1
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Kalinderi K, Kalinderis M, Papaliagkas V, Fidani L. The Reproductive Lifespan of Ovarian Follicle. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01606-8. [PMID: 38816594 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01606-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The functional unit within mammalian ovaries is the ovarian follicle. The development of the ovarian follicle is a lengthy process beginning from the time of embryogenesis, passing through multiple different stages of maturation. The purpose of this review is to describe the most basic events in the journey of ovarian follicle development, discussing the importance of ovarian reserve and highlighting the role of several factors that affect oocyte quality and quantity during aging including hormonal, genetic and epigenetic factors. Novel, promising anti-aging strategies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kallirhoe Kalinderi
- Laboratory of Medical Biology-Genetics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece.
| | - Michail Kalinderis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospital NHS Trust, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Vasileios Papaliagkas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, 57400, Greece
| | - Liana Fidani
- Laboratory of Medical Biology-Genetics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece
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2
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Dai M, Xu Y, Gong G, Zhang Y. Roles of immune microenvironment in the female reproductive maintenance and regulation: novel insights into the crosstalk of immune cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109122. [PMID: 38223507 PMCID: PMC10786641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility decline is an accumulative consequence caused by complex factors, among them, the disruption of the immune profile in female reproduction stands out as a crucial contributor. Presently, the effects of immune microenvironment (IME) on the female reproductive process have attracted increasing attentions for their dynamic but precisive roles. Immunocytes including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils, with diverse subpopulations as well as high plasticity functioned dynamically in the process of female reproduction through indirect intercellular communication via specific cytokine release transduced by molecular signal networks or direct cell-cell contact to maintain the stability of the reproductive process have been unveiled. The immune profile of female reproduction in each stage has also been meticulously unveiled. Especially, the application of single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in this process reveals the distribution map of immune cells, which gives a novel insight for the homeostasis of IME and provides a research direction for better exploring the role of immune cells in female reproduction. Here, we provide an all-encompassing overview of the latest advancements in immune modulation within the context of the female reproductive process. Our approach involves structuring our summary in accordance with the physiological sequence encompassing gonadogenesis, folliculogenesis within the ovaries, ovulation through the fallopian tubes, and the subsequent stages of embryo implantation and development within the uterus. Our overarching objective is to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the immune microenvironment (IME), thereby accentuating the pivotal role played by immune cells in governing the intricate female reproductive journey. Additionally, we emphasize the pressing need for heightened attention directed towards strategies that focus on immune interventions within the female reproductive process, with the ultimate aim of enhancing female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guidong Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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3
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Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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4
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Liu M, Hummitzsch K, Bastian NA, Hartanti MD, Wan Q, Irving-Rodgers HF, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Isolation, culture, and characterisation of bovine ovarian fetal fibroblasts and gonadal ridge epithelial-like cells and comparison to their adult counterparts. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268467. [PMID: 35802560 PMCID: PMC9269465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During ovarian development, gonadal ridge epithelial-like (GREL) cells arise from the epithelial cells of the ventral surface of the mesonephros. They ultimately develop into follicular granulosa cells or into ovarian surface epithelial cells. Stromal fibroblasts arise from the mesonephros and penetrate the ovary. We developed methods for isolating and culturing fetal ovarian GREL cells and ovarian fibroblasts by expansion of colonies without passage. In culture, these two cell types were morphologically different. We examined the expression profile of 34 genes by qRT-PCR, of which 24 genes had previously been studied in whole fetal ovaries. Expression of nine of the 10 newly-examined genes in fetal ovaries correlated with gestational age (MUC1, PKP2, CCNE1 and CCNE2 negatively; STAR, COL4A1, GJA1, LAMB2 and HSD17B1 positively). Comparison between GREL cells and fetal fibroblasts revealed higher expression of KRT19, PKP2, OCLN, MUC1, ESR1 and LGR5 and lower expression of GJA1, FOXL2, NR2F2, FBN1, COL1A1, NR5A1, CCND2, CCNE1 and ALDH1A1. Expression of CCND2, CCNE1, CCNE2, ESR2 and TGFBR1 was higher in the fetal fibroblasts than in adult fibroblasts; FBN1 was lower. Expression of OCLN, MUC1, LAMB2, NR5A1, ESR1, ESR2, and TGFBR3 was lower in GREL cells than ovarian surface epithelial cells. Expression of KRT19, DSG2, PKP2, OCLN, MUC1, FBN1, COL1A1, COL3A1, STAR and TGFBR2 was higher and GJA1, CTNNB1, LAMB2, NR5A1, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP19A1, HSD17B1, FOXL2, ESR1, ESR2, TGFBR3 and CCND2 was lower in GREL cells compared to granulosa cells. TGFβ1 altered the expression of COL1A1, COL3A1 and FBN1 in fetal fibroblasts and epidermal growth factor altered the expression of FBN1 and COL1A1. In summary, the two major somatic cell types of the developing ovary have distinct gene expression profiles. They, especially GREL cells, also differ from the cells they ultimately differentiate in to. The regulation of cell fate determination, particularly of the bi-potential GREL cells, remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghe Liu
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicole A. Bastian
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Monica D. Hartanti
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Qianhui Wan
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Helen F. Irving-Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond J. Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- * E-mail:
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5
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Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Liu D, Feng H, Wang X, Su J, Yao Y, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Li RHW, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Liu K. Identification of curcumin as a novel potential drug for promoting the development of small ovarian follicles for infertility treatment. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac108. [PMID: 36741430 PMCID: PMC9896916 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In-vitro fertilization is an effective treatment for various causes of infertility. However, management of women with poor ovarian response or premature ovarian insufficiency remains challenging because these women have underdeveloped small ovarian follicles that do not respond to hormone treatment. In-vitro activation of small follicles has been developed but its efficiency has much room for improvement. In the current study, we provide several lines of evidence showing that curcumin, an FDA-approved traditional medicine, can specifically promote the development of mouse ovarian follicles from the primary to secondary stage, which greatly potentiates these small follicles for subsequent in-vivo development into antral follicles that can be ovulated. Mechanistically, we show that curcumin promotes the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells and the growth of oocytes by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway. Most importantly, we show that in-vitro treatment of human ovarian tissues with curcumin can promote the in-vivo survival and development of small human ovarian follicles, showing that curcumin can be used as a potential drug to increase the success rate of in-vitro activation of small human follicles. We thus identify curcumin as a novel potential drug for promoting the development of small human ovarian follicles for infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Dongteng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Haiwei Feng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China
| | - Jiajun Su
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Raymond H W Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan First Road 1, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | | | - Kui Liu
- To whom correspondence should be addressed:
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6
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Garcia-Alonso L, Lorenzi V, Mazzeo CI, Alves-Lopes JP, Roberts K, Sancho-Serra C, Engelbert J, Marečková M, Gruhn WH, Botting RA, Li T, Crespo B, van Dongen S, Kiselev VY, Prigmore E, Herbert M, Moffett A, Chédotal A, Bayraktar OA, Surani A, Haniffa M, Vento-Tormo R. Single-cell roadmap of human gonadal development. Nature 2022; 607:540-547. [PMID: 35794482 PMCID: PMC9300467 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04918-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal development is a complex process that involves sex determination followed by divergent maturation into either testes or ovaries1. Historically, limited tissue accessibility, a lack of reliable in vitro models and critical differences between humans and mice have hampered our knowledge of human gonadogenesis, despite its importance in gonadal conditions and infertility. Here, we generated a comprehensive map of first- and second-trimester human gonads using a combination of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility assays and fluorescent microscopy. We extracted human-specific regulatory programmes that control the development of germline and somatic cell lineages by profiling equivalent developmental stages in mice. In both species, we define the somatic cell states present at the time of sex specification, including the bipotent early supporting population that, in males, upregulates the testis-determining factor SRY and sPAX8s, a gonadal lineage located at the gonadal-mesonephric interface. In females, we resolve the cellular and molecular events that give rise to the first and second waves of granulosa cells that compartmentalize the developing ovary to modulate germ cell differentiation. In males, we identify human SIGLEC15+ and TREM2+ fetal testicular macrophages, which signal to somatic cells outside and inside the developing testis cords, respectively. This study provides a comprehensive spatiotemporal map of human and mouse gonadal differentiation, which can guide in vitro gonadogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - João Pedro Alves-Lopes
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Justin Engelbert
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Magda Marečková
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wolfram H Gruhn
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rachel A Botting
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tong Li
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Berta Crespo
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mary Herbert
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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7
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Dai Y, Bo Y, Wang P, Xu X, Singh M, Jia L, Zhang S, Niu S, Cheng K, Liang J, Mu L, Geng K, Xia G, Wang C, Zhang Y, Zhang H. Asynchronous embryonic germ cell development leads to a heterogeneity of postnatal ovarian follicle activation and may influence the timing of puberty onset in mice. BMC Biol 2022; 20:109. [PMID: 35550124 PMCID: PMC9101839 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian follicles, which are the basic units of female reproduction, are composed of oocytes and surrounding somatic (pre) granulosa cells (GCs). A recent study revealed that signaling in somatic preGCs controlled the activation (initial recruitment) of follicles in the adult ovaries, but it is also known that there are two waves of follicle with age-related heterogeneity in their developmental dynamics in mammals. Although this heterogeneity was proposed to be crucial for female reproduction, our understanding of how it arises and its significance is still elusive. Results In the current study, by deleting the key secreted factor KIT ligand from preGCs and analyzing the follicle cell developmental dynamics, we revealed distinct patterns of activation and growth associated with the two waves of follicles in mouse ovary. Our results confirmed that activation of adult wave follicles is initiated by somatic preGCs and dependent on the KIT ligand. By contrast, activation of first wave follicles, which are awakened from germ cells before follicle formation, can occur in the absence of preGC-secreted KIT ligand in postnatal ovaries and appears to be oocyte-initiated. We also found that the asynchronous activity of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases (PI3K) signaling and meiotic process in embryonic germ cells lead to the follicle heterogeneity in postnatal ovaries. In addition, we supplied evidence that the time sequence of embryonic germ cell development and its related first wave follicle growth are correlated to the time of puberty onset in females. Conclusion Taken together, our study provides evidence that asynchronous development of embryonic oocytes leads to the heterogeneity of postnatal ovarian follicle activation and development, and affects the timing of onset of puberty in females. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01318-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yingnan Bo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Peike Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xueqiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Meenakshi Singh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Longzhong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shudong Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kaixin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lu Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kaiying Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, Ningxia, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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8
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Qian J, Guo F. De novo programming: establishment of epigenome in mammalian oocytes. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:40-53. [PMID: 35552602 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovations in ultrasensitive and single-cell measurements enable us to study layers of genome regulation in the view of cellular and regulatory heterogeneity. Genome-scale mapping allows to evaluate epigenetic features and dynamics in different genomic contexts, including genebodies, CGIs, ICRs, promoters, PMDs, and repetitive elements. The epigenome of early embryos, fetal germ cells, and sperm has been extensively studied for the past decade, while oocytes remain less clear. Emerging evidence now supports the notion that transcription and chromatin accessibility precede de novo DNA methylation in both human and mouse oocytes. Recent studies also start to chart correlations among different histone modifications and DNA methylation. We discussed the potential mechanistic hierarchy by which shapes oocyte DNA methylome, also provided insights into the convergent and divergent features between human and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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9
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Wang R, Liu X, Li L, Yang M, Yong J, Zhai F, Wen L, Yan L, Qiao J, Tang F. Dissecting Human Gonadal Cell Lineage Specification and Sex Determination Using A Single-cell RNA-seq Approach. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 20:223-245. [PMID: 35513251 PMCID: PMC9684167 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal somatic cells are the main players in gonad development and are important for sex determination and germ cell development. Here, using a time-series single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) strategy, we analyzed fetal germ cells (FGCs) and gonadal somatic cells in human embryos and fetuses. Clustering analysis of testes and ovaries revealed several novel cell subsets, including POU5F1+SPARC+ FGCs and KRT19+ somatic cells. Furthermore, our data indicated that the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway plays cell type-specific and developmental stage-specific roles in testis development and promotes the gonocyte-to-spermatogonium transition (GST) in late-stage testicular mitotic arrest FGCs. Intriguingly, testosterone synthesis function transitioned from fetal Sertoli cells to adult Leydig cells in a stepwise manner. In our study, potential interactions between gonadal somatic cells were systematically explored and we identified cell type-specific developmental defects in both FGCs and gonadal somatic cells in a Turner syndrome embryo (45, XO). Our work provides a blueprint of the complex yet highly ordered development of and the interactions among human FGCs and gonadal somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Li Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jun Yong
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fan Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Corresponding authors.
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10
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Islam MR, Ichii O, Nakamura T, Irie T, Masum MA, Otani Y, Namba T, Chuluunbaatar T, Elewa YHA, Kon Y. Developmental Changes of the Ovary in Neonatal Cotton Rat ( Sigmodon hispidus). Front Physiol 2021; 11:601927. [PMID: 33519507 PMCID: PMC7838641 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.601927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive characteristics and ovarian development in cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus, CRs) are unclear, although CRs are commonly used as animal models in biomedical research. We previously reported that young (6-8 weeks) CRs showed multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) and double nucleated oocytes (DNOs) in different stages of follicles. The developmental changes in neonatal CR ovaries were investigated in the present study and were compared with our findings in previous studies of unique phenotypes, particularly in oocytes. CR ovaries at postnatal days (PND) 0, 4, and 7 were obtained from the Hokkaido Institute of Public Health. Samples were analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy. The general histology and folliculogenesis in CR ovaries were similar to those in other experimental rodents. However, DNOs were observed in all age categories and were frequently observed in primordial follicles, whereas MOFs started to develop from PND4 with greater frequency in primary follicles. Almost all developing follicles expressed DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 4 and forkhead box L2, which are representative markers of oocytes and follicular epithelial cells, respectively. Ki-67 staining demonstrated the proliferative activity of granulosa cells, but not of oocytes, in follicles. Moreover, rapid folliculogenesis of CR due to a small number of apoptotic oocytes was suggested, based on results of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, confirming the formation of DNOs or MOFs. These findings clarify the development of unique phenotypes of neonatal CR ovaries and support it as a useful model to better understand folliculogenesis and oocytogenesis as well as their abnormalities in humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rashedul Islam
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Osamu Ichii
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Laboratory of Agrobiomedical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Teppei Nakamura
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Section of Biological Safety Research, Chitose Laboratory, Japan Food Research Laboratories, Chitose, Japan
| | - Takao Irie
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Md Abdul Masum
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Physiology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yuki Otani
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takashi Namba
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tsolmon Chuluunbaatar
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Basic Science of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Science, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Yaser Hosny Ali Elewa
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Yasuhiro Kon
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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11
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Ekizceli G, Inan S, Oktem G, Onur E, Ozbilgin K. Immunohistochemical determination of mTOR pathway molecules in ovaries and uterus in rat estrous cycle stages. Histol Histopathol 2020; 35:1337-1351. [PMID: 32940340 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
mTOR is a member of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway that participates in cell growth, proliferation, protein synthesis, transcription, angiogenesis, apoptosis and autophagy. mTOR and MAPK pahways are two important key signal pathways which are related to each other. We investigated the role of mTOR and other signaling molecules in rat ovaries and uteruses in stages of the estrous cycle. Young adult female rats were divided into four groups as proestrous, estrous, metestrous and diestrous according to vaginal smears. Immunohistochemical staining of mTORC1, IGF1, PI3K, pAKT1/2/3, ERK1 and pERK1/2 was performed and pAKT1/2/3 and ERK1 were also analyzed using western blotting on ovarian and uterine tissue samples. According to our results, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK/pERK showed an increase in the rat ovulation period. When all the groups were evaluated the immunoreactivities for all of the antibodies were detected in the oocytes, granulosa and theca cells, corpus luteum and stroma of ovary and lamina propria, surface and glandular epithelium of uterus with the strongest observed with anti-ERK1 antibody and then with a decreasing trend with anti-mTORC1, anti-pAkt1/2/3, anti-IGF1, anti-PI3K and anti-pERK1/2 antibodies in the proestrus and estrus stages. Differently from other parts of the ovary, highest antibody expression in the corpus luteum was observed in the metestrous stage. Moreover, the existence of pAKT1/2/3 and ERK1 proteins was confirmed with the Western blotting technique. We suggest that mTOR and mTOR-related ERK signaling molecules may participate in the rat ovulation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulcin Ekizceli
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Sevinc Inan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Izmir Economy University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulperi Oktem
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ece Onur
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Manisa Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Kemal Ozbilgin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Manisa Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
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12
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Chang HM, Wu HC, Sun ZG, Lian F, Leung PCK. Neurotrophins and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the ovary: physiological and pathophysiological implications. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:224-242. [PMID: 30608586 PMCID: PMC6390169 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophins [nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4)] and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are soluble polypeptide growth factors that are widely recognized for their roles in promoting cell growth, survival and differentiation in several classes of neurons. Outside the nervous system, neurotrophin (NT) and GDNF signaling events have substantial roles in various non-neural tissues, including the ovary. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The molecular mechanisms that promote and regulate follicular development and oocyte maturation have been extensively investigated. However, most information has been obtained from animal models. Even though the fundamental process is highly similar across species, the paracrine regulation of ovarian function in humans remains poorly characterized. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the expression and functional roles of NTs and GDNF in human ovarian biology and disorders, and to describe and propose the development of novel strategies for diagnosing, treating and preventing related abnormalities. SEARCH METHODS Relevant literature in the English language from 1990 to 2018 describing the role of NTs and GDNF in mammalian ovarian biology and phenotypes was comprehensively selected using PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. OUTCOMES Studies have shown that the neurotrophins NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4 as well as GDNF and their functional receptors are expressed in the human ovary. Recently, gathered experimental data suggest putative roles for NT and GDNF signaling in the direct control of ovarian function, including follicle assembly, activation of the primordial follicles, follicular growth and development, oocyte maturation, steroidogenesis, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Additionally, crosstalk occurs between these ovarian regulators and the endocrine signaling system. Dysregulation of the NT system may negatively affect ovarian function, leading to reproductive pathology (decreased ovarian reserve, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis), female infertility and even epithelial ovarian cancers. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A comprehensive understanding of the expression, actions and underlying molecular mechanisms of the NT/GDNF system in the human ovary is essential for novel approaches to therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in ovarian diseases and to develop more safe, effective methods of inducing ovulation in ART in the treatment of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsun-Ming Chang
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hai-Cui Wu
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zhen-Gao Sun
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fang Lian
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Ford EA, Roman SD, McLaughlin EA, Beckett EL, Sutherland JM. The association between reproductive health smartphone applications and fertility knowledge of Australian women. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2020; 20:45. [PMID: 32131809 PMCID: PMC7057638 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-00912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous studies have identified that women living in developed countries have insufficient knowledge of factors which may be contributing to the increasingly high global infertility rates such as maternal age and assisted reproductive technologies. There is a large market of reproductive health smartphone applications, yet little is known about the advantages these apps may confer to users in regards to reproductive health knowledge. Methods An anonymous, online survey of women living in Australia aged 18 and above was open March–June 2018, until ≥200 responses were acquired for statistical power. Respondents answered questions regarding knowledge about general fertility and related factors (age, cyclic fertility, smoking, obesity, miscarriage rate, and success of assisted reproductive technologies). Fertility knowledge was compared in respondents who did or did not use apps relating to female reproductive health. Additionally the functions preferred in reproductive health apps was described by app using respondents. Sociodemographic information was also collected, and relevant data within the dataset was subject to multivariable modelling for the outcome of the fertility knowledge questions. Results Of the 673 respondents that completed the survey, 43.09% reported using mobile phone applications relating to female reproductive health. On average, respondents answered only three of the six fertility knowledge questions correctly. App using respondents were more likely to score better on one question, related to fertility during the menstrual cycle (p < 0.001). App users most commonly reported using the menstrual tracking function in apps (82.4%), which may account for the increased knowledge of cyclic fertility. Conclusions This data provides preliminary evidence toward the usefulness of smartphone applications as a medium for providing information about fertility to women. A limited understanding of one’s own fertility was demonstrated despite being essential for the decision-making of women throughout their reproductive years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmalee A Ford
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ring Road, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, 2305, Australia.
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ring Road, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, 2305, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ring Road, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia.,School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Emma L Beckett
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, 2305, Australia.,School of Environmental & Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ring Road, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, 2305, Australia
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14
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Cheng SF, Qin XS, Han ZL, Sun XF, Feng YN, Yang F, Ge W, Li L, Zhao Y, De Felici M, Zou SH, Zhou Y, Shen W. Nicotine exposure impairs germ cell development in human fetal ovaries cultured in vitro. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 10:1556-1574. [PMID: 30001218 PMCID: PMC6075447 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the present paper, we found that human fetal ovaries (at ~16 weeks) express the transcripts for several subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Exposure to the drug in vitro resulted in the marked increase of apoptosis in the ovaries in a time and dose-dependent manner. Evidence that adverse nicotine effects are potentially due to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequent DNA damage, both in the ovarian somatic cells and germ cells, are reported. After 4 days of culture, exposure to 1 mM and 10 mM nicotine caused a 50% and 75% decrease, respectively, in the number of oogonia/oocytes present in the fetal ovaries. These results represent the first indication that nicotine may directly cause apoptosis in cells of the fetal human ovary and may lead to a reduction of the ovarian reserve oocytes and consequent precocious menopause in mothers smoking during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Feng Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Equal contribution
| | - Xun-Si Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Equal contribution
| | - Ze-Li Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yan-Ni Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Shu-Hua Zou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qingdao Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266034, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qingdao Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266034, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qingdao Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266034, China
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15
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Ernst EH, Lykke-Hartmann K. Transcripts encoding free radical scavengers in human granulosa cells from primordial and primary ovarian follicles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1787-1798. [PMID: 29959620 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the presence and distribution of genes encoding free radical scavengers in human granulosa cells from primordial and primary ovarian follicles. METHODS A class comparison study on existing granulosa cell transcriptome from primordial (n = 539 follicles) and primary (n = 261) follicles donated by three women having ovarian tissue cryopreserved before chemotherapy was performed and interrogated. RESULTS In granulosa cells from primordial follicles, 30 genes were annotated 'mitochondrial dysfunction' including transcripts (PRDX5, TXN2) encoding enzymatic free radical scavengers peroxiredoxin 5 and thioredoxin 2. Several apoptosis regulation genes were noted (BCL2, CAS8, CAS9, AIFM1). In granulosa cells from primary follicles, mitochondrial dysfunction signalling pathway was annotated. High expression of transcripts encoding the free radical scavenger peroxiredoxin 3, as well as anti-apoptotic enzyme BCL2, was found. Interestingly, PARK7 encoding the deglycase (DJ-1) protein was expressed in granulosa cells from primary follicles. DJ-1 is implicated in oxidative defence and functions as a positive regulator of the androgen receptor and as a negative regulator of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/serine-threonine protein kinase (AKT) signalling pathway suppressor PTEN. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate extensive energy production and free radical scavenging in the granulosa cells of primordial follicles with potential implications for ovarian ageing, cigarette smoking, premature ovarian failure and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Furthermore, DJ-1 may be involved in androgen responsiveness and the regulation of follicle growth via PI3K/PTEN/AKT signalling pathway regulation in the granulosa cells of primary follicles. The involvement of mitochondrial free radical production in the age-related decline of competent oocytes is becoming apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - K Lykke-Hartmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Brendstrupgårdsvej 21, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
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16
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Watanabe R, Kimura N. Non-suckling starvation of neonatal mice promotes primordial follicle formation with activation of ovarian autophagy. J Reprod Dev 2017; 64:89-94. [PMID: 29269608 PMCID: PMC5830363 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Around the time of oocyte meiotic arrest, germ cell nest breakdown occurs, and primordial follicle (PF) formation is initiated at the perinatal stage. Recently, autophagy was implicated in this process. Autophagy is
induced by nutrient starvation. This study was conducted to understand how starvation affects PF formation and autophagy induction during neonatal life. Suckling of neonatal female mice was blocked immediately after
birth for 12–36 h to induce starvation. The numbers of PFs at each stage were subsequently counted from serial sections of ovaries. The expression of autophagy-related proteins was also evaluated. The number of PFs
peaked at 60 h after birth in the control group. The numbers for the starvation groups were significantly higher than those for the control groups at 12 and 36 h. LC3B was clearly present in the oocyte cytoplasm. At 36 h
after birth, the starvation group showed a higher rate of LC3II/LC3-I expression as a marker for autophagy. Moreover, the expression of p62 as a selective substrate for autophagy decreased compared to the control group.
The expression of caspase-9 as a marker for apoptosis tended to be lower at 36 h in the starvation groups. These results indicate that starvation promotes PF formation with a concomitant activation of autophagy in early
neonatal ovaries, suggesting that autophagy induction during follicle assembly might increase the number of PFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Watanabe
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowships for Young Scientists, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Kimura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan
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17
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Mamsen LS, Ernst EH, Borup R, Larsen A, Olesen RH, Ernst E, Anderson RA, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY. Temporal expression pattern of genes during the period of sex differentiation in human embryonic gonads. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15961. [PMID: 29162857 PMCID: PMC5698446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise timing and sequence of changes in expression of key genes and proteins during human sex-differentiation and onset of steroidogenesis was evaluated by whole-genome expression in 67 first trimester human embryonic and fetal ovaries and testis and confirmed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). SRY/SOX9 expression initiated in testis around day 40 pc, followed by initiation of AMH and steroidogenic genes required for androgen production at day 53 pc. In ovaries, gene expression of RSPO1, LIN28, FOXL2, WNT2B, and ETV5, were significantly higher than in testis, whereas GLI1 was significantly higher in testis than ovaries. Gene expression was confirmed by IHC for GAGE, SOX9, AMH, CYP17A1, LIN28, WNT2B, ETV5 and GLI1. Gene expression was not associated with the maternal smoking habits. Collectively, a precise temporal determination of changes in expression of key genes involved in human sex-differentiation is defined, with identification of new genes of potential importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn S Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Emil H Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine - Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 6, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Randers Regional Hospital, 8930, Randers, NØ, Denmark
| | - Rehannah Borup
- Microarray Center of Righshospitalet, Genomic Medicine, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Functional Genomics and Reproductive Health Group, Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Agnete Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine - Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 6, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rasmus H Olesen
- Department of Biomedicine - Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 6, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Erik Ernst
- Randers Regional Hospital, 8930, Randers, NØ, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Aarhus, Skejby Sygehus, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stine G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Truman AM, Tilly JL, Woods DC. Ovarian regeneration: The potential for stem cell contribution in the postnatal ovary to sustained endocrine function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 445:74-84. [PMID: 27743990 PMCID: PMC5604433 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocrine function of the ovary is dependent upon the ovarian follicle, which on a cellular basis consists of an oocyte surrounded by adjacent somatic cells responsible for generating sex steroid hormones and maintenance of hormonal stasis with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. As females age, both fertility and the endocrine function of the ovary decline due to waning follicle numbers as well as aging-related cellular dysfunction. Although there is currently no cure for ovarian failure and endocrine disruption, recent advances in ovarian biology centered on ovarian stem cell and progenitor cell populations have brought the prospects of cell- or tissue-based therapeutic strategies closer to fruition. Herein, we review the relative contributions of ovarian stem cells to ovarian function during the reproductive lifespan, and postulate steps toward the development of ovarian stem cell-based approaches to advance fertility treatments, and also importantly to provide a physiological long-term means of endocrine support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha M Truman
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan L Tilly
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dori C Woods
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Hersmus R, van Bever Y, Wolffenbuttel KP, Biermann K, Cools M, Looijenga LHJ. The biology of germ cell tumors in disorders of sex development. Clin Genet 2016; 91:292-301. [PMID: 27716895 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Development of a malignant germ cell tumor, i.e., germ cell cancer (GCC) in individuals with disorders of sex development (DSD) depends on a number of (epi-)genetic factors related to early gonadal- and germ cell development, possibly related to genetic susceptibility. Fetal development of germ cells is orchestrated by strict processes involving specification, migration and the development of a proper gonadal niche. In this review we will discuss the early (epi-)genetic events in normal and aberrant germ cell and gonadal development. Focus will be on the formation of the precursor lesions of GCC in individuals who have DSD. In our view, expression of the different embryonic markers in, and epigenetic profile of the precursor lesions reflects the developmental stage in which these cells are blocked in their maturation. Therefore, these are not a primary pathogenetic driving force. Progression later in life towards a full blown cancer likely depends on additional factors such as a changed endocrine environment in a susceptible individual. Genetic susceptibility is, as evidenced by the presence of specific risk genetic variants (SNPs) in patients with a testicular GCC, related to genes involved in early germ cell and gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remko Hersmus
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolande van Bever
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katja P Wolffenbuttel
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Biermann
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Tsoulis MW, Chang PE, Moore CJ, Chan KA, Gohir W, Petrik JJ, Vickers MH, Connor KL, Sloboda DM. Maternal High-Fat Diet-Induced Loss of Fetal Oocytes Is Associated with Compromised Follicle Growth in Adult Rat Offspring. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:94. [PMID: 26962114 PMCID: PMC4861169 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.135004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity predisposes offspring to metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. We have shown previously that female rat offspring born to mothers fed a high-fat (HF) diet throughout pregnancy and lactation enter puberty early and display aberrant reproductive cyclicity. The mechanisms driving this reproductive phenotype are currently unknown thus we investigated whether changes in ovarian function were involved. Wistar rats were mated and randomized to: dams fed a control diet (CON) or dams fed a HF diet from conception until the end of lactation (HF). Ovaries were collected from fetuses at Embryonic Day (E) 20, and neonatal ovaries at Day 4 (P4), prepubertal ovaries at P27 and adult ovaries at P120. In a subset of offspring, the effects of a HF diet fed postweaning were evaluated. The present study shows that fetuses of mothers fed a HF diet had significantly fewer oocytes at E20, and in neonates, have reduced AMH signaling that may facilitate an increased number of assembled primordial follicles. Both prepubertally and in adulthood, ovaries show increased follicular atresia. As adults, offspring have reduced FSH responsiveness, low expression levels of estrogen receptor alpha (Eralpha), the oocyte-secreted factor, Gdf9, oocyte-specific RNA binding protein, Dazl, and high expression levels of the granulosa-cell derived factor, AMH, in antral follicles. Together, these data suggest that ovarian compromise in offspring born to HF-fed mothers may arise from changes already observable in the fetus and neonate and in the long term, associated with increased follicular atresia through adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Tsoulis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pauline E Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Caroline J Moore
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn A Chan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wajiha Gohir
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - James J Petrik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark H Vickers
- Liggins Institute and Gravida, National Centre for Growth and Development, University of Auckland, Aukland, New Zealand
| | - Kristin L Connor
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah M Sloboda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Streiter S, Fisch B, Sabbah B, Ao A, Abir R. The importance of neuronal growth factors in the ovary. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 22:3-17. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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22
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Pelosi E, Forabosco A, Schlessinger D. Genetics of the ovarian reserve. Front Genet 2015; 6:308. [PMID: 26528328 PMCID: PMC4606124 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial follicles or non-growing follicles (NGFs) are the functional unit of reproduction, each comprising a single germ cell surrounded by supporting somatic cells. NGFs constitute the ovarian reserve (OR), prerequisite for germ cell ovulation and the continuation of the species. The dynamics of the reserve is determined by the number of NGFs formed and their complex subsequent fates. During the reproductive lifespan, the OR progressively diminishes due to follicle atresia as well as recruitment, maturation, and ovulation. The depletion of the OR is the major determining driver of menopause, which ensues when the number of primordial follicles falls below a threshold of ∼1,000. Therefore, genes and processes involved in follicle dynamics are particularly important to understand the process of menopause, both in the typical reproductive lifespan and in conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency, defined as menopause before age 40. Genes and their variants that affect the timing of menopause thereby provide candidates for diagnosis of and intervention in problems of reproductive lifespan. We review the current knowledge of processes and genes involved in the development of the OR and in the dynamics of ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pelosi
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - David Schlessinger
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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23
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Jørgensen A, Lindhardt Johansen M, Juul A, Skakkebaek NE, Main KM, Rajpert-De Meyts E. Pathogenesis of germ cell neoplasia in testicular dysgenesis and disorders of sex development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:124-37. [PMID: 26410164 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Development of human gonads is a sex-dimorphic process which evolved to produce sex-specific types of germ cells. The process of gonadal sex differentiation is directed by the action of the somatic cells and ultimately results in germ cells differentiating to become functional gametes through spermatogenesis or oogenesis. This tightly controlled process depends on the proper sequential expression of many genes and signalling pathways. Disturbances of this process can be manifested as a large spectrum of disorders, ranging from severe disorders of sex development (DSD) to - in the genetic male - mild reproductive problems within the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), with large overlap between the syndromes. These disorders carry an increased but variable risk of germ cell neoplasia. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of germ cell neoplasia associated with gonadal dysgenesis, especially in individuals with 46,XY DSD. We summarise knowledge concerning development and sex differentiation of human gonads, with focus on sex-dimorphic steps of germ cell maturation, including meiosis. We also briefly outline the histopathology of germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) and gonadoblastoma (GDB), which are essentially the same precursor lesion but with different morphological structure dependent upon the masculinisation of the somatic niche. To assess the risk of germ cell neoplasia in different types of DSD, we have performed a PubMed search and provide here a synthesis of the evidence from studies published since 2006. We present a model for pathogenesis of GCNIS/GDB in TDS/DSD, with the risk of malignancy determined by the presence of the testis-inducing Y chromosome and the degree of masculinisation. The associations between phenotype and the risk of neoplasia are likely further modulated in each individual by the constellation of the gene polymorphisms and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and International Center for Research and Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marie Lindhardt Johansen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and International Center for Research and Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and International Center for Research and Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and International Center for Research and Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and International Center for Research and Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and International Center for Research and Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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24
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Zhang H, Liu K. Cellular and molecular regulation of the activation of mammalian primordial follicles: somatic cells initiate follicle activation in adulthood. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:779-86. [PMID: 26231759 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first small follicles to appear in the mammalian ovaries are primordial follicles. The initial pool of primordial follicles serves as the source of developing follicles and oocytes for the entire reproductive lifespan of the animal. Although the selective activation of primordial follicles is critical for female fertility, its underlying mechanisms have remained poorly understood. METHODS A search of PubMed was conducted to identify peer-reviewed literature pertinent to the study of mammalian primordial follicle activation, especially recent reports of the role of primordial follicle granulosa cells (pfGCs) in regulating this process. RESULTS In recent years, molecular mechanisms that regulate the activation of primordial follicles have been elucidated, mostly through the use of genetically modified mouse models. Several molecules and pathways operating in both the somatic pfGCs and oocytes, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathways, have been shown to be important for primordial follicle activation. More importantly, recent studies have provided an updated view of how exactly signaling pathways in pfGCs and in oocytes, such as the KIT ligand (KL) and KIT, coordinate in adult ovaries so that the activation of primordial follicles is achieved. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we have provided an updated picture of how mammalian primordial follicles are activated. The functional roles of pfGCs in governing the activation of primordial follicles in adulthood are highlighted. The in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of primordial follicle activation will hopefully lead to more treatments of female infertility, and the current progress indicates that the use of existing primordial follicles as a source for obtaining fertilizable oocytes as a new treatment for female infertility is just around the corner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Hummitzsch K, Anderson RA, Wilhelm D, Wu J, Telfer EE, Russell DL, Robertson SA, Rodgers RJ. Stem cells, progenitor cells, and lineage decisions in the ovary. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:65-91. [PMID: 25541635 PMCID: PMC4496428 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Exploring stem cells in the mammalian ovary has unleashed a Pandora's box of new insights and questions. Recent evidence supports the existence of stem cells of a number of the different cell types within the ovary. The evidence for a stem cell model producing mural granulosa cells and cumulus cells is strong, despite a limited number of reports. The recent identification of a precursor granulosa cell, the gonadal ridge epithelial-like cell, is exciting and novel. The identification of female germline (oogonial) stem cells is still very new and is currently limited to just a few species. Their origins and physiological roles, if any, are unknown, and their potential to produce oocytes and contribute to follicle formation in vivo lacks robust evidence. The precursor of thecal cells remains elusive, and more compelling data are needed. Similarly, claims of very small embryonic-like cells are also preliminary. Surface epithelial cells originating from gonadal ridge epithelial-like cells and from the mesonephric epithelium at the hilum of the ovary have also been proposed. Another important issue is the role of the stroma in guiding the formation of the ovary, ovigerous cords, follicles, and surface epithelium. Immune cells may also play key roles in developmental patterning, given their critical roles in corpora lutea formation and regression. Thus, while the cellular biology of the ovary is extremely important for its major endocrine and fertility roles, there is much still to be discovered. This review draws together the current evidence and perspectives on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Hummitzsch
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (K.H., D.L.R., S.A.R., R.J.R.), School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia 5005; Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (R.A.A.), The University of Edinburgh, The Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia 3800; Bio-X Institutes (J.W.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; and Institute of Cell Biology and Centre for Integrative Physiology (E.E.T), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XE, United Kingdom
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26
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Jørgensen A, Rajpert-De Meyts E. Regulation of meiotic entry and gonadal sex differentiation in the human: normal and disrupted signaling. Biomol Concepts 2014; 5:331-41. [DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2014-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMeiosis is a unique type of cell division that is performed only by germ cells to form haploid gametes. The switch from mitosis to meiosis exhibits a distinct sex-specific difference in timing, with female germ cells entering meiosis during fetal development and male germ cells at puberty when spermatogenesis is initiated. During early fetal development, bipotential primordial germ cells migrate to the forming gonad where they remain sexually indifferent until the sex-specific differentiation of germ cells is initiated by cues from the somatic cells. This irreversible step in gonadal sex differentiation involves the initiation of meiosis in fetal ovaries and prevention of meiosis in the germ cells of fetal testes. During the last decade, major advances in the understanding of meiosis regulation have been accomplished, with the discovery of retinoic acid as an inducer of meiosis being the most prominent finding. Knowledge about the molecular mechanisms regulating meiosis signaling has mainly been established by studies in rodents, while this has not yet been extensively investigated in humans. In this review, the current knowledge about the regulation of meiosis signaling is summarized and placed in the context of fetal gonad development and germ cell differentiation, with emphasis on results obtained in humans. Furthermore, the consequences of dysregulated meiosis signaling in humans are briefly discussed in the context of selected pathologies, including testicular germ cell cancer and some forms of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jørgensen
- 1Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- 1Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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27
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Zhang H, Jiang X, Zhang Y, Xu B, Hua J, Ma T, Zheng W, Sun R, Shen W, Cooke HJ, Hao Q, Qiao J, Shi Q. microRNA 376a regulates follicle assembly by targeting Pcna in fetal and neonatal mouse ovaries. Reproduction 2014; 148:43-54. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the primordial follicle pool, providing all oocytes available to a female throughout her reproductive life, is established perinatally. Dysregulation of primordial follicle assembly results in female reproductive diseases, such as premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility. Female mice lackingDicer1(Dicer), a gene required for biogenesis of microRNAs, show abnormal morphology of follicles and infertility. However, the contribution of individual microRNAs to primordial follicle assembly remains largely unknown. Here, we report that microRNA 376a (miR-376a) regulates primordial follicle assembly by modulating the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna), a gene we previously reported to regulate primordial follicle assembly by regulating oocyte apoptosis in mouse ovaries. miR-376a was shown to be negatively correlated withPcnamRNA expression in fetal and neonatal mouse ovaries and to directly bind toPcnamRNA 3′ untranslated region. Cultured 18.5 days postcoitum mouse ovaries transfected with miR-376a exhibited decreasedPcnaexpression both in protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, miR-376a overexpression significantly increased primordial follicles and reduced apoptosis of oocytes, which was very similar to those in ovaries co-transfected with miR-376a and siRNAs targetingPcna. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR-376a regulates primordial follicle assembly by modulating the expression ofPcna. To our knowledge, this is the first microRNA–target mRNA pair that has been reported to regulate mammalian primordial follicle assembly and further our understanding of the regulation of primordial follicle assembly.
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28
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Fereydouni B, Drummer C, Aeckerle N, Schlatt S, Behr R. The neonatal marmoset monkey ovary is very primitive exhibiting many oogonia. Reproduction 2014; 148:237-47. [PMID: 24840529 PMCID: PMC4086814 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oogonia are characterized by diploidy and mitotic proliferation. Human and mouse oogonia express several factors such as OCT4, which are characteristic of pluripotent cells. In human, almost all oogonia enter meiosis between weeks 9 and 22 of prenatal development or undergo mitotic arrest and subsequent elimination from the ovary. As a consequence, neonatal human ovaries generally lack oogonia. The same was found in neonatal ovaries of the rhesus monkey, a representative of the old world monkeys (Catarrhini). By contrast, proliferating oogonia were found in adult prosimians (now called Strepsirrhini), which is a group of ‘lower’ primates. The common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) belongs to the new world monkeys (Platyrrhini) and is increasingly used in reproductive biology and stem cell research. However, ovarian development in the marmoset monkey has not been widely investigated. Herein, we show that the neonatal marmoset ovary has an extremely immature histological appearance compared with the human ovary. It contains numerous oogonia expressing the pluripotency factors OCT4A, SALL4, and LIN28A (LIN28). The pluripotency factor-positive germ cells also express the proliferation marker MKI67 (Ki-67), which has previously been shown in the human ovary to be restricted to premeiotic germ cells. Together, the data demonstrate the primitiveness of the neonatal marmoset ovary compared with human. This study may introduce the marmoset monkey as a non-human primate model to experimentally study the aspects of primate primitive gonad development, follicle assembly, and germ cell biology in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Fereydouni
- Stem Cell Biology UnitGerman Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, GermanyCentre of Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyUniversity of Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - C Drummer
- Stem Cell Biology UnitGerman Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, GermanyCentre of Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyUniversity of Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - N Aeckerle
- Stem Cell Biology UnitGerman Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, GermanyCentre of Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyUniversity of Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - S Schlatt
- Stem Cell Biology UnitGerman Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, GermanyCentre of Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyUniversity of Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - R Behr
- Stem Cell Biology UnitGerman Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, GermanyCentre of Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyUniversity of Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Gaytán F, Morales C, Manfredi-Lozano M, Tena-Sempere M. Generation of multi-oocyte follicles in the peripubertal rat ovary: link to the invasive capacity of granulosa cells? Fertil Steril 2014; 101:1467-76. [PMID: 24581577 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the presence and numbers of multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) in the rat ovary at different stages of postnatal maturation. DESIGN Animal (rat) study. SETTING Research laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Female Wistar rats. INTERVENTION(S) Histologic/morphometric analyses in ovaries from infantile, juvenile, pubertal, and adult female rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Numbers and characteristics of MOFs in rat ovaries at different stages of postnatal maturation. RESULT(S) Female rats displayed low numbers (<5/ovary) of MOFs in the infantile period (postnatal day [PND] 15). The occurrence of MOFs increased sharply by PND-21 and remained at high values (>15/ovary) up to PND-60, to decline thereafter by PND-90. The presence of irregularly shaped and connected adjacent follicles, together with the identification of ruptures at the follicle surface and the occasional invasion of the ovarian stroma by granulosa cells, strongly suggests that the majority of MOFs in peripubertal rats are generated by fusion of adjacent growing follicles. CONCLUSION(S) A new mechanism for the generation of MOFs linked to the potential invasive capacity of granulosa cells is proposed. The basis for the upsurge in the generation of MOFs during the peripubertal period and whether, as predictable, this phenomenon is applicable to other mammalian species warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Gaytán
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Córdoba, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de Investigaciones Biomédicas/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Córdoba, Spain.
| | | | - María Manfredi-Lozano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Córdoba, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de Investigaciones Biomédicas/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Córdoba, Spain.
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Prenatal exposure to chromium induces early reproductive senescence by increasing germ cell apoptosis and advancing germ cell cyst breakdown in the F1 offspring. Dev Biol 2014; 388:22-34. [PMID: 24530425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (CrVI), one of the more toxic heavy metals, is widely used in more than 50 industries such as chrome plating, welding, wood processing and tanneries. As one of the world's leading producers of chromium compounds, the U.S. is facing growing challenges in protecting human health against multiple adverse effects of CrVI. CrVI is rapidly converted to CrIII intracellularly, and can induce apoptosis through different mechanisms. Our previous studies demonstrated postnatal exposure to CrVI results in a delay or arrest in follicle development and puberty. Pregnant rats were treated with 25 ppm potassium dichromate (CrVI) from gestational day (GD) 9.5 to 14.5 through drinking water, placentae were removed on GD 20, and total Cr was estimated in the placentae; ovaries were removed from the F1 offspring on postnatal day (PND)-1 and various analyses were performed. Our results show that gestational exposure to CrVI resulted in (i) increased Cr concentration in the placenta, (ii) increased germ cell apoptosis by up-regulating p53/p27-Bax-caspase-3 proteins and by increasing p53-SOD-2 co-localization; (iii) accelerated germ cell cyst (GCC) breakdown; (iv) advanced primordial follicle assembly and primary follicle transition and (v) down regulation of p-AKT, p-ERK and XIAP. As a result of the above events, CrVI induced early reproductive senescence and decrease in litter size in F1 female progeny.
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Abstract
The female germline comprises a reserve population of primordial (non-growing) follicles containing diplotene oocytes arrested in the first meiotic prophase. By convention, the reserve is established when all individual oocytes are enclosed by granulosa cells. This commonly occurs prior to or around birth, according to species. Histologically, the ‘reserve’ is the number of primordial follicles in the ovary at any given age and is ultimately depleted by degeneration and progression through folliculogenesis until exhausted. How and when the reserve reaches its peak number of follicles is determined by ovarian morphogenesis and germ cell dynamics involving i) oogonial proliferation and entry into meiosis producing an oversupply of oocytes and ii) large-scale germ cell death resulting in markedly reduced numbers surviving as the primordial follicle reserve. Our understanding of the processes maintaining the reserve comes primarily from genetically engineered mouse models, experimental activation or destruction of oocytes, and quantitative histological analysis. As the source of ovulated oocytes in postnatal life, the primordial follicle reserve requires regulation of i) its survival or maintenance, ii) suppression of development (dormancy), and iii) activation for growth and entry into folliculogenesis. The mechanisms influencing these alternate and complex inter-related phenomena remain to be fully elucidated. Drawing upon direct and indirect evidence, we discuss the controversial concept of postnatal oogenesis. This posits a rare population of oogonial stem cells that contribute new oocytes to partially compensate for the age-related decline in the primordial follicle reserve.
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32
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Anderson RA, McIlwain L, Coutts S, Kinnell HL, Fowler PA, Childs AJ. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by a component of cigarette smoke reduces germ cell proliferation in the human fetal ovary. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 20:42-8. [PMID: 23979962 PMCID: PMC3867980 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal life is a critical time for female fertility, when germ cells complete proliferation, initiate meiosis and ultimately form the lifetime stock of primordial follicles. Female fertility may be reduced by in utero exposure to cigarette smoke, which contains ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The AhR is a critical regulator of ovarian germ cell survival in mice; thus activation of this receptor in the ovaries of fetuses exposed to maternal cigarette smoke in utero may provide a mechanism by which female fertility is reduced in later life. We have therefore investigated AhR expression in the human fetal ovary, and examined the effects of an AhR ligand present in cigarette smoke, on germ cells in human fetal ovaries cultured in vitro. The results showed that AHR mRNA expression increased 2-fold between first and late second trimester (P = 0.008). AhR protein was confined to germ cells at all gestations, but varied from expression in most germ cells during the first trimester, to only patchy expression by clusters of germ cells at later gestations. Culture of human fetal ovaries with the AhR ligand 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene-3,4-dihydrodiol (DMBA-DHD; a component of cigarette smoke) did not affect germ cell number in vitro, but significantly reduced the proportion of proliferating germ cells by 29% (as assessed by phospho-histone H3 staining (P = 0.04)). Germ cell apoptosis was not significantly affected. These results reveal that germ cells in the human fetal ovary express AhR from the proliferative stage of development through entry into meiosis and beyond, and demonstrate that AhR ligands found in cigarette smoke have the capacity to impair human fetal ovarian germ cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK and
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Expression of ErbB3-binding protein-1 (EBP1) during primordial follicle formation: role of estradiol-17ß. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67068. [PMID: 23840586 PMCID: PMC3688617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of primordial follicles involves the interaction between the oocytes and surrounding somatic cells, which differentiate into granulosa cells. Estradiol-17ß (E) promotes primordial follicle formation in vivo and in vitro; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The expression of an ERBB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) is downregulated in 8-day old hamster ovaries concurrent with the increase in serum estradiol levels and the formation of primordial follicles. The objectives of the present study were to determine the spatio-temporal expression and putative E regulation of EBP1 in ovarian cells during perinatal development with respect to primordial follicle formation. Hamster EBP1 nucleic acid and amino acid sequences were more than 93% and 98% similar, respectively, to those of mouse and human, and contained nucleolar localization signal, RNA-binding domain and several phosphorylation sites. EBP1 protein was present in somatic cells and oocytes from E15, and declined in oocytes by P1 and in somatic cells by P5. Thereafter, EBP1 expression increased through P7 with a transient decline on P8 primarily in interstitial cells. EBP1 mRNA levels mirrored protein expression pattern. E treatment on P1 and P4 upregulated EBP1 expression by P8 whereas E treatment on P4 downregulated it by 72 h suggesting a compensatory upregulation due to E pretreatment. Treatment with an FSH-antiserum, which suppressed primordial follicle formation, prevented the decline in EBP1 levels, and the effect was reversed by E treatment. Therefore, the results provide the first evidence that EBP1 may play an important role in mediating the effect of E in the differentiation of somatic cells into granulosa cells during primordial follicle formation.
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A new model of development of the mammalian ovary and follicles. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55578. [PMID: 23409002 PMCID: PMC3567121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicular granulosa cells surround and nurture oocytes, and produce sex steroid hormones. It is believed that during development the ovarian surface epithelial cells penetrate into the ovary and develop into granulosa cells when associating with oogonia to form follicles. Using bovine fetal ovaries (n = 80) we identified a novel cell type, termed GREL for Gonadal Ridge Epithelial-Like. Using 26 markers for GREL and other cells and extracellular matrix we conducted immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy and chronologically tracked all somatic cell types during development. Before 70 days of gestation the gonadal ridge/ovarian primordium is formed by proliferation of GREL cells at the surface epithelium of the mesonephros. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate into the ovarian primordium. After 70 days, stroma from the underlying mesonephros begins to penetrate the primordium, partitioning the developing ovary into irregularly-shaped ovigerous cords composed of GREL cells and PGCs/oogonia. Importantly we identified that the cords are always separated from the stroma by a basal lamina. Around 130 days of gestation the stroma expands laterally below the outermost layers of GREL cells forming a sub-epithelial basal lamina and establishing an epithelial-stromal interface. It is at this stage that a mature surface epithelium develops from the GREL cells on the surface of the ovary primordium. Expansion of the stroma continues to partition the ovigerous cords into smaller groups of cells eventually forming follicles containing an oogonium/oocyte surrounded by GREL cells, which become granulosa cells, all enclosed by a basal lamina. Thus in contrast to the prevailing theory, the ovarian surface epithelial cells do not penetrate into the ovary to form the granulosa cells of follicles, instead ovarian surface epithelial cells and granulosa cells have a common precursor, the GREL cell.
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Germline development from human pluripotent stem cells toward disease modeling of infertility. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:1250-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Childs AJ, Kinnell HL, He J, Anderson RA. LIN28 is selectively expressed by primordial and pre-meiotic germ cells in the human fetal ovary. Stem Cells Dev 2012; 21:2343-9. [PMID: 22296229 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2011.0730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell development requires timely transition from primordial germ cell (PGC) self-renewal to meiotic differentiation. This is associated with widespread changes in gene expression, including downregulation of stem cell-associated genes, such as OCT4 and KIT, and upregulation of markers of germ cell differentiation and meiosis, such as VASA, STRA8, and SYCP3. The stem cell-expressed RNA-binding protein Lin28 has recently been demonstrated to be essential for PGC specification in mice, and LIN28 is expressed in human germ cell tumors with phenotypic similarities to human fetal germ cells. We have therefore examined the expression of LIN28 during normal germ cell development in the human fetal ovary, from the PGC stage, through meiosis to the initiation of follicle formation. LIN28 transcript levels were highest when the gonad contained only PGCs, and decreased significantly with increasing gestation, coincident with the onset of germ cell differentiation. Immunohistochemistry revealed LIN28 protein expression to be germ cell-specific at all stages examined. All PGCs expressed LIN28, but at later gestations expression was restricted to a subpopulation of germ cells, which we demonstrate to be primordial and premeiotic germ cells based on immunofluorescent colocalization of LIN28 and OCT4, and absence of overlap with the meiosis marker SYCP3. We also demonstrate the expression of the LIN28 target precursor pri-microRNA transcripts pri-LET7a/f/d and pri-LET-7g in the human fetal ovary, and that expression of these is highest at the PGC stage, mirroring that of LIN28. The spatial and temporal restriction of LIN28 expression and coincident peaks of expression of LIN28 and target pri-microRNAs suggest important roles for this protein in the maintenance of the germline stem cell state and the regulation of microRNA activity in the developing human ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Childs
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Eddie SL, Childs AJ, Jabbour HN, Anderson RA. Developmentally regulated IL6-type cytokines signal to germ cells in the human fetal ovary. Mol Hum Reprod 2011; 18:88-95. [PMID: 21965347 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal ovarian development and primordial follicle formation are imperative for adult fertility in the female. Data suggest the interleukin (IL)6-type cytokines, leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), IL6, oncostatin M (OSM) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), are able to regulate the survival, proliferation and differentiation of fetal murine germ cells (GCs) in vivo and in vitro. We postulated that these factors may play a similar role during early human GC development and primordial follicle formation. To test this hypothesis, we have investigated the expression and regulation of IL6-type cytokines, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Expression of transcripts encoding OSM increased significantly across the gestational range examined (8-20 weeks), while expression of IL6 increased specifically between the first (8-11 weeks) and early second (12-16 weeks) trimesters, co-incident with the initiation of meiosis. LIF and CNTF expression remained unchanged. Expression of the genes encoding the LIF and IL6 receptors, and their common signalling subunit gp130, was also found to be developmentally regulated, with expression increasing significantly with increasing gestation. LIF receptor and gp130 proteins localized exclusively to GCs, including oocytes in primordial follicles, indicating this cell type to be the sole target of IL6-type cytokine signalling in the human fetal ovary. These data establish that IL6-type cytokines and their receptors are expressed in the human fetal ovary and may directly influence GC development at multiple stages of maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Eddie
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen' s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Yang S, Luo A, Hao X, Lai Z, Ding T, Ma X, Mayinuer M, Shen W, Wang X, Lu Y, Ma D, Wang S. Peroxiredoxin 2 inhibits granulosa cell apoptosis during follicle atresia through the NFKB pathway in mice. Biol Reprod 2011; 84:1182-9. [PMID: 21248284 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.087569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) has been known to act as an antioxidant enzyme whose main function is H(2)O(2) reduction in cells. We aimed to study the expression patterns of PRDX2 in mouse ovaries and explore the function of this protein in apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs). We found that the expression of the PRDX2 protein in atretic follicle GCs was markedly higher than in healthy follicle GCs. In vitro, the transfection of siRNA targeting the Prdx2 gene inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of primary cultured GCs. Furthermore, suppression of PRDX2 resulted in the augmentation of endogenous H(2)O(2), and the ability to eliminate the exogenous H(2)O(2) was attenuated. The expression of PRDX2 and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFKB), whose activity was inhibited by binding to IKB, increased in GCs treated with various concentrations of H(2)O(2) for 30 min. However, no significant change in cytoplasmic IKB expression was observed. At 2 h after treatment with H(2)O(2), nuclear NFKB expression level was reduced, cytoplasmic IKB expression was increased, and PRDX2 expression was unchanged. Silencing of the Prdx2 gene caused early changes in NFKB and IKB expression in the primary cultured GCs compared to that in control cells. Taken together, these data suggest that PRDX2 plays an important role in inhibiting apoptosis in GCs and that PRDX2 actions may be related to the expression of NFKB and IKB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Farhi J, Fisch B, Garor R, Peled Y, Pinkas H, Abir R. Neurotrophin 4 enhances in vitro follicular assembly in human fetal ovaries. Fertil Steril 2010; 95:1267-71. [PMID: 20447632 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2009] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the in vitro effect of neurotrophin 4 (NT-4) on follicular assembly in human fetal ovaries. DESIGN Human ovarian tissue from fetuses at 19-20 gestational weeks was placed in organ culture for two weeks with NT-4. Control groups were cultured with a neutralizing antibody against NT-4. SETTING Infertility unit at an university-affiliated tertiary medical center. PATIENT(S) Four patients who underwent pregnancy terminations at 19-20 gestational weeks. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Histologic findings of follicular assembly. RESULT(S) Follicular assembly was significantly increased in the specimens cultured with NT-4 than in the uncultured specimens, the samples cultured without NT-4, and samples cultured with the neutralizing antibody. In the second week of culture, additional follicular assembly was promoted in the presence of 100 ng/mL NT-4 but not with 10 ng/mL NT-4. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first report showing that NT-4 seems to promote human follicular assembly in fetal ovaries, probably in a dose-dependent manner. Follicular assembly is regulated by multiple signals, and additional studies on the effects of other growth factors in combination with NT-4 are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Farhi
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
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Abstract
In the human ovary, early in pre-natal life, oocytes are surrounded by pre-granulosa follicular cells to form primordial follicles. These primordial oocytes remain dormant, often for decades, until recruited into the growing pool throughout a woman's adult reproductive years. Activation of follicle growth and subsequent development of growing oocytes in pre-antral follicles are major biological checkpoints that determine an individual females reproductive potential. In the past decade, great strides have been made in the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning maintenance of the quiescent primordial follicle pool and initiation and development of follicle growth. Gaining an in-depth knowledge of the intracellular signalling systems that control oocyte preservation and follicle activation has significant implications for improving female reproductive productivity and alleviating infertility. It also has application in domestic animal husbandry, feral animal population control and contraception in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen A McLaughlin
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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Abstract
In humans and other mammalian species, the pool of resting primordial follicles serves as the source of developing follicles and fertilizable ova for the entire length of female reproductive life. One question that has intrigued biologists is: what are the mechanisms controlling the activation of dormant primordial follicles. Studies from previous decades have laid a solid, but yet incomplete, foundation. In recent years, molecular mechanisms underlying follicular activation have become more evident, mainly through the use of genetically modified mouse models. As hypothesized in the 1990s, the pool of primordial follicles is now known to be maintained in a dormant state by various forms of inhibitory machinery, which are provided by several inhibitory signals and molecules. Several recently reported mutant mouse models have shown that a synergistic and coordinated suppression of follicular activation provided by multiple inhibitory molecules is necessary to preserve the dormant follicular pool. Loss of function of any of the inhibitory molecules for follicular activation, including PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10), Foxo3a, p27, and Foxl2, leads to premature and irreversible activation of the primordial follicle pool. Such global activation of the primordial follicle pool leads to the exhaustion of the resting follicle reserve, resulting in premature ovarian failure in mice. In this review, we summarize both historical and recent results on mammalian primordial follicular activation and focus on the up-to-date knowledge of molecular networks controlling this important physiological event. We believe that information obtained from mutant mouse models may also reflect the molecular machinery responsible for follicular activation in humans. These advances may provide a better understanding of human ovarian physiology and pathophysiology for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Adhikari
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Hartshorne GM, Lyrakou S, Hamoda H, Oloto E, Ghafari F. Oogenesis and cell death in human prenatal ovaries: what are the criteria for oocyte selection? Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:805-19. [PMID: 19584195 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal oogenesis produces hundreds of thousands of oocytes, most of which are discarded through apoptosis before birth. Despite this large-scale selection, the survivors do not constitute a perfect population, and the factors at the cellular level that result in apoptosis or survival of any individual oocyte are largely unknown. What then are the selection criteria that determine the size and quality of the ovarian reserve in women? This review focuses on new data at the cellular level, on human prenatal oogenesis, offering clues about the importance of the timing of entry to meiotic prophase I by linking the stages and progress through MPI with the presence or absence of apoptotic markers. The characteristics and responsiveness of cultured human fetal ovarian tissue at different gestational ages to growth factor supplementation and the impact of meiotic abnormalities upon apoptotic markers are discussed. Future work will require the use of a tissue culture model of prenatal oogenesis in order to investigate the fate of individual live oocytes at different stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Hartshorne
- Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
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Fowler PA, Flannigan S, Mathers A, Gillanders K, Lea RG, Wood MJ, Maheshwari A, Bhattacharya S, Collie-Duguid ESR, Baker PJ, Monteiro A, O'Shaughnessy PJ. Gene expression analysis of human fetal ovarian primordial follicle formation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94:1427-35. [PMID: 19258411 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2008-2619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primordial follicle formation dictates the maximal potential female reproductive capacity and establishes the ovarian reserve. Currently, little is known about this process in the human. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to identify genes associated with the onset of human fetal primordial follicle formation in morphologically normal human fetuses. DESIGN We conducted an observational study of the female fetal gonad, comparing gene expression before and during primordial follicle formation. SETTING The study was conducted at the Universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Nottingham. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Ovaries were collected from 51 morphologically normal human female fetuses of women undergoing elective termination of normal second trimester pregnancies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We performed fetal ovarian transcript expression by Affymetrix array and quantitative RT-PCR and gene product expression and localization by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Five transcripts were down-regulated and 61 were up-regulated in ovaries from older fetuses (18-20 wk) in which primordial follicle formation had started compared with younger (15-16 wk) fetuses in which no primordial follicles were observed. The altered genes contribute to major functions, including gene expression, tissue morphology, and apoptosis, that are essential for ovarian development. NALP5, the most highly regulated transcript, is an oocyte-specific maternal effect gene that is regulated downstream of FIGLA. CONCLUSIONS NALP5 probably plays a key role in the onset of human primordial follicle formation and thus the establishment of ovarian reserve in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Fowler
- Division of Applied Medicine, Centre for Reproductive Endocrinology and Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Oocytes are sequestered in primordial follicles before birth and remain quiescent in the ovary, often for decades, until recruited into the growing pool throughout the reproductive years. Therefore, activation of follicle growth is a major biological checkpoint that controls female reproductive potential. However, we are only just beginning to elucidate the cellular mechanisms required for either maintenance of the quiescent primordial follicle pool or initiation of follicle growth. Understanding the intracellular signalling systems that control oocyte maintenance and activation has significant implications for improving female reproductive productivity and longevity in mammals, and has application in domestic animal husbandry, feral animal population control and infertility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen A McLaughlin
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
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