1
|
Ciccarelli EJ, Wing Z, Bendelstein M, Johal RK, Singh G, Monas A, Savage-Dunn C. TGF-β ligand cross-subfamily interactions in the response of Caenorhabditis elegans to a bacterial pathogen. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011324. [PMID: 38875298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β) family consists of numerous secreted peptide growth factors that play significant roles in cell function, tissue patterning, and organismal homeostasis, including wound repair and immunity. Typically studied as homodimers, these ligands have the potential to diversify their functions through ligand interactions that may enhance, repress, or generate novel functions. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, there are only five TGF-β ligands, providing an opportunity to dissect ligand interactions in fewer combinations than in vertebrates. As in vertebrates, these ligands can be divided into bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and TGF-β/Activin subfamilies that predominantly signal through discrete signaling pathways. The BMP subfamily ligand DBL-1 has been well studied for its role in the innate immune response in C. elegans. Here we show that all five TGF-β ligands play a role in survival on bacterial pathogens. We also demonstrate that multiple TGF-β ligand pairs act nonredundantly as part of this response. We show that the two BMP-like ligands-DBL-1 and TIG-2 -function independently of each other in the immune response, while TIG2/BMP and the TGF-β/Activin-like ligand TIG-3 function together. Structural modeling supports the potential for TIG-2 and TIG-3 to form heterodimers. Additionally, we identify TIG-2 and TIG-3 as members of a rare subset of TGF-β ligands lacking the conserved cysteine responsible for disulfide linking mature dimers. Finally, we show that canonical DBL1/BMP receptor and Smad signal transducers function in the response to bacterial pathogens, while components of the DAF7 TGF-β/Activin signaling pathway do not play a major role in survival. These results demonstrate a novel potential for BMP and TGF-β/Activin subfamily ligands to interact and may provide a mechanism for distinguishing the developmental and homeostatic functions of these ligands from an acute response such as the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jo Ciccarelli
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Zachary Wing
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Moshe Bendelstein
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Ramandeep Kaur Johal
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Gurjot Singh
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Ayelet Monas
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Cathy Savage-Dunn
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu Q, Ma H, Wang J, Liang X. Understanding the Mechanisms of Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Insights from Genetic Variants and Regulatory Factors. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1521-1532. [PMID: 38347379 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01467-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Delaying childbearing age has become a trend in modern times, but it has also led to a common challenge in clinical reproductive medicine-diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Since the mechanism behind DOR is unknown and its clinical features are complex, physicians find it difficult to provide targeted treatment. Many factors affect ovarian reserve function, and existing studies have shown that genetic variants, upstream regulatory genes, and changes in protein expression levels are present in populations with reduced ovarian reserve function. However, existing therapeutic regimens often do not target the genetic profile for more individualized treatment. In this paper, we review the types of genetic variants, mutations, altered expression levels of microRNAs, and other related factors and their effects on the regulation of follicular development, as well as altered DNA methylation. We hope this review will have significant implications for the future treatment of individuals with reduced ovarian reserve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinying Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College of, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College of, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Provincial Clinical Research Center for Gynecological Oncology, No.1, Donggangxi Rd, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Granados-Aparici S, Yang Q, Clarke HJ. SMAD4 promotes somatic-germline contact during murine oocyte growth. eLife 2024; 13:RP91798. [PMID: 38819913 PMCID: PMC11142639 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Development of the mammalian oocyte requires physical contact with the surrounding granulosa cells of the follicle, which provide it with essential nutrients and regulatory signals. This contact is achieved through specialized filopodia, termed transzonal projections (TZPs), that extend from the granulosa cells to the oocyte surface. Transforming growth factor (TGFβ) family ligands produced by the oocyte increase the number of TZPs, but how they do so is unknown. Using an inducible Cre recombinase strategy together with expression of green fluorescent protein to verify Cre activity in individual cells, we examined the effect of depleting the canonical TGFβ mediator, SMAD4, in mouse granulosa cells. We observed a 20-50% decrease in the total number of TZPs in SMAD4-depleted granulosa cell-oocyte complexes, and a 50% decrease in the number of newly generated TZPs when the granulosa cells were reaggregated with wild-type oocytes. Three-dimensional image analysis revealed that TZPs of SMAD4-depleted cells were longer than controls and more frequently oriented towards the oocyte. Strikingly, the transmembrane proteins, N-cadherin and Notch2, were reduced by 50% in SMAD4-depleted cells. SMAD4 may thus modulate a network of cell adhesion proteins that stabilize the attachment of TZPs to the oocyte, thereby amplifying signalling between the two cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Granados-Aparici
- Research Institute, McGill University Health CentreMontrealCanada
- Present address: Cancer CIBER (CIBERONC)MadridSpain
- Present address: Pathology Department, Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVAValenciaSpain
| | - Qin Yang
- Research Institute, McGill University Health CentreMontrealCanada
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Research Institute, McGill University Health CentreMontrealCanada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biology, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill UniversityMontréalCanada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Duan Y, Cai B, Guo J, Wang C, Mai Q, Xu Y, Zeng Y, Shi Y, Wang B, Ding C, Chen M, Zhou C, Xu Y. GDF9 His209GlnfsTer6/S428T and GDF9 Q321X/S428T bi-allelic variants caused female subfertility with defective follicle enlargement. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:235. [PMID: 38643161 PMCID: PMC11031944 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antral follicles consist of an oocyte cumulus complex surrounding by somatic cells, including mural granulosa cells as the inner layer and theca cells as the outsider layer. The communications between oocytes and granulosa cells have been extensively explored in in vitro studies, however, the role of oocyte-derived factor GDF9 on in vivo antral follicle development remains elusive due to lack of an appropriate animal model. Clinically, the phenotype of GDF9 variants needs to be determined. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on two unrelated infertile women characterized by an early rise of estradiol level and defect in follicle enlargement. Besides, WES data on 1,039 women undergoing ART treatment were collected. A Gdf9Q308X/S415T mouse model was generated based on the variant found in one of the patients. RESULTS Two probands with bi-allelic GDF9 variants (GDF9His209GlnfsTer6/S428T, GDF9Q321X/S428T) and eight GDF9S428T heterozygotes with normal ovarian response were identified. In vitro experiments confirmed that these variants caused reduction of GDF9 secretion, and/or alleviation in BMP15 binding. Gdf9Q308X/S415T mouse model was constructed, which recapitulated the phenotypes in probands with abnormal estrogen secretion and defected follicle enlargement. Further experiments in mouse model showed an earlier expression of STAR in small antral follicles and decreased proliferative capacity in large antral follicles. In addition, RNA sequencing of granulosa cells revealed the transcriptomic profiles related to defective follicle enlargement in the Gdf9Q308X/S415T group. One of the downregulated genes, P4HA2 (a collagen related gene), was found to be stimulated by GDF9 protein, which partly explained the phenotype of defective follicle enlargement. CONCLUSIONS GDF9 bi-allelic variants contributed to the defect in antral follicle development. Oocyte itself participated in the regulation of follicle development through GDF9 paracrine effect, highlighting the essential role of oocyte-derived factors on ovarian response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Duan
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Bing Cai
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Qingyun Mai
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Boyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Chenhui Ding
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Minghui Chen
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tang Y, Lu S, Wei J, Xu R, Zhang H, Wei Q, Han B, Gao Y, Zhao X, Peng S, Pan M, Ma B. Growth differentiation factor 9 regulates the expression of estrogen receptors via Smad2/3 signaling in goat cumulus cells. Theriogenology 2024; 219:65-74. [PMID: 38402699 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Both oocyte secretory factors (OSFs) and estrogen are essential for the development and function of mammalian ovarian follicles, playing synergistic role in regulating oocyte growth. OSFs can significantly affect the biological processes regulated by estrogen in cumulus cells (CCs). It is a scientific question worth investigating whether oocyte secretory factors can influence the expression of estrogen receptors in CCs. In our study, we observed a significant increase in the mRNA and protein expressions of estrogen receptor β (Esr2/ERβ) and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in cumulus cells of goat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) cultured in vitro for 6 h. Furthermore, the addition of 10 ng/mL growth-differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and 5 ng/mL bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) to the culture medium of goat COCs resulted in a significant increase in the expressions of ERβ and GPER in cumulus cells. To explore the mechanism further, we performed micromanipulation to remove oocyte contents and co-cultured the oocytectomized complexes (OOXs) with denuded oocytes (DOs) or GDF9/BMP15. The expressions of ERβ and GPER in the co-culture groups were significantly higher than those in the OOXs group, but there was no difference compared to the COCs group. Mechanistically, we found that SB431542 (inhibitor of GDF9 bioactivity), but not LDN193189 (inhibitor of BMP15 bioactivity), abolished the upregulation of ERβ and GPER in cumulus cells and the activation of Smad2/3 signaling. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the oocyte secretory factor GDF9 promotes the activation of Smad2/3 signaling in cumulus cells during goat COCs culture in vitro, and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 induces the expression of estrogen receptors ERβ and GPER in cumulus cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaju Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Sihai Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Juncai Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Rui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Bin Han
- Yulin Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Center, Yulin, 719000, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yan Gao
- Yulin Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Center, Yulin, 719000, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaoe Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Sha Peng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Menghao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Baohua Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu Y, Fan H, Kang X, Hao Y, Wang N, Zheng H, Li Y, Kang S. A rare germline BMP15 missense mutation causes hereditary ovarian immature teratoma in human. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310409121. [PMID: 38427603 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310409121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian immature teratomas (OITs) are malignant tumors originating from the ovarian germ cells that mainly occur during the first 30 y of a female's life. Early age of onset strongly suggests the presence of susceptibility gene mutations for the disease yet to be discovered. Whole exon sequencing was used to screen pathogenic mutations from pedigrees with OITs. A rare missense germline mutation (C262T) in the first exon of the BMP15 gene was identified. In silico calculation suggested that the mutation could impair the formation of mature peptides. In vitro experiments on cell lines confirmed that the mutation caused an 84.7% reduction in the secretion of mature BMP15. Clinical samples from OIT patients also showed a similar pattern of decrease in the BMP15 expression. In the transgenic mouse model, the spontaneous parthenogenetic activation significantly increased in oocytes carrying the T allele. Remarkably, a mouse carrying the T allele developed the phenotype of OIT. Oocyte-specific RNA sequencing revealed that abnormal activation of the H-Ras/MAPK pathway might contribute to the development of OIT. BMP15 was identified as a pathogenic gene for OIT which improved our understanding of the etiology of OIT and provided a potential biomarker for genetic screening of this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Hongwei Fan
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Xi Kang
- Department of Surgery, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Yuntao Hao
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Nanjing Personal Oncology Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu 211103, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Shan Kang
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mehdizadeh A, Soleimani M, Amjadi F, Sene AA, Sheikhha MH, Dehghani A, Ashourzadeh S, Aali BS, Dabiri S, Zandieh Z. Implication of Novel BMP15 and GDF9 Variants in Unexpected Poor Ovarian Response. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:840-850. [PMID: 37848645 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Unexpected poor ovarian response (UPOR) occurs when nine or fewer oocytes are retrieved from a young patient with normal ovarian reserve. Bone morphogenetic protein15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) are two oocyte-specific factors with pivotal role in folliculogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between BMP15 and GDF9 variants with UPOR. Hundred women aged ≤ 39 with AMH ≥ 1.27 IU/ml participated as UPOR and normal ovarian responders (NOR) based on their oocyte number. Each group consisted of 50 patients. After genomic DNA extraction, the entire exonic regions of BMP15 and GDF9 were amplified and examined by direct sequencing. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression levels of BMP15 and GDF9 in follicular fluid. Additionally, in silico analysis was applied to predict the effect of discovered mutations. From four novel variants of BMP15 and GDF9 genes, silent mutations (c.744 T > C) and (c.99G > A) occurred in both groups, whereas missense variants: c.967-968insA and c.296A > G were found exclusively in UPORs. The latter variants caused reduction in protein expression. Moreover, the mutant allele (T) in a GDF9 polymorphism (C447T) found to be more in NOR individuals (58% NOR vs. 37% UPOR (OR = 2.3, CI 1.32-4.11, p = 0.004).The novel missense mutations which were predicted as damaging, along with other mutations that happened in UPORs might result in ovarian resistance to stimulation. The mutant allele (T) in C447T polymorphism has a protective effect. It can be concluded that there is an association between BMP15 and GDF9 variants and follicular development and ovarian response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Mehdizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Soleimani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Akbari Sene
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Sheikhha
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Dehghani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sareh Ashourzadeh
- Afzalipour Clinical Center for Infertility, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bibi Shahnaz Aali
- FRANZCOG Rockingham Peel Group, South Metropolitan Health Service, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Richani D, Poljak A, Wang B, Mahbub SB, Biazik J, Campbell JM, Habibalahi A, Stocker WA, Marinova MB, Nixon B, Bustamante S, Skerrett-Byrne D, Harrison CA, Goldys E, Gilchrist RB. Oocyte and cumulus cell cooperativity and metabolic plasticity under the direction of oocyte paracrine factors. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 326:E366-E381. [PMID: 38197792 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00148.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes develop and mature in a mutually dependent relationship with surrounding cumulus cells. The oocyte actively regulates cumulus cell differentiation and function by secreting soluble paracrine oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs). We characterized the molecular mechanisms by which two model OSFs, cumulin and BMP15, regulate oocyte maturation and cumulus-oocyte cooperativity. Exposure to these OSFs during mouse oocyte maturation in vitro altered the proteomic and multispectral autofluorescence profiles of both the oocyte and cumulus cells. In oocytes, cumulin significantly upregulated proteins involved in nuclear function. In cumulus cells, both OSFs elicited marked upregulation of a variety of metabolic processes (mostly anabolic), including lipid, nucleotide, and carbohydrate metabolism, whereas mitochondrial metabolic processes were downregulated. The mitochondrial changes were validated by functional assays confirming altered mitochondrial morphology, respiration, and content while maintaining ATP homeostasis. Collectively, these data demonstrate that cumulin and BMP15 remodel cumulus cell metabolism, instructing them to upregulate their anabolic metabolic processes, while routine cellular functions are minimized in the oocyte during maturation, in preparation for ensuing embryonic development.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) promote oocyte and cumulus cell cooperativity by altering the molecular composition of both cell types. OSFs downregulate protein catabolic processes and upregulate processes associated with DNA binding, translation, and ribosome assembly in oocytes. In cumulus cells, OSFs alter mitochondrial number, morphology, and function, and enhance metabolic plasticity by upregulating anabolic pathways. Hence, the oocyte via OSFs, instructs cumulus cells to increase metabolic processes on its behalf, thereby subduing oocyte metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dulama Richani
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne Poljak
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Baily Wang
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Saabah B Mahbub
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna Biazik
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jared M Campbell
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abbas Habibalahi
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William A Stocker
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria B Marinova
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sonia Bustamante
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ewa Goldys
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Subiran Adrados C, Cadenas J, Polat SL, Tjäder AS, Blanche P, Kristensen SG. Exploring the potential use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) from adult and umbilical cord blood in murine follicle culture. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100851. [PMID: 38237503 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian follicle culture is a powerful tool to study follicular physiology and has potential applications in clinical and commercial settings. Despite remarkable progress, recreating folliculogenesis in vitro remains challenging for many mammalian species. This study investigates the impact of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from adult blood (human platelet lysate, hPL) and umbilical cord blood (Umbilical cord plasma, UCP) on murine pre-antral follicle culture and oocyte maturation. Pre-antral follicles were cultured individually for 10 days with fetal bovine serum (FBS) serving as the control and two PRP sources (hPL and UCP) and their activated forms (Ac-hPL and Ac-UCP). The results suggest that neither hPL nor UCP, regardless of activation status, improved follicle culture outcomes compared to FBS. Interestingly, activation did not significantly impact the main functional outcomes such as maturation rates, survival, and growth. Oestradiol secretion and oocyte diameter, often considered hallmarks of follicle quality, did not show significant differences between matured and non-matured oocytes across the treatment groups. However, gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of Gdf-9 and Bmp-15 mRNA levels in oocytes from the Ac-UCP group, regardless of maturation stage, suggesting that the accumulation of the mRNA could be due to potential challenges in translation in the Ac-UCP group. In conclusion, this study challenges the hypothesis that PRP, as a serum source, could improve follicle culture outcomes compared to FBS, the gold standard in murine follicle culture. Further research is needed to understand the species-specific effects of PRP and explore other potential factors affecting follicle culture and oocyte quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Subiran Adrados
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Fertility, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jesús Cadenas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Fertility, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie Lund Polat
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Fertility, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Sanderhage Tjäder
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Fertility, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul Blanche
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Entrance B, 2nd floor, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Fertility, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, De Vos M, Sanchez F, Romero S, Ledger WL, Anckaert E, Vuong LN, Smitz J. A fresh start for IVM: capacitating the oocyte for development using pre-IVM. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:3-25. [PMID: 37639630 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While oocyte IVM is practiced sporadically it has not achieved widespread clinical practice globally. However, recently there have been some seminal advances in our understanding of basic aspects of oocyte biology and ovulation from animal studies that have led to novel approaches to IVM. A significant recent advance in IVM technology is the use of biphasic IVM approaches. These involve the collection of immature oocytes from small antral follicles from minimally stimulated patients/animals (without hCG-priming) and an ∼24 h pre-culture of oocytes in an advanced culture system ('pre-IVM') prior to IVM, followed by routine IVF procedures. If safe and efficacious, this novel procedure may stand to make a significant impact on human ART practices. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objectives of this review are to examine the major scientific advances in ovarian biology with a unique focus on the development of pre-IVM methodologies, to provide an insight into biphasic IVM procedures, and to report on outcomes from animal and clinical human data, including safety data. The potential future impact of biphasic IVM on ART practice is discussed. SEARCH METHODS Peer review original and review articles were selected from PubMed and Web of Science searches for this narrative review. Searches were performed using the following keywords: oocyte IVM, pre-IVM, biphasic IVM, CAPA-IVM, hCG-triggered/primed IVM, natural cycle IVF/M, ex-vivo IVM, OTO-IVM, oocyte maturation, meiotic competence, oocyte developmental competence, oocyte capacitation, follicle size, cumulus cell (CC), granulosa cell, COC, gap-junction communication, trans-zonal process, cAMP and IVM, cGMP and IVM, CNP and IVM, EGF-like peptide and IVM, minimal stimulation ART, PCOS. OUTCOMES Minimizing gonadotrophin use means IVM oocytes will be collected from small antral (pre-dominant) follicles containing oocytes that are still developing. Standard IVM yields suboptimal clinical outcomes using such oocytes, whereas pre-IVM aims to continue the oocyte's development ex vivo, prior to IVM. Pre-IVM achieves this by eliciting profound cellular changes in the oocyte's CCs, which continue to meet the oocyte's developmental needs during the pre-IVM phase. The literature contains 25 years of animal research on various pre-IVM and biphasic IVM procedures, which serves as a large knowledge base for new approaches to human IVM. A pre-IVM procedure based on c-type natriuretic peptide (named 'capacitation-IVM' (CAPA-IVM)) has undergone pre-clinical human safety and efficacy trials and its adoption into clinical practice resulted in healthy live birth rates not different from conventional IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Over many decades, improvements in clinical IVM have been gradual and incremental but there has likely been a turning of the tide in the past few years, with landmark discoveries in animal oocyte biology finally making their way into clinical practice leading to improved outcomes for patients. Demonstration of favorable clinical results with CAPA-IVM, as the first clinically tested biphasic IVM system, has led to renewed interest in IVM as an alternative, low-intervention, low-cost, safe, patient-friendly ART approach, and especially for patients with PCOS. The same new approach is being used as part of fertility preservation in patients with cancer and holds promise for social oocyte freezing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Flor Sanchez
- Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Biología y Medicina Reproductiva, Lima, Peru
| | - Sergio Romero
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida, Lima, Peru
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
- City Fertility, Global CHA IVF Partners, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Swinerd GW, Alhussini AA, Sczelecki S, Heath D, Mueller TD, McNatty KP, Pitman JL. Molecular forms of BMP15 and GDF9 in mammalian species that differ in litter size. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22428. [PMID: 38104237 PMCID: PMC10725505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49852-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor (GDF9) are critical for ovarian follicular development and fertility and are associated with litter size in mammals. These proteins initially exist as pre-pro-mature proteins, that are subsequently cleaved into biologically active forms. Thus, the molecular forms of GDF9 and BMP15 may provide the key to understanding the differences in litter size determination in mammals. Herein, we compared GDF9 and BMP15 forms in mammals with high (pigs) and low to moderate (sheep) and low (red deer) ovulation-rate. In all species, oocyte lysates and secretions contained both promature and mature forms of BMP15 and GDF9. Whilst promature and mature GDF9 levels were similar between species, deer produced more BMP15 and exhibited, together with sheep, a higher promature:mature BMP15 ratio. N-linked glycosylation was prominant in proregion and mature GDF9 and in proregion BMP15 of pigs, and present in proregion GDF9 of sheep. There was no evidence of secreted native homo- or hetero-dimers although a GDF9 dimer in red deer oocyte lysate was detected. In summary, GDF9 appeared to be equally important in all species regardless of litter size, whilst BMP15 levels were highest in strict monovulatory species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gene W Swinerd
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Abdulaziz A Alhussini
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Sczelecki
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Derek Heath
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Thomas D Mueller
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-Von-Sachs Institute of the University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kenneth P McNatty
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Janet L Pitman
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Krysta-Matter AE, Riepsamen AH, Lien S, Wong WYT, Richani D, Kilani S, Harrison CA, Mallitt KA, Ledger WL, Robertson DM, Gilchrist RB. Application of specific ELISAs for BMP15 and GDF9 to cumulus cell extracts from infertile women. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112049. [PMID: 37666445 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) are oocyte-specific paracrine factors which regulate ovarian cumulus cell (CC) functions. This study aimed to investigate if BMP15 and GDF9 bound to CCs can be characterized, quantified, and show an association with IVF outcomes in infertile women. BMP15 and GDF9 ELISAs were validated and applied to discarded CC extracts. Pooled CCs from individual patients were collected from 120 (cohort 1; BMP15 only) and 81 infertility patients (cohort 2; BMP15 and GDF9) undergoing superovulation. BMP15 and GDF9 levels expressed per CC DNA were correlated with maternal age, clinical and embryology data. Total BMP15 and GDF9 were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.9, p < 0.001). The GDF9:BMP15 ratio was unrelated to oocyte number or age. BMP15/CC DNA and GDF9/CC DNA were unaffected by the type of superovulation and were not related to oocyte/embryo outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A E Krysta-Matter
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - A H Riepsamen
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - S Lien
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - W Y T Wong
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - D Richani
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - S Kilani
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - C A Harrison
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - K A Mallitt
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - W L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - D M Robertson
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - R B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jiang Y, He Y, Pan X, Wang P, Yuan X, Ma B. Advances in Oocyte Maturation In Vivo and In Vitro in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9059. [PMID: 37240406 PMCID: PMC10219173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The quality and maturation of an oocyte not only play decisive roles in fertilization and embryo success, but also have long-term impacts on the later growth and development of the fetus. Female fertility declines with age, reflecting a decline in oocyte quantity. However, the meiosis of oocytes involves a complex and orderly regulatory process whose mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. This review therefore mainly focuses on the regulation mechanism of oocyte maturation, including folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and the interactions between granulosa cells and oocytes, plus in vitro technology and nuclear/cytoplasm maturation in oocytes. Additionally, we have reviewed advances made in the single-cell mRNA sequencing technology related to oocyte maturation in order to improve our understanding of the mechanism of oocyte maturation and to provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research into oocyte maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jiang
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6149, Australia
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Yingting He
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiangchun Pan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Penghao Wang
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6149, Australia
| | - Xiaolong Yuan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6149, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Resolving the challenge of insoluble production of mature human growth differentiation factor 9 protein (GDF9) in E. coli using bicistronic expression with thioredoxin. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123225. [PMID: 36649874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123225] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is an oocyte-derived protein with fundamental functions in folliculogenesis. While the crucial contributions of GDF9 in follicular survival have been revealed, crystallographic studies of GDF9 structure have not yet been carried out, essentially due to the insoluble expression of GDF9 in E. coli and lack of appropriate source for structural studies. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of different expression rate of bacterial thioredoxin (TrxA) using bicistronic expression constructs to induce the soluble expression of mature human GDF9 (hGDF9) driven by T7 promoter in E. coli. Our findings revealed that in BL21(DE3), the high rate of TrxA co-expression at 30 °C was sufficiently potent for the soluble expression of hGDF9 and reduction of inclusion body formation by 4 fold. We also successfully confirmed the bioactivity of the purified soluble hGDF9 protein by evaluation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene expression in bovine cumulus cells derived from small follicles. This study is the first to present an effective approach for expression of bioactive form of hGDF9 using TrxA co-expression in E. coli, which may unravel the current issues regarding structural analysis of hGDF9 protein and consequently provide a better insight into hGDF9 functions and interactions.
Collapse
|
15
|
Cadenas J, Poulsen LC, Nikiforov D, Grøndahl ML, Kumar A, Bahnu K, Englund ALM, Malm J, Marko-Varga G, Pla I, Sanchez A, Pors SE, Andersen CY. Regulation of human oocyte maturation in vivo during the final maturation of follicles. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:686-700. [PMID: 36762771 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which substances and signal transduction pathways are potentially active downstream to the effect of FSH and LH in the regulation of human oocyte maturation in vivo? SUMMARY ANSWER The regulation of human oocyte maturation appears to be a multifactorial process in which several different signal transduction pathways are active. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Many studies in animal species have provided insight into the mechanisms that govern the final maturation of oocytes. Currently, these studies have identified several different mechanisms downstream to the effects of FSH and LH. Some of the identified mechanisms include the regulation of cAMP/cGMP levels in oocytes involving C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-related peptides such as amphiregulin (AREG) and/or epiregulin (EREG), effect of TGF-β family members including growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), activins/inhibins, follicular fluid meiosis activating sterol (FF-MAS), the growth factor midkine (MDK), and several others. However, to what extent these pathways and mechanisms are active in humans in vivo is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective cohort study included 50 women undergoing fertility treatment in a standard antagonist protocol at a university hospital affiliated fertility clinic in 2016-2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We evaluated the substances and signalling pathways potentially affecting human oocyte maturation in follicular fluid (FF) and granulosa cells (GCs) collected at five time points during the final maturation of follicles. Using ELISA measurement and proteomic profiling of FF and whole genome gene expression in GC, the following substances and their signal transduction pathways were collectively evaluated: CNP, the EGF family, inhibin-A, inhibin-B, activins, FF-MAS, MDK, GDF9, and BMP15. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All the evaluated substances and signal transduction pathways are potentially active in the regulation of human oocyte maturation in vivo except for GDF9/BMP15 signalling. In particular, AREG, inhibins, and MDK were significantly upregulated during the first 12-17 h after initiating the final maturation of follicles and were measured at significantly higher concentrations than previously reported. Additionally, the genes regulating FF-MAS synthesis and metabolism were significantly controlled in favour of accumulation during the first 12-17 h. In contrast, concentrations of CNP were low and did not change during the process of final maturation of follicles, and concentrations of GDF9 and BMP15 were much lower than reported in small antral follicles, suggesting a less pronounced influence from these substances. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although GC and cumulus cells have many similar features, it is a limitation of the current study that information for the corresponding cumulus cells is not available. However, we seldom recovered a cumulus-oocyte complex during the follicle aspiration from 0 to 32 h. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Delineating the mechanisms governing the regulation of human oocyte maturation in vivo advances the possibility of developing a platform for IVM that, as for most other mammalian species, results in healthy offspring with good efficacy. Mimicking the intrafollicular conditions during oocyte maturation in vivo in small culture droplets during IVM may enhance oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. The primary outlook for such a method is, in the context of fertility preservation, to augment the chances of achieving biological children after a cancer treatment by subjecting oocytes from small antral follicles to IVM. Provided that aspiration of oocytes from small antral follicles in vivo can be developed with good efficacy, IVM may be applied to infertile patients on a larger scale and can provide a cheap alternative to conventional IVF treatment with ovarian stimulation. Successful IVM has the potential to change current established techniques for infertility treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, the Independent Research Fund Denmark (grant number 0134-00448), and the Interregional EU-sponsored ReproUnion network. There are no conflicts of interest to be declared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Cadenas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - L C Poulsen
- Zealand Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - D Nikiforov
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - M L Grøndahl
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - A Kumar
- Ansh Labs LLC, Webster, TX, USA
| | - K Bahnu
- Ansh Labs LLC, Webster, TX, USA
| | - A L M Englund
- Zealand Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - J Malm
- Section for Clinical Chemistry, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Protein Science & Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - G Marko-Varga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Protein Science & Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - I Pla
- Section for Clinical Chemistry, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Protein Science & Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - A Sanchez
- Section for Clinical Chemistry, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Protein Science & Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - S E Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - C Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gipson GR, Nolan K, Kattamuri C, Kenny AP, Agricola Z, Edwards NA, Zinski J, Czepnik M, Mullins MC, Zorn AM, Thompson TB. Formation and characterization of BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimers. BMC Biol 2023; 21:16. [PMID: 36726183 PMCID: PMC9893541 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01522-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteins of the TGFβ family, which are largely studied as homodimers, are also known to form heterodimers with biological activity distinct from their component homodimers. For instance, heterodimers of bone morphogenetic proteins, including BMP2/BMP7, BMP2/BMP6, and BMP9/BMP10, among others, have illustrated the importance of these heterodimeric proteins within the context of TGFβ signaling. RESULTS In this study, we have determined that mature GDF5 can be combined with mature BMP2 or BMP4 to form BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimer. Intriguingly, this combination of a BMP2 or BMP4 monomer, which exhibit high affinity to heparan sulfate characteristic to the BMP class, with a GDF5 monomer with low heparan sulfate affinity produces a heterodimer with an intermediate affinity. Using heparin affinity chromatography to purify the heterodimeric proteins, we then determined that both the BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimers consistently signaled potently across an array of cellular and in vivo systems, while the activities of their homodimeric counterparts were more context dependent. These differences were likely driven by an increase in the combined affinities for the type 1 receptors, Alk3 and Alk6. Furthermore, the X-ray crystal structure of BMP2/GDF5 heterodimer was determined, highlighting the formation of two asymmetric type 1 receptor binding sites that are both unique relative to the homodimers. CONCLUSIONS Ultimately, this method of heterodimer production yielded a signaling molecule with unique properties relative to the homodimeric ligands, including high affinity to multiple type 1 and moderate heparan binding affinity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Gipson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kristof Nolan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alan P Kenny
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Zachary Agricola
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicole A Edwards
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph Zinski
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Magdalena Czepnik
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aaron M Zorn
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang L, Wang Y, Li B, Zhang Y, Song S, Ding W, Xu D, Zhao Z. BMP6 regulates AMH expression via SMAD1/5/8 in goat ovarian granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2023; 197:167-176. [PMID: 36525856 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.045] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by ovarian granulosa cells (GCs)and plays a major role in inhibiting the recruitment of primordial follicles and reducing the sensitivity of growing follicles to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) has similar spatiotemporal expression to AMH during follicular development, suggesting that BMP6 may regulate AMH expression. However, the specific mechanism by which BMP6 regulates AMH expression remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular pathway by which BMP6 regulates AMH expression. The results showed that BMP6 promoted the secretion and expression of AMH in goat ovarian GCs. Mechanistically, BMP6 upregulated the expression of sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) and GATA-binding factor 4 (GATA4), which was associated with the transcriptional initiation of AMH. AMH expression was significantly decreased by GATA4 knockdown. Moreover, BMP6 treatment promoted the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8, whereas inhibiting the SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathway significantly abolished BMP6-induced upregulation of AMH and GATA4 expression. Interestingly, the activation of SMAD1/5/8 alone did not affect the expression of AMH or GATA4. The results suggested that BMP6 upregulated GATA4 through the SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathway, which in turn promoted AMH expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yukun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Bijun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Shuaifei Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Wenfei Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Dejun Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
| | - Zhongquan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Simulated microgravity reduces quality of ovarian follicles and oocytes by disrupting communications of follicle cells. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36690655 PMCID: PMC9870914 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00248-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicles are the fundamental structures that support oocyte development, and communications between oocytes and follicle somatic cells are crucial for oogenesis. However, it is unknown that whether exposure to microgravity influences cellular communications and ovarian follicle development, which might be harmful for female fertility. By 3D culturing of ovarian follicles under simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions in a rotating cell culture system, we found that SMG treatment did not affect the survival or general growth of follicles but decreased the quality of cultured follicles released oocytes. Ultrastructure detections by high-resolution imaging showed that the development of cellular communicating structures, including granulosa cell transzonal projections and oocyte microvilli, were markedly disrupted. These abnormalities caused chaotic polarity of granulosa cells (GCs) and a decrease in oocyte-secreted factors, such as Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9), which led to decreased quality of oocytes in these follicles. Therefore, the quality of oocytes was dramatically improved by the supplementations of GDF9 and NADPH-oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Together, our results suggest that exposure to simulated microgravity impairs the ultrastructure of ovarian follicles. Such impairment may affect female fertility in space environment.
Collapse
|
19
|
Future potential of in vitro maturation including fertility preservation. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:550-559. [PMID: 36702341 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In several mammalian species, oocytes from small antral follicles after in vitro maturation (IVM) are successfully used for procreation. Humans are the exception, mainly because of limited access to immature oocytes and because oocyte maturation is uniquely regulated in women. With the introduction of cryopreservation of the ovarian cortex for fertility preservation, immature oocytes from small antral follicles in the medulla are now available for developing IVM on the basis of actual human studies. This review presents recent findings in favor of developing human IVM, including the oocyte diameter, follicle size from which the immature oocytes are collected, necessary level of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to accelerate IVM, and secretion of factors from the cumulus-oocyte complex that affect the way oocyte maturation takes place. Furthermore, on the basis of studies in human granulosa cells and follicle fluid collected during the final maturation of follicles in vivo, a number of signal transduction pathways and hormone levels active during physiological conditions have been identified, providing new candidates and ways to improve the current IVM platform. Furthermore, it is suggested that the small droplet of culture medium in which IVM is performed mimics the hormonal milieu within a follicle created by the somatic cells and oocyte in vivo and may be used to advance oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Collectively, we envision that a continued research effort will develop a human IVM platform equally effective as for other mammalian species.
Collapse
|
20
|
Sugiura K, Maruyama N, Akimoto Y, Matsushita K, Endo T. Paracrine regulation of granulosa cell development in the antral follicles in mammals. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12538. [PMID: 37638351 PMCID: PMC10457553 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Development of ovarian follicles is regulated by a complex interaction of intra- and extra-follicular signals. Oocyte-derived paracrine factors (ODPFs) play a central role in this process in cooperation with other signals. Methods This review provides an overview of the recent advances in our understanding of the paracrine regulation of antral follicle development in mammals. It specifically focuses on the regulation of granulosa cell development by ODPFs, along with other intrafollicular signals. Main Findings Bi-directional communication between oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells is a fundamental mechanism that determines cumulus cell differentiation. Along with estrogen, ODPFs promote the expression of forkhead box L2, a critical transcription factor required for mural granulosa cells. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) facilitates these processes by stimulating estrogen production in mural granulosa cells. Conclusion Cooperative interactions among ODPFs, FSH, and estrogen are critical in determining the fate of cumulus and mural granulosa cells, as well as the development of oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Sugiura
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Natsumi Maruyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yuki Akimoto
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kodai Matsushita
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tsutomu Endo
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Activin B and Activin C Have Opposing Effects on Prostate Cancer Progression and Cell Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010147. [PMID: 36612143 PMCID: PMC9817897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Current prognostic and diagnostic tests for prostate cancer are not able to accurately distinguish between aggressive and latent cancer. Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) family are known to be important in regulating prostate cell growth and some have been shown to be dysregulated in prostate cancer. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine expression of TGFB family members in primary prostate tumour tissue and the phenotypic effect of activins on prostate cell growth. Tissue cores of prostate adenocarcinoma and normal prostate were immuno-stained and protein expression was compared between samples with different Gleason grades. The effect of exogenous treatment with, or overexpression of, activins on prostate cell line growth and migration was examined. Activin B expression was increased in cores containing higher Gleason patterns and overexpression of activin B inhibited growth of PNT1A cells but increased growth and migration of the metastatic PC3 cells compared to empty vector controls. In contrast, activin C expression decreased in higher Gleason grades and overexpression increased growth of PNT1A cells and decreased growth of PC3 cells. In conclusion, increased activin B and decreased activin C expression is associated with increasing prostate tumor grade and therefore have potential as prognostic markers of aggressive prostate cancer.
Collapse
|
22
|
Ito H, Emori C, Kobayashi M, Maruyama N, Fujii W, Naito K, Sugiura K. Cooperative effects of oocytes and estrogen on the forkhead box L2 expression in mural granulosa cells in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20158. [PMID: 36424497 PMCID: PMC9691737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) plays a critical role in the development and function of mammalian ovaries. In fact, the causative effects of FOXL2 misregulations have been identified in many ovarian diseases, such as primary ovarian insufficiency and granulosa cell tumor; however, the mechanism by which FOXL2 expression is regulated is not well studied. Here, we showed that FOXL2 expression in ovarian mural granulosa cells (MGCs) requires stimulation by both oocyte-derived signals and estrogen in mice. In the absence of oocytes or estrogen, expression of FOXL2 and its transcriptional targets, Cyp19a1 and Fst mRNA, in MGCs were significantly decreased. Moreover, expression levels of Sox9 mRNA, but not SOX9 protein, were significantly increased in the FOXL2-reduced MGCs. FOXL2 expression in MGCs was maintained with either oocytes or recombinant proteins of oocyte-derived paracrine factors, BMP15 and GDF9, together with estrogen, and this oocyte effect was abrogated with an ALK5 inhibitor, SB431542. In addition, the FOXL2 level was significantly decreased in MGCs isolated from Bmp15-/- /Gdf9+/- mice. Therefore, oocyte, probably with estrogen, plays a critical role in the regulation of FOXL2 expression in mural granulosa cells in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Ito
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Emori
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Present Address: Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mei Kobayashi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsumi Maruyama
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Naito
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Sugiura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Oocyte-Secreted Serum Biomarkers GDF9 and BMP15 in Women with Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1521-1527. [PMID: 36380138 PMCID: PMC10160143 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01107-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Oocyte-secreted growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are critical paracrine regulators of female fertility. Recent studies demonstrated that serum concentrations are associated with the number of oocytes retrieved during IVF, and therefore potential clinical use as biomarkers. However, it is unknown if the presence of endometriosis affects serum GDF9 or BMP15. An exploratory case–control study was prospectively performed on 60 women who underwent laparoscopy between April 2017 and August 2018 at two hospitals. GDF9 and BMP15 were measured by validated immunoassays in pre-operative serum samples. Data were analysed relative to laparoscopic assessment of endometriosis and staging. There were 35 women with confirmed laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis and 25 controls with no evidence of endometriosis at laparoscopy. GDF9 was detectable in 40% of controls and 48% of cases. There was no difference in median GDF9 concentrations between controls (20.0 pg/ml, range 20.0–2504 pg/ml) and cases (20.0 pg/ml, range 20.0–2963 pg/ml). BMP15 was detectable in 48% of controls and 58% of cases, with no difference in median concentrations between controls (26.5 pg/ml, range 24.0–1499 pg/ml) and cases (24.0 pg/ml, range 24.0–796 pg/ml). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the proportion of detectable samples or concentrations of GDF9 or BMP15 with differing severities of endometriosis. In conclusion, serum concentrations of oocyte-secreted factors, GDF9 and BMP15 did not differ between control patients and patients with endometriosis. For clinical application in reproductive medicine, GDF9 and BMP15 serum biomarker quantitation is unlikely to be aberrant in the presence of endometriosis.
Collapse
|
24
|
Hao X, Yuan F, Cui Y, Zhang M. Oocyte-secreted factor TGFB2 enables mouse cumulus cell expansion in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:554-562. [PMID: 36128893 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23646] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cumulus expansion is necessary for the release of a fertilizable oocyte from the ovary, which is critical for the normal fertilization of mammals. Cumulus expansion requires cooperation between epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factors and oocyte paracrine factors. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are well-known paracrine factors secreted by oocytes. In addition, transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFB2) was primarily expressed in oocytes and its membrane receptors type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) and type 2 receptor (TGFBR2) were located in cumulus cells. In our present study, TGFB2 induced expansion of oocytectomized (OOX) complexes and increased the expression of expansion-related genes in the presence of EGF, suggesting that TGFB2 enables cumulus expansion. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling with SD208 blocked TGFB2-promoted cumulus expansion. Furthermore, in the culture of OOX complexes from mice of Tgfbr2-specific depletion in granulosa cells, TGFB2-promoted cumulus expansion and the expression of expansion-related genes were impaired. These results suggest that TGFB2 could induce cumulus expansion through TGFBR-SMAD2/3 signaling. Tgfb2-specific depletion in oocytes using Zp3-Cre mice had no effect on cumulus expansion in vivo, possibly due to the compensatory effect of other cumulus expansion-enabling factors. Taken together, TGFB2 is involved in expansion-related gene expression and consequent cumulus expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiong Hao
- Department of Physiology, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China.,Division of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feifei Yuan
- Division of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanying Cui
- Division of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meijia Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang T, Ma Q, Shen Q, Jiang C, Zou F, Shen Y, Wang Y. Identification of novel biallelic variants in BMP15 in two siblings with premature ovarian insufficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2125-2134. [PMID: 35861920 PMCID: PMC9474791 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) occurs in women before the age of 40 years, accompanied by amenorrhea, hypoestrogenism, hypergonadotropinism, and infertility. The pathology of POI is complex and the molecular genetic mechanisms are poorly understood. Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) plays a crucial role in oocyte maturation and follicular development through the activation of granulosa cells. Dysfunction of BMP15 causes ovarian dysgenesis and is related to POI. Identifying pathogenic variants contributes to revealing genetic mechanisms and making clinical diagnoses of POI. METHODS The study involved two sisters diagnosed with POI. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify causative genes. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the mutations in patients with POI and members of the family with no clinical signs or symptoms. The effect of the novel mutations on the BMP15 structure was analyzed by PSIPRED. By over-expressing wild-type (WT) or mutant BMP15 plasmids in vitro, a functional study of the BMP15 mutant was conducted by real-time qPCR and western blotting. Through cocultivation with HEK293T cells, the effects of secreted BMP15 WT and variants on granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected through a cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS We identified biallelic variants in BMP15, c.791G > A (p. R264Q) and c.1076C > T (p. P359L), in two siblings with POI. Both sisters carried the same biallelic variants, while the other female members of their family carried only one of them. Structural prediction showed that the variants have not affected the secondary structure of BMP15 but may change the conformation of water molecules around protein surfaces and thermal stability of BMP15. Real-time qPCR showed no significant difference in mRNA levels among WT and the two variants. Western blotting indicated a reduction in BMP15 expression with the c.791G > A and c.1076C > T variants compared to WT. Moreover, mutants 791G > A and 1076C > T impaired the function of secreted BMP15 in promoting granulosa cell proliferation and suppressing cell apoptosis caused by reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSIONS This study identified novel biallelic variants, c.791G > A and c.1076C > T, of BMP15 in two siblings with POI. Both missense variants reduced the level of the BMP15 protein and impaired the function of BMP15 in promoting granulosa cell proliferation in vitro. Taken together, our findings provide a novel molecular genetic basis and potential pathogenesis of BMP15 variants in POI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianhong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiongyan Shen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fangdong Zou
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cadenas J, Pors SE, Kumar A, Kalra B, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY, Mamsen LS. Concentrations of oocyte secreted GDF9 and BMP15 decrease with MII transition during human IVM. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:126. [PMID: 35986324 PMCID: PMC9389727 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The suggested effects of the oocyte secreted GDF9 and BMP15 growth factors on oocyte maturation are currently based on recombinant proteins, and little is known about native GDF9 and BMP15 in humans. METHODS Human immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained in connection with ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) underwent in vitro maturation (IVM). Oocyte-produced GDF9 and BMP15 were detected in COCs using immunofluorescence, and in fresh GV oocytes and in GV and MII oocytes after IVM by western blot. Concentrations of GDF9, BMP15 homodimers, and GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer in spent media after IVM were measured by ELISA. The relative expression of seven genes from the GDF9 and BMP15 signaling pathways (BMPR2, ALK5, ALK6, SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, and SMAD5) was evaluated in fresh cumulus cells (before IVM) and in cumulus cells from GV and MII oocytes after IVM by RT-qPCR. RESULTS We detected native pro-mature GDF9 and BMP15 in human oocytes with molecular weights (Mw) of 47 kDa and 43 kDa, respectively. Concentrations of GDF9 and BMP15 in spent media after IVM were detected in 99% and 64% of the samples, respectively. The GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer was detected in 76% of the samples. Overall, the concentration of GDF9 was approximately 10-times higher than BMP15. The concentrations of both GDF9 and BMP15 were significantly lower in spent medium from MII oocytes than in media from oocytes that remained at the GV stage. Concentrations of the GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer did not differ between GV and MII oocytes. Furthermore, BMPR2, SMAD3, and SMAD5 were significantly upregulated in cumulus cells from MII oocytes, indicating that both GDF9 and BMP15 signaling were active during oocyte meiotic resumption in vitro. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the driving mechanisms for oocyte nuclear maturation may involve both GDF9 and BMP15 homodimers, while the role of the GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer is questionable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Cadenas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Susanne Elisabeth Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Ansh Labs LLC, 445 W. Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX, 77598, USA
| | - Bhanu Kalra
- Ansh Labs LLC, 445 W. Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX, 77598, USA
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dolmans MM, Demeestere I, Anckaert E, De Vos M. Proceedings of the Oncofertility Congress of the "Freezing Ovarian Tissue and Oocytes" (FOTO) Consortium Brussels. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1715-1725. [PMID: 35751830 PMCID: PMC9428079 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Gynecology Research Laboratory, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale Et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory On Human Reproduction, Fertility Clinic, CUB-Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dunleavy JEM, Dinh DT, Filby CE, Green E, Hofstee P, Pini T, Rivers N, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Wijayarathna R, Winstanley YE, Zhou W, Richani D. Reproductive biology research down under: highlights from the Australian and New Zealand Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology, 2021. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:855-866. [PMID: 35836362 DOI: 10.1071/rd22115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) 2021 meeting reunited the Australian and New Zealand reproductive research community for the first time since 2019 and was the first virtual SRB meeting. Despite the recent global research disruptions, the conference revealed significant advancements in reproductive research, the importance of which span human health, agriculture, and conservation. A core theme was novel technologies, including the use of medical microrobots for therapeutic and sperm delivery, diagnostic hyperspectral imaging, and hydrogel condoms with potential beyond contraception. The importance of challenging the contraceptive status quo was further highlighted with innovations in gene therapies, non-hormonal female contraceptives, epigenetic semen analysis, and in applying evolutionary theory to suppress pest population reproduction. How best to support pregnancies, particularly in the context of global trends of increasing maternal age, was also discussed, with several promising therapies for improved outcomes in assisted reproductive technology, pre-eclampsia, and pre-term birth prevention. The unique insights gained via non-model species was another key focus and presented research emphasised the importance of studying diverse systems to understand fundamental aspects of reproductive biology and evolution. Finally, the meeting highlighted how to effectively translate reproductive research into policy and industry practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E M Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Doan Thao Dinh
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Caitlin E Filby
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - Ella Green
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Pierre Hofstee
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Taylor Pini
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Nicola Rivers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia; and Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia
| | - Yasmyn E Winstanley
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| | - Dulama Richani
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kristensen SG, Kumar A, Mamsen LS, Kalra B, Pors SE, Bøtkjær JA, Macklon KT, Fedder J, Ernst E, Hardy K, Franks S, Andersen CY. Intrafollicular Concentrations of the Oocyte-secreted Factors GDF9 and BMP15 Vary Inversely in Polycystic Ovaries. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e3374-e3383. [PMID: 35511085 PMCID: PMC9282257 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The oocyte-secreted factors growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) play essential roles in follicle development and oocyte maturation, and aberrant regulation might contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. OBJECTIVE Are there measurable differences in concentrations of GDF9, BMP15, and the GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer in small antral follicle fluids from women with and without polycystic ovaries (PCO)? DESIGN AND SETTING Follicle fluids (n = 356) were collected from 4- to 11-mm follicles in unstimulated ovaries of 87 women undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation. PATIENTS Twenty-seven women with PCO were identified and 60 women without PCO-like characteristics (non-PCO women) were matched according to age and follicle size. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Intrafollicular concentrations of GDF9, BMP15, GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-A and -B, total inhibin, activin-B and -AB, and follistatin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS The detectability of GDF9, BMP15, and the GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer were 100%, 94.4%, and 91.5%, respectively, and concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with increasing follicle size (P < 0.0001). GDF9 was significantly higher in women with PCO (PCO: 4230 ± 189 pg/mL [mean ± SEM], n = 188; non-PCO: 3498 ± 199 pg/mL, n = 168; P < 0.03), whereas BMP15 was lower in women with PCO (PCO: 431 ± 40 pg/mL, n = 125; non-PCO: 573 ± 55 pg/mL, n = 109; P = 0.10), leading to a significantly higher GDF9:BMP15 ratio in women with PCO (P < 0.01). Significant positive associations between BMP15 and AMH, activins, and inhibins in non-PCO women switched to negative associations in women with PCO. CONCLUSIONS Intrafollicular concentrations of GDF9 and BMP15 varied inversely in women with PCO reflecting an aberrant endocrine environment. An increased GDF9:BMP15 ratio may be a new biomarker for PCO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stine Gry Kristensen
- Correspondence: Stine Gry Kristensen, PhD, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5701, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Susanne Elisabeth Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jane Alrø Bøtkjær
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Tryde Macklon
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology & Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Erik Ernst
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Horsens Regional Hospital, 8700 Horsens, Denmark
| | - Kate Hardy
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Franks
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kanke T, Fujii W, Naito K, Sugiura K. Effect of fibroblast growth factor signaling on cumulus expansion in mice in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:281-289. [PMID: 35678749 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23616] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The expansion of cumulus cells associated with oocytes is an essential phenomenon in normal mammalian ovulation. Indeed, attenuated expression of cumulus expansion-related genes, including Has2, Ptgs2, Ptx3, and Tnfaip6, results in ovulation failure, leading to female subfertility or infertility. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that proteins of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, produced within ovarian follicles, regulate the development and function of cumulus cells; however, the effects of FGF signaling on cumulus expansion have not been investigated extensively. Herein, we investigate the effects of FGF signaling, particularly those of FGF8 secreted by oocytes, on epidermal growth factor-induced cumulus expansion in mice. The phosphorylation level of MAPK3/1, an intracellular mediator of FGF signaling, was significantly decreased in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) following treatment with NVP-BGJ398, an FGF receptor inhibitor. Moreover, even though NVP-BGJ398 treatment did not affect cumulus cell expansion, it significantly upregulated the expression of Ptgs2 and Ptx3. In contrast, treatment with recombinant FGF8 did not affect the degree of cumulus expansion or the expression of expansion-related genes in COCs or oocytectomized cumulus cell complexes. Collectively, these results suggest that FGFs, other than FGF8, exert suppressive effects on the cumulus expansion process in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Kanke
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Naito
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Sugiura
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Liu X, Han Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Du A, Yao R, Lv J, Luo H. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels are associated with early miscarriage in the IVF/ICSI fresh cycle. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:279. [PMID: 35366830 PMCID: PMC8976292 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is used as a biomarker to estimate ovarian reserve. The relationship between AMH and early miscarriage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is still inconclusive. This study aimed to explore whether serum AMH levels are associated with early miscarriage rates after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) with fresh embryo transfer (ET).
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 2246 patients undergoing their first oocyte retrievals for IVF/ICSI with fresh embryos transferred to Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics between May 2018 and March 2020. The serum AMH levels of the patients were measured within 12 months before the IVF/ICSI cycles. All women were divided into a low-AMH group, medium-AMH group and high-AMH group. Binary logistic regression was applied to confirm whether the serum AMH level was associated with the risk of early miscarriage independent of potential confounders, such as age, body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility, main diagnosis, history of internal medicine diseases, number of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryo rate.
Results
The early miscarriage rate was significantly lower in the medium-AMH group than in either the low-AMH or high-AMH group among young (< 35 years) women (P = 0.015). In women above 35 years of age, the early miscarriage rates in the three AMH groups were not significantly different. Young women with high serum AMH levels had a significantly higher risk of early miscarriage regardless of age or other potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.382, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.246 to 4.553, P = 0.009). The results remained similar after restricting the analysis to women without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Conclusions
With a high AMH level, young women had a higher risk of early miscarriage than women with a medium AMH level in their first IVF/ICSI treatment. In young women, serum AMH levels were independently associated with the risk of early miscarriage after IVF-ET treatment. Serum AMH levels might be a valuable marker to estimate the risk of early miscarriage. It is worth noting to the clinical value of AMH.
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu X, Mai H, Chen P, Zhang Z, Wu T, Chen J, Sun P, Zhou C, Liang X, Huang R. Comparative analyses in transcriptome of human granulosa cells and follicular fluid micro-environment between poor ovarian responders with conventional controlled ovarian or mild ovarian stimulations. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:54. [PMID: 35313911 PMCID: PMC8935846 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both mild and conventional controlled ovarian stimulation are the frequently used protocols for poor ovarian responders. However, there are some debates about which treatment is better. Moreover, little is known about the follicular physiology after the two ovarian stimulation protocols. This study was intended to investigate the features in granulosa cells and follicular fluid micro-environment after the two different ovarian stimulation protocols in poor responders. METHODS Granulosa cells RNA were sequenced using Illumina Hiseq technology. Specific differently expressed genes and proteins were verified by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. Moreover, hormone and cytokine concentrations in the follicular fluid were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. The correlation between the results of molecular experiments and the laboratory outcomes were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS The differentially expressed genes between the two groups were involved in 4 signaling pathways related to the follicular development; three proteins pertinent to the TGF-β signaling pathway were expressed differently in granulosa cells between the two, and the constituents in the follicular fluid were also different. Further, a correlation between the TGF-β signaling pathway and the good-quality embryo was observed. CONCLUSIONS The present study made a comparison for the first time in the transcriptome of human granulosa cells and the follicular fluid micro-environment between poor responders with the conventional controlled ovarian stimulation or the mild ovarian stimulation, showing that the TGF-β signaling pathway may correlate with the good-quality of embryos in the mild group, which may be instrumental to the choice of optimal management for IVF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huisi Mai
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Panyu Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taibao Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanchuan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ovarian insufficiency and secondary amenorrhea in a patient with a novel variant within GDF9 gene. Menopause 2022; 29:491-495. [PMID: 35013061 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Premature ovarian insufficiency is a heterogeneous condition that can be caused by several factors, such as genetic, environmental, etc. and represents one of the main causes of female infertility. One of the genes implicated is GDF9, which encodes a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily that participates in the coordination of somatic cell activity, female fertility, including folliculogenesis, and oocyte maturation. Damaging variants in GDF9-encoded growth factors can cause the production of inhibin, perturb oocyte granulosa cell microenvironments, and obstruct follicle development. A novel GDF9 variant is herein reported to consolidate the role of GDF9 in ovarian function and female fertility. METHODS A 38-year-old female was referred for the investigation of secondary amenorrhea. Eventually, she was referred for genetic evaluation whereby conventional karyotyping and Fragile-X molecular testing were normal. Whole Exome Sequencing was performed, followed by targeted Sanger sequencing in all family members for variant confirmation and evaluation. RESULTS In this study we report a patient presenting with secondary amenorrhea due to premature ovarian failure and a pituitary lesion with radiological characteristics compatible with a Rathke cyst or a macroadenoma, residing between the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous stop-loss variant c.1364A>C, p.(*455Serext*8) in the GDF9 gene. CONCLUSIONS Should the predicted elongated GDF9 protein and differentially configurated GDF9 mature protein molecule form unstable dimers, rapid proteolytic degradation may take place and inhibit homo/heterodimer formation.
Collapse
|
34
|
Effect of cumulin and super-GDF9 in standard and biphasic mouse IVM. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:127-140. [PMID: 34984599 PMCID: PMC8866628 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02382-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In vitro maturation (IVM) is a technology that generates mature oocytes following culture of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) in vitro. IVM is characterized by minimal patient stimulation, making it attractive for certain patient groups. Recently, a biphasic IVM system, capacitation (CAPA)-IVM, has shown improved clinical outcomes relative to standard IVM; however, it remains less efficient than IVF. This study assessed whether supplementation of CAPA-IVM culture media with the novel TGFβ superfamily proteins cumulin and super-GDF9 improves subsequent mouse embryo development. METHODS Immature mouse COCs were cultured by standard IVM or biphasic IVM ± cumulin or super-GDF9. RESULTS Both cumulin and super-GDF9 in standard IVM significantly improved day-6 blastocyst rate (53.9% control, 73.6% cumulin, 70.4% super-GDF9; p = 0.006; n = 382-406 oocytes). Cumulin or super-GDF9 in CAPA-IVM did not alter embryo yield or blastocyst cell allocation in an unstimulated model. Moreover, cumulin did not alter these outcomes in a mild PMSG stimulation model. Cumulin in CAPA-IVM significantly increased cumulus cell expression of cumulus expansion genes (Ptgs2, Ptx3, Adamts1, Gfat2) and decreased Lhr expression relative to control. However, cumulin-induced mRNA expression of cumulus cell (Ptgs2, Ptx3) and oocyte genes (Gdf9, Bmp15, Oct4, Stella) in CAPA-IVM remained significantly lower than that of in vivo matured cells. CONCLUSION Cumulin did not provide an additional beneficial effect in biphasic IVM in terms of blastocyst yield and cell allocation; however in standard IVM, cumulin and super-GDF9 significantly improve oocyte developmental competence.
Collapse
|
35
|
MORIKAWA R, KYOGOKU H, LEE J, MIYANO T. Oocyte-derived growth factors promote development of antrum-like structures by porcine cumulus granulosa cells <i>in vitro</i>. J Reprod Dev 2022; 68:238-245. [PMID: 35491090 PMCID: PMC9334317 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2022-023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocytes communicate with the surrounding somatic cells during follicular development. We examined the effects of two oocyte-derived growth factors, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9)
and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), on the development of porcine oocyte–cumulus cell complexes (OCCs) in vitro. We collected OCCs from early antral follicles
(1.2–1.5 mm) and prepared oocytectomized cumulus cell complexes (OXCs), which were then cultured in a growth medium supplemented with 0–100 ng/ml GDF9 and/or BMP15 for 7 days. In the medium
without GDF9 or BMP15, OCCs developed during culture, and approximately 30% of them formed antrum-like structures. GDF9 promoted OCC development and structure formation in a dose-dependent
manner. However, OXCs did not form antrum-like structures without growth factors. GDF9 promoted the development of OXCs, and 50 and 100 ng/ml GDF9 promoted the formation of the structures by
8% and 26%, respectively; however, BMP15 did not promote the formation of these structures. OXCs were then cultured with 100 ng/ml GDF9 and various concentrations of BMP15 to investigate
their cooperative effects on the formation of antrum-like structures. BMP15 promoted the formation of antrum-like structures in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, GDF9 derived from
oocytes is probably important for the formation of antrum-like structures in porcine OXCs, and BMP15 cooperates with GDF9 to form these structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riho MORIKAWA
- Laboratory of Developmental Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Hirohisa KYOGOKU
- Laboratory of Developmental Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Jibak LEE
- Laboratory of Developmental Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi MIYANO
- Laboratory of Developmental Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Holm LE, Bendixen C, Eythorsdottir E, Hallsson JH. A frameshift deletion in the GDF9 gene in Icelandic Loa prolific sheep. Anim Genet 2021; 53:220-223. [PMID: 34967038 DOI: 10.1111/age.13168] [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: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Several genetic variants have been shown to affect the mean number of offspring in different sheep breeds. Here, we analyzed samples from Icelandic sheep with the aim of identifying the genetic cause of the Icelandic Loa phenotype using three previously identified prolificacy genes as candidates. We demonstrate that a 4-bp frameshift deletion positioned in the mature region of the GDF9 protein in the Loa animals is a likely causal mutation for the observed increase in prolificacy; however, sequencing showed that not all ewes with a high number of offspring carried the deletion, suggesting the presence of a second mutation segregating within this group of animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars-Erik Holm
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christian Bendixen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Emma Eythorsdottir
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Keldnaholt, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jon H Hallsson
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Keldnaholt, Reykjavik, Iceland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Doherty CA, Amargant F, Shvartsman SY, Duncan FE, Gavis ER. Bidirectional communication in oogenesis: a dynamic conversation in mice and Drosophila. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 32:311-323. [PMID: 34922803 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In most animals, the oocyte is the largest cell by volume. The oocyte undergoes a period of large-scale growth during its development, prior to fertilization. At first glance, tissues that support the development of the oocyte in different organisms have diverse cellular characteristics that would seem to prohibit functional comparisons. However, these tissues often act with a common goal of establishing dynamic forms of two-way communication with the oocyte. We propose that this bidirectional communication between oocytes and support cells is a universal phenomenon that can be directly compared across species. Specifically, we highlight fruit fly and mouse oogenesis to demonstrate that similarities and differences in these systems should be used to inform and design future experiments in both models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Doherty
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Farners Amargant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stanislav Y Shvartsman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Elizabeth R Gavis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
The reproductive lifespan of female mammals is limited and ultimately depends on the production of a sufficient number of high quality oocytes from a pool of non-growing primordial follicles that are set aside during embryonic and perinatal development. Recent studies show multiple signaling pathways are responsible for maintaining primordial follicle arrest and regulation of activation. Identification of these pathways and their regulatory mechanisms is essential for developing novel treatments for female infertility, improving existing in vitro fertilization techniques, and more recently, restoring the function of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. This review focuses on recent developments in transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) family signaling in ovarian follicle development and its potential application to therapeutic design. Mouse models have been an essential tool for discovering genes critical for fertility, and recent advancements in human organ culture have additionally allowed for the translation of murine discoveries into human research and clinical settings.
Collapse
|
39
|
Sirait B, Wiweko B, Jusuf AA, Iftitah D, Muharam R. Oocyte Competence Biomarkers Associated With Oocyte Maturation: A Review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:710292. [PMID: 34527670 PMCID: PMC8435600 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.710292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte developmental competence is one of the determining factors that influence the outcomes of an IVF cycle regarding the ability of a female gamete to reach maturation, be fertilized, and uphold an embryonic development up until the blastocyst stage. The current approach of assessing the competency of an oocyte is confined to an ambiguous and subjective oocyte morphological evaluation. Over the years, a myriad of biomarkers in the cumulus-oocyte-complex has been identified that could potentially function as molecular predictors for IVF program prognosis. This review aims to describe the predictive significance of several cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) biomarkers in evaluating oocyte developmental competence. A total of eight acclaimed cumulus biomarkers are examined in the study. RT-PCR and microarray analysis were extensively used to assess the significance of these biomarkers in foreseeing oocyte developmental competence. Notably, these biomarkers regulate vital processes associated with oocyte maturation and were found to be differentially expressed in COC encapsulating oocytes of different maturity. The biomarkers were reviewed according to the respective oocyte maturation events namely: nuclear maturation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling, and steroid metabolism. Although substantial in vitro evidence was presented to justify the potential use of cumulus biomarkers in predicting oocyte competency and IVF outcomes, the feasibility of assessing these biomarkers as an add-on prognostic procedure in IVF is still restricted due to study challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batara Sirait
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Budi Wiweko
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Yasmin IVF Clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Cluster, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Aulia Jusuf
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dein Iftitah
- Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Cluster, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - R Muharam
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Yasmin IVF Clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Cluster, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Emori C, Ito H, Fujii W, Naito K, Sugiura K. Oocytes suppress FOXL2 expression in cumulus cells in mice†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:85-93. [PMID: 32307529 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulus cells and mural granulosa cells (MGCs) play distinct roles during follicular development, and normal development of these cell lineages is critical for the female fertility. Transcriptomic diversification between the two cell lineages is obviously a critical mechanism for their functional diversification; however, the transcriptional regulators responsible for this event have not been fully defined. In this study, we sought to identify key transcriptional regulators responsible for the differential gene expression between the two cell lineages. In silico analysis of transcriptomic comparison between cumulus cells and MGCs identified several candidate regulators responsible for the diversification of the two cell lineages. Among them, we herein focused on forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) and showed that expressions of FOXL2 as well as its target transcripts were differentially regulated between cumulus cells and MGCs. The lower expression of FOXL2 in cumulus cells seemed to be due to the suppression by oocyte-derived paracrine signals. These results suggest that FOXL2 is one of the critical transcription factors that determine cumulus cell and MGC lineages under the control of oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Emori
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruka Ito
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Naito
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Sugiura
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Metcalf ES, Masterson KR, Battaglia D, Thompson JG, Foss R, Beck R, Cook NL, O Leary T. Conditions to optimise the developmental competence of immature equine oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:1012-1021. [PMID: 32693913 DOI: 10.1071/rd19249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimising the developmental potential of immature equine oocytes and invitro-produced (IVP) embryos was explored through modifications of established media and holding temperature. In Experiment 1, delaying spontaneous resumption of meiosis through the process of simulated physiological oocyte maturation with the addition of the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (50µM) and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (100µM) to overnight holding medium before maturation improved blastocyst production (P<0.05). In Experiment 2, the blastocyst production rate was increased significantly when cumulin (100ng mL-1) was added to the overnight holding or culture media (P<0.05). In Experiment 3, immature oocytes held overnight at 16°C before maturation had improved developmental competence than those held at 20°C and 5°C (P<0.05). There was no difference between maturation rates, but blastocyst formation per cleaved oocyte was significantly greater in oocytes held overnight at 16°C than at 20°C or 5°C. Furthermore, blastocyst formation per recovered oocyte and per fertilised oocyte was greater when oocytes were held before maturation at 16°C than at 5°C (P<0.05). In Experiment 4, the addition of sodium ascorbate (AC; 50µg mL-1) to the maturation and/or culture media of oocytes and IVP embryos did not improve blastocyst production, but did appear to lower cleavage rates compared with oocytes and embryos cultured without AC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Metcalf
- Honahlee PC, 14005 SW Tooze Road, Sherwood, OR 97140, USA; and Andrology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 3303S. Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - Keith R Masterson
- Andrology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 3303S. Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - David Battaglia
- Andrology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 3303S. Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Medical School, South Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Robert Foss
- Equine Medical Services, 5851E Deer Park Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Richard Beck
- In Foal, Inc., 39185 Diamond Valley Road, Hemet, CA 92543, USA
| | - Nancy L Cook
- Advanced Equine Reproduction, 1145 Arroyo Mesa, Solvang, CA 93463, USA
| | - Thomas O Leary
- Andrology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 3303S. Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Heinks T, Hettwer A, Hiepen C, Weise C, Gorka M, Knaus P, Mueller TD, Loidl-Stahlhofen A. Optimized expression and purification of a soluble BMP2 variant based on in-silico design. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 186:105918. [PMID: 34044133 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP21) is a highly interesting therapeutic growth factor due to its strong osteogenic/osteoinductive potential. However, its pronounced aggregation tendency renders recombinant and soluble production troublesome and complex. While prokaryotic expression systems can provide BMP2 in large amounts, the typically insoluble protein requires complex denaturation-renaturation procedures with medically hazardous reagents to obtain natively folded homodimeric BMP2. Based on a detailed aggregation analysis of wildtype BMP2, we designed a hydrophilic variant of BMP2 additionally containing an improved heparin binding site (BMP2-2Hep-7M). Consecutive optimization of BMP2-2Hep-7M expression and purification enabled production of soluble dimeric BMP2-2Hep-7M in high yield in E. coli. This was achieved by a) increasing protein hydrophilicity via introducing seven point mutations within aggregation hot spots of wildtype BMP2 and a longer N-terminus resulting in higher affinity for heparin, b) by employing E. coli strain SHuffle® T7, which enables the structurally essential disulfide-bond formation in BMP2 in the cytoplasm, c) by using BMP2 variant characteristic soluble expression conditions and application of l-arginine as solubility enhancer. The BMP2 variant BMP2-2Hep-7M shows strongly attenuated although not completely eliminated aggregation tendency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Heinks
- Westfälische Hochschule Recklinghausen, 45665, Recklinghausen, Germany.
| | - Anette Hettwer
- Westfälische Hochschule Recklinghausen, 45665, Recklinghausen, Germany; Universität Würzburg, Department for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics - Botany I, Julius-von-Sachs Institute, 97082, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Hiepen
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Weise
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Gorka
- Westfälische Hochschule Recklinghausen, 45665, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - Petra Knaus
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas D Mueller
- Universität Würzburg, Department for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics - Botany I, Julius-von-Sachs Institute, 97082, Würzburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Esfandyari S, Winston NJ, Fierro MA, Scoccia H, Stocco C. Oocyte-secreted factors strongly stimulate sFRP4 expression in human cumulus cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6255760. [PMID: 33905521 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted frizzled-related protein-4 (SFRP4) belongs to a family of soluble ovarian-expressed proteins that participate in female reproduction, particularly in rodents. In humans, SFRP4 is highly expressed in cumulus cells (CCs). However, the mechanisms that stimulate SFRP4 in CCs have not been examined. We hypothesise that oocyte-secreted factors such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are involved in the regulation of SFRP4. Human CCs were collected from patients undergoing fertility treatments and treated with GDF9 or BMP15 or their combination in the presence of FSH or vehicle. FSH treatment significantly decreased SFRP4 mRNA levels when compared with nontreated cells. However, SFRP4 mRNA levels were increased significantly by GDF9 plus BMP15 in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence or absence of FSH. The combination of GDF9 plus BMP15 also increased SFRP4 protein levels and decreased the activity of the β-catenin/T cell factor-responsive promoter significantly. GDF9 plus BMP15 inhibited steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and LH/hCG receptor stimulation by FSH, while treatment with SFRP4 blocked the stimulatory effect of FSH on these genes. The evidence demonstrates that GDF9 and BMP15 act in coordination to stimulate SFRP4 expression and suggests that SFRP4 mediates the anti-luteinising effects of the oocyte in human CCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michelle A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Humberto Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
TGF-β family heterodimeric ligands show increased or exclusive signaling compared to homodimeric ligands in both vertebrate and insect development as well as in therapeutically relevant processes, like osteogenesis. However, the mechanisms that differentiate heterodimer and homodimer signaling remain uncharacterized. We show that BMP antagonists do not account for the exclusive signaling of Bmp2/7 heterodimers in zebrafish development. We found that overexpressed homodimers can signal but surprisingly require two distinct type I receptors, like heterodimers, indicating a required activity of the heteromeric type I receptor complex. We further demonstrate that a canonical type I receptor function has been delegated to only one of these receptors, Acvr1. Our findings should inform both basic and translational research in multiple TGF-β family signaling contexts. Heterodimeric TGF-β ligands outperform homodimers in a variety of developmental, cell culture, and therapeutic contexts; however, the mechanisms underlying this increased potency remain uncharacterized. Here, we use dorsal–ventral axial patterning of the zebrafish embryo to interrogate the BMP2/7 heterodimer signaling mechanism. We demonstrate that differential interactions with BMP antagonists do not account for the reduced signaling ability of homodimers. Instead, we find that while overexpressed BMP2 homodimers can signal, they require two nonredundant type I receptors, one from the Acvr1 subfamily and one from the Bmpr1 subfamily. This implies that all BMP signaling within the zebrafish gastrula, even BMP2 homodimer signaling, requires Acvr1. This is particularly surprising as BMP2 homodimers do not bind Acvr1 in vitro. Furthermore, we find that the roles of the two type I receptors are subfunctionalized within the heterodimer signaling complex, with the kinase activity of Acvr1 being essential, while that of Bmpr1 is not. These results suggest that the potency of the Bmp2/7 heterodimer arises from the ability to recruit both Acvr1 and Bmpr1 into the same signaling complex.
Collapse
|
45
|
Robertson DM, Lee CH, Baerwald A. Interactions between serum FSH, inhibin B and antral follicle count in the decline of serum AMH during the menstrual cycle in late reproductive age. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2021; 4:e00172. [PMID: 33855196 PMCID: PMC8029535 DOI: 10.1002/edm2.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the hormonal interrelationships during the menstrual cycle in women of late reproductive age with suppressed serum AMH and antral follicle count (AFC). Methods Serum hormones (AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, inhibin A, inhibin B), AFC (2-10 mm) and AMH/AFC ratio (an estimate of AMH/follicle) were assessed every 2-3 days across the menstrual cycle in 26 healthy ovulatory women aged 18-50 years. Results An 11-fold fall in AMH/AFC was observed in women aged ≥45 years compared to those 18-45 years (P < .001). Although women ≥45 years exhibited normal menstrual cycle patterns of serum estradiol, progesterone, LH and inhibin A, FSH was elevated (P < .001) and inhibin B suppressed (P < .001) compared to the younger group. Overall FSH was inversely correlated (r = .55, P < .05) and AMH directly correlated (r = .88, P < .01) with AFC; however, these relationships were curvilinear and more pronounced when AFC was low. Inhibin B was directly linearly correlated (r = .70, P < .01) with AFC across both high and low AMH/follicle groups. Conclusions It is hypothesized that the marked fall in AMH/follicle in late reproductive age is attributed to the change in the hormonal interplay between the pituitary and ovary. The fall in AFC leads to a decrease in inhibin B and a concomitant increase in FSH by a recognized feedback mechanism. It is postulated the elevated FSH suppresses AMH either directly or indirectly through oocyte-specific growth factors leading to a marked fall in AMH/follicle. We propose that pituitary-ovarian and intra-ovarian regulatory systems underpin the accelerated fall in AMH/follicle during the transition to menopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Robertson
- Centre for Endocrinology and MetabolismHudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VictoriaMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- School of Women’s and Children’s HealthUniversity of New South WalesKensingtonAustralia
| | - Chel Hee Lee
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsUniversity of CalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Angela Baerwald
- Department of Academic Family MedicineCollege of MedicineUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatchewanCanada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Riepsamen AH, Donoghoe MW, Baerwald A, Pankhurst MW, Lien S, Chong YH, Robertson DM, Ledger WL, Gilchrist RB. Exploratory analysis of serum concentrations of oocyte biomarkers growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in ovulatory women across the menstrual cycle. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:546-557. [PMID: 33775397 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize and evaluate the variation in serum concentrations of oocyte-secreted growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) throughout the menstrual cycle in women from young to advanced reproductive ages. DESIGN Cross-sectional, observational, and exploratory study. SETTING Multicenter university-based clinical practices and laboratories. PATIENT(S) Serum was collected every 1-3 days throughout the menstrual cycle from 3 cohorts of healthy, ovulatory women: menses to late luteal phase (21-29 years of age; n = 16; University of Otago) and across one interovulatory interval (18-35 years of age; n = 10; and 45-50 years of age; n = 15; University of Saskatchewan). INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) To detect the changes in serum GDF9 and BMP15 across the cycle, mean concentration and variance were statistically modeled using a generalized additive model of location, shape and scale (GAMLSS). Follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone were also assessed. RESULT(S) GDF9 and BMP15 were detectable in 54% and 73% of women and varied 236-fold and 52-fold between women, respectively. Across the menstrual cycle, there were minimal changes in GDF9 or BMP15 within a woman for all cohorts, with no significant differences detected in the modeled mean concentrations. However, modeled variances were highest in the luteal phases of all women for BMP15 immediately after ovulation, regardless of age. CONCLUSION(S) Serial changes in GDF9 or BMP15 concentrations across the cycle were not statistically detected and are likewise similar across the reproductive lifespan. Further research is required to fully elucidate the utility of these oocyte biomarkers at diagnosing fertility potential and/or disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelique H Riepsamen
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Mark W Donoghoe
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Baerwald
- Department of Academic Family Medicine, West Winds Primary Health Center, Saskatchewan, Canada; College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shelly Lien
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yih Harng Chong
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David M Robertson
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Paulini F, Melo EO. Effects of Growth and Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 overexpression on the steroidogenic metabolism in bovine granulosa cells in vitro. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:837-847. [PMID: 33683747 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) play important roles in the regulation of ovarian functions, and in vitro culture is a relevant model for the study of steroidogenesis in ovarian follicles. Thus, growth factors secreted by the oocyte, like Growth and Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 (BMP15), play an important part in the luteinization of granulosa cells. The aim of this work was to express GDF9 and BMP15 genes in bovine GCs in vitro and evaluate their effects on the luteinization process. Samples of culture medium and GCs transfected with GDF9 and BMP15 were obtained for 21 consecutive days to analyse the steroidogenic hormones' concentration (progesterone (P4 ) and estradiol (E2 )) and the expression of STAR, GDF9 and BMP15 and their respective receptors. The results demonstrated an inhibitory effect of GDF9 and BMPF15 on P4 secretion in bovine GCs cultured in vitro. Moreover, our study demonstrated the entire expression of their respective receptors (TGFBR1, BMPR1B and BMPR2) and the inhibition of the steroidogenic marker, STAR gene. This work sheds light on a novel biological function of BMP15 and GDF9 in bovine GCs physiology, which could elucidate a non-described biological role for GDF9 and BMP15 in bovine granulosa cells' metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Paulini
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Eduardo O Melo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Tocantins-UFT, Gurupi, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
D Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS. Transforming growth factor-β superfamily and interferon-τ in ovarian function and embryo development in female cattle: review of biology and application. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:539-552. [PMID: 32024582 DOI: 10.1071/rd19123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival of the embryo and establishment of a pregnancy is a critical period in the reproductive function of female cattle. This review examines how the transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) superfamily (i.e. bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15, growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)) and interferon-τ (IFNT) affect ovarian function and embryo development. The oocyte in a primary follicle secretes BMP15 and GDF9, which, together, organise the surrounding granulosa and theca cells into the oocyte-cumulus-follicle complex. At the same time, the granulosa secretes AMH, which affects the oocyte. This autocrine-paracrine dialogue between the oocyte and somatic cells continues throughout follicle development and is fundamental in establishing the fertilisation potential and embryo developmental competency of oocytes. The early bovine embryo secretes IFNT, which acts at the uterine endometrium, corpus luteum and blood leucocytes. IFNT is involved in the maternal recognition of pregnancy and immunomodulation to prevent rejection of the embryo, and supports progesterone secretion. Manipulation of BMP15, GDF9, AMH and IFNT in both invivo and invitro studies has confirmed their importance in reproductive function in female cattle. This review makes the case that a deeper understanding of the biology of BMP15, GDF9, AMH and IFNT will lead to new strategies to increase embryo survival and improve fertility in cattle. The enhancement of oocyte quality, early embryo development and implantation is considered necessary for the next step change in the efficiency of natural and assisted reproduction in cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, 410 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, V. F. Delpino, 1 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnia, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, CEP 05508-270 Brazil; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Jaillard S, Bell K, Akloul L, Walton K, McElreavy K, Stocker WA, Beaumont M, Harrisson C, Jääskeläinen T, Palvimo JJ, Robevska G, Launay E, Satié AP, Listyasari N, Bendavid C, Sreenivasan R, Duros S, van den Bergen J, Henry C, Domin-Bernhard M, Cornevin L, Dejucq-Rainsford N, Belaud-Rotureau MA, Odent S, Ayers KL, Ravel C, Tucker EJ, Sinclair AH. New insights into the genetic basis of premature ovarian insufficiency: Novel causative variants and candidate genes revealed by genomic sequencing. Maturitas 2020; 141:9-19. [PMID: 33036707 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian deficiency, including premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), represents one of the main causes of female infertility. POI is a genetically heterogeneous condition but current understanding of its genetic basis is far from complete, with the cause remaining unknown in the majority of patients. The genes that regulate DOR have been reported but the genetic basis of DOR has not been explored in depth. Both conditions are likely to lie along a continuum of degrees of decrease in ovarian reserve. We performed genomic analysis via whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by in silico analyses and functional experiments to investigate the genetic cause of ovarian deficiency in ten affected women. We achieved diagnoses for three of them, including the identification of novel variants in STAG3, GDF9, and FANCM. We identified potentially causative FSHR variants in another patient. This is the second report of biallelic GDF9 and FANCM variants, and, combined with functional support, validates these genes as bone fide autosomal recessive "POI genes". We also identified new candidate genes, NRIP1, XPO1, and MACF1. These genes have been linked to ovarian function in mouse, pig, and zebrafish respectively, but never in humans. In the case of NRIP1, we provide functional support for the deleterious nature of the variant via SUMOylation and luciferase/β-galactosidase reporter assays. Our study provides multiple insights into the genetic basis of POI/DOR. We have further elucidated the involvement of GDF9, FANCM, STAG3 and FSHR in POI pathogenesis, and propose new candidate genes, NRIP1, XPO1, and MACF1, which should be the focus of future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Jaillard
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France; CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, F-35033, Rennes, France; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Katrina Bell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Linda Akloul
- CHU Rennes, Service de Génétique Clinique, CLAD Ouest, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Kelly Walton
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | | | - William A Stocker
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia; Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Marion Beaumont
- CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Craig Harrisson
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Tiina Jääskeläinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma J Palvimo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gorjana Robevska
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Erika Launay
- CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Anne-Pascale Satié
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Nurin Listyasari
- Doctoral Program of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Claude Bendavid
- INRAE, INSERM, Univ Rennes, Institut NuMeCan, Rennes, Saint-Gilles, France; CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Toxicologie, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Rajini Sreenivasan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Solène Duros
- CHU Rennes, Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Reproduction Humaine, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Jocelyn van den Bergen
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Catherine Henry
- CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Mathilde Domin-Bernhard
- CHU Rennes, Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Reproduction Humaine, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Laurence Cornevin
- CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Marc-Antoine Belaud-Rotureau
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France; CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, F-35033, Rennes, France; CHU Rennes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvie Odent
- CHU Rennes, Service de Génétique Clinique, CLAD Ouest, F-35033, Rennes, France; Univ Rennes, CNRS UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Célia Ravel
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France; CHU Rennes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, F-35033, Rennes, France
| | - Elena J Tucker
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Goney MP, Wilce MCJ, Wilce JA, Stocker WA, Goodchild GM, Chan KL, Harrison CA, Walton KL. Engineering the Ovarian Hormones Inhibin A and Inhibin B to Enhance Synthesis and Activity. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5860910. [PMID: 32569368 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian-derived inhibin A and inhibin B (heterodimers of common α- and differing β-subunits) are secreted throughout the menstrual cycle in a discordant pattern, with smaller follicles producing inhibin B, whereas the dominant follicle and corpus luteum produce inhibin A. The classical function for endocrine inhibins is to block signalling by activins (homodimers of β-subunits) in gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary and, thereby, inhibit the synthesis of FSH. Whether inhibin A and inhibin B have additional physiological functions is unknown, primarily because producing sufficient quantities of purified inhibins, in the absence of contaminating activins, for preclinical studies has proven extremely difficult. Here, we describe novel methodology to enhance inhibin A and inhibin B activity and to produce these ligands free of contaminating activins. Using computational modeling and targeted mutagenesis, we identified a point mutation in the activin β A-subunit, A347H, which completely disrupted activin dimerization and activity. Importantly, this β A-subunit mutation had minimal effect on inhibin A bioactivity. Mutation of the corresponding residue in the inhibin β B-subunit, G329E, similarly disrupted activin B synthesis/activity without affecting inhibin B production. Subsequently, we enhanced inhibin A potency by modifying the binding site for its co-receptor, betaglycan. Introducing a point mutation into the α-subunit (S344I) increased inhibin A potency ~12-fold. This study has identified a means to eliminate activin A/B interference during inhibin A/B production, and has facilitated the generation of potent inhibin A and inhibin B agonists for physiological exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica P Goney
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew C J Wilce
- Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Wilce
- Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - William A Stocker
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Georgia M Goodchild
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karen L Chan
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly L Walton
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|