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Zhang J, Liu G, Liu Y, Yang P, Xie J, Wei X. The biological functions and related signaling pathways of SPON2. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1323744. [PMID: 38264743 PMCID: PMC10803442 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1323744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spondin-2 (SPON2), also referred to as M-spondin or DIL-1, is a member of the extracellular matrix protein family known as Mindin-F-spondin (FS). SPON2 can be used as a broad-spectrum tumor marker for more than a dozen tumors, mainly prostate cancer. Meanwhile, SPON2 is also a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of certain non-tumor diseases. Additionally, SPON2 plays a pivotal role in regulating tumor metastasis and progression. In normal tissues, SPON2 has a variety of biological functions represented by promoting growth and development and cell proliferation. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the regulatory mechanisms, diagnostic potential as a broad-spectrum biomarker, diverse biological functions, involvement in various signaling pathways, and clinical applications of SPON2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrun Zhang
- Zhongshan Clinical College, Dalian University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Orthopedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Ge Liu
- Laboratory of Orthopedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Zhongshan Clinical College, Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Pei Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Junyuan Xie
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Wei
- Laboratory of Orthopedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
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2
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Mu Z, Shen S, Lei L. Resistant ovary syndrome: Pathogenesis and management strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1030004. [PMCID: PMC9626816 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1030004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistant ovary syndrome (ROS) is a rare and difficult gynecological endocrine disorder that poses a serious risk to women’s reproductive health. The clinical features are normal sex characteristics, regular female karyotype, and usual ovarian reserve, but elevated endogenous gonadotropin levels and low estrogen levels with primary or secondary amenorrhea. Although there have been many case reports of the disease over the past 50 years, the pathogenesis of the disease is still poorly understood, and there are still no effective clinical management strategies. In this review, we have collected all the current reports on ROS and summarized the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for this disease, intending to provide some clinical references for the management and treatment of this group of patients and provide the foothold for future studies.
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3
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Su YQ, Yin Y, Guo J, Gong X, Tian Y, Shi L. MTOR-mediated interaction between the oocyte and granulosa cells regulates the development and function of both compartments in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:76-84. [PMID: 35552649 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated development of the germline and the somatic compartments within a follicle is an essential prerequisite for creating a functionally normal oocyte. Bi-directional communication between the oocyte and the granulosa cells enables the frequent interchange of metabolites and signals that support the development and functions of both compartments. Mechanistic target of Rapamycin (MTOR), a conserved serine/threonine kinase and a widely recognized integrator of signals and pathways key for cellular metabolism, proliferation, and differentiation, is emerging as a major player that regulates many factes of oocyte and follicle development. Here, we summarized our recent observations on the role of oocyte- and granulosa cell-expressed MTOR in the control of the oocyte's and granulosa cell's own development, as well as the development of one another, and provided new data that further strengthen the role of cumulus cell-expressed MTOR in synchronizing oocyte and follicle development. Inhibition of MTOR induced oocyte meiotic resumption in cultured large antral follicles, as well as cumulus expansion and the expression of cumulus expansion-related transcripts in cumulus-oocyte complexes in vitro. In vivo, the activity of MTOR in cumulus cells was diminished remarkablely by 4 h after hCG administration. These results thus suggest that activation of MTOR in cumulus cells contributes to the maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest before the LH surge. Based on the observations made by us here and previously, we propose that MTOR is an essential mediator of the bi-directional communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells that regulates the development and function of both compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Qiang Su
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yaoxue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xuhong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yufeng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Lanying Shi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
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4
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Global MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos at Different Developmental Stages Produced by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer and In-Vitro Fertilization Using RNA Sequencing. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030453. [PMID: 35328007 PMCID: PMC8952793 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of cloning technology in the production of offspring across several species, its application on a wide scale is severely limited by the very low offspring rate obtained with cloned embryos. The expression profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cloned embryos throughout embryonic development is reported to deviate from regular patterns. The present study is aimed at determining the dynamics of the global expression of miRNA profile in cloned and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) pre-implantation embryos at different developmental stages, i.e., the two-cell, eight-cell, and blastocyst stages, using next-generation sequencing. The results of this study suggest that there is a profound difference in global miRNA profile between cloned and IVF embryos. These differences are manifested throughout the course of embryonic development. The cloned embryos differ from their IVF counterparts in enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms of biological process, molecular function, cellular component, and protein class categories in terms of the targets of differentially expressed miRNAs. The major pathways related to embryonic development, such as the Wnt signaling pathway, the apoptosis signaling pathway, the FGF signaling pathway, the p53 pathway, etc., were found to be affected in cloned relative to IVF embryos. Overall, these data reveal the distinct miRNA profile of cloned relative to IVF embryos, suggesting that the molecules or pathways affected may play an important role in cloned embryo development.
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5
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Doherty CA, Amargant F, Shvartsman SY, Duncan FE, Gavis ER. Bidirectional communication in oogenesis: a dynamic conversation in mice and Drosophila. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 32:311-323. [PMID: 34922803 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In most animals, the oocyte is the largest cell by volume. The oocyte undergoes a period of large-scale growth during its development, prior to fertilization. At first glance, tissues that support the development of the oocyte in different organisms have diverse cellular characteristics that would seem to prohibit functional comparisons. However, these tissues often act with a common goal of establishing dynamic forms of two-way communication with the oocyte. We propose that this bidirectional communication between oocytes and support cells is a universal phenomenon that can be directly compared across species. Specifically, we highlight fruit fly and mouse oogenesis to demonstrate that similarities and differences in these systems should be used to inform and design future experiments in both models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Doherty
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Farners Amargant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stanislav Y Shvartsman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Elizabeth R Gavis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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6
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Yang Q, Mumusoglu S, Qin Y, Sun Y, Hsueh AJ. A kaleidoscopic view of ovarian genes associated with premature ovarian insufficiency and senescence. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21753. [PMID: 34233068 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100756r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian infertility and subfertility presenting with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve are major issues facing the developed world due to the trend of delaying childbirth. Ovarian senescence and POI represent a continuum of physiological/pathophysiological changes in ovarian follicle functions. Based on advances in whole exome sequencing, evaluation of gene copy variants, together with family-based and genome-wide association studies, we discussed genes responsible for POI and ovarian senescence. We used a gene-centric approach to sort out literature deposited in the Ovarian Kaleidoscope database (http://okdb.appliedbioinfo.net) by sub-categorizing candidate genes as ligand-receptor signaling, meiosis and DNA repair, transcriptional factors, RNA metabolism, enzymes, and others. We discussed individual gene mutations found in POI patients and verification of gene functions in gene-deleted model organisms. Decreased expression of some of the POI genes could be responsible for ovarian senescence, especially those essential for DNA repair, meiosis and mitochondrial functions. We propose to set up a candidate gene panel for targeted sequencing in POI patients together with studies on mitochondria-associated genes in middle-aged subfertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sezcan Mumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Aaron J Hsueh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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7
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Henarejos-Castillo I, Aleman A, Martinez-Montoro B, Gracia-Aznárez FJ, Sebastian-Leon P, Romeu M, Remohi J, Patiño-Garcia A, Royo P, Alkorta-Aranburu G, Diaz-Gimeno P. Machine Learning-Based Approach Highlights the Use of a Genomic Variant Profile for Precision Medicine in Ovarian Failure. J Pers Med 2021; 11:609. [PMID: 34199109 PMCID: PMC8305607 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian failure (OF) is a common cause of infertility usually diagnosed as idiopathic, with genetic causes accounting for 10-25% of cases. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) may enable identifying contributing genes and variant profiles to stratify the population into subtypes of OF. This study sought to identify a blood-based gene variant profile using accumulation of rare variants to promote precision medicine in fertility preservation programs. A case-control (n = 118, n = 32, respectively) WES study was performed in which only non-synonymous rare variants <5% minor allele frequency (MAF; in the IGSR) and coverage ≥ 100× were considered. A profile of 66 variants of uncertain significance was used for training an unsupervised machine learning model to separate cases from controls (97.2% sensitivity, 99.2% specificity) and stratify the population into two subtypes of OF (A and B) (93.31% sensitivity, 96.67% specificity). Model testing within the IGSR female population predicted 0.5% of women as subtype A and 2.4% as subtype B. This is the first study linking OF to the accumulation of rare variants and generates a new potential taxonomy supporting application of this approach for precision medicine in fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Henarejos-Castillo
- IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.H.-C.); (A.A.); (P.S.-L.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Alejandro Aleman
- IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.H.-C.); (A.A.); (P.S.-L.)
| | - Begoña Martinez-Montoro
- IVI-RMA Pamplona, Reproductive Medicine, C/Sangüesa, Número 15-Planta Baja, 31003 Pamplona, Spain; (B.M.-M.); (P.R.)
| | - Francisco Javier Gracia-Aznárez
- CIMA Lab Diagnostics, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Avda Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (F.J.G.-A.); (A.P.-G.); (G.A.-A.)
| | - Patricia Sebastian-Leon
- IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.H.-C.); (A.A.); (P.S.-L.)
- IVI-RMA Pamplona, Reproductive Medicine, C/Sangüesa, Número 15-Planta Baja, 31003 Pamplona, Spain; (B.M.-M.); (P.R.)
| | - Monica Romeu
- Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Jose Remohi
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Reproductive Medicine, Plaça de la Policia Local, 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Patiño-Garcia
- CIMA Lab Diagnostics, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Avda Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (F.J.G.-A.); (A.P.-G.); (G.A.-A.)
- Laboratorio de Pediatría-Unidad de Genética Clínica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Royo
- IVI-RMA Pamplona, Reproductive Medicine, C/Sangüesa, Número 15-Planta Baja, 31003 Pamplona, Spain; (B.M.-M.); (P.R.)
| | - Gorka Alkorta-Aranburu
- CIMA Lab Diagnostics, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Avda Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (F.J.G.-A.); (A.P.-G.); (G.A.-A.)
| | - Patricia Diaz-Gimeno
- IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.H.-C.); (A.A.); (P.S.-L.)
- IVI-RMA Pamplona, Reproductive Medicine, C/Sangüesa, Número 15-Planta Baja, 31003 Pamplona, Spain; (B.M.-M.); (P.R.)
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8
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Zhou X, He Y, Li N, Bai G, Pan X, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Li J, Yuan X. DNA methylation mediated RSPO2 to promote follicular development in mammals. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:653. [PMID: 34175894 PMCID: PMC8236063 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03941-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In female mammals, the proliferation, apoptosis, and estradiol-17β (E2) secretion of granulosa cells (GCs) have come to decide the fate of follicles. DNA methylation and RSPO2 gene of Wnt signaling pathway have been reported to involve in the survival of GCs and follicular development. However, the molecular mechanisms for how DNA methylation regulates the expression of RSPO2 and participates in the follicular development are not clear. In this study, we found that the mRNA and protein levels of RSPO2 significantly increased during follicular development, but the DNA methylation level of RSPO2 promoter decreased gradually. Inhibition of DNA methylation or DNMT1 knockdown could decrease the methylation level of CpG island (CGI) in RSPO2 promoter and upregulate the expression level of RSPO2 in porcine GCs. The hypomethylation of -758/-749 and -563/-553 regions in RSPO2 promoter facilitated the occupancy of transcription factor E2F1 and promoted the transcriptional activity of RSPO2. Moreover, RSPO2 promoted the proliferation of GCs with increasing the expression level of PCNA, CDK1, and CCND1 and promoted the E2 secretion of GCs with increasing the expression level of CYP19A1 and HSD17B1 and inhibited the apoptosis of GCs with decreasing the expression level of Caspase3, cleaved Caspase3, cleaved Caspase8, cleaved Caspase9, cleaved PARP, and BAX. In addition, RSPO2 knockdown promoted the apoptosis of GCs, blocked the development of follicles, and delayed the onset of puberty with decreasing the expression level of Wnt signaling pathway-related genes (LGR4 and CTNNB1) in vivo. Taken together, the hypomethylation of -758/-749 and -563/-553 regions in RSPO2 promoter facilitated the occupancy of E2F1 and enhanced the transcription of RSPO2, which further promoted the proliferation and E2 secretion of GCs, inhibited the apoptosis of GCs, and ultimately ameliorated the development of follicles through Wnt signaling pathway. This study will provide useful information for further exploration on DNA-methylation-mediated RSPO2 pathway during follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Zhou
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingting He
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nian Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guofeng Bai
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangchun Pan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaolong Yuan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China.
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9
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Engineering T cells to enhance 3D migration through structurally and mechanically complex tumor microenvironments. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2815. [PMID: 33990566 PMCID: PMC8121808 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22985-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining the principles of T cell migration in structurally and mechanically complex tumor microenvironments is critical to understanding escape from antitumor immunity and optimizing T cell-related therapeutic strategies. Here, we engineered nanotextured elastic platforms to study and enhance T cell migration through complex microenvironments and define how the balance between contractility localization-dependent T cell phenotypes influences migration in response to tumor-mimetic structural and mechanical cues. Using these platforms, we characterize a mechanical optimum for migration that can be perturbed by manipulating an axis between microtubule stability and force generation. In 3D environments and live tumors, we demonstrate that microtubule instability, leading to increased Rho pathway-dependent cortical contractility, promotes migration whereas clinically used microtubule-stabilizing chemotherapies profoundly decrease effective migration. We show that rational manipulation of the microtubule-contractility axis, either pharmacologically or through genome engineering, results in engineered T cells that more effectively move through and interrogate 3D matrix and tumor volumes. Thus, engineering cells to better navigate through 3D microenvironments could be part of an effective strategy to enhance efficacy of immune therapeutics. The mechanics of the migration of T cells into tumours is an important aspect of tumour immunity. Here the authors engineer complex 3D environments to explore functions of microtubules and cell contractility as strategies to enhance T cell migration in tumour microenvironments.
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10
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Hwang SU, Yoon JD, Kim M, Cai L, Choi H, Oh D, Kim E, Hyun SH. R-Spondin 2 and WNT/CTNNB1 Signaling Pathways Are Required for Porcine Follicle Development and In Vitro Maturation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030709. [PMID: 33807916 PMCID: PMC7998564 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The secretion of oocyte-derived paracrine factors, such as R-spondin2, is an essential mechanism for follicle growth by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of cumulus cells around oocytes. In the present study, we aimed to identify the effect of R-spondin2 during follicular development. First, R-spondin2-related factors (R-spondin2, CTNNB1, LGR4, and LGR5) were identified through immunofluorescence in porcine ovarian tissue. CTNNB1 was expressed in ooplasm, and CTNNB1 and LGR4 were expressed in granulosa cells. In addition, R-spondin2, LGR4, and LGR5 were expressed in the theca interna. These results imply that these proteins play a major role in porcine follicular development. In addition, the effects of R-spondin2 on the in vitro maturation process of porcine cumulus oocyte complexes and subsequent embryonic development were confirmed. A treatment of 100 ng/mL R-spondin2 in the in vitro maturation (IVM) process increased nuclear maturation and increased the expression of EGFR mRNA in cumulus cells. The EGFR-ERK signal is essential for oocyte maturation, ovulation, and luteinization. R-spondin2 treatment also increased the expression of CTNNB1 and EGFR in primary cultured cumulus cells. In conclusion, RSPO2 and WNT/CTNNB1 signaling pathways are required for porcine follicle development and are predicted to be involved in the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Ung Hwang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Junchul David Yoon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Dongjin Oh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Eunhye Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (S.-H.H.); Tel.: +82-43-249-1746 (E.K.); +82-43-261-3393 (S.-H.H.)
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (S.-H.H.); Tel.: +82-43-249-1746 (E.K.); +82-43-261-3393 (S.-H.H.)
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11
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Hsueh AJW, Feng Y. Discovery of polypeptide ligand-receptor pairs based on their co-evolution. FASEB J 2020; 34:8824-8832. [PMID: 32501617 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000779r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sequencing diverse genomes allowed the tracing of orthologous and paralogous genes to understand the co-evolution of polypeptide ligands and receptors. This review documents the discovery of several polypeptide ligands and their cognate receptors mainly expressed in the reproductive tissue using evolutionary genomics. We discussed the sub-functionization of paralogs and co-evolution of ligand-receptor families. Based on the conserved signaling among paralogous receptors and common knock-out phenotypes of ligand-receptor pairs, relationships between relaxin family peptides and leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptors (LGR) were revealed. We also described the identification of a novel paralogous glycoprotein hormone thyrostimulin and design of a long-acting FSH. Human stresscopin and stresscopin-related peptide, paralogous to CRH, were also identified based on the conserved signaling pathways. Recently, a novel ligand placensin expressed in human placenta was found based on the paralogous relationship with a metabolic hormone asprosin. Placensin likely contributes to stage-dependent increases in insulin resistance during human pregnancy and its elevated secretion was associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Although many ligands were predicted based on sequence signatures, ligands of shorter sequences have not been identified, together with many "orphan" receptors without known ligands. Future development of tools for predicting ligands and high throughput assays to identify ligand-receptor pairs based on ligand binding and/or signal transduction could advance hormone-based physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J W Hsueh
- Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yi Feng
- Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Lab of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Gonadal development and sex determination in mouse. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:115-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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13
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Xi G, Wang W, Fazlani SA, Yao F, Yang M, Hao J, An L, Tian J. C-type natriuretic peptide enhances mouse preantral follicle growth. Reproduction 2020; 157:445-455. [PMID: 30817314 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Compared to ovarian antral follicle development, the mechanism underlying preantral follicle growth has not been well documented. Although C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) involvement in preantral folliculogenesis has been explored, its detailed role has not been fully defined. Here, we used mouse preantral follicles and granulosa cells (GCs) as a model for investigating the dynamic expression of CNP and natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) during preantral folliculogenesis, the regulatory role of oocyte-derived growth factors (ODGFs) in natriuretic peptide type C (Nppc) and Npr2 expression, and the effect of CNP on preantral GC viability. Both mRNA and protein levels of Nppc and Npr2 were gradually activated during preantral folliculogenesis. CNP supplementation in culture medium significantly promoted the growth of in vitro-cultured preantral follicles and enhanced the viability of cultured GCs in a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-independent manner. Using adult and prepubertal mice as an in vivo model, CNP pre-treatment via intraperitoneal injection before conventional superovulation also had a beneficial effect on promoting the ovulation rate. Furthermore, ODGFs enhanced Nppc and Npr2 expression in the in vitro-cultured preantral follicles and GCs. Mechanistic study demonstrated that the regulation of WNT signaling and estrogen synthesis may be implicated in the promoting role of CNP in preantral folliculogenesis. This study not only proves that CNP is a critical regulator of preantral follicle growth, but also provides new insight in understanding the crosstalk between oocytes and somatic cells during early folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyin Xi
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sarfaraz A Fazlani
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Science, Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Fusheng Yao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyao Yang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Hao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei An
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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14
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De Cian MC, Gregoire EP, Le Rolle M, Lachambre S, Mondin M, Bell S, Guigon CJ, Chassot AA, Chaboissier MC. R-spondin2 signaling is required for oocyte-driven intercellular communication and follicular growth. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:2856-2871. [PMID: 32341451 PMCID: PMC7493947 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
R-spondin2 (RSPO2) is a member of the R-spondin family, which are secreted activators of the WNT/β-catenin (CTNNB1) signaling pathway. In the mouse postnatal ovary, WNT/CTNNB1 signaling is active in the oocyte and in the neighboring supporting cells, the granulosa cells. Although the role of Rspo2 has been previously studied using in vitro experiments, the results are conflicting and the in vivo ovarian function of Rspo2 remains unclear. In the present study, we found that RSPO2/Rspo2 expression is restricted to the oocyte of developing follicles in both human and mouse ovaries from the beginning of the follicular growth. In mice, genetic deletion of Rspo2 does not impair oocyte growth, but instead prevents cell cycle progression of neighboring granulosa cells, thus resulting in an arrest of follicular growth. We further show this cell cycle arrest to be independent of growth promoting GDF9 signaling, but rather associated with a downregulation of WNT/CTNNB1 signaling in granulosa cells. To confirm the contribution of WNT/CTNNB1 signaling in granulosa cell proliferation, we induced cell type specific deletion of Ctnnb1 postnatally. Strikingly, follicles lacking Ctnnb1 failed to develop beyond the primary stage. These results show that RSPO2 acts in a paracrine manner to sustain granulosa cell proliferation in early developing follicles. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the activation of WNT/CTNNB1 signaling by RSPO2 is essential for oocyte-granulosa cell interactions that drive maturation of the ovarian follicles and eventually female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Cécile De Cian
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Nice, France.,Université de Corte, Corte, France
| | | | | | | | - Magali Mondin
- Université de Bordeaux, UMS 3420 CNRS-US4 Inserm, Pôle d'imagerie photonique, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sheila Bell
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Céline J Guigon
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, ERL U1133, Inserm, Paris, France
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15
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Chromosome Missegregation in Single Human Oocytes Is Related to the Age and Gene Expression Profile. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061934. [PMID: 32178390 PMCID: PMC7139522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing trend for women to postpone childbearing has resulted in a dramatic increase in the incidence of aneuploid pregnancies. Despite the importance to human reproductive health, the events precipitating female age-related meiotic errors are poorly understood. To gain new insight into the molecular basis of age-related chromosome missegregation in human oocytes, we combined the transcriptome profiles of twenty single oocytes (derived from females divided into two groups according to age <35 and ≥35 years) with their chromosome status obtained by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Furthermore, we compared the transcription profile of the single oocyte with the surrounding cumulus cells (CCs). RNA-seq data showed differences in gene expression between young and old oocytes. Dysregulated genes play a role in important biological processes such as gene transcription regulation, cytoskeleton organization, pathways related to RNA maturation and translation. The comparison of the transcription profile of the oocyte and the corresponding CCs highlighted the differential expression of genes belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Finally, we detected the loss of a X chromosome in two oocytes derived from women belonging to the ≥35 years age group. These aneuploidies may be caused by the detriment of REEP4, an endoplasmic reticulum protein, in women aged ≥35 years. Here we gained new insight into the complex regulatory circuit between the oocyte and the surrounding CCs and uncovered a new putative molecular basis of age-related chromosome missegregation in human oocytes.
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16
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Franca MM, Han X, Funari MFA, Lerario AM, Nishi MY, Fontenele EGP, Domenice S, Jorge AAL, Garcia-Galiano D, Elias CF, Mendonca BB. Exome Sequencing Reveals the POLR3H Gene as a Novel Cause of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:2827-2841. [PMID: 30830215 PMCID: PMC6543511 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a cause of female infertility. However, the genetic etiology of this disorder remains unknown in most patients with POI. OBJECTIVE To investigate the genetic etiology of idiopathic POI. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing of 11 families with idiopathic POI. To gain insights into the potential mechanisms associated with this mutation, we generated two mouse lines via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 technology. RESULTS A pathogenic homozygous missense mutation (c.149A>G; p.Asp50Gly) in the POLR3H gene in two unrelated families was identified. Pathogenic mutations in this subunit have not been associated with human disorders. Loss-of-function Polr3h mutation in mice caused early embryonic lethality. Mice with homozygous point mutation (Polr3hD50G) were viable but showed delayed pubertal development, characterized by late first estrus or preputial separation. The Polr3hD50G female and male mice showed decreased fertility later in life, associated with small litter size and increased time to pregnancy or to impregnate a female. Polr3hD50G mice displayed decreased expression of ovarian Foxo3a and lower numbers of primary follicles. CONCLUSION Our manuscript provides a case of POI caused by missense mutation in POLR3H, expanding the knowledge of molecular pathways of the ovarian function and human infertility. Screening of the POLR3H gene may elucidate POI cases without previously identified genetic causes, supporting approaches of genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Franca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Xingfa Han
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Mariana F A Funari
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio M Lerario
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mirian Y Nishi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eveline G P Fontenele
- Serviço de Endocrinologia e Diabetes do Hospital Universitario Walter Cantidio, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexander A L Jorge
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica/LIM25, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - David Garcia-Galiano
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Carol F Elias
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Berenice B. Mendonca, MD, PhD, Hospital das Clinicas, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular, Avenida Doutor Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, 2nd Andar, Bloco 6 CEP: 05403-900, São Paulo, Brazil. E-mail: ; or Carol F. Elias, PhD, 1137 East Catherine Street, 7732B Med Sci II, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5622. E-mail:
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Berenice B. Mendonca, MD, PhD, Hospital das Clinicas, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular, Avenida Doutor Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, 2nd Andar, Bloco 6 CEP: 05403-900, São Paulo, Brazil. E-mail: ; or Carol F. Elias, PhD, 1137 East Catherine Street, 7732B Med Sci II, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5622. E-mail:
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17
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Shen L, Chen Y, Cheng J, Yuan S, Zhou S, Yan W, Liu J, Luo A, Wang S. CCL5 secreted by senescent theca‐interstitial cells inhibits preantral follicular development via granulosa cellular apoptosis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:22554-22564. [PMID: 31111482 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Suzhen Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Su Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Aiyue Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
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18
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Ozawa Y, Watanabe K, Toda T, Shibuya S, Okumura N, Okamoto N, Sato Y, Kawashima I, Kawamura K, Shimizu T. Heterosis extends the reproductive ability in aged female mice†. Biol Reprod 2019; 100:1082-1089. [PMID: 30561512 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterosis is the beneficial effect of genetical heterogeneity in animals and plants. Although heterosis induces changes in the cells and individual abilities, few reports have described the effect of heterosis on the female reproductive ability during aging. In this study, we investigated the reproductive capability of genetically heterogeneous (HET) mice established by the four-way crossing of C57BL/6N, BALB/c, C3H/He, and DBA/2. We found the HET females naturally and repeatedly produced offspring, even in old age (14-18 months of age). We also found that HET females showed a significantly enlarged body and organ sizes in both youth and old age. In histological analyses, the numbers of primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and corpora lutea were significantly increased in the old ovaries of HET females compared with those in inbred C57BL/6 mice of the same age. In vitro fertilization experiments revealed that aged HET oocytes showed identical rates of fertilization, early development, and birth compared to those of young and old C57BL/6 oocytes. We further found the significantly increased expression of sirtuin genes concomitant with the up-regulation of R-spondin2 in old HET ovaries. These results confirm the novel phenotype, characterized by fertility extension and follicular retention due to heterosis, in old HET females. The HET female will be a valuable model for clarifying the mechanism underlying the effect of heterosis in the field of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Ozawa
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenji Watanabe
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Toda
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shuichi Shibuya
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Okumura
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoki Okamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yorino Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ikko Kawashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.,Obstetrics and gynecology, International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine, Narita, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takahiko Shimizu
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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19
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Gomes NL, Lerário AM, Machado AZ, Moraes DRD, Silva TED, Arnhold IJP, Batista RL, Faria Júnior JAD, Costa EF, Nishi MY, Inacio M, Domenice S, Mendonca BB. Long-term outcomes and molecular analysis of a large cohort of patients with 46,XY disorder of sex development due to partial gonadal dysgenesis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:164-177. [PMID: 29668062 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Follow-up data on patients with 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis (PGD) until adulthood are scarce, making information on prognosis difficult. OBJECTIVE To analyse the long-term outcomes of patients with 46,XY PGD regarding testosterone production, germ cell tumour risk, genotype and psychosexual adaptation. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal study of 33 patients (20 assigned male and 13 patients assigned female at birth). Molecular diagnosis was performed by Sanger sequencing or by targeted massively parallel sequencing of 63 genes related to disorders of sex development (DSDs). RESULTS Age at first and last visit ranged from 0.1 to 43 and from 17 to 53 years, respectively. Spontaneous puberty was observed in 57% of the patients. During follow-up, six of them had a gonadectomy (four due to female gender, and two because of a gonadal tumour). At last evaluation, five of six patients had adult male testosterone levels (median 16.7 nmol/L, range 15.3-21.7 nmol/L) and elevated LH and FSH levels. Germ cell tumours were found in two postpubertal patients (one with an abdominal gonad and one patient with Frasier syndrome). Molecular diagnosis was possible in 11 patients (33%). NR5A1 variants were the most prevalent molecular defects (n = 6), and four of five patients harbouring them developed spontaneous puberty. Gender change was observed in four patients, two from each sex assignment group; all patients reported satisfaction with their gender at final evaluation. Sexual intercourse was reported by 81% of both gender and 82% of them reported satisfaction with their sexual lives. CONCLUSION Spontaneous puberty was observed in 57% of the patients with 46,XY PGD, being NR5A1 defects the most prevalent ones among all the patients and in those with spontaneous puberty. Gender change due to gender dysphoria was reported by 12% of the patients. All the patients reported satisfaction with their final gender, and most of them with their sexual life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia L Gomes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio Marcondes Lerário
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aline Zamboni Machado
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Rodrigues de Moraes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thatiana Evilen da Silva
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivo J P Arnhold
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Loch Batista
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Antônio Diniz Faria Júnior
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine F Costa
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirian Y Nishi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marlene Inacio
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Han P, Huang Y, Xie Y, Yang W, Xiang W, Hylands PJ, Legido-Quigley C. Metabolomics reveals immunomodulation as a possible mechanism for the antibiotic effect of Persicaria capitata (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) H.Gross. Metabolomics 2018; 14:91. [PMID: 30008628 PMCID: PMC6019430 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-018-1388-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In spite of advances in antibiotics, urinary tract infection (UTI) is still among the most common reasons for antibiotic medication worldwide. Persicaria capitata (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) H.Gross (P. capitata) is a herbal medicine used by the Miao people in China to treat UTI. However studies of its mechanism are challenging, owing to the complexity of P. capitata with multiple constituents acting on multiple metabolic pathways. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the working mechanism of P. capitata on urinary tract infection. METHODS Relinqing® granule, which is solely made from aqueous extracts of the whole P. capitata plant, was used in this study. Urine metabolomics based on gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was employed to assess the metabolic changes caused by administration of Relinqing® granule in a UTI mouse model. Female specific-pathogen-free Kunming mice were divided into control group (mock infection, saline treatment), model group (E.coli infection, saline treatment), Relinqing® group (E.coli infection, Relinqing® granule treatment), ciprofloxacin group (E.coli infection, ciprofloxacin treatment), and sham-Relinqing® group (no surgery, Relinqing® granule treatment). RESULTS The results showed that after the treatments, urine levels of itaconic acid in Relinqing® group increased by 4.9 fold and 11.3 fold compared with model and ciprofloxacin groups respectively. Itaconic acid is an endogenous antibacterial metabolite produced by macrophages, which also functions as a checkpoint for metabolic reprogramming of macrophage. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that this herbal medicine can cure urinary tract infection through modulation of immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Han
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Yong Huang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics in Guizhou Province, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yumin Xie
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics in Guizhou Province, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wu Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics in Guizhou Province, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenying Xiang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics in Guizhou Province, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Peter J Hylands
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
| | - Cristina Legido-Quigley
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
- The Systems Medicine Group, Steno Diabetes Center, Gentofte, Denmark.
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Kawashima I, Kawamura K. Regulation of follicle growth through hormonal factors and mechanical cues mediated by Hippo signaling pathway. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2017; 64:3-11. [PMID: 29224376 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1411990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The ovary is an interesting organ that shows major structural changes within a short period of time during each reproductive cycle. Follicle development is controlled by local paracrine and systemic endocrine factors. Many hormonal and molecular analyses have been conducted to find the mechanisms underlying structural changes in ovaries, However, exact mechanisms still remain to be determined. Recent development of mechanobiology facilitates the understanding on the contribution of physical forces and changes in the mechanical properties of cells and tissues to physiology and pathophysiology. The Hippo signaling pathway is one of the key players in mechanotransduction, providing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to mechanical signals to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis for maintaining optimal organ sizes. Our group recently demonstrated the involvement of the Hippo signaling pathway in the regulation of ovarian follicle development. Fragmentation of ovarian cortex into small cubes changed cytoskeletal actin dynamics and induced disruption of the Hippo signaling pathway, leading to the production of CCN growth factors and anti-apoptotic BIRC. These factors, in turn, stimulated secondary follicle growth in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarized hormonal regulation of follicular structural changes and further focused on the role of Hippo signaling in the regulation of follicle development. We also suggest a new strategy of infertility treatments in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency based on mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikko Kawashima
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , St. Marianna University School of Medicine , Kawasaki City , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , St. Marianna University School of Medicine , Kawasaki City , Kanagawa , Japan
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Bouilly J, Beau I, Barraud S, Bernard V, Delemer B, Young J, Binart N. R-spondin2, a novel target of NOBOX: identification of variants in a cohort of women with primary ovarian insufficiency. J Ovarian Res 2017; 10:51. [PMID: 28743298 PMCID: PMC5526297 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background R-spondin2 (Rspo2) is a secreted agonist of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Rspo2 plays a key role in development of limbs, lungs and hair follicles, and more recently during ovarian follicle development. Rspo2 heterozygous deficient female mice become infertile around 4 months of age mimicking primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). The study aimed to investigate the regulation of RSPO2 and its potential involvement in pathophysiology of POI. Methods We cloned the RSPO2 promoter and performed transcriptional assays to determine if RSPO2 can be regulated by NOBOX, an ovarian transcription factor. Then, we evaluated 100 infertile women after obtaining a detailed history of the disease and follicle-stimulating hormone measurements, besides karyotype determination and fragile-X premutation syndrome investigation. All exons, intron-exon boundaries and untranslated regions of the RSPO2 gene were identified by sequencing, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results We found that RSPO2 can be regulated by NOBOX via the presence of NOBOX Binding Element in its promoter. Among 9 identified variants in POI women, 4 of them were equally homozygous, 4 have never been described (c.-359C > G, c.-190G > A, c.-170 + 13C > T and c.-169-8 T > A), only one c.557 T > C was predicted to alter a single amino acid in the RSPO2 protein (p.Leu186Pro). Conclusions RSPO2 is a novel target gene of the NOBOX key transcription factor, confirming its important role during the follicular growth in ovary. However, RSPO2 mutations are rare or uncommon in women with POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Bouilly
- Inserm U1185, Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud 63, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, rue Gabriel Péri, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France.
| | - Isabelle Beau
- Inserm U1185, Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud 63, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, rue Gabriel Péri, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | - Sara Barraud
- Inserm U1185, Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud 63, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, rue Gabriel Péri, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France.,Service d'Endocrinologie-Diabète-Nutrition, CHU de Reims-Hôpital Robert-Debré, 51092, Reims, France
| | - Valérie Bernard
- Inserm U1185, Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud 63, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, rue Gabriel Péri, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | - Brigitte Delemer
- Service d'Endocrinologie-Diabète-Nutrition, CHU de Reims-Hôpital Robert-Debré, 51092, Reims, France
| | - Jacques Young
- Inserm U1185, Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud 63, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, rue Gabriel Péri, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France.,APHP, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, F-94275, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Nadine Binart
- Inserm U1185, Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud 63, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, rue Gabriel Péri, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
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The role of R-spondins and their receptors in bone metabolism. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 122:93-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Mah AT, Yan KS, Kuo CJ. Wnt pathway regulation of intestinal stem cells. J Physiol 2016; 594:4837-47. [PMID: 27581568 DOI: 10.1113/jp271754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling is involved in multiple aspects of embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis, notably via controlling cellular proliferation and differentiation. Wnt signalling is subject to stringent positive and negative regulation to promote proper development and homeostasis yet avoid aberrant growth. Such multi-layer regulation includes post-translational modification and processing of Wnt proteins themselves, R-spondin (Rspo) amplification of Wnt signalling, diverse receptor families, and intracellular and extracellular antagonists and destruction and transcription complexes. In the gastrointestinal tract, Wnt signalling is crucial for development and renewal of the intestinal epithelium. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) undergo symmetric division and neutral drift dynamics to renew the intestinal epithelium. Sources of Wnts and Wnt amplifers such as R-spondins are beginning to be elucidated as well as their functional contribution to intestinal homeostasis. In this review we focus on regulation of ISCs and intestinal homeostasis by the Wnt/Rspo pathway, the potential cellular sources of Wnt signalling regulators and highlight potential future areas of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda T Mah
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kelley S Yan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Exogenous R-Spondin1 Induces Precocious Telogen-to-Anagen Transition in Mouse Hair Follicles. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17040582. [PMID: 27104524 PMCID: PMC4849038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
R-spondin proteins are novel Wnt/β-catenin agonists, which signal through their receptors leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor (LGR) 4/5/6 and substantially enhance Wnt/β-catenin activity. R-spondins are reported to function in embryonic development. They also play important roles in stem cell functions in adult tissues, such as the intestine and mammary glands, which largely rely on Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, in the skin epithelium and hair follicles, the information about R-spondins is deficient, although the expressions and functions of their receptors, LGR4/5/6, have already been studied in detail. In the present study, highly-enriched expression of the R-spondin family genes (Rspo1/2/3/4) in the hair follicle dermal papilla is revealed. Expression of Rspo1 in the dermal papilla is specifically and prominently upregulated before anagen entry, and exogenous recombinant R-spondin1 protein injection in mid-telogen leads to precocious anagen entry. Moreover, R-spondin1 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cultured bulge stem cells in vitro, changing their fate determination without altering the cell proliferation. Our pioneering study uncovers a role of R-spondin1 in the activation of cultured hair follicle stem cells and the regulation of hair cycle progression, shedding new light on the governance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in skin biology and providing helpful clues for future treatment of hair follicle disorders.
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Silva JRV, van den Hurk R, Figueiredo JR. Ovarian follicle development in vitro and oocyte competence: advances and challenges for farm animals. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 55:123-35. [PMID: 26836404 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
During the last 2 decades, research on in vitro preantral follicle growth and oocyte maturation has delivered fascinating advances concerning the knowledge of processes regulating follicle growth and the developmental competence of oocytes. These advances include (1) information about the role of several hormones and growth factors on in vitro activation of primordial follicles; (2) increased understanding of the intracellular pathway involved in the initiation of primordial follicle growth; (3) the growth of primary and secondary follicles up to antral stages; and (4) production of embryos from oocytes from in vitro grown preantral follicles. This review article describes these advances, especially in regard farm animals, and discusses the reasons that limit embryo production from oocytes derived from preantral follicles cultured in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R V Silva
- Biotechnology Nucleus of Sobral, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral, CE 62042-280, Brazil.
| | - R van den Hurk
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht 80151, The Netherlands
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE 62700-000, Brazil
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Cordeiro CN, Christianson MS, Selter JH, Segars JH. In Vitro Activation: A Possible New Frontier for Treatment of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:429-38. [PMID: 26787101 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115625842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In vitro activation (IVA) represents a new frontier in the treatment of women with primary ovarian insufficiency as well as patients with cancer desiring fertility preservation. Here, we review the biological basis of IVA and the recent translation of IVA to humans by targeting Hippo and Akt-signaling pathways. We then provide a new integrated viewpoint on IVA, highlighting basic science research on the aspects of follicular development and ovarian tissue transplantation which may potentially optimize future translational research on IVA. Specific topics discussed include cryopreservation techniques, additional IVA pathway targets, the roles of actin polymerization, paracrine and endocrine factors, and the role of mechanical signaling and associated tissue rigidity in controlling ovarian follicular activation. Further research and improved understanding is needed to optimize success of IVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Cordeiro
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mindy S Christianson
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics-Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - James H Segars
- Division of Reproductive Sciences and Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics-Reproductive Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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28
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Pelosi E, Forabosco A, Schlessinger D. Genetics of the ovarian reserve. Front Genet 2015; 6:308. [PMID: 26528328 PMCID: PMC4606124 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial follicles or non-growing follicles (NGFs) are the functional unit of reproduction, each comprising a single germ cell surrounded by supporting somatic cells. NGFs constitute the ovarian reserve (OR), prerequisite for germ cell ovulation and the continuation of the species. The dynamics of the reserve is determined by the number of NGFs formed and their complex subsequent fates. During the reproductive lifespan, the OR progressively diminishes due to follicle atresia as well as recruitment, maturation, and ovulation. The depletion of the OR is the major determining driver of menopause, which ensues when the number of primordial follicles falls below a threshold of ∼1,000. Therefore, genes and processes involved in follicle dynamics are particularly important to understand the process of menopause, both in the typical reproductive lifespan and in conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency, defined as menopause before age 40. Genes and their variants that affect the timing of menopause thereby provide candidates for diagnosis of and intervention in problems of reproductive lifespan. We review the current knowledge of processes and genes involved in the development of the OR and in the dynamics of ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pelosi
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - David Schlessinger
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Feng R, Sang Q, Zhu Y, Fu W, Liu M, Xu Y, Shi H, Xu Y, Qu R, Chai R, Shao R, Jin L, He L, Sun X, Wang L. MiRNA-320 in the human follicular fluid is associated with embryo quality in vivo and affects mouse embryonic development in vitro. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8689. [PMID: 25732513 PMCID: PMC4346788 DOI: 10.1038/srep08689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated the existence of miRNAs in human follicular fluid. In the current study, we have sought to identify miRNAs that might affect oocyte/embryo quality in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection and to investigate their roles in in vitro fertilization outcomes in mouse oocytes. 53 samples were classified as Group 1 (high quality) if the day-3 embryos had seven and more cells or as Group 2 (low quality) if the embryos had six and fewer cells. TaqMan Human microRNAs cards and qRT-PCR were performed to verify differently expressed miRNAs. The function of the corresponding miRNA was investigated in mouse oocytes by injecting them with miRNA-inhibitor oligonucleotides. We found that hsa-miR-320a and hsa-miR-197 had significantly higher expression levels in the Group 1 follicular fluids than in Group 2 (p = 0.0073 and p = 0.008, respectively). Knockdown of mmu-miR-320 in mouse oocytes strongly decreased the proportions of MII oocytes that developed into two-cell and blastocyst stage embryos (p = 0.0048 and p = 0.0069, respectively). Wnt signaling pathway components had abnormal expression level in miR-320 inhibitor-injected oocytes. This study provides the first evidence that miRNAs in human follicular fluid are indicative of and can influence embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Feng
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China [2] Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China [2] Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Guangdong No.2 provincial people's hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Xu
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China [2] Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronggui Qu
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China [2] Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Ruijin Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin He
- 1] Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China [2] Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China [2] Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Cheng Y, Feng Y, Jansson L, Sato Y, Deguchi M, Kawamura K, Hsueh AJ. Actin polymerization-enhancing drugs promote ovarian follicle growth mediated by the Hippo signaling effector YAP. FASEB J 2015; 29:2423-30. [PMID: 25690654 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-267856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hippo signaling pathway consists of conserved serine/threonine kinases to maintain optimal organ sizes. Studies have demonstrated that fragmentation of murine ovaries increases actin polymerization and disrupts Hippo signaling, leading to nuclear translocation of Hippo signaling effector Yes-associated protein (YAP) in ovarian follicles and follicle growth. For patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome showing follicle arrest, ovarian wedge resection and laser drilling promote follicle growth. Because these damaging procedures likely involve actin polymerization, we tested whether actin polymerization-promoting drugs could promote YAP translocation and stimulate follicle growth. Treatment of murine ovaries with μM Jasplakinolide (JASP), an actin polymerization-promoting cyclic peptide, or sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a follicular fluid constituent known to promote actin polymerization, increased the conversion of globular actin to the filamentous form, followed by increased nuclear YAP and expression of downstream connective tissue growth factor (CCN2). After short-term treatments with JASP or S1P, in vitro cultured and in vivo grafted ovaries showed follicle growth. Furthermore, induction of constitutively active YAP in ovarian grafts of transgenic mice enhanced follicle development, whereas treatment of human ovarian cortices with JASP or S1P increased CCN2 expression. Thus, JASP and S1P stimulate follicle growth and are potential therapeutic agents for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome and other ovarian disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cheng
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mariana University, Kawasaki, Japan; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yi Feng
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mariana University, Kawasaki, Japan; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Lina Jansson
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mariana University, Kawasaki, Japan; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yorino Sato
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mariana University, Kawasaki, Japan; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Masashi Deguchi
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mariana University, Kawasaki, Japan; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mariana University, Kawasaki, Japan; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Aaron J Hsueh
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mariana University, Kawasaki, Japan; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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Abstract
Although hormonal regulation of ovarian follicle development has been extensively investigated, most studies concentrate on the development of early antral follicles to the preovulatory stage, leading to the successful use of exogenous FSH for infertility treatment. Accumulating data indicate that preantral follicles are under stringent regulation by FSH and local intraovarian factors, thus providing the possibility to develop new therapeutic approaches. Granulosa cell-derived C-type natriuretic factor not only suppresses the final maturation of oocytes to undergo germinal vesicle breakdown before ovulation but also promotes preantral and antral follicle growth. In addition, several oocyte- and granulosa cell-derived factors stimulate preantral follicle growth by acting through wingless, receptor tyrosine kinase, receptor serine kinase, and other signaling pathways. In contrast, the ovarian Hippo signaling pathway constrains follicle growth and disruption of Hippo signaling promotes the secretion of downstream CCN growth factors capable of promoting follicle growth. Although the exact hormonal factors involved in primordial follicle activation has yet to be elucidated, the protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways are important for the activation of dormant primordial follicles. Hippo signaling disruption after ovarian fragmentation, combined with treating ovarian fragments with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors and phosphoinositide-3-kinase stimulators to augment AKT signaling, promote the growth of preantral follicles in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency, leading to a new infertility intervention for such patients. Elucidation of intraovarian mechanisms underlying early folliculogenesis may allow the development of novel therapeutic strategies for patients diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, and poor ovarian response to FSH stimulation, as well as for infertile women of advanced reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J W Hsueh
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology (A.J.W.H., Y.C.), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5317; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (K.K.), St. Mariana University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan; Department of Reproductive Medicine & Gynecology (B.C.J.M.F.), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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McGinnis LK, Kinsey WH. Role of focal adhesion kinase in oocyte-follicle communication. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:90-102. [PMID: 25536210 PMCID: PMC4324459 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells require communication with associated somatic cells for normal gametogenesis, as exemplified by an oocyte that interacts with granulosa cells via paracrine factors as well as gap junctions located at sites of contact between these two cell types. The objective of the present study was to define the mechanisms by which cell-cell contact with the oocyte is controlled and to determine the extent that the oocyte actively participates in this association. Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2), a focal adhesion kinase, was found to be activated at sites of contact between the oocyte and trans-zonal cell processes from the surrounding granulosa cells. In order to determine the functional significance of oocyte-derived PTK2 signaling in oocyte-follicle communication, an oocyte-specific Ptk2 knockout was produced through a breeding strategy pairing a floxed Ptk2-CAT-eGFP mouse with the Zp3-Cre line. Since Ptk2-null mice never develop to birth, this represents the first opportunity to define the role of PTK2 in oocyte-follicle communication. Ablation of Ptk2 within the developing oocyte resulted in lower fertility with reduced numbers of pups, lower rates of blastocyst formation, and reduced cell numbers per blastocyst. Follicles containing Ptk2-null oocytes exhibited reduced oocyte diameter, reduced numbers of connexin 37 and 43 foci at the oocyte surface, and impaired dye coupling between oocyte and granulosa cells. These findings are consistent with a model in which PTK2 plays a critical role in establishing or maintaining oocyte-granulosa cell contacts that are essential for gap junction-mediated communication between granulosa cells and the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda K. McGinnis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS USA
| | - William H. Kinsey
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS USA
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VandeVoort CA, Mtango NR, Midic U, Latham KE. Disruptions in follicle cell functions in the ovaries of rhesus monkeys during summer. Physiol Genomics 2015; 47:102-12. [PMID: 25586978 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00092.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocytes isolated from female rhesus monkeys following standard ovarian stimulation protocols during the summer months displayed a reduced capacity to mature compared with stimulation during the normal breeding season. Because the gene expression profiles of oocyte-associated cumulus cells and mural granulosa cells (CCs and GCs) are indicative of altered oocyte quality and can provide insight into intrafollicular processes that may be disrupted during oogenesis, we performed array-based transcriptome comparisons of CCs and GCs from summer and normal breeding season stimulation cycles. Summer CCs and GCs both display deficiencies in expression of mRNAs related to cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and endocrine signaling, as well as reduced expression of glycogen phosphorylase. Additionally, CCs display deficiencies in expression of mRNAs related to stress response. These results provide the first insight into the specific molecular pathways and processes that are disrupted in the follicles of rhesus macaque females during the summer season. Some of the changes seen in summer GCs and CCs have been reported in humans and in other model mammalian species. This suggests that the seasonal effects seen in the rhesus monkey may help us to understand better the mechanisms that contribute to reduced oocyte quality and fertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A VandeVoort
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Namdori R Mtango
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Uros Midic
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Science Program and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Science Program and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Transcriptome profiling of the theca interna in transition from small to large antral ovarian follicles. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97489. [PMID: 24830430 PMCID: PMC4022581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The theca interna layer of the ovarian follicle forms during the antral stage of follicle development and lies adjacent to and directly outside the follicular basal lamina. It supplies androgens and communicates with the granulosa cells and the oocyte by extracellular signaling. To better understand developmental changes in the theca interna, we undertook transcriptome profiling of the theca interna from small (3-5 mm, n = 10) and large (9-12 mm, n = 5) healthy antral bovine follicles, representing a calculated >7-fold increase in the amount of thecal tissue. Principal Component Analysis and hierarchical classification of the signal intensity plots for the arrays showed no clustering of the theca interna samples into groups depending on follicle size or subcategories of small follicles. From the over 23,000 probe sets analysed, only 76 were differentially expressed between large and small healthy follicles. Some of the differentially expressed genes were associated with processes such as myoblast differentiation, protein ubiquitination, nitric oxide and transforming growth factor β signaling. The most significant pathway affected from our analyses was found to be Wnt signaling, which was suppressed in large follicles via down-regulation of WNT2B and up-regulation of the inhibitor FRZB. These changes in the transcriptional profile could have been due to changes in cellular function or alternatively since the theca interna is composed of a number of different cell types it could have been due to any systematic change in the volume density of any particular cell type. However, our study suggests that the transcriptional profile of the theca interna is relatively stable during antral follicle development unlike that of granulosa cells observed previously. Thus both the cellular composition and cellular behavior of the theca interna and its contribution to follicular development appear to be relatively constant throughout the follicle growth phase examined.
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Abstract
Adult stem cells are controlled by an intricate interplay of potent Wnt agonists, antagonists, and anti-antagonists. This review by de Lau et al. focuses on the complex physical and functional interactions of three recently discovered protein families that control stem cell activity by regulating surface expression of Wnt receptors: Lgr5 and its homologs, the E3 ligases Rnf43 and Znrf3, and the secreted R-spondin ligands. Lgr5 was originally discovered as a common Wnt target gene in adult intestinal crypts and colon cancer. It was subsequently identified as an exquisite marker of multiple Wnt-driven adult stem cell types. Lgr5 and its homologs, Lgr4 and Lgr6, constitute the receptors for R-spondins, potent Wnt signal enhancers and stem cell growth factors. The Lgr5/R-spondin complex acts by neutralizing Rnf43 and Znrf3, two transmembrane E3 ligases that remove Wnt receptors from the stem cell surface. Rnf43/Znrf3 are themselves encoded by Wnt target genes and constitute a negative Wnt feedback loop. Thus, adult stem cells are controlled by an intricate interplay of potent Wnt agonists, antagonists, and anti-antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim de Lau
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Yi J, Xiong W, Gong X, Bellister S, Ellis LM, Liu Q. Analysis of LGR4 receptor distribution in human and mouse tissues. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78144. [PMID: 24205130 PMCID: PMC3804454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
LGR4 is an R-spondin receptor with strong positive effect on Wnt signaling. It plays a critical role in development as its ablation in the mouse led to total embryonic/neonatal lethality with profound defects in multiple organs. Haplotype insufficiency of LGR4 in human was associated with several diseases, including increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, reduced birth weights, electrolyte imbalance, and decreased levels of testosterone, which are similar to the phenotypes of LGR4-hypomorphic mice. Tissue distribution of LGR4 was extensively analyzed in the mouse using gene-trap reporter enzyme alleles. However, its expression pattern in human tissues remained largely unknown. We have developed LGR4-specific monoclonal antibodies and used them to examine the expression of LGR4 in selected adult human and mouse tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. Intense LGR4-like immunoreactivity was observed in the epidermis and hair follicle of the skin, pancreatic islet cells, and epithelial cells in both the male and female reproductive organs. Of particular interest is that LGR4 is highly expressed in germ cells and pancreatic islet cells, which have important implications given the role of R-spondin-LGR4 signaling in the survival of adult stem cells. In addition, the majority of colon tumors showed elevated levels of LGR4 receptor. Overall, the expression pattern of LGR4 in human tissues mapped by this IHC analysis is similar to that in the mouse as revealed from gene trap alleles. Importantly, the pattern lends strong support to the important role of LGR4 in the development and maintenance of skin, kidney, reproductive systems, and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yi
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wei Xiong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xing Gong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Seth Bellister
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lee M. Ellis
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Qingyun Liu
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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