1
|
Yang X, Yang L. Current understanding of the genomic abnormities in premature ovarian failure: chance for early diagnosis and management. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1194865. [PMID: 37332766 PMCID: PMC10274511 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1194865] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is an insidious cause of female infertility and a devastating condition for women. POF also has a strong familial and heterogeneous genetic background. Management of POF is complicated by the variable etiology and presentation, which are generally characterized by abnormal hormone levels, gene instability and ovarian dysgenesis. To date, abnormal regulation associated with POF has been found in a small number of genes, including autosomal and sex chromosomal genes in folliculogenesis, granulosa cells, and oocytes. Due to the complex genomic contributions, ascertaining the exact causative mechanisms has been challenging in POF, and many pathogenic genomic characteristics have yet to be elucidated. However, emerging research has provided new insights into genomic variation in POF as well as novel etiological factors, pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic intervention approaches. Meanwhile, scattered studies of transcriptional regulation revealed that ovarian cell function also depends on specific biomarker gene expression, which can influence protein activities, thus causing POF. In this review, we summarized the latest research and issues related to the genomic basis for POF and focused on insights gained from their biological effects and pathogenic mechanisms in POF. The present integrated studies of genomic variants, gene expression and related protein abnormalities were structured to establish the role of etiological genes associated with POF. In addition, we describe the design of some ongoing clinical trials that may suggest safe, feasible and effective approaches to improve the diagnosis and therapy of POF, such as Filgrastim, goserelin, resveratrol, natural plant antitoxin, Kuntai capsule et al. Understanding the candidate genomic characteristics in POF is beneficial for the early diagnosis of POF and provides appropriate methods for prevention and drug treatment. Additional efforts to clarify the POF genetic background are necessary and are beneficial for researchers and clinicians regarding genetic counseling and clinical practice. Taken together, recent genomic explorations have shown great potential to elucidate POF management in women and are stepping from the bench to the bedside.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang C, Zhao Y, Yuan Z, Wu Y, Zhao Z, Wu C, Hou J, Zhang M. Genome-Wide Identification of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and Proteins, and Their Relationship With Sheep Fecundity. Front Genet 2022; 12:750947. [PMID: 35211149 PMCID: PMC8861438 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.750947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The exploration of multiple birth-related genes has always been a significant focus in sheep breeding. This study aimed to find more genes and proteins related to the litter size in sheep. Ovarian specimens of Small Tail Han sheep (multiple births) and Xinji Fine Wool sheep (singleton) were collected during the natural estrus cycle. Transcriptome and proteome of ovarian specimens were analyzed. The transcriptome results showed that "steroid hormone biosynthesis" and "ovarian steroidogenesis" were significantly enriched, in which HSD17B1 played an important role. The proteome data also confirmed that the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were enriched in the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, and the CYP17A1 was the candidate DEP. Furthermore, lncRNA MSTRG.28645 was highly expressed in Small Tailed Han sheep but lowly expressed in Xinji fine wool sheep. In addition, MSTRG.28645, a hub gene in the co-expression network between mRNAs and lncRNAs, was selected as one of the candidate genes for subsequent verification. Expectedly, the overexpression and interference of HSD17B1 and MSTRG.28645 showed a significant effect on hormone secretion in granulosa cells. Therefore, this study confirmed that HSD17B1 and MSTRG.28645 might be potential genes related to the fecundity of sheep. It was concluded that both HSD17B1 and MSTRG.28645 were critical regulators in the secretion of hormones that affect the fecundity of the sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunxin Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yunhui Zhao
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - ZhiYu Yuan
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yujin Wu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuo Zhao
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Cuiling Wu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Jian Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxin Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Peroxiredoxin 1 Controls Ovulation and Ovulated Cumulus-Oocyte Complex Activity through TLR4-Derived ERK1/2 Signaling in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179437. [PMID: 34502346 PMCID: PMC8430854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are expressed in the ovary and during ovulation. PRDX1 activity related to the immuno-like response during ovulation is unknown. We investigated the roles of Prdx1 on TLR4 and ERK1/2 signaling from the ovulated cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) using Prdx1-knockout (K/O) and wild-type (WT) mice. Ovulated COCs were collected 12 and 16 h after pregnant mare serum gonadotropin/hCG injection. PRDX1 protein expression and COC secretion factors (Il-6, Tnfaip6, and Ptgs2) increased 16 h after ovulated COCs of the WT mice were obtained. We treated the ovulated COCs in mice with LPS (0.5 μg/mL) or hyaluronidase (Hya) (10 units/mL) to induce TLR4 activity. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), cumulus cell apoptosis, PRDX1, TLR4/P38/ERK1/2 protein expression, and COC secretion factors’ mRNA levels increased in LPS- and Hya-treated COCs. The ERK inhibitor (U0126) and Prdx1 siRNA affected TLR4/ERK1/2 expression. The number and cumulus expansion of ovulated COCs by ROS were impaired in Prdx1 K/O mice but not in WT ones. Prdx1 gene deletion induced TLR4/P38/ERK1/2 expression and cumulus expansion genes. These results show the controlling roles of PRDX1 for TLR4/P38/ERK1/2 signaling activity in ovulated mice and the interlink of COCs with ovulation.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu FJ, Wang YW, Luo CW. Human bone morphogenetic protein 8A promotes expansion and prevents apoptosis of cumulus cells in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111121. [PMID: 33338549 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cumulus expansion is essential for ovulation and oocyte maturation in mammals. Previous studies suggest that this process requires certain cumulus expansion enabling factors, induced by LH surge, that activate SMAD signaling locally. However, their identities remain uncertain. Using a superovulated rat model, we showed that Bmp8 transcripts were abundant in cumulus cell-oocyte complexes (COCs) and their levels can be further induced during ovulation. By analyzing human COC-related transcriptomic datasets, BMP8 transcripts in cumulus cells were also found to be significantly elevated along with the maturation status and developmental competence of enclosed oocytes. In cultured rat COCs, treatment with recombinant BMP8A protein activated both SMAD1/5/8 and SMAD2/3 pathways; the resulting SMAD2/3 signaling induced COC expansion as well as the expression of COC expansion-related genes, whereas the resulting SMAD2/3 and SMAD1/5/8 activations were both required for protecting expanded cumulus cells from apoptosis. Taken together, our data demonstrated that addition of BMP8 protein in the in vitro rat COC cultures not only promotes cumulus expansion but also sustains survival of expanded cumulus cells via different SMAD downstreams. With these capabilities, BMP8 may have clinical applications to ameliorate the fertilizability and subsequent developmental competence of the enclosed oocytes when doing in vitro COC maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Ju Wu
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Wen Wang
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Luo
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Daei-Farshbaf N, Aflatoonian R, Amjadi FS, Taleahmad S, Ashrafi M, Bakhtiyari M. Expression pattern of olfactory receptor genes in human cumulus cells as an indicator for competent oocyte selection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 44:371-380. [PMID: 33402864 PMCID: PMC7759194 DOI: 10.3906/biy-2003-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Odorant or olfactory receptors are mainly localized in the olfactory epithelium for the perception of different odors. Interestingly, many ectopic olfactory receptors with low expression levels have recently been found in nonolfactory tissues to involve in local functions. Therefore, we investigated the probable role of the olfactory signaling pathway in the surrounding microenvironment of oocyte. This study included 22 women in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle. The expression of olfactory target molecules in cumulus cells surrounding the growing and mature oocytes was evaluated by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, integrated bioinformatics analyses were carried out and 6 ectopic olfactory receptors were selected for further evaluation. The initiation of olfactory transduction cascade in cumulus cells of competent oocytes was confirmed by analyzing the expression of adenylyl cyclase type 3 and olfactory market protein. Moreover, the expression pattern of the selected olfactory receptors was evaluated and OR10H2 was selected due to a high level of expression in mature fertile oocytes. We suggested that OR10H2 could be considered as a reliable biomarker for oocyte selection in assisted reproduction technique programs. However, further studies are required to elucidate the role of olfactory transduction cascade in embryo quality and implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Daei-Farshbaf
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran Iran
| | - Fatemeh-Sadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Sara Taleahmad
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology (RI-SCBT), Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ashrafi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Mehrdad Bakhtiyari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang H, Lu S, Xu R, Tang Y, Liu J, Li C, Wei J, Yao R, Zhao X, Wei Q, Ma B. Mechanisms of Estradiol-induced EGF-like Factor Expression and Oocyte Maturation via G Protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5929646. [PMID: 33068422 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen is an important modulator of reproductive activity through nuclear receptors and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Here, we observed that both estradiol and the GPER-specific agonist G1 rapidly induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production in cumulus cells, leading to transient stimulation of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), which was conducive to the transcription of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factors, amphiregulin, epiregulin, and betacellulin. Inhibition of GPER by G15 significantly reduced estradiol-induced CREB phosphorylation and EGF-like factor gene expression. Consistently, the silencing of GPER expression in cultured cumulus cells abrogated the estradiol-induced CREB phosphorylation and EGF-like factor transcription. In addition, the increase in EGF-like factor expression in the cumulus cells is associated with EGF receptor (EFGR) tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GPER-mediated phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK1/2 was involved in reduced gap junction communication, cumulus expansion, increased oocyte mitochondrial activity and first polar body extrusion. Overall, our study identified a novel function for estrogen in regulating EGFR activation via GPER in cumulus cells during oocyte maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sihai Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaju Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Juncai Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoe Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohua Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zou T, Liu J, She L, Chen J, Zhu T, Yin J, Li X, Li X, Zhou H, Liu Z. A perspective profile of ADCY1 in cAMP signaling with drug-resistance in lung cancer. J Cancer 2019; 10:6848-6857. [PMID: 31839819 PMCID: PMC6909948 DOI: 10.7150/jca.36614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenylate cyclase 1 (ADCY1 or AC1) is a member of ADCY superfamily and was primarily found to be expressed in the brain. ADCY1 is responsible for catalyzing ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP). As a secondary messenger, cAMP can regulate plenty of cellular activities. cAMP can perform its regulation in cellular transport through the binding to cAMP dependent protein kinases (PKAs), cAMP-activated guanine exchange factors (EPACs) and cyclic nucleotide-gated channels functioning in transduction of sensory signals (CNGs). Lung cancer is one of the leading factors of cancer-related death worldwide. Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients. In addition, surgical treatment, radiation treatment, and molecular targeted therapy are also therapeutic options for lung cancer patients in clinical settings. However, drug resistance and toxicity are the major obstacles that affect chemotherapy outcome and prognosis of lung cancer patients. And the therapeutic efficiency and adverse effects are varying with each individual. In recent years, investigations based on genetic sequencing have revealed the emerging role of ADCY1 mutations in affecting drug efficiency in various cancers such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer and colorectal cancer. The potential function of ADCY1 in chemotherapy resistance is of great importance to be noticed and investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zou
- National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
| | - Junyan Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, P.R.China
| | - Li She
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
- Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province
| | - Juan Chen
- Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China. Department of pharmacy, Xiangya hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
| | - Jiye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
| | - Xiangping Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
| | - Honghao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
| | - Zhaoqian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R.China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
The glycoprotein follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) acts on gonadal target cells, hence regulating gametogenesis. The transduction of the hormone-induced signal is mediated by the FSH-specific G protein-coupled receptor (FSHR), of which the action relies on the interaction with a number of intracellular effectors. The stimulatory Gαs protein is a long-time known transducer of FSH signaling, mainly leading to intracellular cAMP increase and protein kinase A (PKA) activation, the latter acting as a master regulator of cell metabolism and sex steroid production. While in vivo data clearly demonstrate the relevance of PKA activation in mediating gametogenesis by triggering proliferative signals, some in vitro data suggest that pro-apoptotic pathways may be awakened as a "dark side" of cAMP/PKA-dependent steroidogenesis, in certain conditions. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are players of death signals in steroidogenic cells, involving downstream p53 and caspases. Although it could be hypothesized that pro-apoptotic signals, if relevant, may be required for regulating atresia of non-dominant ovarian follicles, they should be transient and counterbalanced by mitogenic signals upon FSHR interaction with opposing transducers, such as Gαi proteins and β-arrestins. These molecules modulate the steroidogenic pathway via extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), calcium signaling and other intracellular signaling effectors, resulting in a complex and dynamic signaling network characterizing sex- and stage-specific gamete maturation. Even if the FSH-mediated signaling network is not yet entirely deciphered, its full comprehension is of high physiological and clinical relevance due to the crucial role covered by the hormone in regulating human development and reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Livio Casarini
| | - Pascale Crépieux
- PRC, UMR INRA0085, CNRS 7247, Centre INRA Val de Loire, Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Camaioni A, Klinger FG, Campagnolo L, Salustri A. The Influence of Pentraxin 3 on the Ovarian Function and Its Impact on Fertility. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2808. [PMID: 30555480 PMCID: PMC6283082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular development is a highly coordinated process that in humans takes more than 6 months. Pituitary gonadotropins and a variety of locally produced growth factors and cytokines are involved in determining a precise sequence of changes in cell metabolism, proliferation, vascularization, and matrix remodeling in order to obtain a follicle with full ovulatory and steroidogenic capability. A low-grade inflammation can alter such processes leading to premature arrest of follicular growth and female reproductive failure. On the other hand, factors that are involved in inflammatory response as well as in innate immunity are physiologically upregulated in the follicle at the final stage of maturation and play an essential role in ovulation and fertilization. The generation of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) deficient mice provided the first evidence that this humoral pattern recognition molecule of the innate immunity has a non-redundant role in female fertility. The expression, localization, and molecular interactions of PTX3 in the periovulatory follicle have been extensively studied in the last 10 years. In this review, we summarize findings demonstrating that PTX3 is synthesized before ovulation by cells surrounding the oocyte and actively participates in the organization of the hyaluronan-rich provisional matrix required for successful fertilization. Data in humans tend to confirm these findings, indicating PTX3 as a biomarker of oocyte quality. Moreover, we discuss the emerging evidence that in humans altered PTX3 systemic levels, determined by genetic variations and/or low-grade chronic inflammation, can also impact the growth and development of the follicle and affect the incidence of ovarian disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Camaioni
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Salustri
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Salustri A, Campagnolo L, Klinger FG, Camaioni A. Molecular organization and mechanical properties of the hyaluronan matrix surrounding the mammalian oocyte. Matrix Biol 2018; 78-79:11-23. [PMID: 29408277 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Successful ovulation and oocyte fertilization are essential prerequisites for the beginning of life in sexually reproducing animals. In mammalian fertilization, the relevance of the protein coat surrounding the oocyte plasma membrane, known as zona pellucida, has been widely recognized, while, until not too long ago, the general belief was that the cumulus oophorus, consisting of follicle cells embedded in a hyaluronan rich extracellular matrix, was not essential. This opinion was based on in vitro fertilization procedures, in which a large number of sperms are normally utilized and the oocyte can be fertilized even if depleted of cumulus cells. Conversely, in vivo, only very few sperm cells reach the fertilization site, arguing against the possibility of a coincidental encounter with the oocyte. In the last two decades, proteins required for HA organization in the cumulus extracellular matrix have been identified and the study of fertility in mice deprived of the corresponding genes have provided compelling evidence that this jelly-like coat is critical for fertilization. This review focuses on the advances in understanding the molecular interactions making the cumulus environment suitable for oocyte and sperm encounter. Most of the studies on the molecular characterization of the cumulus extracellular matrix have been performed in the mouse and we will refer essentially to findings obtained in this animal model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Salustri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Histology and Embryology Section, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Histology and Embryology Section, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Histology and Embryology Section, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Camaioni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Histology and Embryology Section, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Prochazka R, Blaha M, Němcová L. Significance of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling for acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence in mammalian oocytes†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:537-549. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
|
12
|
Qian W, Gang X, Zhang T, Wei L, Yang X, Li Z, Yang Y, Song L, Wang P, Peng J, Cheng D, Xia Q. Protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of the Broad-Complex transcription factor in silkworm suppresses its transcriptional activity. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:12460-12470. [PMID: 28584058 PMCID: PMC5535021 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.775130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect-specific transcription factor Broad-Complex (BR-C) is transcriptionally activated by the steroid 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and regulates the expression of many target genes involved in insect growth and development. However, although the transcriptional regulation of BR-C proteins has been well studied, how BR-C is regulated at post-transcription and -translation levels is poorly understood. To this end, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, we identified residue Ser-186 as a phosphorylation site of BR-C in silkworm. Site-directed mutagenesis and treatment with specific kinase activators and inhibitors indicated that the Ser-186 residue in silkworm BR-C is phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA). Immunostaining assays disclosed that PKA-mediated phosphorylation of silkworm BR-C has no effect on its nuclear import. However, luciferase reporter analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that the PKA phosphorylation event suppresses the transcriptional activation of silkworm BR-C target genes and that this inhibition was caused by repression of BR-C binding to its DNA targets. Of note, both in vitro and ex vivo experiments disclosed that a continuous 20E signal inhibits the PKA-mediated BR-C phosphorylation and also the cAMP/PKA pathway, indicating that 20E's inhibitory effect on PKA-mediated phosphorylation of silkworm BR-C contributes to maintaining BR-C transcriptional activity. In conclusion, our findings indicate that PKA-mediated phosphorylation inhibits silkworm BR-C activity by interfering with its binding to DNA and that 20E signaling relieves PKA-mediated phosphorylation of BR-C, thereby maintaining its transcriptional activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaoxu Gang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tianlei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ling Wei
- School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xinxin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Liang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jian Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Daojun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qian W, Gang X, Zhang T, Wei L, Yang X, Li Z, Yang Y, Song L, Wang P, Peng J, Cheng D, Xia Q. Protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of the Broad-Complex transcription factor in silkworm suppresses its transcriptional activity. J Biol Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1.74/jbc.m117.77513010.1074/jbc.m117.775130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|
14
|
Chen X, Bonfiglio R, Banerji S, Jackson DG, Salustri A, Richter RP. Micromechanical Analysis of the Hyaluronan-Rich Matrix Surrounding the Oocyte Reveals a Uniquely Soft and Elastic Composition. Biophys J 2016; 110:2779-2789. [PMID: 27332136 PMCID: PMC4919725 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cumulus cell-oocyte complex (COC) matrix is an extended coat that forms around the oocyte a few hours before ovulation and plays vital roles in oocyte biology. Here, we analyzed the micromechanical response of mouse COC matrix by colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy. We found that the COC matrix is elastic insofar as it does not flow and its original shape is restored after force release. At the same time, the COC matrix is extremely soft. Specifically, the most compliant parts of in vivo and in vitro expanded COC matrices yielded Young's modulus values of 0.5 ± 0.1 Pa and 1.6 ± 0.3 Pa, respectively, suggesting both high porosity and a large mesh size (≥100 nm). In addition, the elastic modulus increased progressively with indentation. Furthermore, using optical microscopy to correlate these mechanical properties with ultrastructure, we discovered that the COC is surrounded by a thick matrix shell that is essentially devoid of cumulus cells and is enhanced upon COC expansion in vivo. We propose that the pronounced nonlinear elastic behavior of the COC matrix is a consequence of structural heterogeneity and serves important functions in biological processes such as oocyte transport in the oviduct and sperm penetration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Chen
- CIC biomaGUNE, San Sebastian, Spain; Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Suneale Banerji
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David G Jackson
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Antonietta Salustri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ralf P Richter
- CIC biomaGUNE, San Sebastian, Spain; Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart, Germany; Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Physics, University Grenoble Alpes-CNRS, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|