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Cheng JC, Fang L, Yan Y, He J, Guo Y, Jia Q, Gao Y, Han X, Sun YP. TGF-β1 stimulates aromatase expression and estradiol production through SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in human granulosa-lutein cells. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6619-6629. [PMID: 33512728 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol (E2), one of the main steroid hormones secreted by the ovaries, plays an important role in maintaining normal female reproductive function. Ovarian granulosa cells are the main source of E2 production because these cells express aromatase, which is encoded by the CYP19A1 gene and catalyzes the final step in E2 biosynthesis from androgens. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and its receptors are expressed in human granulosa cells, and TGF-β1 expression can be detected in human follicular fluid. To date, TGF-β1 has been shown to regulate various ovarian functions. However, whether aromatase can be regulated by TGF-β1 in human granulosa cells has not been determined. In the present study, we demonstrate that TGF-β1 stimulates aromatase expression in primary human granulosa-lutein cells and in the human ovarian granulose-like tumor cell line, KGN. We used pharmacological inhibitors and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown approaches to reveal that the SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways are involved in TGF-β1-induced aromatase expression and E2 production. These results not only provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that mediate TGF-β1-induced aromatase expression and E2 production in human granulosa cells but also increase the understanding of the normal physiological roles of TGF-β1 in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jingyan He
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanjie Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiongqiong Jia
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Lenie S, Smitz J. Steroidogenesis-disrupting compounds can be effectively studied for major fertility-related endpoints using in vitro cultured mouse follicles. Toxicol Lett 2009; 185:143-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2008.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Giudice LC. Growth factor action on ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 1999; 28:325-39, vi. [PMID: 10352921 DOI: 10.1016/s0889-8529(05)70072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factors, their receptors, binding proteins, and binding protein proteases are important in normal and abnormal ovarian follicle development. IGFs stimulate ovarian cellular mitosis and steroidogenesis and inhibit apoptosis. Patterns of expression of IGF family members are characteristic of whether follicles are estrogen- or androgen-dominant. The PCOS follicle is androgen-dominant but does not appear to be atretic and has characteristic IGF family expression. Available data strongly support an intraovarian, as opposed to endocrine, role for this growth factor family in ovarian follicle growth, steroidogenesis, and atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Giudice
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University Medical Center, California, USA
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