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Zhang CH, Liu XY, Wang J. Essential Role of Granulosa Cell Glucose and Lipid Metabolism on Oocytes and the Potential Metabolic Imbalance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16247. [PMID: 38003436 PMCID: PMC10671516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216247] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of bidirectional communication among oocytes. Various intercellular material exchange modes, including paracrine and gap junction, are used between them to achieve the efficient delivery of granulosa cell structural components, energy substrates, and signaling molecules to oocytes. Glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism are two basic energy metabolism pathways in granulosa cells; these are involved in the normal development of oocytes. Pyruvate, produced by granulosa cell glycolysis, is an important energy substrate for oocyte development. Granulosa cells regulate changes in intrafollicular hormone levels through the processing of steroid hormones to control the development process of oocytes. This article reviews the material exchange between oocytes and granulosa cells and expounds the significance of granulosa cells in the development of oocytes through both glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. In addition, we discuss the effects of glucose and lipid metabolism on oocytes under pathological conditions and explore its relationship to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A series of changes were found in the endogenous molecules and ncRNAs that are related to glucose and lipid metabolism in granulosa cells under PCOS conditions. These findings provide a new therapeutic target for patients with PCOS; additionally, there is potential for improving the fertility of patients with PCOS and the clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Zhang
- Queen Mary School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (C.-H.Z.); (X.-Y.L.)
| | - Xiang-Yi Liu
- Queen Mary School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (C.-H.Z.); (X.-Y.L.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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2
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Fang L, Sun YP, Cheng JC. The role of amphiregulin in ovarian function and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:60. [PMID: 36749397 PMCID: PMC11071807 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04709-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Amphiregulin (AREG) is an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor that binds exclusively to the EGF receptor (EGFR). Treatment with luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin dramatically induces the expression of AREG in the granulosa cells of the preovulatory follicle. In addition, AREG is the most abundant EGFR ligand in human follicular fluid. Therefore, AREG is considered a predominant propagator that mediates LH surge-regulated ovarian functions in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. In addition to the well-characterized stimulatory effect of LH on AREG expression, recent studies discovered that several local factors and epigenetic modifications participate in the regulation of ovarian AREG expression. Moreover, aberrant expression of AREG has recently been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of several ovarian diseases, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and epithelial ovarian cancer. Furthermore, increasing evidence has elucidated new applications of AREG in assisted reproductive technology. Collectively, these studies highlight the importance of AREG in female reproductive health and disease. Understanding the normal and pathological roles of AREG and elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of AREG regulation of ovarian functions will inform innovative approaches for fertility regulation and the prevention and treatment of ovarian diseases. Therefore, this review summarizes the functional roles of AREG in ovarian function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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miR-27a-3p targets NR5A2 to regulate CYP19A1 expression and 17-β estradiol synthesis in ovine granulosa cells. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 248:107160. [PMID: 36481589 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Although 17-β estradiol (E2) synthesis is important in regulating female fertility, we know little regarding the molecular mechanism of miRNA-regulated ovine E2 synthesis. Here, our experiments with granulosa cells (GCs) from Hu sheep revealed miR-27a-3p involvement in E2 synthesis and its association with ovine litter size. First, we showed that miR-27a-3p of sheep and other mammals share a high nucleotide identity. Next, gain- and loss-of-function assays indicated that miR-27a-3p inhibits CYP19A1 expression and E2 synthesis in GCs. Moreover, we demonstrated that NR5A2 is a direct target of miR-27a-3p. Ovine miR-27a-3p suppresses E2 synthesis via the NR5A2 and CYP19A1 axes. We also identified four single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ovine miR-27a gene, and g.-13 G>A and g 0.24 T > G were significantly associated with the first and the second parity litter size, respectively (P < 0.05). In summary, our findings reveal that miR-27a-3p is a novel regulator of E2 synthesis and may predict litter size of Hu sheep, providing insight into mechanisms underlying granulosa cell function and female fertility.
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Guzmán A, Hughes CHK, Murphy BD. Liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1) regulates follicle vasculature during ovulation in mice. Reproduction 2022; 164:283-289. [PMID: 36173805 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief It is well-established that liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1/NR5A2) regulates the ovarian function and is required for ovulation and luteinization in mice. In the present experiment, we showed that LRH-1 is required to control vascular changes during ovulation, a novel mechanism of action of this orphan nuclear receptor. Abstract Liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1/NR5A2) is a key regulator of ovarian function, and recently, it has been suggested that it may regulate changes in follicular angiogenesis, an important event during the ovulatory process and luteal development. In the present experiment, the objective was to determine whether conditional depletion of LRH-1 in mice granulosa cells modified vascular changes during the periovulatory period and to explore the possible mechanisms of this modification. We generated mice (22- to 25-day-old) with specific depletion of LRH-1 in granulosa cells by crossing Lrh1 floxed (Lrh1 f/f) mice with mice expressing Cre-recombinase driven by the anti-Müllerian type II receptor (Amhr2-cre; conditional knockout or cKO mice). We showed that preovulatory follicles of LRH-1 cKO mice had a reduced number of endothelial cells in the theca cell layer at 8 h after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment compared with control (CON) mice. Additionally, mRNA and protein expression of leptin receptor (LEPR), a protein that stimulates angiogenesis in a vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA)-dependent manner, and teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor-1 (TDGF1), which may directly stimulate endothelial cell function, were reduced in LRH-1 cKO mice as compared to CON after the LH surge. These results showed that LRH-1 is necessary for the correct vascular changes that accompany ovulation in mice and that this effect may be regulated through VEGFA-dependent and VEGFA-independent pathways mediated by LEPR and TDGF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Guzmán
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.,Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, México Distrito Federal, México
| | - Camilla H K Hughes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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Chen Q, Cai J, Zhang W, Xiao L, Liu G, Li H, Wu F, Song Q, Li K, Zhang J. Expression analysis of the NR5A2 gene and associations between its polymorphisms and reproductive traits in Jiaxing Black sows. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2021.2020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institute of Translation Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lixia Xiao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Liu
- Zhejiang Qinglian Food Company Limited, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haihong Li
- Zhejiang Qinglian Food Company Limited, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fen Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Song
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kui Li
- Zhejiang General Station of Animal Husbandry Technology Promotion and Breeding Livestock Monitoring, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinzhi Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Li YW, Liang XW, Fang JH, Chen ZY. Application of ultrasound markers measured at different time points of COH cycle in the prediction of ovarian response for individualised ovulation induction. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 42:1467-1473. [PMID: 34927543 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2021.2004101] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of ultrasound markers measured at different time points of the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycle on ovarian response and outcome indicators in the IVF-ET cycle. According to the oestrogen level and the number of retrieved oocytes, patients who planned for COH treatment were separated into low-response group, normal and high-response group. The ovarian stromal artery flow parameters on the day of pituitary down-regulation, day 1, day 7, day 10, and the day of hCG injection were collected prospectively. We also have collected the data of cumulus oophorus count on the day of hCG injection by transvaginal sonography. Compared with the low-response group, on the first day of the COH cycle PI, RI, and S/D were lower in the high-response group than they were in the low-response group (p < .05). PSV and EDV were significantly higher in the high-response group than they were in the low-response group (p < .01), and the PSV on the first day of the COH cycle have statistical significance in predicting the number of high-quality embryos. The number of cumulus oophorus on the day of hCG injection has statistical significance in predicting the number of oocytes retrieved and fertilised oocytes. We conclude that the ovarian stromal artery flow parameters on the first day of the COH cycle and cumulus oophorus count on hCG injection day can serve as efficient indicators for an early assessment of ovarian response and individualised ovulation induction.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? AMH, AFC, and the age of the patient are well-known effective parameters for the evaluation of ovarian response, but these are insufficient and full of individual differences. Some researchers have investigated the value of colour Doppler ultrasound and cumulus oophorus in assessing ovarian response, but no definitive conclusion has been reached.What do the results of this study add? The hemodynamic parameters of ovarian stromal artery on the first day of the COH cycle and the number of cumulus oophorus on the day of hCG injection detected by Transvaginal Colour Doppler Sonography (TV-CDS) could be used to predict the ovarian response.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Ovarian stromal artery flow parameters and cumulus oophorus detected by TV-CDS can potentially be offered as a complementary parameter for ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Wei Li
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Liang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Hui Fang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Chen
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Medical Imaging Centre, First Affiliated hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Institute of Medical Imaging, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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7
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Yang X, Wang Q, Wang Y, Song T, Zheng Y, Wang W, Shi Y. LRH-1 high expression in the ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients. Endocrine 2021; 74:413-420. [PMID: 34129175 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02774-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered one of the most common endocrine disorders with heterogeneity. There are also reports that liver receptor homolog 1 [LRH-1 or nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 2] plays an important role in the reproductive system. But up to now, there are no reports related to the link with PCOS and LRH-1. In this study, we aimed to detect the LRH-1 expression in the ovarian granulosa cell (GC) of PCOS patients and explore the potential relationship between LRH-1 and PCOS. METHODS In all, 146 follicular fluid samples were collected in this study, including 72 from PCOS patients and 74 from control patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection or in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. The ovarian GCs were extracted from the patient's follicular fluid by magnetic-activated cell sorting method, and real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of LRH-1 in ovarian GCs. Then we analyzed the correlation between the expression level of LRH-1 and the clinical characteristics of the patient by using Pearson Correlation analysis. RESULTS The expression of LRH-1 was significantly higher in PCOS patients ovarian GCs than that in the control patients [(1.38 ± 0.47) vs (1.03 ± 0.32), t = 5.327, p < 0.0001], and it was positively correlated with antral follicles counting (r = 0.3607, p < 0.0001) and the serum anti-Mullerian hormone (r = 0.2662, p = 0.0012), luteotropic hormone (r = 0.2518, p = 0.0022), testosterone (r = 0.2794, p = 0.0006) in all patients. No statistical significance between LRH-1 and body mass index, follicle-stimulating hormone, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, progesterone. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the control group, we found that LRH-1 was highly expressed in the ovarian GCs of PCOS patients. Our study has revealed the relationship between the LRH-1 expression and PCOS, which suggested that LRH-1 may play an important role in ovulation disorders. While this finding provided new ideas for the study of pathogenesis, it also provided a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qiumin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Tian Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yanjun Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wenqi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yuhua Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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Beachum AN, Whitehead KM, McDonald SI, Phipps DN, Berghout HE, Ables ET. Orphan nuclear receptor ftz-f1 (NR5A3) promotes egg chamber survival in the Drosophila ovary. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6114459. [PMID: 33693603 PMCID: PMC8022936 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Gamete production in mammals and insects is controlled by cell signaling pathways that facilitate communication between germ cells and somatic cells. Nuclear receptor signaling is a key mediator of many aspects of reproduction, including gametogenesis. For example, the NR5A subfamily of nuclear receptors is essential for gonad development and sex steroid production in mammals. Despite the original identification of the NR5A subfamily in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster, it has been unclear whether Drosophila NR5A receptors directly control oocyte production. Ftz-f1 is expressed throughout the ovary, including in germline stem cells, germline cysts, and several populations of somatic cells. We show that ftz-f1 is required in follicle cells prior to stage 10 to promote egg chamber survival at the mid-oogenesis checkpoint. Our data suggest that egg chamber death in the absence of ftz-f1 is due, at least in part, to failure of follicle cells to exit the mitotic cell cycle or failure to accumulate oocyte-specific factors in the germline. Taken together, these results show that, as in mammals, the NR5A subfamily promotes maximal reproductive output in Drosophila. Our data underscore the importance of nuclear receptors in the control of reproduction and highlight the utility of Drosophila oogenesis as a key model for unraveling the complexity of nuclear receptor signaling in gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N Beachum
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel N Phipps
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Hanna E Berghout
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Elizabeth T Ables
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Biology, East Carolina University, 1001 E. 10th St., Mailstop 551, 553 Science & Technology Building, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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Meinsohn MC, Hughes CHK, Estienne A, Saatcioglu HD, Pépin D, Duggavathi R, Murphy BD. A role for orphan nuclear receptor liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1, NR5A2) in primordial follicle activation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1079. [PMID: 33441767 PMCID: PMC7807074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver receptor homolog-1 (NR5A2) is expressed specifically in granulosa cells of developing ovarian follicles where it regulates the late stages of follicle development and ovulation. To establish its effects earlier in the trajectory of follicular development, NR5A2 was depleted from granulosa cells of murine primordial and primary follicles. Follicle populations were enumerated in neonates at postnatal day 4 (PND4) coinciding with the end of the formation of the primordial follicle pool. The frequency of primordial follicles in PND4 conditional knockout (cKO) ovaries was greater and primary follicles were substantially fewer relative to control (CON) counterparts. Ten-day in vitro culture of PND4 ovaries recapitulated in vivo findings and indicated that CON mice developed primary follicles in the ovarian medulla to a greater extent than did cKO animals. Two subsets of primordial follicles were observed in wildtype ovaries: one that expressed NR5A2 and the second in which the transcript was absent. Neither expressed the mitotic marker. KI-67, indicating their developmental quiescence. RNA sequencing on PND4 demonstrated that loss of NR5A2 induced changes in 432 transcripts, including quiescence markers, inhibitors of follicle activation, and regulators of cellular migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These experiments suggest that NR5A2 expression poises primordial follicles for entry into the developing pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Camilla H K Hughes
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Anthony Estienne
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Hatice D Saatcioglu
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Simches Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - David Pépin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Simches Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Raj Duggavathi
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Rd., MS1085, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 7C6, Canada.
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10
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Hughes CHK, Murphy BD. Nuclear receptors: Key regulators of somatic cell functions in the ovulatory process. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 78:100937. [PMID: 33288229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the ovarian follicle to its culmination by ovulation is an essential element of fertility. The final stages of ovarian follicular growth are characterized by granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, and steroid synthesis under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a population of granulosa cells poised to respond to the ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors play indispensable roles in the regulation of these events. The key regulators of the final stages of follicular growth that precede ovulation from this family include the estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and the androgen receptor (AR), with additional roles for others, including steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1). Following the LH surge, the mural and cumulus granulosa cells undergo rapid changes that result in expansion of the cumulus layer, and a shift in ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis from estradiol to progesterone production. The nuclear receptor best associated with these events is LRH-1. Inadequate cumulus expansion is also observed in the absence of AR and ESR2, but not the progesterone receptor (PGR). The terminal stages of ovulation are regulated by PGR, which increases the abundance of the proteases that are directly responsible for rupture. It further regulates the prostaglandins and cytokines associated with the inflammatory-like characteristics of ovulation. LRH-1 regulates PGR, and is also a key regulator of steroidogenesis, cellular proliferation, and cellular migration, and cytoskeletal remodeling. In summary, nuclear receptors are among the panoply of transcriptional regulators with roles in ovulation, and several are necessary for normal ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla H K Hughes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada.
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11
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Richani D, Dunning KR, Thompson JG, Gilchrist RB. Metabolic co-dependence of the oocyte and cumulus cells: essential role in determining oocyte developmental competence. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:27-47. [PMID: 33020823 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the antral follicle, the oocyte is reliant on metabolic support from its surrounding somatic cells. Metabolism plays a critical role in oocyte developmental competence (oocyte quality). In the last decade, there has been significant progress in understanding the metabolism of the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) during its final stages of growth and maturation in the follicle. Certain metabolic conditions (e.g. obesity) or ART (e.g. IVM) perturb COC metabolism, providing insights into metabolic regulation of oocyte quality. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review provides an update on the progress made in our understanding of COC metabolism, and the metabolic conditions that influence both meiotic and developmental competence of the oocyte. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was used to search for peer-reviewed original and review articles. Searches were performed adopting the main terms 'oocyte metabolism', 'cumulus cell metabolism', 'oocyte maturation', 'oocyte mitochondria', 'oocyte metabolism', 'oocyte developmental competence' and 'oocyte IVM'. OUTCOMES Metabolism is a major determinant of oocyte quality. Glucose is an essential requirement for both meiotic and cytoplasmic maturation of the COC. Glucose is the driver of cumulus cell metabolism and is essential for energy production, extracellular matrix formation and supply of pyruvate to the oocyte for ATP production. Mitochondria are the primary source of ATP production within the oocyte. Recent advances in real-time live cell imaging reveal dynamic fluctuations in ATP demand throughout oocyte maturation. Cumulus cells have been shown to play a central role in maintaining adequate oocyte ATP levels by providing metabolic support through gap junctional communication. New insights have highlighted the importance of oocyte lipid metabolism for oocyte oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production, meiotic progression and developmental competence. Within the last decade, several new strategies for improving the developmental competence of oocytes undergoing IVM have emerged, including modulation of cyclic nucleotides, the addition of precursors for the antioxidant glutathione or endogenous maturation mediators such as epidermal growth factor-like peptides and growth differentiation factor 9/bone morphogenetic protein 15. These IVM additives positively alter COC metabolic endpoints commonly associated with oocyte competence. There remain significant challenges in the study of COC metabolism. Owing to the paucity in non-invasive or in situ techniques to assess metabolism, most work to date has used in vitro or ex vivo models. Additionally, the difficulty of measuring oocyte and cumulus cell metabolism separately while still in a complex has led to the frequent use of denuded oocytes, the results from which should be interpreted with caution since the oocyte and cumulus cell compartments are metabolically interdependent, and oocytes do not naturally exist in a naked state until after fertilization. There are emerging tools, including live fluorescence imaging and photonics probes, which may provide ways to measure the dynamic nature of metabolism in a single oocyte, potentially while in situ. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There is an association between oocyte metabolism and oocyte developmental competence. Advancing our understanding of basic cellular and biochemical mechanisms regulating oocyte metabolism may identify new avenues to augment oocyte quality and assess developmental potential in assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulama Richani
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Fertility & Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Fertility & Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Knapp EM, Li W, Singh V, Sun J. Nuclear receptor Ftz-f1 promotes follicle maturation and ovulation partly via bHLH/PAS transcription factor Sim. eLife 2020; 9:54568. [PMID: 32338596 PMCID: PMC7239656 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The NR5A-family nuclear receptors are highly conserved and function within the somatic follicle cells of the ovary to regulate folliculogenesis and ovulation in mammals; however, their roles in Drosophila ovaries are largely unknown. Here, we discover that Ftz-f1, one of the NR5A nuclear receptors in Drosophila, is transiently induced in follicle cells in late stages of oogenesis via ecdysteroid signaling. Genetic disruption of Ftz-f1 expression prevents follicle cell differentiation into the final maturation stage, which leads to anovulation. In addition, we demonstrate that the bHLH/PAS transcription factor Single-minded (Sim) acts as a direct target of Ftz-f1 to promote follicle cell differentiation/maturation and that Ftz-f1’s role in regulating Sim expression and follicle cell differentiation can be replaced by its mouse homolog steroidogenic factor 1 (mSF-1). Our work provides new insight into the regulation of follicle maturation in Drosophila and the conserved role of NR5A nuclear receptors in regulating folliculogenesis and ovulation. When animals reproduce, females release eggs from their ovaries which then get fertilized by sperm from males. Each egg needs to properly mature within a collection of cells known as follicle cells before it can be let go. As the egg matures, so do the follicle cells surrounding it, until both are primed and ready to discharge the egg from the ovary. Mammals rely on a protein called SF-1 to mature their follicle cells, but it is unclear how this process works. Most animals – from humans to fruit flies – release their eggs in a very similar way, using many of the same proteins and genes. For example, the gene for SF-1 in mammals is similar to a gene in fruit flies which codes for another protein called Ftz-f1. Since it is more straightforward to study ovaries in fruit flies than in humans and other mammals, investigating this protein could shed light on how follicle cells mature. However, it remained unclear whether Ftz-f1 plays a similar role to its mammalian counterpart. Here, Knapp et al. show that Ftz-f1 is present in the follicle cells of fruit flies and is required for them to properly mature. Ftz-f1 controlled this process by regulating the activity of another protein called Sim. Further experiments found that the gene that codes for the SF-1 protein in mice was able to compensate for the loss of Ftz-f1 and drive follicle cells to mature. Studying how ovaries release eggs is an essential part of understanding female fertility. This work highlights the similarities between these processes in mammals and fruit flies and may help us understand how ovaries work in humans and other mammals. In the future, the findings of Knapp et al. may lead to new therapies for infertility in females and other disorders that affect ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Knapp
- Department of Physiology & Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology & Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States
| | - Vijender Singh
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States
| | - Jianjun Sun
- Department of Physiology & Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States
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13
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Zhang Y, Yang J, Yang J, Li J, Zhang M. CREB activity is required for epidermal growth factor‐induced mouse cumulus expansion. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1887-1900. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural University Beijing China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural University Beijing China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural University Beijing China
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural University Beijing China
| | - Meijia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural University Beijing China
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Bianco S, Bellefleur AM, Beaulieu É, Beauparlant CJ, Bertolin K, Droit A, Schoonjans K, Murphy BD, Gévry N. The Ovulatory Signal Precipitates LRH-1 Transcriptional Switching Mediated by Differential Chromatin Accessibility. Cell Rep 2019; 28:2443-2454.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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15
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Meinsohn MC, Smith OE, Bertolin K, Murphy BD. The Orphan Nuclear Receptors Steroidogenic Factor-1 and Liver Receptor Homolog-1: Structure, Regulation, and Essential Roles in Mammalian Reproduction. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1249-1279. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00019.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are intracellular proteins that act as transcription factors. Proteins with classic nuclear receptor domain structure lacking identified signaling ligands are designated orphan nuclear receptors. Two of these, steroidogenic factor-1 (NR5A1, also known as SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (NR5A2, also known as LRH-1), bind to the same DNA sequences, with different and nonoverlapping effects on targets. Endogenous regulation of both is achieved predominantly by cofactor interactions. SF-1 is expressed primarily in steroidogenic tissues, LRH-1 in tissues of endodermal origin and the gonads. Both receptors modulate cholesterol homeostasis, steroidogenesis, tissue-specific cell proliferation, and stem cell pluripotency. LRH-1 is essential for development beyond gastrulation and SF-1 for genesis of the adrenal, sexual differentiation, and Leydig cell function. Ovary-specific depletion of SF-1 disrupts follicle development, while LRH-1 depletion prevents ovulation, cumulus expansion, and luteinization. Uterine depletion of LRH-1 compromises decidualization and pregnancy. In humans, SF-1 is present in endometriotic tissue, where it regulates estrogen synthesis. SF-1 is underexpressed in ovarian cancer cells and overexpressed in Leydig cell tumors. In breast cancer cells, proliferation, migration and invasion, and chemotherapy resistance are regulated by LRH-1. In conclusion, the NR5A orphan nuclear receptors are nonredundant factors that are crucial regulators of a panoply of biological processes, across multiple reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivia E. Smith
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Kalyne Bertolin
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Bruce D. Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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Rodrigues TA, Tuna KM, Alli AA, Tribulo P, Hansen PJ, Koh J, Paula-Lopes FF. Follicular fluid exosomes act on the bovine oocyte to improve oocyte competence to support development and survival to heat shock. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:888-897. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Addition of follicular fluid to oocyte maturation medium can affect cumulus cell function, increase competence of the oocytes to be fertilised and develop to the blastocyst stage and protect the oocyte from heat shock. Here, it was tested whether exosomes in follicular fluid are responsible for the effects of follicular fluid on the function of the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC). This was accomplished by culturing COCs during oocyte maturation at 38.5°C (body temperature of the cow) or 41°C (heat shock) with follicular fluid or exosomes derived from follicular fluid and evaluating various aspects of function of the oocyte and the embryo derived from it. Negative effects of heat shock on cleavage and blastocyst development, but not cumulus expansion, were reduced by follicular fluid and exosomes. The results support the idea that exosomes in follicular fluid play important roles during oocyte maturation to enhance oocyte function and protect it from stress.
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