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Du X, Yu H, Wang Y, Liu J, Zhang Q. Comparative Studies on Duplicated foxl2 Paralogs in Spotted Knifejaw Oplegnathus punctatus Show Functional Diversification. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1847. [PMID: 37895196 PMCID: PMC10606028 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101847] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As a member of the forkhead box L gene family, foxl2 plays a significant role in gonadal development and the regulation of reproduction. During the evolution of deuterostome, whole genome duplication (WGD)-enriched lineage diversifications and regulation mechanisms occurs. However, only limited research exists on foxl2 duplication in teleost or other vertebrate species. In this study, two foxl2 paralogs, foxl2 and foxl2l, were identified in the transcriptome of spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus), which had varying expressions in the gonads. The foxl2 was expressed higher in the ovary, while foxl2l was expressed higher in the testis. Phylogenetic reconstruction, synteny analysis, and the molecular evolution test confirmed that foxl2 and foxl2l likely originated from the first two WGD. The expression patterns test using qRT-PCR and ISH as well as motif scan analysis revealed evidence of potentially functional divergence between the foxl2 and foxl2l paralogs in spotted knifejaw. Our results indicate that foxl2 and foxl2l may originate from the first two WGD, be active in transcription, and have undergone functional divergence. These results shed new light on the evolutionary trajectories of foxl2 and foxl2l and highlights the need for further detailed functional analysis of these two duplicated paralogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Du
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, Jining University, Jining 273155, China; (X.D.); (H.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, No. 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Haiyang Yu
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, Jining University, Jining 273155, China; (X.D.); (H.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, No. 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Yujue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, No. 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Jinxiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, No. 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Quanqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, No. 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.)
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Zhang X, Li J, Chen S, Yang N, Zheng J. Overview of Avian Sex Reversal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098284. [PMID: 37175998 PMCID: PMC10179413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination and differentiation are processes by which a bipotential gonad adopts either a testicular or ovarian cell fate, and secondary sexual characteristics adopt either male or female developmental patterns. In birds, although genetic factors control the sex determination program, sex differentiation is sensitive to hormones, which can induce sex reversal when disturbed. Although these sex-reversed birds can form phenotypes opposite to their genotypes, none can experience complete sex reversal or produce offspring under natural conditions. Promising evidence indicates that the incomplete sex reversal is associated with cell autonomous sex identity (CASI) of avian cells, which is controlled by genetic factors. However, studies cannot clearly describe the regulatory mechanism of avian CASI and sex development at present, and these factors require further exploration. In spite of this, the abundant findings of avian sex research have provided theoretical bases for the progress of gender control technologies, which are being improved through interdisciplinary co-operation and will ultimately be employed in poultry production. In this review, we provide an overview of avian sex determination and differentiation and comprehensively summarize the research progress on sex reversal in birds, especially chickens. Importantly, we describe key issues faced by applying gender control systems in poultry production and chronologically summarize the development of avian sex control methods. In conclusion, this review provides unique perspectives for avian sex studies and helps scientists develop more advanced systems for sex regulation in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuan Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sirui Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Meng T, Zhang W, Zhang R, Li J, Gao Y, Qin Y, Jiao X. Ovarian Reserve and ART Outcomes in Blepharophimosis-Ptosis-Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome Patients With FOXL2 Mutations. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:829153. [PMID: 35574016 PMCID: PMC9097277 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.829153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To characterize the status of ovarian reserve and ART outcomes in BPES women and provide informative reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods Twenty-one women with BPES were screened for mutations in the FOXL2 gene and underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Indicators for ovarian reserve and ART outcomes were compared between patients with and without FOXL2 mutations. Additionally, ART outcomes were compared among patients with different subtypes of FOXL2 mutations. Results A total of 13 distinct heterozygous variants in the FOXL2 gene were identified in 80.95% of BPES women, including 4 novel mutations with plausible pathogenicity (c.173_175dup, c.481C>T, c.576del and c.675_714del). Compared to non-mutation group, patients with FOXL2 mutations had elevated levels of FSH (P=0.007), decreased AMH levels (P=0.012) and less AFC (P=0.015). They also had worse ART outcomes with large amount of Gn dosage (P=0.008), fewer oocytes (P=0.001), Day3 good quality embryos (P=0.001) and good quality blastocysts (P=0.037), and a higher cancellation rate (P=0.272). High heterogeneity of ART outcomes existed in BPES patients with different FOXL2 mutation types. Conclusions BPES patients with FOXL2 mutations had diminished ovarian reserve and adverse ART outcomes. The genotype-reproductive phenotype correlations were highly heterogeneous and cannot be generalized. Genetic counseling for fertility planning and preimplantation or prenatal genetic diagnosis to reduce offspring inheritance are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenzhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Sun X, Niu X, Qin N, Shan X, Zhao J, Ma C, Xu R, Mishra B. Novel insights into the regulation of LATS2 kinase in prehierarchical follicle development via the Hippo pathway in hen ovary. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101454. [PMID: 34649058 PMCID: PMC8517930 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The large tumor suppressor homolog 2 (LATS2), one of the central regulators of the Hippo/MST signaling pathway, plays an inhibitory role in ovarian function and different organ development and growth in mammals. However, the exact roles and molecular regulatory mechanisms of LATS2 in chicken granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, differentiation, and steroidogenesis required for ovarian follicle growth, development, and follicular selection remain poorly understood. This study demonstrated that the LATS2 protein was predominantly localized in the oocytes and undifferentiated GCs of various-sized prehierarchical follicles of the hen ovary. Expression levels of LATS2 mRNA were significantly higher in the smaller follicles (from 1 mm to 5.9 mm in diameter) and the GCs than in the larger follicles (6–6.9 mm in diameter up to F1). Moreover, we found that high levels of LATS2 suppressed the GC proliferation and the mRNA and protein expression of the genes serving as the biomarkers of follicle selection, GC differentiation, and steroidogenesis in the GCs, including FSHR, STAR, CYP11A1, ESR1, and ESR2. Interestingly, the LATS2 significantly downregulated SAV1 and YAP1 transcripts but upregulated the expression of STK3, STK4, TEAD1, and TEAD3 mRNA. Our study provided evidences that STK3/4-LATS2-YAP1 not only acts as a suppressor of cell proliferation and follicle selection but also LATS2 may serve as an enhancer in cell proliferation and follicle selection through the YAP1-LATS2 and the LATS2-STK3/4 feedback loops by promoting the expression of TEAD1/3 but inhibiting the expression of SAV1 transcripts in the prehierarchical follicle development of hen ovary. Taken together, the present study initially revealed the pivotal role and molecular mechanism of LATS2 in the regulation of hen prehierarchical follicle development by controlling GC proliferation, differentiation, steroidogenesis, and follicle selection via the Hippo/MST signaling pathway.
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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; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xiaotian Niu
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; 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; 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; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Chang Ma
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; 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; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Birendra Mishra
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Zhu H, Qin N, Xu X, Sun X, Chen X, Zhao J, Xu R, Mishra B. Synergistic inhibition of csal1 and csal3 in granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis of hen ovarian prehierarchical development†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:986-1000. [PMID: 31350846 PMCID: PMC6877779 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SALL1 and SALL3 are transcription factors that play an essential role in regulating developmental processes and organogenesis in many species. However, the functional role of SALL1 and SALL3 in chicken prehierarchical follicle development is unknown. This study aimed to explore the potential role and mechanism of csal1 and csal3 in granulosa cell proliferation, differentiation, and follicle selection within the prehierarchical follicles of hen ovary. Our data demonstrated that the csal1 and csal3 transcriptions were highly expressed in granulosa cells of prehierarchical follicles, and their proteins were mainly localized in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells and oocytes as well as in the ovarian stroma and epithelium. It initially revealed that both csal1 and csal3 may be involved in chicken prehierarchical follicle development via a translocation mechanism. Furthermore, our results showed an abundance of CCND1, Bcat, StAR, CYP11A1, and FSHR mRNA in granulosa cells, and the proliferation levels of granulosa cells from the prehierarchical follicles were significantly increased by siRNA-mediated knockdown of csal1 or/and csal3. Conversely, the overexpression of csal1 or/and csal3 in the granulosa cells led to a remarkably decreased of them. Moreover, csal1 and csal3 together exert a much stronger effect on the regulation than any of csal1 or csal3. These results indicated that csal1 and csal3 play synergistic inhibitory roles on granulosa cell proliferation, differentiation, and steroidogenesis during prehierarchical follicle development in vitro. The current data provide a basis of molecular mechanisms of csal1 and csal3 in controlling the prehierarchical follicle development and growth of hen ovary in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Ning Qin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperative Joint Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxing Xu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperative Joint Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Rifu Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperative Joint Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Birendra Mishra
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Effects of RAC1 on Proliferation of Hen Ovarian Prehierarchical Follicle Granulosa Cells. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091589. [PMID: 32899947 PMCID: PMC7552126 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The growth and development of ovary follicles is an intricate, highly organized process involving many local intra-ovarian factors. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate1 (RAC1) is speculated to be associated with prehierarchical follicle development of hen ovaries. The current study initially revealed RAC1 mRNA to be expressed in varied-size follicles and stroma and its expression levels in the prehierarchical follicles of 1.0–3.9 mm, 6.0–6.9 mm and 7.0–8.0 mm in diameter were remarkably higher than the other groups. Moreover, RAC1 protein was mainly expressed in the oocytes and granulosa cells (GC), as well as in stromal tissues of the follicles. To understand the exact roles of the RAC1 gene in regulation of follicular GC proliferation and differentiation, siRNA interference and overexpression of the RAC1 gene were conducted. Our experiments demonstrated that the RAC1 gene can significantly promote the expression of mRNA and proteins of FSHR, CCND2, CYP11A1, PCNA and StAR genes in GC and directly elevate the proliferation of GC in vitro. These results indicated RAC1 played a crucial role in regulation of GC proliferation and differentiation and steroidogenesis during the development of prehierarchical follicles. This study provided a base for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological effect of RAC1 on the hen ovary follicle growth and development. Abstract RAC1 belongs to the small G protein Rho subfamily and is implicated in regulating gene expression, cell proliferation and differentiation in mammals and humans; nevertheless, the function of RAC1 in growth and development of hen ovarian follicles is still unclear. This study sought to understand the biological effects of RAC1 on granulosa cell (GC) proliferation and differentiation of hen ovarian prehierarchical follicles. Firstly, our results showed expression levels of RAC1 mRNA in the follicles with diameters of 7.0–8.0 mm, 6.0–6.9 mm and 1.0–3.9 mm were greater than other follicles (p < 0.05). The RAC1 protein was mainly expressed in oocyte and its around GCs and stromal tissues of the prehierarchical follicles by immunohistochemistry. Further investigation revealed the RAC1 gene remarkably enhanced the mRNA and protein expression levels of FSHR (a marker of follicle selection), CCND2 (a marker of cell-cycle progression and GC differentiation), PCNA (a marker of GC proliferation), StAR and CYP11A1 (markers of GC differentiation and steroidogenesis) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, our data demonstrated siRNA interference of RAC1 significantly reduced GC proliferation (p < 0.05), while RAC1 gene overexpression enhanced GC proliferation in vitro (p < 0.05). Collectively, this study provided new evidence that the biological effects of RAC1 on GC proliferation, differentiation and steroidogenesis of chicken ovary follicles.
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Qin N, Tyasi TL, Sun X, Chen X, Zhu H, Zhao J, Xu R. Determination of the roles of GREM1 gene in granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis of hen ovarian prehierarchical follicles. Theriogenology 2020; 151:28-40. [PMID: 32251937 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin genes are known members of the DAN family of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, but their functions and regulatory mechanisms in ovarian follicular development of chicken remain unknown. The current study was designed to investigate the mRNA expression patterns of gremlin1 gene (GREM1) and its protein location in the follicles sampled, and to explore the biological effect of GREM1 on the prehierarchical follicular development. This work revealed that chicken GREM1 mRNA exhibits a constant expression level across all the prehierarchical follicles (PFs) from 1-4 mm to 7-8 mm in diameter, and the preovulatory follicles (from F6 to F1) by using RT-qPCR (P > 0.05). The GREM1 protein is predominantly expressed in the oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) of the PFs by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that siRNA-mediated knockdown of GREM1 in the GCs resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation (P < 0.001); conversely, overexpression of GREM1 in the GCs led to a remarkable increase in cell proliferation (P < 0.001). Interestingly, the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D2 (CCND2) mRNA and proteins were notably increased when GREM1 expression was upregulated in the GCs (P < 0.01), however, the expression levels of CYP11A1 and StAR were markedly downregulated (P < 0.01). The current results showed that GREM1 gene plays a stimulatory role in GC proliferation during growth and development of the prehierarchical follicles in vitro but an inhibitory role in GC differentiation and steroidogenesis of the hen ovary follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Qin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Thobela Louis Tyasi
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- 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
| | - Rifu Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
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8
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Luo W, Gu L, Li J, Gong Y. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that knocking down FOXL2 affected cell proliferation, the cell cycle, and DNA replication in chicken pre-ovulatory follicle cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234795. [PMID: 32645018 PMCID: PMC7347172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is a single-exon gene encoding a forkhead transcription factor, which is mainly expressed in the ovary, eyelids and the pituitary gland. FOXL2 plays an essential role in ovarian development. To reveal the effects of FOXL2 on the biological process and gene expression of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), we established stable FOXL2-knockdown GCs and then analysed them using transcriptome sequencing. It was observed that knocking down FOXL2 affected the biological processes of cell proliferation, DNA replication, and apoptosis and affected cell cycle progression. FOXL2 knockdown promoted cell proliferation and DNA replication, decreased cell apoptosis, and promoted mitosis. In addition, by comparing the transcriptome after FOXL2 knockdown, we found a series of DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and related pathways. These results indicated that, through mediating these genes and pathways, the FOXL2 might induce the cell proliferation, cycle, and DNA replication, and play a key role during ovarian development and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Lantao Gu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinqiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, Fujian, China
| | - Yanzhang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * E-mail:
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9
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Weis-Banke SE, Lerdrup M, Kleine-Kohlbrecher D, Mohammad F, Sidoli S, Jensen ON, Yanase T, Nakamura T, Iwase A, Stylianou A, Abu-Rustum NR, Aghajanian C, Soslow R, Da Cruz Paula A, Koche RP, Weigelt B, Christensen J, Helin K, Cloos PAC. Mutant FOXL2 C134W Hijacks SMAD4 and SMAD2/3 to Drive Adult Granulosa Cell Tumors. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3466-3479. [PMID: 32641411 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mutant protein FOXL2C134W is expressed in at least 95% of adult-type ovarian granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) and is considered to be a driver of oncogenesis in this disease. However, the molecular mechanism by which FOXL2C134W contributes to tumorigenesis is not known. Here, we show that mutant FOXL2C134W acquires the ability to bind SMAD4, forming a FOXL2C134W/SMAD4/SMAD2/3 complex that binds a novel hybrid DNA motif AGHCAHAA, unique to the FOXL2C134W mutant. This binding induced an enhancer-like chromatin state, leading to transcription of nearby genes, many of which are characteristic of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. FOXL2C134W also bound hybrid loci in primary AGCT. Ablation of SMAD4 or SMAD2/3 resulted in strong reduction of FOXL2C134W binding at hybrid sites and decreased expression of associated genes. Accordingly, inhibition of TGFβ mitigated the transcriptional effect of FOXL2C134W. Our results provide mechanistic insight into AGCT pathogenesis, identifying FOXL2C134W and its interaction with SMAD4 as potential therapeutic targets to this condition. SIGNIFICANCE: FOXL2C134W hijacks SMAD4 and leads to the expression of genes involved in EMT, stemness, and oncogenesis in AGCT, making FOXL2C134W and the TGFβ pathway therapeutic targets in this condition. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/17/3466/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine E Weis-Banke
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mads Lerdrup
- Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Daniela Kleine-Kohlbrecher
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Faizaan Mohammad
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Toshihiko Yanase
- Seiwakai Muta Hospital, 3-9-1 Hoshikuma, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nakamura
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Anthe Stylianou
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nadeem R Abu-Rustum
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Carol Aghajanian
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Robert Soslow
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Arnaud Da Cruz Paula
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard P Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jesper Christensen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kristian Helin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark. .,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Paul A C Cloos
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark. .,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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10
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Hu J, Ke H, Luo W, Yang Y, Liu H, Li G, Qin Y, Ma J, Zhao S. A novel FOXL2 mutation in two infertile patients with blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 37:223-229. [PMID: 31823134 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01651-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is a rare, autosomal dominant disease. There are two clinical types of BPES: type I patients have eyelid abnormalities accompanied by infertility in affected females, while type II patients only display eyelid malformations. Previous studies have reported that the forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) gene mutations cause BPES. PURPOSE To identify plausible FOXL2 mutation in a Chinese family with BPES and infertility METHODS: Mutational screening of FOXL2 was performed in the affected members and 223 controls. Functional characterization of the novel mutation identified was carried out in vitro by luciferase reporter assay and subcellular localization experiment. RESULTS A novel heterozygous mutation c.188 T > A (p.I63N) in FOXL2 was identified in two BPES patients in this family. The mutation abolished the transcriptional repression of FOXL2 on the promoters of CYP19A1 and CCND2 genes, as shown by luciferase reporter assays. However, no dominant-negative effect was observed for the mutation, and it did not impact FOXL2 protein nuclear localization and distribution. CONCLUSIONS The mutation c.188 T > A (p.I63N) in FOXL2 might be causative for BPES and infertility in this family and further amplified the spectrum of FOXL2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yajuan Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Hongli Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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11
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Wu J, Miao C, Lv X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wang D. Estrogen regulates forkhead transcription factor 2 to promote apoptosis of human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 194:105418. [PMID: 31376461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary (GCTs) are the predominant form of ovarian stromal tumors and can lead to abnormally secreted estrogen hormones. Studies have reported that forkhead transcription factor 2 (FOXL2) inhibits estrogen synthesis and its gene mutation can lead to GCTs. We unexpected found that estrogen also regulates the expression level of FOXL2. High-dose estrogen increased the expression of FOXL2 in ovarian-like granulosa (KGN) cells at both the mRNA and protein levels. However, no research has reported on the molecular regulatory mechanism and function between estrogen and FOXL2 in the development of GCTs. In this research, FOXL2 was highly expressed in KGN cells and ovarian stromal tumor tissues. Deletion of FOXL2 increased the estrogen secretion in KGN cells. In turn, high-dose estrogen increased the FOXL2 expression levels. FOXL2 was phosphorylated by GPR30 (G protein coupled receptor)-Protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway upon estrogen stimulation. Estrogen inhibited cell migration and proliferation, while promoting cell apoptosis. Deletion of FOXL2 inhibited the influence of estrogen on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Results suggest that estrogen via regulating FOXL2 suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, PR China
| | - Chunlei Miao
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Lv
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, PR China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, PR China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, PR China
| | - Di Wang
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, PR China.
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12
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SMAD3 directly regulates cell cycle genes to maintain arrest in granulosa cells of mouse primordial follicles. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6513. [PMID: 31015579 PMCID: PMC6478827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42878-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primordial follicles, consisting of granulosa cell (GC)-enveloped oocytes are maintained in a state of developmental arrest until activated to grow. The mechanism that operates to maintain this arrested state in GCs is currently unknown. Here, we show the TGFβ-activated transcription factor SMAD3 is expressed in primordial GC nuclei alongside the cell cycle proteins, cyclin D2 (CCND2) and P27. Using neonatal C57/Bl6 mouse ovaries densely populated with primordial follicles, CCND2 protein co-localised and was detected in complex with P27 by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation, respectively. In the same tissue, SMAD3 co-precipitated with DNA sequences upstream of Ccnd2 and Myc transcription start sites implicating both as direct SMAD3 targets. In older ovaries follicle growth was associated with nuclear exclusion of SMAD3 and reduced P27 and CCND2 in GCs, alongside elevated Myc expression. Brief (2 H) exposure of neonatal ovaries to TGFβ1 (10 ng/ml) in vitro led to immediate dissociation of SMAD3 from the Ccnd2 and Myc promoters. This coincided with elevated Myc and phospho-S6, an indicator of mTOR signalling, followed by a small increase in mean primordial GC number after 48 H. These findings highlight a concentration-dependent role for TGFβ signalling in the maintenance and activation of primordial follicles, through SMAD-dependent and independent signalling pathways, respectively.
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13
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Xu R, Qin N, Xu X, Sun X, Chen X, Zhao J. Implication of SLIT3-ROBO1/ROBO2 in granulosa cell proliferation, differentiation and follicle selection in the prehierarchical follicles of hen ovary. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:1643-1657. [PMID: 30288875 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The SLIT/ROBO pathway has been implicated in prehierarchical follicular development of hen ovary by an intrafollicular autocrine and/or paracrine fashion. SLIT3, one of the key components of the SLIT/ROBO family, serves as a ligand that potentially interacts with the four receptors, ROBO1, ROBO2, ROBO3 and ROBO4. But the exact roles and regulatory mechanism of SLIT3 in chicken ovarian follicle development remain largely unclear. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential roles and molecular regulation of SLIT3 in granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, differentiation and follicle selection within the prehierarchical follicles of hen ovary. We found that SLIT3 interacts physically with the four ROBO receptors, but the expression of the ROBO1 and ROBO2 genes are more susceptible to the regulation of SLIT3 ligand than that of the ROBO3 and ROBO4 genes. Moreover, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of SLIT3 in the follicular GCs leads to a significant increase in cell proliferation. Conversely, overexpression of SLIT3 results in a remarkable reduction in GC proliferation. Furthermore, the overexpressed SLIT3 has notably decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHR), growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and cytochrome P450 11A1 (CYP11A1) in the GCs. These results indicated that SLIT3 may play an inhibitory effect on GC proliferation, differentiation and follicle selection, and these suppressive actions of SLIT3 in the GC proliferation can be prohibited by the siRNA-mediated knockdown of ROBO1 and ROBO2 receptors. The current data provide a basis for further investigation of molecular mechanisms of SLIT3-ROBO1/2 pathway in controlling the prehierarchical follicle development of the hen ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifu Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Avenue, No. 2888, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production and Product Quality Safety of Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130118, P. R. China
| | - Ning Qin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Avenue, No. 2888, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production and Product Quality Safety of Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130118, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxing Xu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, 96822, USA
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Avenue, No. 2888, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Avenue, No. 2888, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Avenue, No. 2888, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
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14
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Wang W, Wu K, Jia M, Sun S, Kang L, Zhang Q, Tang H. Dynamic Changes in the Global MicroRNAome and Transcriptome Identify Key Nodes Associated With Ovarian Development in Chickens. Front Genet 2018; 9:491. [PMID: 30405698 PMCID: PMC6206165 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of gene expression patterns during ovarian follicle development will advance our understanding of avian reproductive physiology and make it possible to improve laying performance. To gain insight into the molecular regulation of ovarian development, a systematic profiling of miRNAs and mRNAs at four key stages was conducted, using ovarian tissues from hens at 60 days of age (A), 100 days (B), 140 days-not yet laying (C), and 140 days-laying (D). Comparisons of consecutive stages yielded 73 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) (14 for B vs. A, 8 for C vs. B, and 51 for D vs. C) and 2596 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (51 for B vs. A, 20 for C vs. B, and 2579 for D vs. C). In addition, 174 DEMs (22 for C vs. A, 74 for D vs. A, and 78 for D vs. B) and 3205 DEGs (118 for C vs. A, 2284 for D vs. A, and 2882 for D vs. B) were identified between nonconsecutive stages. Some DEGs are involved in the Wnt and TGF-beta signaling pathways, which are known to affect ovarian development and ovulation. An integrative analysis of the miRNA and mRNA profiles identified 3166 putative miRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs containing 84 DEMs and 1047 DEGs. Functional annotation of the networks provides strong evidence that the miRNA regulatory networks may play vital roles in ovarian development and ovulation. Ten DEMs and 10 genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR. The candidate miRNA-mRNA pairs gga-miR-200a-3p-SFRP4, gga-miR-101-3p-BMP5, gga-miR-32-5p-FZD4, and gga-miR-458b-5p-CTNNB1 potentially associated with ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, China
| | - Keliang Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Meiting Jia
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, China
| | - Shuhong Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, China
| | - Li Kang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, China
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15
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Xu R, Qin N, Xu X, Sun X, Chen X, Zhao J. Inhibitory effect of SLIT2 on granulosa cell proliferation mediated by the CDC42-PAKs-ERK1/2 MAPK pathway in the prehierarchical follicles of the chicken ovary. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9168. [PMID: 29907785 PMCID: PMC6003946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27601-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The SLIT2 ligand and ROBO receptors of the SLIT/ROBO pathway are expressed in hen ovarian follicles and have been shown to play critical roles in ovary development, cell proliferation and apoptosis in mammals. However, the exact roles of SLIT2 and the molecular mechanisms of chicken follicle development remain poorly understood. Here, we discovered that high levels of SLIT2 suppress FSHR, GDF9, STAR and CYP11A1 mRNA and protein expression in granulosa cells (GCs) and cell proliferation (p < 0.01). However, these inhibitory effects can be abolished by the siRNA-mediated knockdown of the ROBO1 and ROBO2 receptors. Furthermore, the activity of CDC42, which is a key Rho GTPase in the SLIT/ROBO pathway, is regulated by the ligand SLIT2 because the intrinsic GTPase activation activity of CDC42 is activated or repressed by regulating SRGAP1 expression (p < 0.01). The effects of the SLIT2 overexpression on GC proliferation and phosphorylation of the B-RAF, RAF1 and ERK1/2 kinases were completely abrogated by knocking down endogenous PAK1 and partially abrogated by the knockdown of PAK2 and PAK3 in the GCs. Collectively, our findings indicate that SLIT2 suppresses GC proliferation, differentiation and follicle selection mainly by a mechanism involving ROBO1 and ROBO2 and that this suppression is mediated by the CDC42-PAKs-ERK1/2 MAPK signaling cascade in the prehierarchical follicles of the chicken ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifu Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Production and Product Quality Safety of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ning Qin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Production and Product Quality Safety of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxing Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China
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16
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Belli M, Iwata N, Nakamura T, Iwase A, Stupack D, Shimasaki S. FOXL2C134W-Induced CYP19 Expression via Cooperation With SMAD3 in HGrC1 Cells. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1690-1703. [PMID: 29471425 PMCID: PMC6238151 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-03207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Germline knockout studies in female mice demonstrated an essential role for forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) in early follicle development, whereas an inducible granulosa cell (GC)-specific deletion of Foxl2 in adults has shown ovary-to-testis somatic sex reprogramming. In women, over 120 different germline mutations in the FOXL2 gene have been shown to cause blepharophimosis/ptosis/epicantus inversus syndrome associated with or without primary ovarian insufficiency. By contrast, a single somatic mutation (FOXL2C134W) accounts for almost all adult-type GC tumors (aGCTs). To test the hypothesis that FOXL2C134W differentially regulates the expression of aGCT markers, we investigated the effect of FOXL2C134W on inhibin B and P450 aromatase expression using a recently established human GC line (HGrC1), which we now show to bear two normal alleles of FOXL2. Neither FOXL2wt nor FOXL2C134W regulate INHBB messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. However, FOXL2C134W selectively displays a 50-fold induction of CYP19 mRNA expression dependent upon activin A. Mechanistically, the CYP19 promoter is activated in a similar way by FOXL2C134W interaction with SMAD3, but not by FOXL2wt. SMAD2 had no effect. Moreover, FOXL2C134W interactions with SMAD3 and with the FOX binding element located at -199 bp upstream of the ATG initiation codon of CYP19 are more sustainable than FOXL2wt. Thus, FOXL2C134W potentiates CYP19 expression in HGrC1 cells via enhanced recruitment of SMAD3 to a proximal FOX binding element. These findings may explain the pathophysiology of estrogen excess in patients with aGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Belli
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Nahoko Iwata
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tomoko Nakamura
- Center for Maternal-Perinatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Iwase
- Center for Maternal-Perinatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Dwayne Stupack
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Shunichi Shimasaki
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Correspondence: Shunichi Shimasaki, PhD, Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093. E-mail:
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17
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Wang J, Gong Y. Transcription of CYP19A1 is directly regulated by SF-1 in the theca cells of ovary follicles in chicken. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 247:1-7. [PMID: 28347743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have suggested the important role of estrogen in ovarian differentiation and development of vertebrates including chicken. Cytochrome P450 aromatase, encoded by CYP19A1, is a key enzyme in estrogen synthesis, but the mechanism of CYP19A1 regulation in chicken remains unknown. Here, we found that CYP19A1 was only expressed in the theca cell layers of chicken ovary follicles. Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1, also named as nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1, NR5A1), a potential regulators, was expressed in both the theca cell layers and granulosa cell layers. Forkheadbox L2 (FOXL2), another potential regulator, was only expressed in the granulosa cell layers. Using luciferase assays in vitro, we found that SF-1 could activate the promoter of CYP19A1 by binding to the nuclear receptor half-site (5'-TCAAGGTCA-3') from -280 to -271 base pairs. FOXL2 did not activate the promoter of chicken CYP19A1 gene in either 293T or DF-1 cells. Overexpression of SF-1 in DF-1 cells upregulated aromatase expression, but FOXL2 could not. Taken together, our results indicated that SF-1 activates CYP19A1 mRNA expression via a conserved binding site in chicken ovary, but FOXL2 may not affect the expression of CYP19A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanzhang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
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Expression analysis of microRNAs and mRNAs in ovarian granulosa cells after microcystin-LR exposure. Toxicon 2017; 129:11-19. [PMID: 28161121 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Microcystin is a cyclic heptapeptide compounds which could cause female mammals' reproductive toxicity. Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) are essential for the growth and development of follicles. In this study, after mouse granulosa cells (mGCs) treated with microcystin-LR (MC-LR) for 48 h, microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs microarray technology were adopted to detect the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs. The results showed that 125 miRNAs and 283 mRNAs changed significantly, including 50 miRNAs down-regulated (fold change < -1.2), 75 miRNAs up-regulated (fold change > 1.2), 162 mRNAs down-regulated (fold change < -1.15) and 121 mRNAs up-regulated (fold change > 1.15) in treated group compared with the control group. Functional analysis showed that significant changed miRNAs and mRNAs are mainly involved in proliferation, apoptosis, immunity, metabolism and other biological processes of mGCs. By KEGG pathways analysis, we found that differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs mainly participated in apoptosis, formation of cancer, proliferation, production of hormones and other related signal pathways. miRNA-gene network analysis indicated that miR-29b-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-1906, miR-182-5p, growth factor receptor bound protein 2-associated protein 2 (Gab2), FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (Fos), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), mannosidase 1, alpha (Man1a) are key miRNAs and genes. The microarray results were validated by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).
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Hirano M, Wada-Hiraike O, Fu H, Akino N, Isono W, Sakurabashi A, Fukuda T, Morita Y, Tanikawa M, Miyamoto Y, Nishi Y, Yanase T, Harada M, Oishi H, Yano T, Koga K, Oda K, Kawana K, Fujii T, Osuga Y. The Emerging Role of FOXL2 in Regulating the Transcriptional Activation Function of Estrogen Receptor β. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:133-141. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719116651150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mana Hirano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Wada-Hiraike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Houju Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nana Akino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Isono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Sakurabashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Fukuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michihiro Tanikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Miyamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nishi
- Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yanase
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Oishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsu Yano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Oda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Kawana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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The Hippo/MST Pathway Member SAV1 Plays a Suppressive Role in Development of the Prehierarchical Follicles in Hen Ovary. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160896. [PMID: 27505353 PMCID: PMC4978403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo/MST signaling pathway is a critical player in controlling cell proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptosis of most tissues and organs in diverse species. Previous studies have shown that Salvador homolog 1 (SAV1), a scaffolding protein which functions in the signaling system is expressed in mammalian ovaries and play a vital role in governing the follicle development. But the exact biological effects of chicken SAV1 in prehierarchical follicle development remain poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that the SAV1 protein is predominantly expressed in the oocytes and undifferentiated granulosa cells in the various sized prehierarchical follicles of hen ovary, and the endogenous expression level of SAV1 mRNA appears down-regulated from the primordial follicles to the largest preovulatory follicles (F2-F1) by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Moreover, we found the intracellular SAV1 physically interacts with each of the pathway members, including STK4/MST1, STK3/MST2, LATS1 and MOB2 using western blotting. And SAV1 significantly promotes the phosphorylation of LATS1 induced by the kinase of STK4 or STK3 in vitro. Furthermore, SAV1 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly increased proliferation of granulosa cells from the prehierarchical follicles (6-8 mm in diameter) by BrdU-incorporation assay, in which the expression levels of GDF9, StAR and FSHR mRNA was notably enhanced. Meanwhile, these findings were consolidated by the data of SAV1 overexpression. Taken together, the present results revealed that SAV1 can inhibit proliferation of the granulosa cells whereby the expression levels of GDF9, StAR and FSHR mRNA were negatively regulated. Accordingly, SAV1, as a member of the hippo/MST signaling pathway plays a suppressive role in ovarian follicle development by promoting phosphorylation and activity of the downstream LATS1, may consequently lead to prevention of the follicle selection during ovary development.
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Cooperative Effects of FOXL2 with the Members of TGF-β Superfamily on FSH Receptor mRNA Expression and Granulosa Cell Proliferation from Hen Prehierarchical Follicles. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141062. [PMID: 26496659 PMCID: PMC4619702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is a member of the forkhead nuclear factor 3 gene family and plays an essential role in ovarian growth and maturation in mammals. However, its potential effects and regulative mechanism in development of chicken ovarian prehierarchical follicles remain unexplored. In this study, the cooperative effects of FOXL2 with activin A, growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and follistatin, three members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily that were previously suggested to exert a critical role in follicle development was investigated. We demonstrated herein, using in-situ hybridization, Northern blot and immunohistochemical analyses of oocytes and granulosa cells in various sizes of prehierarchical follicles that both FOXL2 transcripts and FOXL2 proteins are predominantly expressed in a highly similar expression pattern to that of GDF9 gene. In addition, the FOXL2 transcript was found at lower levels in theca cells in the absence of GDF9. Furthermore, culture of granulosa cells (GCs) from the prehierarchical follicles (6–8 mm) in conditioned medium revealed that in the pcDNA3.0-FOXL2 transfected GCs, there was a more dramatic increase in FSHR mRNA expression after treatment with activin A (10 ng/ml) or GDF9 (100 ng/ml) for 24 h which caused a stimulatory effect on the GC proliferation. In contrast, a significant decrease of FSHR mRNA was detected after treatment with follistatin (50 ng/ml) and resulted in an inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation. The results of this suggested that FOXL2 plays a bidirectional modulating role involved in the intracellular FSHR transcription and GC proliferation via an autocrine regulatory mechanism in a positive or negative manner through cooperation with activin A and/or GDF9, and follistatin in the hen follicle development. This cooperative action may be mediated by the examined Smad signals and simultaneously implicated in modulation of the StAR, CCND2, and CYP11A1 expression.
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22
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Qin N, Liu Q, Zhang YY, Fan XC, Xu XX, Lv ZC, Wei ML, Jing Y, Mu F, Xu RF. Association of novel polymorphisms of forkhead box L2 and growth differentiation factor-9 genes with egg production traits in local Chinese Dagu hens. Poult Sci 2015; 94:88-95. [PMID: 25577797 DOI: 10.3382/ps/peu023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) genes have critical roles in the regulation of hen ovarian development. In the present study, these genes were explored as possible molecular markers associated with BW, hen-housed egg production, and egg weight in Chinese Dagu hens. Samples were analyzed using the PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique followed by sequencing analysis, and two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within these candidate genes. Among them, an A/G transition at base position 238 in the coding region of the FOXL2 gene and a G/T transversion at base position 1609 in exon 2 of the GDF9 gene were found to be polymorphic and named SNPs A238G and G1609T, respectively. The SNP A238G (FOXL2) leads to a nonsynonymous substitution (isoleucine77-to-valine), and when the 360 Dagu hen samples were divided into genotypes AA and AB, allele A was found to be present at a higher frequency. Furthermore, the AA genotype correlated with significantly higher hen-housed egg production at 30, 43, 57, and 66 wk of age and with a higher egg weight at 43 wk (P<0.05). For the SNP G1609T (GDF9), the hens were typed into TT and TC genotypes, with the T allele shown to be dominant. The TC genotype was also markedly correlated with higher hen-housed egg production and a higher egg weight (P<0.05). Moreover, four haplotypes were reconstructed based on these two SNPs, with the AATC haplotype found to be correlated with the highest hen-housed egg production at 30 to 66 wk of age and with higher egg weights at 43 wk (P<0.05). Collectively, the two SNPs identified in this study might be used as possible genetic molecular markers to aid in the improvement of egg production traits in chicken breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Qin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Q Liu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Y Y Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - X C Fan
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - X X Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 130118, Hubei, China
| | - Z C Lv
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - M L Wei
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Y Jing
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - F Mu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - R F Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
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23
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Liu Z, Ren YA, Pangas SA, Adams J, Zhou W, Castrillon DH, Wilhelm D, Richards JS. FOXO1/3 and PTEN Depletion in Granulosa Cells Promotes Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumor Development. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1006-24. [PMID: 26061565 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The forkhead box (FOX), FOXO1 and FOXO3, transcription factors regulate multiple functions in mammalian cells. Selective inactivation of the Foxo1 and Foxo3 genes in murine ovarian granulosa cells severely impairs follicular development and apoptosis causing infertility, and as shown here, granulosa cell tumor (GCT) formation. Coordinate depletion of the tumor suppressor Pten gene in the Foxo1/3 strain enhanced the penetrance and onset of GCT formation. Immunostaining and Western blot analyses confirmed FOXO1 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) depletion, maintenance of globin transcription factor (GATA) 4 and nuclear localization of FOXL2 and phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 2/3 in the tumor cells, recapitulating results we observed in human adult GCTs. Microarray and quantitative PCR analyses of mouse GCTs further confirmed expression of specific genes (Foxl2, Gata4, and Wnt4) controlling granulosa cell fate specification and proliferation, whereas others (Emx2, Nr0b1, Rspo1, and Wt1) were suppressed. Key genes (Amh, Bmp2, and Fshr) controlling follicle growth, apoptosis, and differentiation were also suppressed. Inhbb and Grem1 were selectively elevated, whereas reduction of Inha provided additional evidence that activin signaling and small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 2/3 phosphorylation impact GCT formation. Unexpectedly, markers of Sertoli/epithelial cells (SRY [sex determining region Y]-box 9/keratin 8) and alternatively activated macrophages (chitinase 3-like 3) were elevated in discrete subpopulations within the mouse GCTs, indicating that Foxo1/3/Pten depletion not only leads to GCTs but also to altered granulosa cell fate decisions and immune responses. Thus, analyses of the Foxo1/3/Pten mouse GCTs and human adult GCTs provide strong evidence that impaired functions of the FOXO1/3/PTEN pathways lead to dramatic changes in the molecular program within granulosa cells, chronic activin signaling in the presence of FOXL2 and GATA4, and tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Liu
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Yi A Ren
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Stephanie A Pangas
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jaye Adams
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Diego H Castrillon
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - JoAnne S Richards
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
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24
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A novel FOXL2 mutation in a Chinese family with blepharophimosis, ptosis, epicanthus inversus syndrome. Hum Genome Var 2015; 2:15008. [PMID: 27081523 PMCID: PMC4785579 DOI: 10.1038/hgv.2015.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blepharophimosis, ptosis, epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by a narrowed horizontal palpehral aperture, ptosis, epicanthus inversus and telecanthus with or without premature ovarian failure. Mutations in the forkhead transcription factor 2 (FOXL2) have been shown to be responsible for BPES. We performed direct sequencing of the FOXL2 gene for molecular investigation of a Chinese family with BPES. A novel duplication mutation (c.858_868dup), resulting in a truncated protein, was detected.
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25
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Wang T, Li F, Tang S. MiR-30a upregulates BCL2A1, IER3 and cyclin D2 expression by targeting FOXL2. Oncol Lett 2014; 9:967-971. [PMID: 25621074 PMCID: PMC4301489 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXL2 is a transcription factor that is essential for ovarian development. Somatic mutations of FOXL2 are associated with ovarian granulosa cell tumorigenesis. In the present study, the expression of FOXL2 was suppressed by microRNAs using the Ago2 knockdown method in COV434 cells. Online bioinformatics tools were utilized to predict that FOXL2 expression may be repressed by miR-30 family members, and dual luciferase assay and western blotting were performed to demonstrate that FOXL2 is a target gene of miR-30a, which is relatively abundant in COV434 cells. Furthermore, miR-30a overexpression upregulates BCL2A1, IER3 and cyclin D2 expression by inhibiting FOXL2. miR-30a is known to function as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer, small cell lung cancer and colorectal carcinoma; however, the present study revealed an opposing function of miR-30a as an oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tairen Wang
- Institute of Plastic Surgery, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P.R. China
| | - Fei Li
- Institute of Plastic Surgery, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P.R. China
| | - Shengjian Tang
- Institute of Plastic Surgery, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P.R. China
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26
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Georges A, Auguste A, Bessière L, Vanet A, Todeschini AL, Veitia RA. FOXL2: a central transcription factor of the ovary. J Mol Endocrinol 2014; 52:R17-33. [PMID: 24049064 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is a gene encoding a forkhead transcription factor preferentially expressed in the ovary, the eyelids and the pituitary gland. Its germline mutations are responsible for the blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome, which includes eyelid and mild craniofacial defects associated with primary ovarian insufficiency. Recent studies have shown the involvement of FOXL2 in virtually all stages of ovarian development and function, as well as in granulosa cell (GC)-related pathologies. A central role of FOXL2 is the lifetime maintenance of GC identity through the repression of testis-specific genes. Recently, a highly recurrent somatic FOXL2 mutation leading to the p.C134W subtitution has been linked to the development of GC tumours in the adult, which account for up to 5% of ovarian malignancies. In this review, we summarise data on FOXL2 modulators, targets, partners and post-translational modifications. Despite the progresses made thus far, a better understanding of the impact of FOXL2 mutations and of the molecular aspects of its function is required to rationalise its implication in various pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Georges
- CNRS UMR 7592, Institut Jacques Monod, 15 Rue Hélène Brion, 75013 Paris, France Université Paris Diderot, Paris VII, Paris, France
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27
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Crespo B, Lan-Chow-Wing O, Rocha A, Zanuy S, Gómez A. foxl2 and foxl3 are two ancient paralogs that remain fully functional in teleosts. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 194:81-93. [PMID: 24045113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
FOXL2 is a forkhead transcription factor involved in mammalian development and regulation of reproduction. Two foxl2 paralogs, foxl2a and foxl2b, have been described in various teleost species and were considered as fish-specific duplicates. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of foxl2a (foxl2) and foxl2b (foxl3) in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), together with the identification of these two genes in non-teleost genomes. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses indicate that these paralogs originated from an ancient genome duplication event that happened long before the teleost specific duplication. While foxl2/foxl2a has been maintained in most vertebrate lineages, foxl2b, which we propose to rename as foxl3, was repeatedly lost in tetrapods. Gonadal expression patterns of the sea bass genes point to a strong sexual dimorphism, and the mRNA levels of foxl2 in ovary and foxl3 in testis vary significantly during the reproductive cycle. When overexpressed in cultured ovarian follicular cells, foxl2 and foxl3 produced functional transcription factors able to control the expression of reproduction-related genes. Taken together, these data suggest that Foxl2 may play a conserved role in ovarian maturation, while Foxl3 could be involved in testis physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Crespo
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 12595 Torre la Sal, Ribera de Cabanes s/n, Castellón, Spain
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28
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Kim JH, Bae J. Differential apoptotic and proliferative activities of wild-type FOXL2 and blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES)-associated mutant FOXL2 proteins. J Reprod Dev 2013; 60:14-20. [PMID: 24240106 PMCID: PMC3958583 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXL2 is an essential transcription factor that is required for proper development of
the ovary and eyelid. Mutations in FOXL2 cause an autosomal dominant genetic disorder,
blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). BPES type I patients have
eyelid malformation and premature ovarian failure leading to infertility, whereas women
with type II BPES are fertile or subfertile. In the present study, we evaluated and
compared apoptotic and antiproliferative activities of wild-type (WT) and mutant FOXL2
proteins found in BPES type I and II in human granulosa cell tumor-derived KGN cells.
Ectopic expression of WT FOXL2 induced apoptosis and inhibited cell cycle progression in
human granulosa cells. In contrast, mutated FOXL2s found in BPES type I significantly
reduced these activities, whereas mutated FOXL2s in BPES type II showed intermediate
activities. Furthermore, mutant FOX L2 proteins were defective in activating transcription
of target genes including Caspase 8, TNF-R1,
FAS, p21, and BMP4, which regulate
apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation of granulosa cells. Thus, decreased
apoptotic and antiproliferative activities caused by mutant forms of FOXL2 found in BPES
patients may at least partially contribute to the pathophysiology of ovarian
dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
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Dai A, Sun H, Fang T, Zhang Q, Wu S, Jiang Y, Ding L, Yan G, Hu Y. MicroRNA-133b stimulates ovarian estradiol synthesis by targeting Foxl2. FEBS Lett 2013; 587:2474-82. [PMID: 23810756 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead L2 (Foxl2) is expressed in ovarian granulosa cells and participates in steroidogenesis by transcriptionally regulating target genes such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and CYP19A1. In this study, a direct link between microRNA-133b (miR-133b) and Foxl2-mediated estradiol release in granulosa cells was established. miR-133b was involved in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced estrogen production. Luciferase assays confirmed that miR-133b was bound to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of Foxl2 mRNA. Consistent with this finding, miR-133b overexpression reduced the Foxl2 levels. Furthermore, miR-133b inhibited Foxl2 binding to the StAR and CYP19A1 promoter sequences. These results demonstrate that miR-133b down-regulates Foxl2 expression in granulosa cells by directly targeting the 3'UTR, thus inhibiting the Foxl2-mediated transcriptional repression of StAR and CYP19A1to promote estradiol production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anyi Dai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, PR China
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McTavish KJ, Nonis D, Hoang YD, Shimasaki S. Granulosa cell tumor mutant FOXL2C134W suppresses GDF-9 and activin A-induced follistatin transcription in primary granulosa cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 372:57-64. [PMID: 23567549 PMCID: PMC3669547 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A single somatic FOXL2 mutation (FOXL2(C134W)) was identified in almost all granulosa cell tumor (GCT) patients. In the pituitary, FOXL2 and Smad3 coordinately regulate activin stimulation of follistatin transcription. We explored whether a similar regulation occurs in the ovary, and whether FOXL2(C134W) has altered activity. We show that in primary granulosa cells, GDF-9 and activin increase Smad3-mediated follistatin transcription. In contrast to findings in the pituitary, FOXL2 negatively regulates GDF-9 and activin-stimulated follistatin transcription in the ovary. Knockdown of endogenous FOXL2 confirmed this inhibitory role. FOXL2(C134W) displayed enhanced inhibitory activity, completely ablating GDF-9 and activin-induced follistatin transcription. GDF-9 and activin activity was lost when either the smad binding element or the forkhead binding element were mutated, indicating that both sites are required for Smad3 actions. This study highlights that FOXL2 negatively regulates follistatin expression within the ovary, and that the pathogenesis of FOXL2(C134W) may involve an altered interaction with Smad3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten J McTavish
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0633, USA
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The molecular genetics of avian sex determination and its manipulation. Genesis 2013; 51:325-36. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Bernard DJ, Tran S. Mechanisms of activin-stimulated FSH synthesis: the story of a pig and a FOX. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:78. [PMID: 23426431 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.107797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins were discovered and, in fact, named more than a quarter century ago based on their abilities to stimulate pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and secretion. However, it is only in the last decade that we have finally come to understand their underlying mechanisms of action in gonadotroph cells. In this minireview, we chronicle the research that led to the recent discovery of forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) as an essential mediator of activin-regulated FSH beta subunit (Fshb) transcription in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Kuo FT, Fan K, Bentsi-Barnes I, Barlow GM, Pisarska MD. Mouse forkhead L2 maintains repression of FSH-dependent genes in the granulosa cell. Reproduction 2012; 144:485-94. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The forkhead transcription factor forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is expressed in granulosa cells of small and medium follicles in the mouse ovary.Foxl2female knockout mice exhibit primordial follicle depletion and primary ovarian failure, but evidence from adult female conditionalFoxl2knockout mice suggests that FOXL2 may also play a significant role in maintenance of ovarian differentiation at stages beyond the primordial follicle and initial wave of folliculogenesis. We previously showed that human FOXL2 functions as a transcriptional repressor of several key genes involved in granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), P450aromatase (CYP19A1(CYP19)), P450scc (CYP11A1(CYP11A)), and cyclin D2 (CCND2). To elucidate the role of mouse FOXL2, we determined its role in transcriptional regulation in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and then confirmed our findings in mouse granulosa cells. We found that mouse FOXL2 represses the activities of the mouseStar,Cyp19a1,Cyp11a1promoters in CHO cells, but may not repress theCcnd2promoter, and identified the minimal mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1promoter regions responsive to FOXL2 regulation. We then knocked downFoxl2in mouse granulosa cells using siRNA, which resulted in significantly increased expression levels of mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1but notCcnd2. To increaseFoxl2expression levels, we generated a mouseFoxl2lentiviral construct and used it to infect mouse granulosa cells. Following lentiviral infection, the expression levels of mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1, but notCcnd2, decreased significantly. These data confirm that mouse FOXL2 functions as a transcriptional repressor of key granulosa cell genes that influence ovarian development.
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Ayers KL, Sinclair AH, Smith CA. The molecular genetics of ovarian differentiation in the avian model. Sex Dev 2012; 7:80-94. [PMID: 22986345 DOI: 10.1159/000342358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In birds as in mammals, sex is determined at fertilization by the inheritance of sex chromosomes. However, sexual differentiation - development of a male or female phenotype - occurs during embryonic development. Sex differentiation requires the induction of sex-specific developmental pathways in the gonads, resulting in the formation of ovaries or testes. Birds utilize a different sex chromosome system to that of mammals, where females are the heterogametic sex (carrying Z and W chromosomes), while males are homogametic (carrying 2 Z chromosomes). Therefore, while some genes essential for testis and ovarian development are conserved, important differences also exist. Namely, the key mammalian male-determining factor SRY does not exist in birds, and another transcription factor, DMRT1, plays a central role in testis development. In contrast to our understanding of testis development, ovarian differentiation is less well-characterized. Given the presence of a female-specific chromosome, studies in chicken will provide insight into the induction and function of female-specific gonadal pathways. In this review, we discuss sexual differentiation in chicken embryos, with emphasis on ovarian development. We highlight genes that may play a conserved role in this process, and discuss how interaction between ovarian pathways may be regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic. 3052, Australia
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Kuo FT, Bentsi-Barnes IK, Barlow GM, Pisarska MD. Mutant Forkhead L2 (FOXL2) proteins associated with premature ovarian failure (POF) dimerize with wild-type FOXL2, leading to altered regulation of genes associated with granulosa cell differentiation. Endocrinology 2011; 152:3917-29. [PMID: 21862621 PMCID: PMC3176639 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure in the autosomal dominant disorder blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus is due to mutations in the gene encoding Forkhead L2 (FOXL2), producing putative truncated proteins. We previously demonstrated that FOXL2 is a transcriptional repressor of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), P450SCC (CYP11A), P450aromatase (CYP19), and cyclin D2 (CCND2) genes, markers of ovarian follicle proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, we found that mutations of FOXL2 may regulate wild-type FOXL2, leading to loss of transcriptional repression of CYP19, similar to StAR. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying these premature ovarian failure-associated mutations remain largely unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of a FOXL2 mutant protein on the transcriptional repression of the CYP19 promoter by the full-length protein. We found that mutant FOXL2 exerts a dominant-negative effect on the repression of CYP19 by wild-type FOXL2. Both wild-type and mutant FOXL2 and can form homo- and heterodimers. We identified a minimal -57-bp human CYP19 promoter containing two potential FOXL2-binding regions and found that both wild-type and mutant FOXL2 can bind to either of these regions. Mutational analysis revealed that either site is sufficient for transcriptional repression by wild-type FOXL2, and the dominant-negative effect of mutant FOXL2, but these are eliminated when both sites are mutated. These findings confirm that mutant FOXL2 exerts a dominant-negative effect on wild-type FOXL2's activity as a transcriptional repressor of key genes in ovarian follicle differentiation and suggest that this is likely due to heterodimer formation and possibly also competition for DNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Ting Kuo
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8635 West Third Street, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
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Pisarska MD, Barlow G, Kuo FT. Minireview: roles of the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2 in granulosa cell biology and pathology. Endocrinology 2011; 152:1199-208. [PMID: 21248146 PMCID: PMC3206711 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead transcription factor (FOXL2) is an essential transcription factor in the ovary. It is important in ovarian development and a key factor in female sex determination. In addition, FOXL2 plays a significant role in the postnatal ovary and follicle maintenance. The diverse transcriptional activities of FOXL2 are likely attributable to posttranslational modifications and binding to other key proteins involved in granulosa cell function. Mutations of FOXL2 lead to disorders of ovarian function ranging from premature follicle depletion and ovarian failure to unregulated granulosa cell proliferation leading to tumor formation. Thus, FOXL2 is a key regulator of granulosa cell function and a master transcription factor in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareta D Pisarska
- Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8635 West Third Street, Suite 160W, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA.
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Benayoun BA, Georges AB, L'Hôte D, Andersson N, Dipietromaria A, Todeschini AL, Caburet S, Bazin C, Anttonen M, Veitia RA. Transcription factor FOXL2 protects granulosa cells from stress and delays cell cycle: role of its regulation by the SIRT1 deacetylase. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:1673-86. [PMID: 21289058 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXL2 is a transcription factor that is essential for ovarian function and maintenance, the germline mutations of which are responsible for the Blepharophimosis Ptosis Epicanthus-inversus Syndrome (BPES), often associated with premature ovarian failure. Recent evidence has linked FOXL2 downregulation or somatic mutation (p.Cys134Trp) to cancer, although underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Using a functional genomic approach, we find that FOXL2 modulates cell-cycle regulators in a way which tends to induce G1 arrest. Indeed, FOXL2 upregulation promotes cell accumulation in G1 phase and protects cells from oxidative damage, notably by promoting oxidized DNA repair and by increasing the amounts of anti-oxidant agent glutathione. In agreement with clinical observations, we find that FOXL2-mutated versions leading to BPES along with ovarian dysfunction mostly fail to transactivate cell-cycle and DNA repair targets, whereas mutations leading to isolated craniofacial defects (and normal ovarian function) activate them correctly. Interestingly, these assays revealed a mild promoter-specific hypomorphy of the tumor-associated mutation (p.Cys134Trp). Finally, the SIRT1 deacetylase suppresses FOXL2 activity on targets linked to cell-cycle and DNA repair in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, we find that SIRT1 inhibition by nicotinamide limits proliferation, notably by increasing endogenous FOXL2 amount/activity. The body of evidence presented here supports the idea that FOXL2 plays a key role in granulosa cell homeostasis, the failure of which is central to ovarian ageing and tumorigenesis. As granulosa cell tumors respond poorly to conventional chemotherapy, our findings on the deacetylase inhibitor nicotinamide provide an interesting option for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bérénice A Benayoun
- CNRS UMR 7592, Institut Jacques Monod, Equipe Génétique et Génomique du Développement Gonadique 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
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Fleming NI, Knower KC, Lazarus KA, Fuller PJ, Simpson ER, Clyne CD. Aromatase is a direct target of FOXL2: C134W in granulosa cell tumors via a single highly conserved binding site in the ovarian specific promoter. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14389. [PMID: 21188138 PMCID: PMC3004790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Granulosa cell tumors (GCT) of the ovary often express aromatase and synthesize estrogen, which in turn may influence their progression. Recently a specific point mutation (C134W) in the FOXL2 protein was identified in >94% of adult-type GCT and it is likely to contribute to their development. A number of genes are known to be regulated by FOXL2, including aromatase/CYP19A1, but it is unclear which are direct targets and whether the C134W mutation alters their regulation. Recently, it has been reported that FOXL2 forms a complex with steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) which is a known regulator of aromatase in granulosa cells. Methodology/Principal Findings In this work, the human GCT-derived cell lines KGN and COV434 were heterozygous and wildtype for the FOXL2:C134W mutation, respectively. KGN had abundant FOXL2 mRNA expression but it was not expressed in COV434. Expression of exogenous FOXL2:C134W in COV434 cells induced higher expression of a luciferase reporter for the ovarian specific aromatase promoter, promoter II (PII) (−516bp) than expression of wildtype FOXL2, but did not alter induction of a similar reporter for the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) promoter (−1300bp). Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that FOXL2 bound SF-1 and that it also bound its homologue, liver receptor homologue 1 (LRH-1), however, the C134W mutation did not alter these interactions or induce a selective binding of the proteins. A highly conserved putative binding site for FOXL2 was identified in PII. FOXL2 was demonstrated to bind the site by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and site-directed mutagenesis of this element blocked its differential induction by wildtype FOXL2 and FOXL2:C134W. Conclusions/Significance These findings suggest that aromatase is a direct target of FOXL2:C134W in adult-type GCT via a single distinctive and highly conserved binding site in PII and therefore provide insight into the pathogenic mechanism of this mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin C. Knower
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kyren A. Lazarus
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J. Fuller
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Evan R. Simpson
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin D. Clyne
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Yang WH, Gutierrez NM, Wang L, Ellsworth BS, Wang CM. Synergistic activation of the Mc2r promoter by FOXL2 and NR5A1 in mice. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:842-51. [PMID: 20650879 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box protein L2 (FOXL2) is the earliest ovarian marker and plays an important role in the regulation of cholesterol and steroid metabolism, inflammation, apoptosis, and ovarian development and function. Mutations and deficiencies of the human FOXL2 gene have been shown to cause blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome as well as premature ovarian failure. Although Foxl2 interacts with steroidogenic factor 1 (Nr5a1) and up-regulates cyp19a1a gene transcription in fish, FOXL2 represses the transcriptional activity of the gene that codes for steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) in mice. Most of the recent studies have heavily focused on the FOXL2 target genes (Star and Cyp19a1) in the ovaries. Hence, it is of importance to search for other downstream targets of FOXL2 and for the possibility of FOXL2 expression in nonovarian tissues. Herein, we demonstrate that the interplay between FOXL2 and NR5A1 regulates Star and melanocortin 2 receptor (Mc2r) gene expression in mammalian systems. Both FOXL2 and NR5A1 are expressed in ovarian and adrenal gland tissues. As expected, FOXL2 represses and NR5A1 enhances the promoter activity of Star. Notably, the promoter activity of Mc2r is activated by FOXL2 in a dose-dependent manner. Surprisingly, we found that FOXL2 and NR5A1 synergistically up-regulate the transcriptional activity of Mc2r. By mapping the Mc2r promoter, we provide evidence that distal NR5A1 response elements (-1410 and -975) are required for synergistic activation by FOXL2 and NR5A1. These results suggest that the interplay between FOXL2 and NR5A1 on the Mc2r promoter functions as a novel mechanism for regulating MC2R-mediated cell signaling as well as steroidogenesis in adrenal glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsiung Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia 31404-3089, USA.
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Pisarska MD, Kuo FT, Bentsi-Barnes IK, Khan S, Barlow GM. LATS1 phosphorylates forkhead L2 and regulates its transcriptional activity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2010; 299:E101-9. [PMID: 20407010 PMCID: PMC2904049 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00534.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead L2 (FOXL2) is expressed in the ovary and acts as a transcriptional repressor of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) gene, a marker of granulosa cell differentiation. Human FOXL2 mutations that produce truncated proteins lacking the COOH terminus result in blepharophimosis/ptosis/epicanthus inversus (BPES) syndrome type I, which is associated with premature ovarian failure (POF). In this study, we investigated whether FOXL2's activity as a transcriptional repressor is regulated by phosphorylation. We found that FOXL2 is phosphorylated at a serine residue and, using yeast two-hybrid screening, identified LATS1 as a potential FOXL2-interacting protein. LATS1 is a serine/threonine kinase whose deletion in mice results in an ovarian phenotype similar to POF. Using coimmunoprecipitation and kinase assays, we confirmed that LATS1 binds to FOXL2 and demonstrated that LATS1 phosphorylates FOXL2 at a serine residue. Moreover, we found that FOXL2 and LATS1 are coexpressed in developing mouse gonads and in granulosa cells of small and medium follicles in the mouse ovary. Last, we demonstrated that coexpression with LATS1 enhances FOXL2's activity as a repressor of the StAR promoter, and this results from the kinase activity of LATS1. These results provide novel evidence that FOXL2 is phosphorylated by LATS1 and that this phosphorylation enhances the transcriptional repression of the StAR gene, a marker of granulosa cell differentiation. These data support our hypothesis that phosphorylation of FOXL2 may be a control mechanism regulating the rate of granulosa cell differentiation and hence, follicle maturation, and its dysregulation may contribute to accelerated follicular development and POF in BPES type I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareta D Pisarska
- Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Ob/Gyn, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8635 West Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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