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Uju CN, Unniappan S. Growth factors and female reproduction in vertebrates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112091. [PMID: 37863469 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Female reproductive efficiency is influenced by the outcomes of various processes, including folliculogenesis, apoptosis, response to gonadotropin signaling, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. The role of hormones in regulating these processes and other reproductive activities has been well established. It is becoming increasingly evident that in addition to well-characterized hormones, growth factors play vital roles in regulating some of these reproductive activities. Growth factors and their receptors are widely distributed in vertebrate ovaries at different stages of ovarian development, indicating their involvement in intraovarian reproductive functions. In the ovary, cell surface receptors allow growth factors to regulate intraovarian reproductive activities. Understanding these actions in the reproductive axis would provide a tool to target growth factors and/or their receptors to yield desirable reproductive outcomes. These include enrichment of in vitro maturation and fertilization culture media, and management of infertility. This review discusses some widely characterized growth factors belonging to the TGF, EGF, IGF, FGF, and BDNF family of peptides and their role in female reproduction in vertebrates, with a focus on mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinelo N Uju
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Suraj Unniappan
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada.
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Monaco CF, Plewes MR, Przygrodzka E, George JW, Qiu F, Xiao P, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Basic fibroblast growth factor induces proliferation and collagen production by fibroblasts derived from the bovine corpus luteum†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:367-380. [PMID: 37283496 PMCID: PMC10502575 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad065] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic regression of the ovarian corpus luteum, the endocrine gland responsible for progesterone production, involves rapid matrix remodeling. Despite fibroblasts in other systems being known for producing and maintaining extracellular matrix, little is known about fibroblasts in the functional or regressing corpus luteum. Vast transcriptomic changes occur in the regressing corpus luteum, among which are reduced levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) after 4 and 12 h of induced regression, when progesterone is declining and the microvasculature is destabilizing. We hypothesized that FGF2 activates luteal fibroblasts. Analysis of transcriptomic changes during induced luteal regression revealed elevations in markers of fibroblast activation and fibrosis, including fibroblast activation protein (FAP), serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1), and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1). To test our hypothesis, we treated bovine luteal fibroblasts with FGF2 to measure downstream signaling, type 1 collagen production, and proliferation. We observed rapid and robust phosphorylation of various signaling pathways involved in proliferation, such as ERK, AKT, and STAT1. From our longer-term treatments, we determined that FGF2 has a concentration-dependent collagen-inducing effect, and that FGF2 acts as a mitogen for luteal fibroblasts. FGF2-induced proliferation was greatly blunted by inhibition of AKT or STAT1 signaling. Our results suggest that luteal fibroblasts are responsive to factors that are released by the regressing bovine corpus luteum, an insight into the contribution of fibroblasts to the microenvironment in the regressing corpus luteum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrine F Monaco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs-Nebraska Western Iowa Healthcare System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Emilia Przygrodzka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jitu W George
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs-Nebraska Western Iowa Healthcare System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Fang Qiu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Peng Xiao
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs-Nebraska Western Iowa Healthcare System, Omaha, NE, USA
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Diel de Amorim M, Bramer SA, Rajamanickam GD, Klein C, Card C. Endometrial and luteal gene expression of putative gene regulators of the equine maternal recognition of pregnancy. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 245:107064. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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miR-2337 induces TGF-β1 production in granulosa cells by acting as an endogenous small activating RNA. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:253. [PMID: 34537818 PMCID: PMC8449777 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00644-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is essential for ovarian function and female fertility in mammals. Herein, we identified three completely linked variants, including two known variants referred to as c.1583A > G and c.1587A > G and the novel variant c.2074A > C in the porcine TGF-β1 3′-UTR. An important role of these variants in Yorkshire sow fertility was revealed. Variants c.1583A > G and c.1587A > G were located at the miRNA response element (MRE) of miR-2337 and affected miR-2337 regulation of TGF-β1 3′-UTR activity. Interestingly, miR-2337 induces, not reduces the transcription and production of TGF-β1 in granulosa cells (GCs). Mechanistically, miR-2337 enhances TGF-β1 promoter activity via the MRE motif in the core promoter region and alters histone modifications, including H3K4me2, H3K4me3, H3K9me2, and H3K9ac. In addition, miR-2337 controls TGF-β1-mediated activity of the TGF-β signaling pathway and GC apoptosis. Taken together, our findings identify miR-2337 as an endogenous small activating RNA (saRNA) of TGF-β1 in GCs, while miR-2337 is identified as a small activator of the TGF-β signaling pathway which is expected to be a new target for rescuing GC apoptosis and treating low fertility.
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Estradiol Upregulates the Expression of the TGF-β Receptors ALK5 and BMPR2 during the Gonadal Development of Schizothorax prenanti. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051365. [PMID: 34064919 PMCID: PMC8151950 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Schizothorax prenanti, known as the ya-fish, is mainly distributed in regions adjacent to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and is an endemic fish species with great economic importance in aquaculture in Western China. In the present study, we were aimed to explore the functions of ALK5 and BMPR2 during the gonadal development of S. prenanti. Our results suggest that ALK5 and BMPR2 may play a potentially vital role in both folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis in S. prenanti. Abstract TGF-β receptors play important roles in mediating TGF-β signals during gonadal development. To identify the functions of TGF-β receptors, including the type I receptor (activin receptor-like kinase 5, ALK5) and type II receptor (bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2, BMPR2), during the gonadal development of S. prenanti, the full-length cDNA sequences of ALK5 and BMPR2 were isolated and characterized. Their expression patterns in developing gonads and in the gonads of exogenous estradiol (E2) -fed fish were analyzed. The cDNAs of ALK5 and BMPR2 were 1925 bp and 3704 bp in length and encoded 501 and 1070 amino acid residues, respectively. ALK5 and BMPR2 were mostly expressed in gonads, particularly in cortical alveoli stage ovaries and mid-spermatogenic stage testes; however, the overall level of BMPR2 mRNA was higher than that of ALK5 during gonadal development. Furthermore, immunohistochemical signals of ALK5 and BMPR2 were mostly detected at chromatin nucleolar oocytes and perinuclear oocytes in ovaries and at spermatocytes and spermatogonia in testes. Exogenous E2 induces the gonadal expression of ALK5 and BMPR2, and BMPR2 is more responsive to E2 than ALK5. These results suggest that ALK5 and BMPR2 might play a potentially vital role in both folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis in S. prenanti.
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Hryciuk MM, Jewgenow K, Braun BC. Cloprostenol, a synthetic analog of prostaglandin F2α induces functional regression in cultured luteal cells of felids†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:137-147. [PMID: 33864060 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the effect of the synthetic analog of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)-cloprostenol-on cultured steroidogenic luteal cells of selected felid species over a 2-day culture period. The changes induced by cloprostenol were measured based on progesterone concentration and mRNA expression analysis of selected genes. Cloprostenol significantly reduced concentration of progesterone in cell culture medium of small luteal cells isolated from domestic cat corpora lutea (CL) at the development/maintenance stage (P < 0.05), but did not influence progesterone production in cultured cells from the regression stage. A decrease or complete silencing of progesterone production was also measured in cultured luteal cells of African lion (formation stage) and Javan leopard (development/maintenance stage). Gene-expression analysis by real-time PCR revealed that treatment with cloprostenol did not have an influence on expression of selected genes coding for enzymes of steroidogenesis (StAR, HSD3B, CYP11A1) or prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2, PGES), nor did it effect hormone receptors (AR, ESR1, PGR, PTGER2), an anti-oxidative enzyme (SOD1) or factors of cell apoptosis (FAS, CASP3, TNFRSF1B, BCL2) over the studied period. Significant changes were measured only for expressions of luteinizing hormone (P < 0.05), prolactin (P < 0.05) and PGF2α receptors (P < 0.005) (LHCGR, PRLR, and PTGFR). The obtained results confirm that PGF2α/cloprostenol is a luteolytic agent in CL of felids and its impact on progesterone production depends on the developmental stage of the CL. Cloprostenol short-term treatment on luteal cells was associated only with functional but not structural changes related to luteal regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał M Hryciuk
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Reproduction Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarina Jewgenow
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Reproduction Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate C Braun
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Reproduction Biology, Berlin, Germany
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miR-130a/TGF-β1 axis is involved in sow fertility by controlling granulosa cell apoptosis. Theriogenology 2020; 157:407-417. [PMID: 32871445 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
TGF-β1 is a ligand of the TGF-β superfamily and an important cytokine that regulates ovarian functions including follicular development, steroid production, ovulation, luteinization, and female fertility. However, little is known about the regulation of TGF-β1 expression in ovary. Here, we identified that TGF-β1 is a functional target of miR-130a in porcine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). The 3'-UTR sequence of TGF-β1 gene (1137 bp in length) in Large White (LW) pig was isolated, and multiple RNA regulatory elements (RREs), including several binding motifs of different miRNAs, were identified in this region. Luciferase activity assay showed that miR-130a dramatically suppresses the 3'-UTR luciferase activity of TGF-β1 gene, and further inhibits the expression of TGF-β1 in porcine GCs. FACS revealed that miR-130a acts as a pro-apoptotic factor and promotes GC apoptosis by inhibiting TGF-β1. Two novel linked mutations (-573G > A and -540T > C) were identified in the promoter region of ssc-miR-130a, but their polymorphisms are not associated with sow reproductive traits. Importantly, combined genotype analysis with a known mutation (c.1583 A > G) in the 3'-UTR of porcine TGF-β1 gene showed a significant association with reproductive performance in LW sow population. Overall, our findings defined a novel regulatory axis, miR-130a/TGF-β1 axis, which is involved in regulating sow fertility.
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Walewska E, Wołodko K, Skarzynski D, Ferreira-Dias G, Galvão A. The Interaction Between Nodal, Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Alpha, and Thrombospondin 1 Promotes Luteolysis in Equine Corpus Luteum. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:667. [PMID: 31632347 PMCID: PMC6779822 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of corpus luteus (CL) luteolysis is a complex process involving a myriad of factors. Previously, we have shown the involvement of Nodal in functional luteolysis in mares. Presently, we ask the extent of which Nodal mediation of luteolysis is done through regulation of angioregression. We demonstrated the interaction between Nodal and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF1α) and thrombospondin 1/thrombospondin receptor (TSP1/CD36) systems, could mediate angioregression during luteolysis. First, we demonstrated the inhibitory effect of Nodal on the vascular marker platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CD31). Also, treatment of mid CL explants with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) showed a trend on activin-like kinase 7 (Alk7) protein inhibition. Next, Nodal was also shown to activate HIF1α and in vitro culture of mid CL explants under decreased oxygen level promoted Nodal expression and SMAD family member 3 (Smad3) phosphorylation. In another experiment, the crosstalk between Nodal and TSP1/CD36 was investigated. Indeed, Nodal increased the expression of the anti-angiogenic TSP1 and its receptor CD36 in mid CL explants. Finally, the supportive effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on TSP1/CD36 was blocked by SB431542 (SB), a pharmacological inhibitor of Nodal signaling. Thus, we evidenced for the first time the in vitro interaction between Nodal and both HIF1α and TSP1 systems, two conserved pathways previously shown to be involved in vascular regression during luteolysis. Considering the given increased expression of Nodal in mid CL and its role on functional luteolysis, the current results suggest the additional involvement of Nodal in angioregression during luteolysis in the mare, particularly in the activation of HIF1α and TSP1/CD36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Walewska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karolina Wołodko
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dariusz Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Graça Ferreira-Dias
- The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Galvão
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
- *Correspondence: António Galvão
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