Molecular characterization and hormonal regulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 in goat ovarian granulosa cells

GATA4: Regulation of expression and functions in goat granulosa cells

GATA4 plays a pivotal role in the reproductive processes of mammals. However, the research on GATA4 in goat ovary is limited. This study aimed to study the expression and function of GATA4 in goat ovary. Utilizing real-time PCR and western blot analysis, we studied the expression and regulatory mechanisms of GATA4 in goat ovary and granulosa cells (GCs). We found that GATA4 was expressed in all follicle types in the goat ovary, with significantly higher levels in GCs of larger follicles (>3 mm) compared to those in smaller follicles (<3 mm). Additionally, we demonstrated that human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) induced GATA4 mRNA expression via the activation of PKA, MEK, p38 MAPK, PKC, and PI3K pathways in vitro. Our study also showed that hCG suppressed the levels of miR-200b and miR-429, which in turn directly target GATA4, thereby modulating the basal and hCG-induced expression of GATA4. Functionally, we examined the effect of siRNA-mediated GATA4 knockdown on cell proliferation and hormone secretion in goat GCs. Our results revealed that knockdown of GATA4, miR-200b, and miR-429 suppressed cell proliferation. Moreover, knockdown of GATA4 decreased estradiol and progesterone production by inhibiting the promoter activities of CYP11A1, CYP19A1, HSD3B, and StAR. Collectively, our findings suggest a critical involvement of GATA4 in regulating goat GC survival and steroidogenesis.

Human TIMP1 Is a Growth Factor That Improves Oocyte Developmental Competence

Oocyte developmental competence is the ability of a mature oocyte to be fertilized and subsequently support embryonic development. Such competence is gained during folliculogenesis and is facilitated by the bidirectional communication into a compacted cumulus-oocyte complex (COC). Human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP1) participates in biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of TIMP1 as a growth factor on the in vitro maturation (IVM) culture of bovine COCs to improve oocyte developmental competence. All TIMP1 treatments (50, 100, and 150 ng/mL) favored the COCs' compaction structure (p < 0.05). TIMP1 at 150 ng/mL produced more oocytes in metaphase II compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). The 150 ng/mL TIMP1 generated oocytes with the most (p < 0.05) cortical granules below the plasma membrane (pattern I). In a parthenogenesis assay, oocyte IVM in 50 ng/mL of TIMP1 produced the most blastocyst compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that 50 ng/mL of TIMP1 was the best condition to develop oocyte competence because it was associated with the COC compact and cortical granule pattern I. TIMP1 influences the development of oocyte competence when added to the IVM culture medium of COCs.

TIMP1 may affect goat prolificacy by regulating biological function of granulosa cells

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) is associated with animal reproductive processes, such as follicular growth, ovulation, luteinization, and embryo development in mammals. The purposes of this study were to explore the expression and localization of TIMP1 in the ovarian tissues and determine the effect of TIMP1 on the function of granulosa cells and the association of TIMP1 with lambing-related genes of the goats. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that TIMP1 protein was strongly expressed by granulosa cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that TIMP1 overexpression promoted the secretion of estradiol of granulosa cells after 12, 24, and 48 h of transfection. Moreover, in vitro experiments indicated that TIMP1 had the ability to promote the cell proliferation and elevate the transcriptional levels of four genes associated with goat prolificacy, including BMPR-1B, BMP15, GDF9, and FSHB, in granulosa cells. In conclusion, TIMP1 could be an important molecule in regulating reproductive performance of the goats by affecting estrogen secretion and cell proliferation, as well as the expression of lambing-related genes of granulosa cells in the goats.

Integrated analysis of proteomics and metabolomics in girls with central precocious puberty

BACKGROUND

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a multifactorial and complex condition. Traditional studies focusing on a single indicator cannot always elucidate this panoramic condition but these may be revealed by using omics techniques.

OBJECTIVE

Proteomics and metabolomics analysis of girls with CPP were compared to normal controls and the potential biomarkers and pathways involved were explored.

METHODS

Serum proteins and metabolites from normal girls and those with CPP were compared by LC-MS/MS. Multivariate and univariate statistical analysis were used to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis were performed by using GO and KEGG databases, and candidate markers were screened. Finally, bioinformatic analysis was used to integrate the results of proteomics and metabolomics to find the key differential proteins, metabolites and potential biomarkers of CPP.

RESULTS

134 DEPs were identified in girls with CPP with 71 up- and 63 down-regulated, respectively. Up-regulated proteins were enriched mainly in the extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and cellular protein metabolic processes, platelet degranulation and skeletal system development. The down-regulated proteins were mainly enriched in the immune response. Candidate proteins including MMP9, TIMP1, SPP1, CDC42, POSTN, COL1A1, COL6A1, COL2A1 and BMP1, were found that may be related to pubertal development. 103 DEMs were identified, including 42 up-regulated and 61 down-regulated metabolites which were mainly enriched in lipid and taurine metabolic pathways. KGML network analysis showed that phosphocholine (16:1(9Z)/16:1(9Z)) was involved in arachidonic acid, glycerophospholipid, linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid metabolism and it may be used as a biomarker of CPP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to integrate proteomics and metabolomics to analyze the serum of girls with CPP and we found some key differential proteins and metabolites as well as a potential biomarker for this condition. Lipid metabolism pathways are involved and these may provide a key direction to further explore the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of CPP.

Effects of adrenocorticotrophic hormone on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the bovine ovary

Cattle undergo numerous environmental and management stressors that reduce fertility and affect ovulation. The extracellular matrix of the follicle wall can be altered by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the activities of which are regulated by interleukins and tissue-specific inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), especially during ovulation. The aims of the present study were to: (1) evaluate changes in the hormone milieu, the localisation and activity of MMP2 and MMP9 and the localisation of MMP14, TIMP1 and TIMP2 in response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) during the preovulatory period in cows; and (2) determine the direct effects of ACTH on the mRNA expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in the cultured follicle wall of bovine ovaries obtained from an abattoir. 100IU ACTH was administered during pro-oestrus every 12h until ovariectomy, which was performed before ovulation. Cortisol concentrations in the plasma and follicular fluid (FF) of preovulatory follicles were higher in ACTH-treated than control cows. Progesterone presented subluteal concentrations in plasma of ACTH-treated cows (P<0.05). MMP2 immunostaining and activity in ovaries were higher in ACTH-treated than control cows (P<0.05), whereas MMP9 immunostaining was similar between the two groups. However, unlike in control cows, MMP9 activity was absent in the FF of ACTH-treated cows. These results suggest that the administration of ACTH during the preovulatory period in cows could cause changes that culminate in modifications in the content and activation of MMPs and TIMPs in the ovary, which could interfere with the ovulation process.

Expression of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-2 and TIMP-3) in the chicken ovary in relation to follicle development and atresia

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of peptidases that possess the ability to break down extracellular matrix macromolecules associated with tissue turnover in various physiological and pathological conditions. Their activity is largely regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). Information concerning the role of MMPs in the chicken ovary is very limited. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression and localization of selected members of the MMP system in different compartments of the laying hen ovary and to investigate whether their expression changes at different stages of the ovulatory cycle. MMP-2 and -9 activity was also examined. Expression of MMP-2, -9 and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-2 and -3) in the ovarian follicles was examined 22 h and 3 h before F1 ovulation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot revealed differential mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3 in the ovarian follicles: white, yellowish, small yellow, the largest preovulatory (F3-F1), and white atretic. Within the ovary, the relative expression of MMP and TIMP mRNA depended on follicle development, the layer of follicular wall, and ovulation stage. The relatively higher expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA in the ovarian follicles 3 h compared to 22 h before ovulation was found. As follicle development progressed toward ovulation, elevated MMP-2 and -9 activity was noted. Atresia of white follicles was accompanied by an increase in gelatinase activities. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated tissue- and follicle-dependent immunoreactivity of the examined MMPs and TIMPs. In summary, the results show tissue- and stage of the ovulatory cycle-dependent differences in MMP and TIMP expression, as well as MMP-2 and -9 activity. Findings that suggest these molecules might significantly participate in the complex remodeling of extracellular matrix required for follicle development, ovulation, and atresia in the chicken ovary.