosa cell proliferation. However, the mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between these two signalling pathways are unknown. Herein we demonstrated a functional synergism between Notch and TGF-β signalling in the regulation of preantral granulosa cell (PAGC) proliferation. Activation of TGF-β signalling increased hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 2 gene (Hey2) expression (one of the target genes of the Notch pathway) in PAGCs, and suppression of TGF-β signalling by Smad3 knockdown reduced Hey2 expression. Inhibition of the proliferation of PAGCs by N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butylester (DAPT), an inhibitor of Notch signalling, was rescued by both the addition of ActA and overexpression of Smad3, indicating an interaction between the TGF-β and Notch signalling pathways. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed to identify the point of interaction between the two signalling pathways. CoIP showed direct protein-protein interaction between Smad3 and Notch2 intracellular domain (NICD2), whereas ChIP showed that Smad3 could be recruited to the promoter regions of Notch target genes as a transcription factor. Therefore, the findings of the present study support the idea that nuclear Smad3 protein can integrate with NICD2 to form a complex that acts as a transcription factor to bind specific DNA motifs in Notch target genes, such as Hey1 and Hey2, and thus participates in the transcriptional regulation of Notch target genes, as well as regulation of the proliferation of PAGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Feng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Xing-Hong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yan-Ni Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Zhu-Mei Hou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Xi-Feng Zhang
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
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12
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Zhang Q, Bu S, Sun J, Xu M, Yao X, He K, Lai D. Paracrine effects of human amniotic epithelial cells protect against chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:270. [PMID: 29179771 PMCID: PMC5704397 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are attractive candidates for regenerative medical therapy, with the potential to replace deficient cells and improve functional recovery after injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that transplantation of hAECs effectively alleviate chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage via inhibiting granulose cells apoptosis in animal models of premature ovarian failure/insufficiency (POF/POI). However, the underlying molecular mechanism accounting for hAECs-mediated ovarian function recovery is not fully understood. Methods To investigate whether hAECs-secreting cytokines act as molecular basis to attenuate chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury, hAECs or hAEC-conditioned medium (hAEC-CM) was injected into the unilateral ovary of POF/POI mouse. Follicle development was evaluated by H&E staining at 1, 2 months after hAECs or hAEC-CM treatment. In addition, we performed a cytokine array containing 507 human cytokines on hAECs-derived serum-free conditioned medium. Finally, we further investigated whether hAECs could affect chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in primary human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells and the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) via a co-culture system in vitro. Results We observed the existence of healthy and mature follicles in ovaries treated with hAECs or hAEC-CM, whereas seriously fibrosis and many atretic follicles were found in the contralateral untreated ovaries of the same mouse. To distinguish cytokines involved in the process of hAECs-restored ovarian function, hAEC-CM was analyzed with a human cytokines array. Results revealed that 109 cytokines in hAEC-CM might participate in a variety of biological processes including apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell cycle and immune response. In vitro experiments, hAECs significantly inhibited chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and activated TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway within primary granulosa-lutein cells in paracrine manner. Furthermore, hAEC-CM was shown to promote angiogenesis in the injured ovaries and enhance the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) in co-culture system. Conclusions These findings demonstrated that paracrine might be a key pathway in the process of hAECs-mediating ovarian function recovery in animal models of premature ovarian failure/insufficiency (POF/POI). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0721-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuwan Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixia Bu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyan Sun
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Minhua Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofen Yao
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunyan He
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Activin A Stimulates Aromatase via the ALK4-Smad Pathway in Endometriosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:5791510. [PMID: 27833918 PMCID: PMC5090068 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5791510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. We previously found that the expression of Activin A was upregulated in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis. The results of the present study indicated that Activin A induced estradiol secretion and P450arom expression in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) derived from endometriosis patients. The mechanism of estrogenic synthesis was regulated by the Activin-Smad pathway in endometrial lesions. The data showed that the effect of Activin A on ESCs was partially abrogated by pretreatment with an inhibitor of ALK4 (the type I receptor, ActRIB) and Smad4-siRNA. Cumulatively, these data suggest that Activin A promotes the secretion of estradiol from ESCs by increasing the expression of P450arom via the ALK4-Smad pathway. These findings indicate the ALK4-Smad pathway may promote ectopic lesion survival and development.
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14
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Hayes E, Kushnir V, Ma X, Biswas A, Prizant H, Gleicher N, Sen A. Intra-cellular mechanism of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in regulation of follicular development. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 433:56-65. [PMID: 27235859 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and plays a crucial role in testicular and ovarian functions. In clinical practice, AMH is used as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in women in association with ovulation induction and in various pathophysiological conditions. Despite widespread clinical use of AMH, our mechanistic understanding of AMH actions in regulating follicular development is limited. Using a mouse model, we in this study report that in vivo AMH treatment while stalls follicular development and inhibits ovulation, also prevents follicular atresia. We further show that these AMH actions are mediated through induction of two miRNAs, miR-181a and miR-181b, which regulate various aspects of FSH signaling and follicular growth, ultimately affecting downstream gene expression and folliculogenesis. We also report that in this mouse model AMH pre-treatment prior to superovulation improves oocyte yield. These studies, therefore, offer new mechanistic insight into AMH actions in folliculogenesis and point toward potential utilization of AMH as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hayes
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Vitaly Kushnir
- Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY 10021, USA; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Xiaoting Ma
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Anindita Biswas
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Hen Prizant
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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15
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Basu M, Bhattacharya R, Ray U, Mukhopadhyay S, Chatterjee U, Roy SS. Invasion of ovarian cancer cells is induced byPITX2-mediated activation of TGF-β and Activin-A. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:162. [PMID: 26298390 PMCID: PMC4546816 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most ovarian cancers are highly invasive in nature and the high burden of metastatic disease make them a leading cause of mortality among all gynaecological malignancies. The homeodomain transcription factor, PITX2 is associated with cancer in different tissues. Our previous studies demonstrated increased PITX2 expression in human ovarian tumours. Growing evidence linking activation of TGF-β pathway by homeodomain proteins prompted us to look for the possible involvement of this signalling pathway in PITX2-mediated progression of ovarian cancer. METHODS The status of TGF-β signalling in human ovarian tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The expression level of TGFB/INHBA and other invasion-associated genes was measured by quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR) and Western Blot after transfection/treatments with clones/reagents in normal/cancer cells. The physiological effect of PITX2 on invasion/motility was checked by matrigel invasion and wound healing assay. The PITX2- and activin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was evaluated by Q-PCR of respective markers and confocal/phase-contrast imaging of cells. RESULTS Human ovarian tumours showed enhanced TGF-β signalling. Our study uncovers the PITX2-induced expression of TGFB1/2/3 as well as INHBA genes (p < 0.01) followed by SMAD2/3-dependent TGF-β signalling pathway. PITX2-induced TGF-β pathway regulated the expression of invasion-associated genes, SNAI1, CDH1 and MMP9 (p < 0.01) that accounted for enhanced motility/invasion of ovarian cancers. Snail and MMP9 acted as important mediators of PITX2-induced invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells. PITX2 over-expression resulted in loss of epithelial markers (p < 0.01) and gain of mesenchymal markers (p < 0.01) that contributed significantly to ovarian oncogenesis. PITX2-induced INHBA expression (p < 0.01) contributed to EMT in both normal and ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings suggest a significant contributory role of PITX2 in promoting invasive behaviour of ovarian cancer cells through up-regulation of TGFB/INHBA. We have also identified the previously unknown involvement of activin-A in promoting EMT. Our work provides novel mechanistic insights into the invasive behavior of ovarian cancer cells. The extension of this study have the potential for therapeutic applications in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moitri Basu
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Rahul Bhattacharya
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Upasana Ray
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Satinath Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, 244 AJC Bose Road, Kolkata, India.
| | - Uttara Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, 244 AJC Bose Road, Kolkata, India.
| | - Sib Sankar Roy
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India.
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16
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Tuck AR, Mottershead DG, Fernandes HA, Norman RJ, Tilley WD, Robker RL, Hickey TE. Mouse GDF9 decreases KITL gene expression in human granulosa cells. Endocrine 2015; 48:686-95. [PMID: 24985063 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-014-0335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Kit ligand (KITL) is an important granulosa cell-derived growth factor in ovarian folliculogenesis, but its expression and function in human granulosa cells are currently poorly understood. Based on studies performed in animal models, it was hypothesised that KITL gene expression in human granulosa cells is regulated by androgens and/or growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9). We utilised two models of human granulosa cells, the KGN granulosa tumour cell line and cumulus granulosa cells obtained from preovulatory follicles of women undergoing assisted reproduction. Cells were treated with combinations of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), recombinant mouse GDF9, and the ALK4/5/7 inhibitor SB431542. KITL mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. No change in KITL mRNA expression was observed after DHT treatment under any experimental conditions, but GDF9 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in KITL mRNA levels in both KGN and cumulus cells. The effect of GDF9 was abolished by the addition of SB431542. These results indicate that KITL is not directly regulated by androgen signalling in human granulosa cells. Moreover, this study provides the first evidence that GDF9 negatively regulates KITL gene expression in human granulosa cells providing new information on the regulation of these important growth factors in the human ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrud R Tuck
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia,
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17
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Garcia-Reyero N, Ekman DR, Habib T, Villeneuve DL, Collette TW, Bencic DC, Ankley GT, Perkins EJ. Integrated approach to explore the mechanisms of aromatase inhibition and recovery in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 203:193-202. [PMID: 24704562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase, a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, is a key enzyme in estradiol synthesis that catalyzes the aromatization of androgens into estrogens in ovaries. Here, we used an integrated approach to assess the mechanistic basis of the direct effects of aromatase inhibition, as well as adaptation and recovery processes in fish. We exposed female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) via the water to 30 μg/L of a model aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole, during 8 days (exposure phase). Fish were then held in clean water for 8 more days (recovery phase). Samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, and 8 days of both the exposure and the recovery phases. Transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network inference were used to understand changes and infer connections at the transcript and metabolite level in the ovary. Apical endpoints directly indicative of endocrine function, such as plasma estradiol, testosterone, and vitellogenin levels were also measured. An integrated analysis of the data revealed changes in gene expression consistent with increased testosterone in fadrozole-exposed ovaries. Metabolites such as glycogen and taurine were strongly correlated with increased testosterone levels. Comparison of in vivo and ex vivo steroidogenesis data suggested the accumulation of steroidogenic enzymes, including aromatase, as a mechanism to compensate for aromatase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natàlia Garcia-Reyero
- Institute for Genomics Biocomputing and Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA.
| | - Drew R Ekman
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Athens, GA 30605, USA
| | - Tanwir Habib
- Badger Technical Services, San Antonio, TX 78216, USA
| | - Daniel L Villeneuve
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Timothy W Collette
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Athens, GA 30605, USA
| | - David C Bencic
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Ecological Exposures Research Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gerald T Ankley
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Edward J Perkins
- US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA
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