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Derkach KV, Lebedev IA, Morina IY, Bakhtyukov AA, Pechalnova AS, Sorokoumov VN, Kuznetsova VS, Romanova IV, Shpakov AO. Comparison of Steroidogenic and Ovulation-Inducing Effects of Orthosteric and Allosteric Agonists of Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor in Immature Female Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16618. [PMID: 38068943 PMCID: PMC10706028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316618] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropins, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), are used to induce ovulation, but they have a number of side effects, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). A possible alternative is allosteric luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor agonists, including the compound TP4/2 we developed, which remains active when administered orally. The aim was to study the effectiveness of TP4/2 (orally, 40 mg/kg) as an ovulation inducer in FSH-stimulated immature female rats, compared with hCG (s.c., 15 IU/rat). TP4/2 stimulated progesterone production and corpus luteum formation; time-dependently increased the ovarian expression of steroidogenic genes (Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1) and genes involved in ovulation regulation (Adamts-1, Cox-2, Egr-1, Mt-1); and increased the content of metalloproteinase ADAMTS-1 in the ovaries. These effects were similar to those of hCG, although in some cases they were less pronounced. TP4/2, in contrast to hCG, maintained normal LH levels and increased the ovarian expression of the LH/hCG receptor gene, indicating preservation of ovarian sensitivity to LH, and did not cause a sustained increase in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A involved in OHSS. Thus, TP4/2 is an effective ovulation inducer that, unlike hCG, has a lower risk of OHSS and ovarian LH resistance due to its moderate stimulating effect on steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira V. Derkach
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
| | - Ivan A. Lebedev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
| | - Irina Yu. Morina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
| | - Andrey A. Bakhtyukov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
| | - Alena S. Pechalnova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
| | - Viktor N. Sorokoumov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Veronica S. Kuznetsova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
| | - Irina V. Romanova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
| | - Alexander O. Shpakov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia; (K.V.D.); (I.A.L.); (A.A.B.); (V.N.S.); (V.S.K.); (I.V.R.)
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Dai T, Kang X, Yang C, Mei S, Wei S, Guo X, Ma Z, Shi Y, Chu Y, Dan X. Integrative Analysis of miRNA-mRNA in Ovarian Granulosa Cells Treated with Kisspeptin in Tan Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2989. [PMID: 36359113 PMCID: PMC9656243 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin is a peptide hormone encoded by the kiss-1 gene that regulates animal reproduction. Our studies revealed that kisspeptin can regulate steroid hormone production and promote cell proliferation in ovarian granulosa cells of Tan sheep, but the mechanism has not yet been fully understood. We speculated that kisspeptin might promote steroid hormone production and cell proliferation by mediating the expression of specific miRNA and mRNA in granulosa cells. Accordingly, after granulosa cells were treated with kisspeptin, the RNA of cells was extracted to construct a cDNA library, and miRNA-mRNA sequencing was performed. Results showed that 1303 expressed genes and 605 expressed miRNAs were identified. Furthermore, eight differentially expressed miRNAs were found, and their target genes were significantly enriched in progesterone synthesis/metabolism, hormone biosynthesis, ovulation cycle, and steroid metabolism regulation. Meanwhile, mRNA was significantly enriched in steroid biosynthesis, IL-17 signaling pathway, and GnRH signaling pathway. Integrative analysis of miRNA-mRNA revealed that the significantly different oar-let-7b targets eight genes, of which EGR1 (early growth response-1) might play a significant role in regulating the function of granulosa cells, and miR-10a regulates lipid metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis by targeting HNRNPD. Additionally, PPI analysis revealed genes that are not miRNA targets but crucial to other biological processes in granulosa cells, implying that kisspeptin may also indirectly regulate granulosa cell function by these pathways. The findings of this work may help understand the molecular mechanism of kisspeptin regulating steroid hormone secretion, cell proliferation, and other physiological functions in ovarian granulosa cells of Tan sheep.
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Brady K, Liu HC, Hicks JA, Long JA, Porter TE. Transcriptome Analysis During Follicle Development in Turkey Hens With Low and High Egg Production. Front Genet 2021; 12:619196. [PMID: 33815464 PMCID: PMC8012691 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.619196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Low and high egg producing hens exhibit gene expression differences related to ovarian steroidogenesis. High egg producing hens display increased expression of genes involved in progesterone and estradiol production, in the granulosa layer of the largest follicle (F1G) and small white follicles (SWF), respectively, whereas low egg producing hens display increased expression of genes related to progesterone and androgen production in the granulosa (F5G) and theca interna layer (F5I) of the fifth largest follicle, respectively. Transcriptome analysis was performed on F1G, F5G, F5I, and SWF samples from low and high egg producing hens to identify novel regulators of ovarian steroidogenesis. In total, 12,221 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between low and high egg producing hens across the four cell types examined. Pathway analysis implied differential regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, particularly thyroid hormone transporters and thyroid hormone receptors, and of estradiol signaling in low and high egg producing hens. The HPT axis showed up-regulation in high egg producing hens in less mature follicles but up-regulation in low egg producing hens in more mature follicles. Estradiol signaling exclusively exhibited up-regulation in high egg producing hens. Treatment of SWF cells from low and high egg producing hens with thyroid hormone in vitro decreased estradiol production in cells from high egg producing hens to the levels seen in cells from low egg producing hens, whereas thyroid hormone treatment did not impact estradiol production in cells from low egg producing hens. Transcriptome analysis of the major cell types involved in steroidogenesis inferred the involvement of the HPT axis and estradiol signaling in the regulation of differential steroid hormone production seen among hens with different egg production levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Brady
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.,Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Hsiao-Ching Liu
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Julie A Hicks
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Julie A Long
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Tom E Porter
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
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Li X, Zhu Q, Wen Z, Yuan K, Su Z, Wang Y, Zhong Y, Ge RS. Androgen and Luteinizing Hormone Stimulate the Function of Rat Immature Leydig Cells Through Different Transcription Signals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:599149. [PMID: 33815270 PMCID: PMC8011569 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.599149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of immature Leydig cells is regulated by hormones, such as androgen and luteinizing hormone (LH). However, the regulation of this process is still unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether luteinizing hormone (LH) or androgens contribute to this process. Immature Leydig cells were purified from 35-day-old male Sprague Dawley rats and cultured with LH (1 ng/ml) or androgen (7α-methyl-19- nortestosterone, MENT, 100 nM) for 2 days. LH or MENT treatment significantly increased the androgens produced by immature Leydig cells in rats. Microarray and qPCR and enzymatic tests showed that LH up-regulated the expression of Scarb1, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Srd5a1 while down-regulated the expression of Sult2a1 and Akr1c14. On the contrary, the expression of Cyp17a1 was up-regulated by MENT. LH and MENT regulate Leydig cell function through different sets of transcription factors. We conclude that LH and androgens participate in the regulation of rat immature Leydig cell function through different transcriptional pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiqi Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zina Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Andrology, Chengdu Xi’nan Gynecological Hospital, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaimin Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Su
- Department of Cell Biology & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Department of Andrology, Chengdu Xi’nan Gynecological Hospital, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Ren-Shan Ge, ; Ying Zhong,
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ren-Shan Ge, ; Ying Zhong,
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Veraguas D, Cuevas SR, Gallegos PF, Saez‐Ruiz D, Castro FO, Rodriguez‐Alvarez L. eCG stimulation in domestic cats increases the expression of gonadotrophin‐induced genes improving oocyte competence during the non‐breeding season. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1306-1316. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Veraguas
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | - Sandra R. Cuevas
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | - Paula F. Gallegos
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | - Darling Saez‐Ruiz
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | - Fidel O. Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
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6
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Kishi H, Kitahara Y, Imai F, Nakao K, Suwa H. Expression of the gonadotropin receptors during follicular development. Reprod Med Biol 2017; 17:11-19. [PMID: 29371816 PMCID: PMC5768975 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gonadotropins induce follicular development that leads to ovulation and luteinization. In women, the level of gonadotropins, along with the expression of their receptors, changes dynamically throughout the menstrual cycle. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these phenomena. Methods The literature was reviewed, including that published by the authors. Main findings (Results) Follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor expression in the granulosa cells was induced by androgens that were derived from growth differentiation factor‐9‐stimulated theca cells. In the theca cells, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression was noted from their appearance. In the granulosa cells, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation was essential for LHR expression. However, FSH alone was not sufficient to respond to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge for oocyte maturation, ovulation, and subsequent luteinization. To achieve these stages, various local factors that were derived from the granulosa and theca cells in response to FSH and LH stimulation had to work synergistically in an autocrine/paracrine manner to strongly induce LHR expression. Following the LH surge, the LHR expression decreased markedly; miRNAs were involved in this transient LHR downregulation. Following ovulation, LHR expression drastically increased again toward luteinization. Conclusion The expression of gonadotropin receptors is controlled by sophisticated and complicated systems; a breakdown of this system could lead to ovulation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kitahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Fumiharu Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Kohshiro Nakao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Hiroto Suwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
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Han P, Guerrero-Netro H, Estienne A, Cao B, Price CA. Regulation and action of early growth response 1 in bovine granulosa cells. Reproduction 2017; 154:547-557. [PMID: 28733346 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) modify cell proliferation and differentiation through receptor tyrosine kinases, which stimulate the expression of transcription factors including members of the early growth response (EGR) family. In ovarian granulosa cells, most FGFs activate typical response genes, although the role of EGR proteins has not been described. In the present study, we determined the regulation of EGR mRNA by FGFs and explored the role of EGR1 in the regulation of FGF-response genes. Addition of FGF1, FGF2, FGF4 or FGF8b increased EGR1 and EGR3 mRNA levels, whereas FGF18 increased only EGR1 mRNA abundance. No mRNA encoding EGR2 or EGR4 was detected. Overexpression of EGR1 increased EGR3 mRNA levels as well as the FGF-response genes SPRY2, NR4A1 and FOSL1 and also increased the phosphorylation of MAPK3/1. Knockdown of EGR3 did not alter the ability of FGF8b to stimulate SPRY2 mRNA levels. These data demonstrate the regulation of EGR1 and EGR3 mRNA abundance by FGFs in granulosa cells and suggest that EGR1 is likely an upstream component of FGF signaling in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Han
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité (CRRF)Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hilda Guerrero-Netro
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité (CRRF)Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anthony Estienne
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité (CRRF)Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Christopher A Price
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité (CRRF)Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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Brauer VM, Wiarda-Bell JR, Desaulniers AT, Cederberg RA, White BR. Functional activity of the porcine Gnrhr2 gene promoter in testis-derived cells is partially conferred by nuclear factor-κB, specificity protein 1 and 3 (SP1/3) and overlapping early growth response 1/SP1/3 binding sites. Gene 2016; 587:137-46. [PMID: 27134031 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Unlike the classical gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH1), the second mammalian isoform (GnRH2) is ubiquitously expressed, suggesting a divergent function. Indeed, we demonstrated that GnRH2 governs LH-independent testosterone secretion in porcine testes via interaction with its receptor (GnRHR2) on Leydig cells. Transient transfections with luciferase reporter vectors containing 3009bp of 5' flanking sequence for the porcine Gnrhr2 gene (-3009pGL3) revealed promoter activity in all 15 cell lines examined, including swine testis-derived (ST) cells. Therefore, ST cells were utilized to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of the porcine Gnrhr2 gene in the testis. Reporter plasmids containing progressive 5' deletions of the Gnrhr2 promoter indicated that the -708/-490 region contained elements critical to promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) with radiolabeled oligonucleotides spanning the -708/-490bp region and ST nuclear extracts, identified specific binding complexes for the -513/-490, -591/-571 and -606/-581bp segments of promoter. Antibody addition to EMSAs indicated that the p65 and p52 subunits of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) comprised the specific complex bound to the oligonucleotide probe for the -513/-490bp promoter region, specificity protein (SP) 1 and 3 bound the -591/-571bp probe and early growth response 1 (EGR1), SP1 and SP3 bound the -606/-581 radiolabeled oligonucleotide. Transient transfections with vectors containing mutations of the NF-κB (-499/-493), SP1/3 (-582/-575) or overlapping EGR1/SP1/3 (-597/-587) binding sites reduced luciferase activity by 26%, 61% and 56%, respectively (P<0.05). Thus, NF-κB, SP1/3 and overlapping EGR1/SP1/3 binding sites are critical to expression of the porcine Gnrhr2 gene in ST cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Brauer
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Jocelyn R Wiarda-Bell
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Amy T Desaulniers
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Rebecca A Cederberg
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Brett R White
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA.
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Seo BJ, Son JW, Kim HR, Hong SH, Song H. Identification of egr1 direct target genes in the uterus by in silico analyses with expression profiles from mRNA microarray data. Dev Reprod 2015; 18:1-11. [PMID: 25949166 PMCID: PMC4282262 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2014.18.1.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early growth response 1 (Egr1) is a zinc-finger transcription factor to direct second-wave gene expression leading to cell growth, differentiation and/or apoptosis. While it is well-known that Egr1 controls transcription of an array of targets in various cell types, downstream target gene(s) whose transcription is regulated by Egr1 in the uterus has not been identified yet. Thus, we have tried to identify a list of potential target genes of Egr1 in the uterus by performing multi-step in silico promoter analyses. Analyses of mRNA microarray data provided a cohort of genes (102 genes) which were differentially expressed (DEGs) in the uterus between Egr1(+/+) and Egr1(–/–) mice. In mice, the frequency of putative EGR1 binding sites (EBS) in the promoter of DEGs is significantly higher than that of randomly selected non-DEGs, although it is not correlated with expression levels of DEGs. Furthermore, EBS are considerably enriched within –500 bp of DEG’s promoters. Comparative analyses for EBS of DEGs with the promoters of other species provided power to distinguish DEGs with higher probability as EGR1 direct target genes. Eleven EBS in the promoters of 9 genes among analyzed DEGs are conserved between various species including human. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that analyses of mRNA expression profiles followed by two-step in silico analyses could provide a list of putative Egr1 direct target genes in the uterus where any known direct target genes are yet reported for further functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong-Jong Seo
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Son
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ryun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Haengseok Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Republic of Korea
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Plaks V, Gershon E, Zeisel A, Jacob-Hirsch J, Neeman M, Winterhager E, Rechavi G, Domany E, Dekel N. Blastocyst implantation failure relates to impaired translational machinery gene expression. Reproduction 2014; 148:87-98. [PMID: 24700326 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte quality is a well-established determinant of embryonic fate. However, the molecular participants and biological markers that affect and may predict adequate embryonic development are largely elusive. Our aim was to identify the components of the oocyte molecular machinery that part take in the production of a healthy embryo. For this purpose, we used an animal model, generated by us previously, the oocytes of which do not express Cx43 (Cx43(del/del)). In these mice, oogenesis appears normal, fertilisation does occur, early embryonic development is successful but implantation fails. We used magnetic resonance imaging analysis combined with histological examination to characterise the embryonic developmental incompetence. Reciprocal embryo transfer confirmed that the blastocyst evolved from the Cx43(del/del) oocyte is responsible for the implantation disorder. In order to unveil the genes, the impaired expression of which brings about the development of defective embryos, we carried out a genomic screening of both the oocytes and the resulting blastocysts. This microarray analysis revealed a low expression of Egr1, Rpl21 and Eif4a1 in Cx43(del/del) oocytes and downregulation of Rpl15 and Eif4g2 in the resulting blastocysts. We propose that global deficiencies in genes related to the expression of ribosomal proteins and translation initiation factors in apparently normal oocytes bring about accumulation of defects, which significantly compromise their developmental capacity. The blastocysts resulting from such oocytes, which grow within a confined space until implantation, may be unable to generate enough biological mass to allow their expansion. This information could be implicated to diagnosis and treatment of infertility, particularly to IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eran Gershon
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Amit Zeisel
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Jasmine Jacob-Hirsch
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Gideon Rechavi
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eytan Domany
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Imai F, Kishi H, Nakao K, Nishimura T, Minegishi T. IL-6 up-regulates the expression of rat LH receptors during granulosa cell differentiation. Endocrinology 2014; 155:1436-44. [PMID: 24467743 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-6 is produced in granulosa cells under normal physiological conditions, including during ovulation. However, the roles of IL-6 in ovarian function, including regulation of LH receptor (LHR) expression in granulosa cells, have not been explored in detail. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism underlying the effect of IL-6 on LHR expression in the granulosa cells of female Wistar rats. Our results indicated that IL-6 clearly enhanced the FSH-induced LHR mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner and did not stimulate cAMP accumulation by itself. The membrane protein level of LHR, assessed by a binding assay, was increased by FSH and was further enhanced by association with IL-6. Results of the luciferase assay, using promoter constructs of LHR 281 bp upstream of the translational start site, revealed that IL-6 increased the promoter activity induced by FSH, but this effect was not observed with treatment by IL-6 alone. This ability of IL-6 to enhance FSH-induced LHR mRNA expression was blocked by the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK) pathway inhibitor, but not by the ERK1/2 inhibitor. Thus, we speculated that this IL-6 activity might be mediated by the JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. In addition, IL-6 augmented FSH-induced IL-6 receptor α mRNA expression and FSH elevated IL-6 production in granulosa cells, which indicates that IL-6 may positively regulate paracrine and autocrine actions in granulosa cells. These results suggest that IL-6 up-regulates FSH-induced LHR production by increasing mRNA transcription, and JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling is required for up-regulation by IL-6 in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiharu Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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12
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Cyriac A, Holmes G, Lass J, Belchenko D, Calin-Jageman RJ, Calin-Jageman IE. An Aplysia Egr homolog is rapidly and persistently regulated by long-term sensitization training. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 102:43-51. [PMID: 23567107 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The Egr family of transcription factors plays a key role in long-term plasticity and memory in a number of vertebrate species. Here we identify and characterize ApEgr (GenBank: KC608221), an Egr homolog in the marine mollusk Aplysia californica. ApEgr codes for a predicted 593-amino acid protein with the highly conserved trio of zinc-fingered domains in the C-terminus that characterizes the Egr family of transcription factors. Promoter analysis shows that the ApEgr protein selectively recognizes the GSG motif recognized by vertebrate Egrs. Like mammalian Egrs, ApEgr is constitutively expressed in a range of tissues, including the CNS. Moreover, expression of ApEgr is bi-directionally regulated by changes in neural activity. Of most interest, the association between ApEgr function and memory may be conserved in Aplysia, as we observe rapid and long-lasting up-regulation of expression after long-term sensitization training. Taken together, our results suggest that Egrs may have memory functions that are conserved from mammals to mollusks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashly Cyriac
- Neuroscience Program, Dominican University, 7900 West Division Street, River Forest, IL 60305, United States
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13
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Birt JA, Nabli H, Stilley JA, Windham EA, Frazier SR, Sharpe-Timms KL. Elevated peritoneal fluid TNF-α incites ovarian early growth response factor 1 expression and downstream protease mediators: a correlation with ovulatory dysfunction in endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2013; 20:514-23. [PMID: 23427178 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113477479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis-associated infertility manifests itself via multiple, poorly understood mechanisms. Our goal was to characterize signaling pathways, between peritoneal endometriotic lesions and the ovary, leading to failed ovulation. Genome-wide microarray analysis comparing ovarian tissue from an in vivo endometriosis model in the rat (Endo) with controls (Sham) identified 22 differentially expressed genes, including transiently expressed early growth response factor 1 (Egr1). The Egr1 regulates gene requisites for ovulation. The Egr1 promoter is responsive to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signaling. We hypothesized that altered expression of ovarian EGR1 is induced by elevated peritoneal fluid TNF-α which is upregulated by the presence of peritoneal endometriosis. Endo rats, compared to controls, had more peritoneal fluid TNF-α and quantitative, spatial differences in Egr1 mRNA and EGR1 protein localization in follicular compartments. Interactions between elevated peritoneal fluid TNF-α and overexpression of follicular Egr1/EGR1 expression may affect downstream protease pathways impeding ovulation in endometriosis. Preliminary studies identified similar patterns of EGR1 protein localization in human ovaries from women with endometriosis and compared to those without endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Birt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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14
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Hobbs RJ, Howard J, Wildt DE, Comizzoli P. Absence of seasonal changes in FSHR gene expression in the cat cumulus-oocyte complex in vivo and in vitro. Reproduction 2012; 144:111-22. [PMID: 22596062 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Domestic cat oocytes are seasonally sensitive to FSH. Compared with those collected during the breeding season, oocytes from the nonbreeding (NB) season require more FSH during in vitro maturation to achieve comparable developmental competence. This study tested the hypothesis that this seasonal variation was due to altered expression of FSH receptors (FSHR) and/or FSH-induced genes. Relative expression levels of FSHR mRNA and FSH-enhanced gene estrogen receptor β (ESR2) were measured by qPCR in whole ovaries and immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) isolated from cat ovaries during the natural breeding vs NB seasons. Expression levels of FSH-induced genes prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), early growth response protein-1 (EGR1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were examined in mature COCs from both seasons that were a) recovered in vivo or b) matured in vitro with conventional (1 μg/ml) or high (10 μg/ml) FSH concentrations. Overall, FSHR mRNA levels were lower in whole ovaries during the NB compared with breeding season but were similar in immature COCs, whereas ESR2 levels did not differ in either group between intervals. We observed changes in PTGS2, EGR1, and EGFR mRNA expression patterns across maturation in COCs within but not between the two seasons. The lack of seasonal differentiation in FSH-related genes was not consistent with the decreased developmental capacity of oocytes fertilized during the NB season. These findings reveal that the seasonal decrease in cat oocyte sensitivity to FSH occurs both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, this decline is unrelated to changes in expression of FSHR mRNA or mRNA of FSH-induced genes in COCs from antral follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Hobbs
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, PO Box 37012, MRC 5502, Washington, District of Columbia 20013, USA.
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15
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Chen JR, Deng ZN, Chen YB, Hu BW, Lü JJ, Long YL, Xiong XY. Construction of tandem repeats of DNA fragments by a polymerase chain reaction-based method. DNA Cell Biol 2011; 31:600-6. [PMID: 22176214 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2011.1379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a new application of megaprimer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for constructing a tandemly repeated DNA sequence using the drought responsive element (DRE) from Arabidopsis thaliana as an example. The key feature in the procedure was PCR primers with partial complementarity but differing melting temperatures (T(m)). The reverse primer had a higher T(m), a 3' end complementary to the DRE sequence and a 5' region complementary to the forward primer. The initial cycles of the PCR were conducted at a lower primer annealing temperature to generate products that served as megaprimers in the later cycles conducted at a higher temperature to prevent annealing of the forward primer. The region of overlap between the megaprimers was extended for generating products with a variable copy number (one to four copies) of tandem DRE sequence repeats (71 bp). The PCR product with four tandem repeats (4× DRE) was used as a template to generate tandem repeats with higher copies (copy number large than four) or demonstrated to bind DRE-binding protein in an yeast one-hybrid assay using promotorless reporter genes (HIS and lacZ). This PCR protocol has numerous applications for generating DNA fragments of repeated sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Ren Chen
- College of Horticulture and Gardening, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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16
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Hu X, Liu X, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Li S, Sang Q, Wang Q, Luo W, Liu Q, Lu D, Meng Z, Lin H. Expression profiles of gonadotropins and their receptors during 17α-methyltestosterone implantation-induced sex change in the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides
). Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:376-90. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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17
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Mizutani T, Yazawa T, Ju Y, Imamichi Y, Uesaka M, Inaoka Y, Matsuura K, Kamiki Y, Oki M, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Identification of a novel distal control region upstream of the human steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene that participates in SF-1-dependent chromatin architecture. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:28240-51. [PMID: 20601698 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.129510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) mediates the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, the process of which is the rate-limiting step for steroidogenesis. Transcriptional regulation of the proximal promoter of the human StAR gene has been well characterized, whereas analysis of its distal control region has not. Recently, we found that SF-1 (steroidogenic factor 1) induced the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into steroidogenic cells with the concomitant strong induction of StAR expression. Here, we show, using differentiated MSCs, that StAR expression is regulated by a novel distal control region. Using electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, we identified novel SF-1 binding sites between 3,000 and 3,400 bp upstream of StAR. A luciferase reporter assay revealed that the region worked as a strong regulator to exert maximal transcription of StAR. ChIP analysis of histone H3 revealed that upon SF-1 expression, nucleosome eviction took place at the SF-1 binding sites, not only in the promoter but also in the distal SF-1 binding sites. Chromosome conformation capture analysis revealed that the region upstream of StAR formed a chromatin loop both in the differentiated MSCs and in KGN cells, a human granulosa cell tumor cell line, where SF-1 is endogenously expressed. Finally, SF-1 knockdown resulted in disrupted formation of this chromatin loop in KGN cells. These results indicate that the novel distal control region participate in StAR activation through SF-1 dependent alterations of chromatin structure, including histone eviction and chromatin loop formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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18
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Kõks S, Velthut A, Sarapik A, Altmäe S, Reinmaa E, Schalkwyk LC, Fernandes C, Lad HV, Soomets U, Jaakma U, Salumets A. The differential transcriptome and ontology profiles of floating and cumulus granulosa cells in stimulated human antral follicles. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 16:229-40. [PMID: 19933312 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication between various ovarian cell types is a prerequisite for folliculogenesis and ovulation. In antral follicles granulosa cells divide into two distinct populations of mural and cumulus granulosa cells (CGC), enveloping the antrum and surrounding the oocyte, respectively. Both cell types, with the mural compartment in excess, contribute to the floating granulosa cell (FGC) population in the follicular fluid. The aim of this study was to compare the transcriptomes of FGC and CGC in stimulated antral follicles obtained from 19 women undergoing IVF-ICSI procedure. FGC were obtained from follicular fluid during the follicle puncture procedure and CGC were acquired after oocyte denudation for micromanipulation. Gene expression analysis was conducted using the genome-wide Affymetrix transcriptome array. The expression profile of the two granulosa cell populations varied significantly. Out of 28 869 analysed transcripts 4480 were differentially expressed (q-value < 10(-4)) and 489 showed > or =2-fold difference in the expression level with 222 genes up-regulated in FGC and 267 in CGC. The transcriptome of FGC showed higher expression of genes involved in immune response, hematological system function and organismal injury, although CGC had genes involved in protein degradation and nervous system function up-regulated. Cell-to-cell signalling and interaction pathways were noted in both cell populations. Furthermore, numerous novel transcripts that have not been previously described in follicular physiology were identified. In conclusion, our results provide a solid basis for future studies in follicular biology that will help to identify molecular markers for oocyte and embryo viability in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kõks
- Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
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19
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Kobayashi Y, Nakamura M, Sunobe T, Usami T, Kobayashi T, Manabe H, Paul-Prasanth B, Suzuki N, Nagahama Y. Sex change in the Gobiid fish is mediated through rapid switching of gonadotropin receptors from ovarian to testicular portion or vice versa. Endocrinology 2009; 150:1503-11. [PMID: 18948407 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex-changing fish Trimma okinawae can change its sex back and forth from male to female and then to male serially, depending on the social status in the harem. T. okinawae is well equipped to respond to its social status by possessing both ovarian and testicular tissues even though only one gonad remains active at one time. Here we investigated the involvement of gonadotropins in sex change by determining the changes in gonadotropin receptor (GtHR) gene expression during the onset of sex change from female to male and male to female. The expression of the GtHR was found to be confined to the active gonad of the corresponding sexual phase. During the sex-change from female to male, initially the ovary had high levels of FSHR and LHR, which eventually went up in the testicular tissue if the fish was bigger. Changing of the gonads started with switching of GtHR expression discernible within 8-12 h of the visual cue. Further in vitro culture of the transitional gonads with a supply of exogenous gonadotropin (human chorionic gonadotropin) revealed that the to-be-active gonad acquired the ability to produce the corresponding sex hormone within 1 d of the activation of GtHR. Conversely, the to-be-regressed gonad did not respond to the exogenous gonadotropin. Our findings show that the gonads of successive sex-changing fish possess the intrinsic mechanism to respond to the social cue differentially. Additionally, this location switching of GtHR expression also could substantiate the importance of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadotropic axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhisa Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
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20
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Hamel M, Dufort I, Robert C, Gravel C, Leveille MC, Leader A, Sirard MA. Identification of differentially expressed markers in human follicular cells associated with competent oocytes. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:1118-27. [PMID: 18310048 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of an accurate method for selection of high-quality embryos is essential to achieve high pregnancy rates with single embryo transfer in human IVF. The developmental competence of the oocyte is acquired during follicle maturation and strong communication also exists between the follicular cells (FCs) and the oocytes; thus oocyte developmental competence may be determined by markers expressed in the surrounding FCs. METHODS From consenting patients (n = 40), FCs were recovered on a per follicle basis by individual follicle puncture. Hybridization analyses using a custom-made complementary DNA microarray containing granulosa/cumulus expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from subtracted libraries and an Affymetrix GeneChip were performed to identify specific genes expressed in follicles leading to a pregnancy. The selected candidate genes were validated by quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR). RESULTS Subtractive libraries prepared from pooled samples representing pregnant versus non-pregnant patients produced 1694 ESTs. Hybridization data analysis discriminated 115 genes associated with competent follicles. Selected candidates were confirmed by Q-PCR: 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (P = 0.0078), Ferredoxin 1 (P = 0.0203), Serine (or cysteine) proteinase inhibitor clade E member 2 (P = 0.0499), Cytochrome P450 aromatase (P = 0.0359) and Cell division cycle 42 (P = 0.0396). CONCLUSIONS Microarray technologies are useful to mine the transcriptome of FCs expressed in follicles associated with competent oocytes and could be used to improve embryo selection with the objective of successful single embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hamel
- Département des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4
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21
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Russell DL, Robker RL. Molecular mechanisms of ovulation: co-ordination through the cumulus complex. Hum Reprod Update 2007; 13:289-312. [PMID: 17242016 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dml062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful ovulation requires that developmentally competent oocytes are released with appropriate timing from the ovarian follicle. Somatic cells of the follicle sense the ovulatory stimulus and guide resumption of meiosis and release of the oocyte, as well as structural remodelling and luteinization of the follicle. Complex intercellular communication co-ordinates critical stages of oocyte maturation and links this process with release from the follicle. To achieve these outcomes, ovulation is controlled through multiple inputs, including endocrine hormones, immune and metabolic signals, as well as intrafollicular paracrine factors from the theca, mural and cumulus granulosa cells and the oocyte itself. This review focuses on the recent advances in understanding of molecular mechanisms that commence after the gonadotrophin surge and culminate with release of the oocyte. These mechanisms include intracellular signalling, gene regulation and remodelling of tissue structure in each of the distinct ovarian compartments. Most critical ovulatory mediators exert effects through the cumulus cell complex that surrounds and connects with the oocyte. The convergence of ovulatory signals through the cumulus complex co-ordinates the key mechanistic processes that mediate and control oocyte maturation and ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl L Russell
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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22
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Hunzicker-Dunn M, Maizels ET. FSH signaling pathways in immature granulosa cells that regulate target gene expression: branching out from protein kinase A. Cell Signal 2006; 18:1351-9. [PMID: 16616457 PMCID: PMC1564187 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2006.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is necessary and sufficient to induce maturation of ovarian follicles to a mature, preovulatory phenotype in the intact animal, resulting in the generation of mature eggs and production of estrogen. FSH accomplishes these actions by inducing a complex pattern of gene expression in target granulosa cells that is regulated by input from many different signaling cascades, including those for the extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K). The upstream kinase that appears to be responsible for initiating all of the signaling that regulates gene expression in these epithelial cells is protein kinase A (PKA). PKA not only signals to directly phosphorylate transcription factors like cAMP response element binding protein and to promote chromatin remodeling by phosphorylating histone H3, this versatile kinase also enhances the activity of the p38 MAPK, ERK, and PI3K pathways. Additionally, accumulating evidence suggests that activation of a single signaling cascade downstream of PKA is not sufficient to activate target gene expression. Rather, cross-talk between and among signaling cascades is required. We will review the signaling cascades activated by FSH in granulosa cells and how these cascades contribute to the regulation of select target gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hunzicker-Dunn
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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23
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Donadeu FX, Ascoli M. The differential effects of the gonadotropin receptors on aromatase expression in primary cultures of immature rat granulosa cells are highly dependent on the density of receptors expressed and the activation of the inositol phosphate cascade. Endocrinology 2005; 146:3907-16. [PMID: 15919743 PMCID: PMC1262674 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Signaling pathways mediating the divergent effects of FSH and LH on aromatase in immature rat granulosa cells were studied by infecting cells with increasing amounts of adenoviral vectors for the human LH receptor (hLHR) or FSH receptor (hFSHR). Increasing amounts of Ad-hLHR, used at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 20 or 200 viable viral particles/cell, increased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) binding and hCG-induced cAMP and Akt phosphorylation, but inositol phosphates only increased in response to hCG in cells infected with 200 MOI Ad-hLHR. In contrast, hCG increased aromatase expression in cells infected with 20, but not in cells infected with 200, MOI Ad-hLHR. Cells infected with 20 or 200 MOI Ad-hFSHR showed increased hFSH binding and hFSH-induced Akt phosphorylation, but the hFSH-induced cAMP response was unchanged relative to control cells. However, hFSH was able to stimulate the inositol phosphate cascade in the Ad-hFSHR-infected cells, and the hFSH induction of aromatase was abolished. We also found that activation of C kinase or expression of a constitutively active form of Galphaq inhibited the induction of aromatase by hFSH or 8Br-cAMP. We conclude that the differential effects of FSH and LH on aromatase in immature granulosa cells are highly dependent on gonadotropin receptor density and on the signaling pathways activated. We propose that aromatase is induced by common signals generated by activation of the FSHR and LHR (possibly cAMP and Akt) and that the activation of the inositol phosphate cascade in cells expressing a high density of LHR or FSHR antagonizes this induction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Ascoli
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Mario Ascoli, Department of Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, 2-319B BSB, 51 Newton Road, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, Phone 319-335-9907, Fax 319-335-8930, Email
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24
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Ge RS, Dong Q, Sottas CM, Chen H, Zirkin BR, Hardy MP. Gene expression in rat leydig cells during development from the progenitor to adult stage: a cluster analysis. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:1405-15. [PMID: 15716394 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.037499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The postnatal development of Leydig cells can be divided into three distinct stages: initially they exist as fibroblast-like progenitor Leydig cells (PLCs) appearing in the testis by Days 14-21; subsequently, by Day 35, they become immature Leydig cells (ILCs) acquiring steroidogenic organelle structure and enzyme activities but metabolizing most of the testosterone they produce; finally, as adult Leydig cells (ALCs) by Day 90, they actively produce testosterone. The factors controlling proliferation and differentiation of Leydig cells remain largely unknown, and the aim of the present study was to identify changes in gene expression during development through cDNA array analysis of PLCs, ILCs, and ALCs. By cluster analysis, it was determined that the transitions from PLC to ILC to ALC were associated with downregulation of mRNAs corresponding to 107 genes. The downregulated genes included cell-cycle regulators, e.g., cyclin D1 (Ccnd1); growth factors, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor (Fgf2); growth-factor-related receptors, e.g., platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor (Pdgfra); oncogenes, e.g., kit oncogene (Kit); and transcription factors, e.g., early growth response 1 (Egr1). Conversely, expression levels of 264 genes were increased by at least twofold. Most of these were related to differentiated function and included steroidogenic enzymes, e.g., 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (Hsd11b2); neurotransmitter receptors, e.g., acetylcholine receptor nicotinic alpha 4 (Chrna4); stress response factors, e.g., glutathione transferase 8 (Gsta4); and protein turnover enzymes, e.g., tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (Timp2). The detection of Hsd11b2 mRNA in the array was the first indication that this gene is expressed in Leydig cells, and parallel increases in Hsd11b2 mRNA and enzyme activity were recorded. Thus, gene profiling demonstrates that postnatal development is associated with changes in the expression levels of several different clusters of genes consistent with the processes of Leydig cell growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Shan Ge
- The Population Council, New York, New York 10021, USA
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25
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Kajitani T, Mizutani T, Yamada K, Yazawa T, Sekiguchi T, Yoshino M, Kawata H, Miyamoto K. Cloning and characterization of granulosa cell high-mobility group (HMG)-box protein-1, a novel HMG-box transcriptional regulator strongly expressed in rat ovarian granulosa cells. Endocrinology 2004; 145:2307-18. [PMID: 14764631 DOI: 10.1210/en.2003-1343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Specific events in the ovary are dependent on gene expression in the tissue. By screening a rat ovarian granulosa cell cDNA library, a cDNA clone encoding a novel transcription factor-like protein containing a high-mobility group-box, referred to as granulosa cell high-mobility group-box protein-1 (GCX-1), was identified. The expression of GCX-1 is restricted to the hypothalamus, pituitary, testis, uterus, and ovary but was not detected in the adrenal gland. An in situ hybridization study revealed that the expression of GCX-1 was restricted to granulosa cell layers in early-stage follicles, and the expression was very low in large antral follicles and the corpus luteum, but localized expression in the testis or pituitary was not clear. Endogenous GCX-1 protein in the granulosa cells was identified by a Western blot analysis, and an analysis using the green fluorescence protein-GCX-1 fusion protein revealed that the GCX-1 protein was localized in the cell nucleus. GAL4 fusion protein-based assays demonstrated that GCX-1 is a potent transcriptional activator, and its putative transactivation domain was mapped to the region between amino acid residues 25 and 63 from the N terminus. These data strongly suggest that GCX-1 is likely a novel transcriptional activator that is exclusively expressed in reproductive tissues involving the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis, and functions as a specific regulator of follicular development, and may also participate in other specific events related to reproduction, particularly in the female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kajitani
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukui Medical University, Matsuoka, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
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Yamada K, Kawata H, Mizutani T, Arima T, Yazawa T, Matsuura K, Shou Z, Sekiguchi T, Yoshino M, Kajitani T, Miyamoto K. Gene expression of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, SHARP-2, is regulated by gonadotropins in the rat ovary and MA-10 cells. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:76-82. [PMID: 12954728 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins regulate transcription from the E box sequence (5'-CANNTG-3') located in the regulatory region of most gene promoters. The rat enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein 2 (SHARP-2) is a member of the bHLH protein family. To analyze the possible role of SHARP-2 in the rat ovary, the regulation of the expression of the SHARP-2 gene was examined, and the SHARP-2 protein was characterized. Northern blot analysis revealed that the level of SHARP-2 mRNA abruptly and temporarily increases as the result of the action of LH, i.e., eCG or hCG treatment alone or hCG after eCG treatment, in the rat ovary, as indicated by the treatment of primary cultured rat granulosa cells with hCG after FSH treatment or of mouse Leydig MA-10 cells with hCG or 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. An in situ hybridization analysis showed that eCG treatment increases the level of the SHARP-2 transcript in theca interna cells and that hCG treatment, after the administration of eCG, increases the level of the SHARP-2 transcript in granulosa cells. Furthermore, transfection experiments with green fluorescence protein (GFP) expression vectors into primary cultured granulosa cells and MA-10 cells revealed that the entire coding sequence of SHARP-2 fused to the GFP is localized in the nucleus. The transcriptional activity of SHARP-2 also was examined using transient DNA transfection experiments. When an expression vector encoding the full length of SHARP-2 was cotransfected with thymidine kinase promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids, with or without E box sequences, into MA-10 cells, the luciferase activity was decreased in an E box-dependent manner. We conclude that the level of SHARP-2 mRNA is regulated by gonadotropins and that SHARP-2 functions as a transcriptional repressor localized in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Yamada
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukui Medical University, Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.
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Yamada K, Kawata H, Shou Z, Mizutani T, Noguchi T, Miyamoto K. Insulin induces the expression of the SHARP-2/Stra13/DEC1 gene via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:30719-24. [PMID: 12796501 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m301597200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription of the rat fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene in the rat liver can be regulated by feeding a high carbohydrate diet. A carbohydrate response element (ChoRE) located on the rat FAS gene promoter has been identified. Using multiple copies of the ChoRE as the bait in a yeast one-hybrid system, a rat liver cDNA library was screened, and the cDNA of ChoRE-binding proteins was cloned. A positive clone that encodes a basic helix-loop-helix protein, enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein-2 (SHARP-2), was obtained. Northern blot analysis revealed that the levels of SHARP-2 mRNA increase when a high carbohydrate diet is fed to normal rats or when insulin is administered to diabetic rats. In primary cultured rat hepatocytes, insulin rapidly induced an accumulation of SHARP-2 mRNA even in the absence of glucose. A time course for the increase in SHARP-2 mRNA levels indicated that it followed by those of FAS and L-type pyruvate kinase mRNAs and that the initial time course of SHARP-2 mRNA was similar to changes in the levels of glucokinase mRNA and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA. Although wortmannin, LY294002, and actinomycin D blocked the increase in SHARP-2 mRNA levels by insulin, rapamycin, staurosporine, PD98059, okadaic acid, and 8-bromocyclic AMP had no effect. In addition, nuclear run-on assay revealed that transcription of the rat SHARP-2 gene was induced by insulin. Thus, we conclude that insulin induces the transcription of the rat SHARP-2 gene via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Yamada
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukui Medical University, Japan.
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Russell DL, Doyle KMH, Gonzales-Robayna I, Pipaon C, Richards JS. Egr-1 induction in rat granulosa cells by follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone: combinatorial regulation by transcription factors cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate regulatory element binding protein, serum response factor, sp1, and early growth response factor-1. Mol Endocrinol 2003; 17:520-33. [PMID: 12554779 DOI: 10.1210/me.2002-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Early growth response factor (Egr-1) is an inducible zinc finger transcription factor that binds specific GC-rich enhancer elements and impacts female reproduction. These studies document for the first time that FSH rapidly induces Egr-1 expression in granulosa cells of small growing follicles. This response is transient but is reinitiated in preovulatory follicles exposed to the LH analog, human chorionic gonadotropin. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed gonadotropin induced Egr-1 in theca cells. The Egr-1 gene regulatory region responsive to gonadotropin signaling was localized within -164 bp of the transcription initiation site. Binding of Sp1/Sp3 to a proximal GC-box at -64/-46 bp was enhanced by FSH in immature granulosa cells but reduced after human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation of preovulatory follicles despite constant protein expression. This dynamic regulation of Sp1 binding was dependent on gonadotropin-regulated mechanisms that modulate Sp1/3-DNA binding activity. Serum response factor was active in granulosa cells and bound a consensus CArG-box/serum response element site, whereas two putative cAMP response elements within the -164-bp region bound cAMP regulatory element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) and a second cAMP-inducible protein immunologically related to CREB. Transient transfection analyses using Egr-1 promoter-luciferase constructs and site-specific mutations show that the serum response element, GC-box, and CRE-131 are involved in gonadotropin regulation of Egr-1 expression in granulosa cells. Specific kinase inhibitors of Erk or protein kinase A antagonized this induction while exogenously expressed Egr-1 enhanced reporter expression. These observations indicate that the Egr-1 gene is a target of both FSH and LH action that may mediate molecular programs of proliferation and/or differentiation during follicle growth, ovulation, and luteinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl L Russell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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