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Zhang C, Nie Y, Xu B, Mu C, Tian GG, Li X, Cheng W, Zhang A, Li D, Wu J. Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Mutation (LHR N316S) Causes Abnormal Follicular Development Revealed by Follicle Single-Cell Analysis and CRISPR/Cas9. Interdiscip Sci 2024:10.1007/s12539-024-00646-7. [PMID: 39150470 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-024-00646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal interaction between granulosa cells and oocytes causes disordered development of ovarian follicles. However, the interactions between oocytes and cumulus granulosa cells (CGs), oocytes and mural granulosa cells (MGs), and CGs and MGs remain to be fully explored. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), we determined the transcriptional profiles of oocytes, CGs and MGs in antral follicles. Analysis of scRNA-seq data revealed that CGs may regulate follicular development through the BMP15-KITL-KIT-PI3K-ARF6 pathway with elevated expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). Because internalization of the LHR is regulated by Arf6, we constructed LHRN316S mice by CRISPR/Cas9 to further explore mechanisms of follicular development and novel treatment strategies for female infertility. Ovaries of LHRN316S mice exhibited reduced numbers of corpora lutea and ovulation. The LHRN316S mice had a reduced rate of oocyte maturation in vitro and decreased serum progesterone levels. Mating LHRN316S female mice with ICR wild type male mice revealed that the infertility rate of LHRN316S mice was 21.4% (3/14). Litter sizes from LHRN316S mice were smaller than those from control wild type female mice. The oocytes from LHRN316S mice had an increased rate of maturation in vitro after progesterone administration in vitro. Furthermore, progesterone treated LHRN316S mice produced offspring numbers per litter equivalent to WT mice. These findings provide key insights into cellular interactions in ovarian follicles and provide important clues for infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Department of Hematology, Tangdu Hospital, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yongqiang Nie
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Bufang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chunlan Mu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Geng G Tian
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyong Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weiwei Cheng
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Ji Wu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Dou Y, Zhao R, Wu H, Yu Z, Yin C, Yang J, Yang C, Luan X, Cheng Y, Huang T, Bian Y, Han S, Zhang Y, Xu X, Chen ZJ, Zhao H, Zhao S. DENND1A desensitizes granulosa cells to FSH by arresting intracellular FSHR transportation. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1620-1634. [PMID: 38709439 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2438-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several genes associated with this condition, including DENND1A. DENND1A encodes a clathrin-binding protein that functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor involved in vesicular transport. However, the specific role of DENND1A in reproductive hormone abnormalities and follicle development disorders in PCOS remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated DENND1A expression in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) from PCOS patients and its correlation with hormones. Our results revealed an upregulation of DENND1A expression in GCs from PCOS cases, which was positively correlated with testosterone levels. To further explore the functional implications of DENND1A, we generated a transgenic mouse model overexpressing Dennd1a (TG mice). These TG mice exhibited subfertility, irregular estrous cycles, and increased testosterone production following PMSG stimulation. Additionally, the TG mice displayed diminished responsiveness to FSH, characterized by smaller ovary size, less well-developed follicles, and abnormal expressions of FSH-priming genes. Mechanistically, we found that Dennd1a overexpression disrupted the intracellular trafficking of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), promoting its internalization and inhibiting recycling. These findings shed light on the reproductive role of DENND1A and uncover the underlying mechanisms, thereby contributing valuable insights into the pathogenesis of PCOS and providing potential avenues for drug design in PCOS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunde Dou
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Rusong Zhao
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215008, China
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Han Wu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhiheng Yu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Changjian Yin
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Chaoyan Yang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiaohua Luan
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yixiao Cheng
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yuehong Bian
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shan Han
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Shigang Zhao
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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Hayes E, Winston N, Stocco C. Molecular crosstalk between insulin-like growth factors and follicle-stimulating hormone in the regulation of granulosa cell function. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12575. [PMID: 38571513 PMCID: PMC10988955 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The last phase of folliculogenesis is driven by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and locally produced insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), both essential for forming preovulatory follicles. Methods This review discusses the molecular crosstalk of the FSH and IGF signaling pathways in regulating follicular granulosa cells (GCs) during the antral-to-preovulatory phase. Main findings IGFs were considered co-gonadotropins since they amplify FSH actions in GCs. However, this view is not compatible with data showing that FSH requires IGFs to stimulate GCs, that FSH renders GCs sensitive to IGFs, and that FSH signaling interacts with factors downstream of AKT to stimulate GCs. New evidence suggests that FSH and IGF signaling pathways intersect at several levels to regulate gene expression and GC function. Conclusion FSH and locally produced IGFs form a positive feedback loop essential for preovulatory follicle formation in all species. Understanding the mechanisms by which FSH and IGFs interact to control GC function will help design new interventions to optimize follicle maturation, perfect treatment of ovulatory defects, improve in vitro fertilization, and develop new contraceptive approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hayes
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Nicola Winston
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Kui H, Li P, Wang T, Luo Y, Ning C, Li M, Liu S, Zhu Q, Li J, Li D. Dynamic mRNA expression during chicken ovarian follicle development. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 14:jkad237. [PMID: 37832513 PMCID: PMC10755205 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian follicle development is a complex and well-orchestrated biological process of great economic significance for poultry production. Specifically, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying follicular development is essential for high-efficiency follicular development can benefit the entire industry. In addition, domestic egg-laying hens often spontaneously develop ovarian cancer, providing an opportunity to study the genetic, biochemical, and environmental risk factors associated with the development of this cancer. Here, we provide high-quality RNA sequencing data for chicken follicular granulosa cells across 10 developmental stages, which resulted in a total of 204.57 Gb of clean sequencing data (6.82 Gb on average per sample). We also performed gene expression, time-series, and functional enrichment analyses across the 10 developmental stages. Our study revealed that SWF (small while follicle), F1 (F1 hierarchical follicles), and POFs (postovulatory follicles) best represent the transcriptional changes associated with the prehierarchical, preovulatory, and postovulatory stages, respectively. We found that the preovulatory stage F1 showed the greatest divergence in gene expression from the POF stage. Our research lays a foundation for further elucidation of egg-laying performance of chicken and human ovarian disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Kui
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, People’s Republic of China
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu Xi Nan Gynecological Hospital Co., Ltd., 66 Bisheng Road, Chengdu 610000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Penghao Li
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu Xi Nan Gynecological Hospital Co., Ltd., 66 Bisheng Road, Chengdu 610000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingyu Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyou Ning
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siying Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Agriculture, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, People’s Republic of China
| | - Diyan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, People’s Republic of China
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Das S, Dey MK, Devireddy R, Gartia MR. Biomarkers in Cancer Detection, Diagnosis, and Prognosis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 24:37. [PMID: 38202898 PMCID: PMC10780704 DOI: 10.3390/s24010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Biomarkers are vital in healthcare as they provide valuable insights into disease diagnosis, prognosis, treatment response, and personalized medicine. They serve as objective indicators, enabling early detection and intervention, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. Biomarkers also guide treatment decisions by predicting disease outcomes and facilitating individualized treatment plans. They play a role in monitoring disease progression, adjusting treatments, and detecting early signs of recurrence. Furthermore, biomarkers enhance drug development and clinical trials by identifying suitable patients and accelerating the approval process. In this review paper, we described a variety of biomarkers applicable for cancer detection and diagnosis, such as imaging-based diagnosis (CT, SPECT, MRI, and PET), blood-based biomarkers (proteins, genes, mRNA, and peptides), cell imaging-based diagnosis (needle biopsy and CTC), tissue imaging-based diagnosis (IHC), and genetic-based biomarkers (RNAseq, scRNAseq, and spatial transcriptomics).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Manas Ranjan Gartia
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (S.D.); (M.K.D.); (R.D.)
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Torkzadeh T, Asadi Z, Jafari Atrabi M, Eivazkhani F, Khodadi M, Hajiaghalou S, Akbarinejad V, Fathi R. Optimisation of hormonal treatment to improve follicular development in one-day-old mice ovaries cultured under in vitro condition. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 35:733-749. [PMID: 37995332 DOI: 10.1071/rd23027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Base medium containing knock-out serum replacement (KSR) has been found to support formation and maintenance of follicles in one-day-old mice ovaries, but has not been shown to properly support activation and growth of primordial follicles. AIMS The present study was conducted to tailor the hormonal content of base medium containing KSR to enhance development of primordial follicles in neonatal ovaries. METHODS One-day-old mice ovaries were initially cultured with base medium for four days, and then, different hormonal treatments were added to the culture media and the culture was proceeded for four additional days until day eight. Ovaries were collected for histological and molecular assessments on days four and eight. KEY RESULTS In experiment I, the main and interactive effects of FSH and testosterone were investigated and FSH promoted activation of primordial follicles and development of primary and preantral follicles, and upregulated genes of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Pi3k ), KIT ligand (Kitl ), growth differentiation factor 9 (Gdf9 ) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (Fshr ) (P Bmp15 ), Connexin-43 (Cx43 ) and luteinising hormone and choriogonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr ) (P P Lhcgr (P P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Supplementation of culture medium containing KSR with gonadotropins, particularly hMG, could improve follicular growth and expression of factors regulating follicular development. IMPLICATIONS This study was a step forward in formulating an optimal medium for development of follicles in cultured one-day-old mice ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahoura Torkzadeh
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73014, USA
| | - Mohammad Jafari Atrabi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany; and Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research (DPZ), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Farideh Eivazkhani
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Khodadi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Hajiaghalou
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouhollah Fathi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Liu L, Hao M, Zhang J, Chen Z, Zhou J, Wang C, Zhang H, Wang J. FSHR-mTOR-HIF1 signaling alleviates mouse follicles from AMPK-induced atresia. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113158. [PMID: 37733588 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of activated ovarian follicles undergo atresia during reproductive life in mammals, and only a small number of follicles are ovulated. Though hormone treatment has been widely used to promote folliculogenesis, the molecular mechanism behind follicle selection and atresia remains under debate due to inconsistency among investigation models. Using a high-throughput molecular pathology strategy, we depicted a transcriptional atlas of mouse follicular granulosa cells (GCs) under physiological condition and obtained molecular signatures in healthy and atresia GCs during development. Functional results revealed hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) as a major effector downstream of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and HIF1 activation is essential for follicle growth. Energy shortage leads to prevalent AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and drives follicular atresia. FSHR-mTOR-HIF1 signaling helps follicles escape from the atresia fate, while energy stress persists. Our work provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular network behind follicle selection and atresia under physiological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longping Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ming Hao
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianyun Zhang
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School, Hospital of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials, Digital Medical Devices, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianbin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Song A, Zhang S, Zhao X, Wu S, Qi X, Gao S, Qi J, Li P, Tan J. Exosomes derived from menstrual blood stromal cells ameliorated premature ovarian insufficiency and granulosa cell apoptosis by regulating SMAD3/AKT/MDM2/P53 pathway via delivery of thrombospondin-1. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115319. [PMID: 37573658 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is clinically irreversible and seriously damages female fertility. We previously demonstrated that menstrual blood stromal cells (MenSCs)-derived exosomes (EXOs) effectively improved ovarian functions in the POI rat model. In this study, we investigated whether TSP1 is the key component in EXOs to ameliorate ovarian functions and further explored the molecular mechanism of EXOs in improving granulosa cell (GCs) activities. Our results demonstrated that knockdown TSP1 significantly debilitated the therapeutic effect of EXOs on estrous cyclicity, ovarian morphology, follicle numbers and pregnancy outcomes in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) induced POI rat model. In addition, EXOs treatment significantly promoted the activities and inhibited the apoptosis of VCD induced granulosa cells in vitro. Moreover, EXOs stimulation markedly activated the phosphorylation of SMAD3(Ser425) and AKT(Ser473), up-regulated the expressions of BCL2 and MDM2 as well as down-regulated the expressions of CASPASE3, CASPASE8, P53 and BAX. All these effects were supressed by SIS3, a inhibitor of TGF1/SMAD3. Our study revealed the key role of TSP1 in EXOs in improving POI pathology, restoring ovarian functions and GCs activities, andprovided a promising basis for EXOs in the treatment of ovarian dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixin Song
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Siwen Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Xinyang Zhao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xiaohan Qi
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jiarui Qi
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Pingping Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jichun Tan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang 110004, China.
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Albamonte MI, Calabró LY, Albamonte MS, Vitullo AD. FOXO3 and PTEN expression in the ovary of girls with extra-gonadal cancer with or without chemotherapy treatment prior to cryopreservation. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:509. [PMID: 37737182 PMCID: PMC10515424 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02648-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXO3/pFOXO3 and PTEN expression is known to regulate the dormancy/activation of ovarian primordial follicles. How chemotherapy could influence the expression of FOXO3 and PTEN in pre- and post-menarcheal girls with extra-gonadal cancer remains unexplored. METHODS Ovarian samples were collected from 27 girls suffering from extra-gonadal cancer. Of these, 8 patients had received chemotherapy before the time of sample collection. Ovarian tissue collected at the time of surgery was fixed in 10% formaldehyde for FOXO3/pFOXO3 and PTEN immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence, or stored at -80 °C for Western blot, or preserved in RNA later for RT-PCR. RESULTS PTEN was detected in a limited number of primordial follicle-enclosed oocytes in approximately fifty percent of the patients, regardless of whether they had received anti-cancer treatment or not. However, there was a significant decrease in PTEN detection in patients who underwent chemotherapy treatment prior to the retrieval of the sample. Both primordial follicle-enclosed oocytes that expressed FOXO3 and those that did not were identified in patients who were treated with chemotherapy and those who were not. FOXO3-positive primordial follicles exhibited either nuclear FOXO3 localization or cytoplasmic pFOXO3 localization. Furthermore, transitional primordial follicles that expressed nuclear FOXO3 and cytoplasmic pFOXO3 were also observed. Primary follicle-enclosed oocytes displayed cytoplasmic pFOXO3 localization, whereas in more advanced stages of folliculogenesis, the expression moved to the somatic stratum. No significant statistical differences were identified in the detection of FOXO3 and pFOXO3 in patients who had or had not received chemotherapy prior to sample collection. CONCLUSION Primordial follicles expressing and not expressing FOXO3 were equally present in both the ovaries of patients who underwent chemotherapy and those who did not. The expression of FOXO3 remained unaltered in response to chemotherapy treatment. Notably, the detection of PTEN was significantly reduced in the treated patients, thereby warranting in-depth investigation, given the limited sample size examined in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Itatí Albamonte
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo -CEBBAD, Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lara Y Calabró
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo -CEBBAD, Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mirta S Albamonte
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo -CEBBAD, Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo D Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo -CEBBAD, Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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10
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Expression profile of genes related to pregnancy maintenance in Dromedary Camel during the first trimester. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 251:107211. [PMID: 36990016 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
So far, few signals involved in embryo-maternal dialogue have been identified in pregnant she-camel. Our objective was to investigate expression profiles of genes relevant to uterine extracellular matrix remodeling (ITGB4, SLCO2A1, FOS, and JUN), uterine tissue vascularization, and placental formation (VEGFA, PGF, and PDGFA), embryonic growth and development (IGF1 and PTEN), plus cell death of uterine tissue (BCL2) in early pregnant versus non-pregnant she-camels. Forty genital tracts (20 pregnant and 20 non-pregnant) and blood samples were collected from abattoirs. Total RNA was extracted from uterine tissues and qRT-PCR was conducted for candidate genes. Serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol17-β (E2) were measured. Expression of ITGB4, FOS, and PGF genes increased (P < 0.001) in the right uterine horn of pregnant versus non-pregnant she-camels. Moreover, JUN, SLCO2A1, VEGFA, and PTEN mRNAs were up-regulated (P < 0.001) in various segments of uterine tissues in pregnant groups. The PDGFA transcript was over-expressed (P < 0.001) in both uterine horns of pregnant groups. Additionally, IGF1 was higher (P < 0.001) in the right horn and the uterine body of pregnant groups, and expression of BCL2 was increased (P < 0.001) in the pregnant uterine body. Moreover, serum concentrations of P4 were higher (P < 0.001) and E2 lower (P < 0.05) in pregnant she-camels. Taken together, the fine-tuning of genes related to implantation, matrix formation, vascularization, and placental formation is highly required for successful pregnancy in she-camels.
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11
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Pellicer N, Cozzolino M, Diaz-García C, Galliano D, Cobo A, Pellicer A, Herraiz S. Ovarian rescue in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: facts and fiction. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:543-565. [PMID: 36710157 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The ovary has a comparatively short functional lifespan compared with other organs, and genetic and pathological injuries can further shorten its functional life. Thus, preserving ovarian function should be considered in the context of women with threats to ovarian reserve, such as ageing, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Indeed, one-third of women with POI retain resting follicles that can be reactivated to produce competent oocytes, as proved by the in-vitro activation of dormant follicles. This paper discusses mechanisms and clinical data relating to new therapeutic strategies using ovarian fragmentation, stem cells or platelet-rich plasma to regain ovarian function in women of older age (>38 years) or with POI or DOR. Follicle reactivation techniques show promising experimental outcomes and have been successful in some cases, when POI is established or DOR diagnosed; however, there is scarce clinical evidence to warrant their widespread clinical use. Beyond these contexts, also discussed is how new insights into the biological mechanisms governing follicular dynamics and oocyte competence may play a role in reversing ovarian damage, as no technique modifies oocyte quality. Additional studies should focus on increasing follicle number and quality. Finally, there is a small but important subgroup of women lacking residual follicles and requiring oocyte generation from stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - César Diaz-García
- IVI London, EGA Institute for Women's Health, UCL, London, UK; IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Ana Cobo
- IVI RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- IVI RMA Rome, Rome, Italy; IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia Herraiz
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.
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12
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Rumen-protected glucose stimulates the secretion of reproductive hormones and the mTOR/AKT signaling pathway in the ovaries of early postpartum. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2940. [PMID: 36808140 PMCID: PMC9941576 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30170-5] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the response of the reproductive hormones and the mTOR/AKT/PI3K pathway in the ovaries of postpartum dairy cows with dietary rumen-protected glucose (RPG). Twelve Holstein cows were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 6/group): the control group (CT) and the RPG group. Blood samples were collected on d 1, 7, and 14 after calving for the gonadal hormone assay. The expression of the gonadal hormones receptors and PI3K/mTOR/AKT pathways were detected using RT-PCR and Western blot. The RPG addition increased the plasma LH, E2, and P4 concentrations on d 14 after calving and upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of the ERα, ERβ, 17β-HSD, FSHR, LHR, and CYP17A1 but downregulated StAR expression. Immunohistochemical analysis identified higher expressions of the FSHR and LHR in the ovaries of RPG-fed cows compared to CT cows. Furthermore, the protein expressions of p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly increased in the ovaries of RPG-fed cows compared to the CT group, but the addition of RPG did not alter the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K. In conclusion, the current results indicated that dietary RPG supplementation regulated gonadotropin secretion and stimulated expression of hormone receptors and the mTOR/AKT pathway in the ovaries of early postpartum dairy cows. RPG may be beneficial for the recovery of ovarian activity in post-calving dairy cows.
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13
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An Update on In Vitro Folliculogenesis: A New Technique for Post-Cancer Fertility. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092217. [PMID: 36140316 PMCID: PMC9496077 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092217] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Obtaining in vitro mature oocytes from ovarian tissue to preserve women’s fertility is still a challenge. At present, there is a therapeutic deadlock for girls and women who need emergency fertility preservation in case of a high risk of ovary invasion by malignant cells. In such a case, ovarian tissue cannot be engrafted; an alternative could be in vitro folliculogenesis. Methods: This review focuses on the progress of in vitro folliculogenesis in humans. PubMed and Embase databases were used to search for original English-language articles. Results: The first phase of in vitro folliculogenesis is carried out in the original ovarian tissue. The addition of one (or more) initiation activator(s) is not essential but allows better yields and the use of a 3D culture system at this stage provides no added value. The second stage requires a mechanical and/or enzymatic isolation of the secondary follicles. The use of an activator and/or a 3D culture system is then necessary. Conclusion: The current results are promising but there is still a long way to go. Obtaining live births in large animals is an essential step in validating this in vitro folliculogenesis technique.
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Wei X, Zheng L, Tian Y, Wang H, Su Y, Feng G, Wang C, Lu Z. Tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in ovarian granulosa cells balances follicular development by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling. J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6674768. [PMID: 36002018 PMCID: PMC9764209 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac048] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the growth and maturation of oocytes within growing follicles largely depends on ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in response to gonadotropin stimulation. Many signals have been shown to regulate GC proliferation and apoptosis. However, whether the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is involved remains unclear. In this study, we identified the crucial roles of SHP2 in modulating GC proliferation and apoptosis. The production of both mature oocytes and pups was increased in mice with Shp2 specifically deleted in ovarian GCs via Fshr-Cre. Shp2 deletion simultaneously promoted GC proliferation and inhibited GC apoptosis. Furthermore, Shp2 deficiency promoted, while Shp2 overexpression inhibited, the proliferation of cultured primary mouse ovarian GCs and the human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN in vitro. Shp2 deficiency promoted follicule-stimulating hormone (FSH)-activated phosphorylation of AKT in vivo. SHP2 deficiency reversed the inhibitory effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on AKT activation in KGN cells. H2O2 treatment promoted the interaction between SHP2 and the p85 subunit of PI3K in KGN cells. Therefore, SHP2 in GCs may act as a negative modulator to balance follicular development by suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling. The novel function of SHP2 in modulating proliferation and apoptosis of GCs provides a potential therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of follicle developmental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lanping Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yingpu Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Youqiang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Gensheng Feng
- Department of Pathology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- Correspondence to: Chao Wang, E-mail:
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15
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Sun P, Wang H, Liu L, Guo K, Li X, Cao Y, Ko C, Lan ZJ, Lei Z. Aberrant activation of KRAS in mouse theca-interstitial cells results in female infertility. Front Physiol 2022; 13:991719. [PMID: 36060690 PMCID: PMC9437434 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.991719] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS plays critical roles in regulating a range of normal cellular events as well as pathological processes in many tissues mediated through a variety of signaling pathways, including ERK1/2 and AKT signaling, in a cell-, context- and development-dependent manner. The in vivo function of KRAS and its downstream targets in gonadal steroidogenic cells for the development and homeostasis of reproductive functions remain to be determined. To understand the functions of KRAS signaling in gonadal theca and interstitial cells, we generated a Kras mutant (tKrasMT) mouse line that selectively expressed a constitutively active KrasG12D in these cells. KrasG12D expression in ovarian theca cells did not block follicle development to the preovulatory stage. However, tKrasMT females failed to ovulate and thus were infertile. The phosphorylated ERK1/2 and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) and total FOXO1 protein levels were markedly reduced in tKrasMT theca cells. KrasG12D expression in theca cells also curtailed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and altered the expression of several ovulation-related genes in gonadotropin-primed granulosa cells. To uncover downstream targets of KRAS/FOXO1 signaling in theca cells, we found that the expression of bone morphogenic protein 7 (Bmp7), a theca-specific factor involved in ovulation, was significantly elevated in tKrasMT theca cells. Chromosome immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that FOXO1 interacted with the Bmp7 promoter containing forkhead response elements and that the binding activity was attenuated in tKrasMT theca cells. Moreover, Foxo1 knockdown caused an elevation, whereas Foxo1 overexpression resulted in an inhibition of Bmp7 expression, suggesting that KRAS signaling regulates FOXO1 protein levels to control Bmp7 expression in theca cells. Thus, the anovulation phenotype observed in tKrasMT mice may be attributed to aberrant KRAS/FOXO1/BMP7 signaling in theca cells. Our work provides the first in vivo evidence that maintaining normal KRAS activity in ovarian theca cells is crucial for ovulation and female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghao Sun
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Zhenmin Lei, ; Hongliang Wang,
| | - Lingyun Liu
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kaimin Guo
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xian Li
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Yin Cao
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chemyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Zi-Jian Lan
- Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Zhenmin Lei
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Zhenmin Lei, ; Hongliang Wang,
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16
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Naidu Surla G, Kumar LK, Gowdar Vedamurthy V, Singh D, Onteru SK. Salivary TIMP1 and predicted mir-141, possible transcript biomarkers for estrus in the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100641. [PMID: 35525172 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Successful reproductive management of buffaloes depends primarily upon timely estrus identification. However, 50% of the estrus events are undetected in buffaloes with the available estrus identification methods, leading to huge financial loss to buffalo farmers. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop an alternative and accurate estrus identification method, particularly on the basis of biomarkers in non-invasive fluids. Thus, the present study aimed to identify RNA based estrus biomarkers in cell free saliva in Bubalus bubalis, so that they can be used for future field applicable RT-LAMP colour reactions. RNA-Seq analysis of cell free salivary RNA showed 49 differentially abundant mRNAs between the estrus and diestrus stages. Among five mature miRNAs predicted from the RNA-Seq data, four were found differentially altered at the estrus stage than the diestrus stage. Validation study by direct salivary transcript analysis (DSTA) on 6 selected mRNAs (PPARGC1a, TIMP1, PEBP4, CSPG5, PRHR and ATOH7) and 5 miRNAs (bta-miR-92b, bta-miR-302d, bta-miR-141, bta-miR-27a and bta-let-7a-5p) showed significantly higher levels of TIMP1 (3.46 fold; P < 0.5) and bta-mir-141 (1.33 fold; P < 0.5) in cell-free saliva at the estrus stage compared to the diestrus stage. Hence, TIMP1 and miR-141 appear to be the possible transcript biomarkers for estrus in the cell free saliva of the buffalo. However, further validation studies are required in a large population of buffaloes to determine their estrus biomarker potential before considering them for RT-LAMP colour reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangu Naidu Surla
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics & Systems Biology Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division; ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana-132001, India
| | - Lal Krishan Kumar
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics & Systems Biology Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division; ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana-132001, India
| | - Veerappa Gowdar Vedamurthy
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics & Systems Biology Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division; ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana-132001, India
| | - Dheer Singh
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics & Systems Biology Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division; ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana-132001, India
| | - Suneel Kumar Onteru
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics & Systems Biology Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division; ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana-132001, India.
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17
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Xue W, Xue F, Jia T, Hao A. Research and experimental verification of the molecular mechanism of berberine in improving premature ovarian failure based on network pharmacology. Bioengineered 2022; 13:9885-9900. [PMID: 35420511 PMCID: PMC9161839 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2062104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the research methods of network pharmacology, this study analyzed the improvement effect of berberine (BBR) on premature ovarian failure (POF) and its molecular mechanism. Carry out GO and KEGG enrichment analysis by R language to obtain the potential targets and pathways of BBR in the improvement of POF. Use SD rats and ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) for experimental verification. ELISA was used to measure the content of related hormones in the serum, CCK-8 was used to measure cell viability, western blot was used to measure the content of the target protein in the ovaries and GCs, and q-RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of the target genes in the ovaries and GCs. Predicted by network pharmacology: PTEN, AKT1, FoxO1, FasL, and Bim are the targets with the highest relative correlation between BBR and POF. The results of experiments show that the treatment of low and medium doses of BBR can increase the ovarian index of rats; BBR can increase the levels of Estradiol (E2) and Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the serum of rats and reduce the levels of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH). BBR can increase the cell viability of GCs; BBR can inhibit the PTEN/AKT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway and its phosphorylation level and reduce the expression of Fas/FasL and Bim mRNA. Overall, BBR can promote the ovarian to maintain normal hormone levels, protect GCs, and enhance the function of POF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Xue
- Graduate School, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Follicular Development and Reproductive Health of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fan Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Tao Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Ai Hao
- Graduate School, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Follicular Development and Reproductive Health of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
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18
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Haldar S, Agrawal H, Saha S, Straughn AR, Roy P, Kakar SS. Overview of follicle stimulating hormone and its receptors in reproduction and in stem cells and cancer stem cells. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:675-692. [PMID: 35002517 PMCID: PMC8741861 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.63721] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and its receptor (FSHR) have been reported to be responsible for several physiological functions and cancers. The responsiveness of stem cells and cancer stem cells towards the FSH-FSHR system make the function of FSH and its receptors more interesting in the context of cancer biology. This review is comprised of comprehensive information on FSH-FSHR signaling in normal physiology, gonadal stem cells, cancer cells, and potential options of utilizing FSH-FSHR system as an anti-cancer therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Haldar
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India.,Current address: Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249405
| | - Himanshu Agrawal
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Sarama Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249203, India
| | - Alex R Straughn
- Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Partha Roy
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Sham S Kakar
- Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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19
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Dai XX, Jiang ZY, Wu YW, Sha QQ, Liu Y, Ding JY, Xi WD, Li J, Fan HY. CNOT6/6L-mediated mRNA degradation in ovarian granulosa cells is a key mechanism of gonadotropin-triggered follicle development. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110007. [PMID: 34788619 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CCR4-NOT deadenylase is a major regulator of mRNA turnover. It contains two heterogeneous catalytic subunits CNOT7/8 and CNOT6/6L in vertebrates. The physiological function of each catalytic subunit is unclear due to the gene redundancy. In this study, Cnot6/6l double knockout mice are generated. Cnot6l-/- female mice are infertile, with poor ovarian responses to gonadotropins. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the transcription and translation of Cnot6 and Cnot6l in ovarian granulosa cells. CNOT6/6L function as key effectors of FSH in granulosa cells and trigger the clearance of specific transcripts in granulosa cells during preantral to antral follicle transition. These results demonstrate that FSH modulates granulosa cell function by stimulating selective translational activation and degradation of existing mRNAs, in addition to inducing de novo gene transcription. Meanwhile, this study provides in vivo evidence that CNOT6/6L-mediated mRNA deadenylation is dispensable in most somatic cell types, but is essential for female reproductive endocrine regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Xing Dai
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhi-Yan Jiang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yun-Wen Wu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qian-Qian Sha
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
| | - Jia-Yi Ding
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
| | - Wen-Dong Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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20
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Lee EB, Chakravarthi VP, Wolfe MW, Rumi MAK. ERβ Regulation of Gonadotropin Responses during Folliculogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910348. [PMID: 34638689 PMCID: PMC8508937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropins are essential for regulating ovarian development, steroidogenesis, and gametogenesis. While follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the development of ovarian follicles, luteinizing hormone (LH) regulates preovulatory maturation of oocytes, ovulation, and formation of corpus luteum. Cognate receptors of FSH and LH are G-protein coupled receptors that predominantly signal through cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent mechanisms that activate protein kinases. Subsequent vital steps in response to gonadotropins are mediated through activation or inhibition of transcription factors required for follicular gene expression. Estrogen receptors, classical ligand-activated transcriptional regulators, play crucial roles in regulating gonadotropin secretion from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis as well as gonadotropin function in the target organs. In this review, we discuss the role of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) regulating gonadotropin response during folliculogenesis. Ovarian follicles in Erβ knockout (ErβKO) mutant female mice and rats cannot develop beyond the antral state, lack oocyte maturation, and fail to ovulate. Theca cells (TCs) in ovarian follicles express LH receptor, whereas granulosa cells (GCs) express both FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor (LHCGR). As oocytes do not express the gonadotropin receptors, the somatic cells play a crucial role during gonadotropin induced oocyte maturation. Somatic cells also express high levels of estrogen receptors; while TCs express ERα and are involved in steroidogenesis, GCs express ERβ and are involved in both steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. GCs are the primary site of ERβ-regulated gene expression. We observed that a subset of gonadotropin-induced genes in GCs, which are essential for ovarian follicle development, oocyte maturation and ovulation, are dependent on ERβ. Thus, ERβ plays a vital role in regulating the gonadotropin responses in ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - V. Praveen Chakravarthi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael W. Wolfe
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-913-588-8059
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21
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Zhai J, Zhang J, Zhang L, Liu X, Deng W, Wang H, Zhang Z, Liu W, Chen B, Wu C, Long H, Xu B, Ying X, Zou H, He J, Li P, Hu T, Xiang W, Li J. Autotransplantation of the ovarian cortex after in-vitro activation for infertility treatment: a shortened procedure. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2134-2147. [PMID: 34268564 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to establish a new in-vitro activation (IVA) protocol for infertility treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER A new IVA procedure is an efficient and easily performed approach for infertility treatment of patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVA of primordial follicles with or without stimulators has been developed to treat patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) successfully. However, the efficiency of the procedure is still very low. There is a requirement to optimize the protocol with increased efficiency for clinical application. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Newborn mouse ovaries were used to establish a new 1-h IVA protocol with the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) stimulator phosphatidic acid (PA, 200 µM) and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) stimulator 740Y-P (250 µg/ml); a prospective observational cohort study in POI patients was performed on 15 POI patients and 3 poor ovarian response (POR) patients in three different centers of reproductive medicine in China. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS One-third of ovarian cortex was removed and processed into bigger strips (1 × 1 cm2, 1-2 mm thickness). Strips were then sutured back after treatment. The new approach only requires one laparoscopic surgery. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Follicular activation and development increased in cultured mouse and human ovarian tissues after 1 h of stimulator treatment. Compared with tiny ovarian cortex pieces (1 × 1 mm2), large ovarian strips (1 × 1 cm2) showed the lowest apoptotic signals after incubation. We applied the orthotropic transplantation procedure with large strips in the clinic, and 9 of 15 POI patients showed at least one-wave follicular growth during the monitoring period. One patient was reported with one healthy delivery after natural conception and another patient with a healthy singleton delivery after IVF. All the contacted patients (n = 13) responded with no side effects on their health 2-4 years after IVA procedure. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Further clinical trials with a large number of well-defined patients are required to compare different IVA protocols. A long-term follow-up system should be set up to monitor patient's health in the future cohort study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS By using stimulators, the findings in the study provide a more efficient IVA protocol for the treatment of patients with DOR. It requires only one laparoscopic surgery and thus minimizes patients' discomfort and costs. This strategy could be useful for patients diagnosed with POI and desire pregnancy as soon as possible after the operation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1003703 and 2018YFC1004203); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81871221); Co-construction of Provincial Department (201601006). The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2000030872.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhai
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- Shenzhen IVF Gynecological Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weifen Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Bejing, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chongbo Wu
- Shenzhen IVF Gynecological Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huidong Long
- Shenzhen IVF Gynecological Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Boqun Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jun He
- Nanjing Ovahealth Biotechnology, Nanjing, China
| | - Pei Li
- Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Bejing, China
| | - Tiling Hu
- Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Bejing, China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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22
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Molecular Pathogenesis and Peripheral Monitoring of Adult Fragile X-Associated Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168368. [PMID: 34445074 PMCID: PMC8395059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal trinucleotide expansions cause rare disorders that compromise quality of life and, in some cases, lifespan. In particular, the expansions of the CGG-repeats stretch at the 5’-UTR of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene have pleiotropic effects that lead to a variety of Fragile X-associated syndromes: the neurodevelopmental Fragile X syndrome (FXS) in children, the late-onset neurodegenerative disorder Fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) that mainly affects adult men, the Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) in adult women, and a variety of psychiatric and affective disorders that are under the term of Fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (FXAND). In this review, we will describe the pathological mechanisms of the adult “gain-of-function” syndromes that are mainly caused by the toxic actions of CGG RNA and FMRpolyG peptide. There have been intensive attempts to identify reliable peripheral biomarkers to assess disease progression and onset of specific pathological traits. Mitochondrial dysfunction, altered miRNA expression, endocrine system failure, and impairment of the GABAergic transmission are some of the affectations that are susceptible to be tracked using peripheral blood for monitoring of the motor, cognitive, psychiatric and reproductive impairment of the CGG-expansion carriers. We provided some illustrative examples from our own cohort. Understanding the association between molecular pathogenesis and biomarkers dynamics will improve effective prognosis and clinical management of CGG-expansion carriers.
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23
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Vo KCT, Kawamura K. In Vitro Activation Early Follicles: From the Basic Science to the Clinical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073785. [PMID: 33917468 PMCID: PMC8038686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of early follicles, especially the activation of primordial follicles, is strictly modulated by a network of signaling pathways. Recent advance in ovarian physiology has been allowed the development of several therapies to improve reproductive outcomes by manipulating early folliculogenesis. Among these, in vitro activation (IVA) has been recently developed to extend the possibility of achieving genetically related offspring for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysfunction. This method was established based on basic science studies of the intraovarian signaling pathways: the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the Hippo signaling pathways. These two pathways were found to play crucial roles in folliculogenesis from the primordial follicle to the early antral follicle. Following the results of rodent experiments, IVA was implemented in clinical practice. There have been multiple recorded live births and ongoing pregnancies. Further investigations are essential to confirm the efficacy and safety of IVA before used widely in clinics. This review aimed to summarize the published literature on IVA and provide future perspectives for its improvement.
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24
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Telfer EE, Andersen CY. In vitro growth and maturation of primordial follicles and immature oocytes. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1116-1125. [PMID: 33823993 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue to preserve the fertility of girls and young women at high risk of sterility is now widely practiced. Pieces of cryopreserved ovarian cortex can be thawed and autografted to restore fertility, but because of the risks of reintroduction of the cancer, transplantation may not be possible for girls and women with blood-borne leukemias or cancers with a high risk of ovarian metastasis. Cryopreserved ovarian tissue contains mainly primordial follicles but also provides access to immature oocytes from small antral follicles, which may be matured in vitro to provide an additional source of mature oocytes. So in cases in which transplantation is contraindicated, fertility restoration could be safely achieved in the laboratory either by in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes aspirated from growing follicles or by the complete in vitro growth (IVG) and maturation (IVM) of primordial follicles to produce fertile metaphase II (MII) oocytes. The development of IVM and IVG methods to support all stages of oocytes available within ovarian tissue will maximize the potential for all patients undergoing fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8XE, Scotland.
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Vo KCT, Kawamura K. Ovarian Fragmentation and AKT Stimulation for Expansion of Fertile Lifespan. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:636771. [PMID: 36304045 PMCID: PMC9580792 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.636771] [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: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first baby was born after in vitro fertilization, the female infertility treatment has been well-developed, yielding successful outcomes. However, successful pregnancies for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve are still difficult and diverse therapies have been suggested to improve the chances to have their genetically linked offspring. Recent studies demonstrated that the activation Akt pathway by using a phosphatase and tensin homolog enzyme inhibitor and a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase stimulator can activate dormant primordial follicles in both mice and human ovaries. Subsequent researches suggested that the disruption of Hippo signaling pathway by ovarian fragmentation increased the expression of downstream growth factors and secondary follicle growth. Based on the combination of ovarian fragmentation and Akt stimulation, the in vitro activation (IVA) approach has resulted in successful follicle growth and live births in premature ovarian insufficiency patients. The approach with disruption of Hippo signaling only was also shown to be effective for treating poor ovarian responders with diminishing ovarian reserve, including advanced age women and cancer patients undergoing sterilizing treatments. This review aims to summarize the effectiveness of ovarian fragmentation and Akt stimulation on follicle growth and the potential of IVA in extending female fertile lifespan.
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26
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Procr-expressing granulosa cells are highly proliferative and are important for follicle development. iScience 2021; 24:102065. [PMID: 33644709 PMCID: PMC7889980 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102065] [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: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) play a critical role in folliculogenesis. It remains unclear how GCs expand during follicle development and whether there is a subpopulation of cells that is responsible for GCs growth. Here, we observed that a small population of GCs expressed stem cell surface marker Procr (Protein C receptor). Procr GCs displayed higher proliferation ability and lower levels of hormone receptors compared with Procr- GCs. Knockdown of Procr inhibited proliferation. Lineage tracing experiments demonstrated that they contribute to increasing numbers of GCs during folliculogenesis. Targeted ablation of Procr+ cells disrupted ovarian follicle development, leading to phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome. Our findings suggest that Procr-expressing GCs are endowed with high proliferative capacity that is critical for follicle development.
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27
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Wang W, Todorov P, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Wang M, Isachenko V. In vitro activation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue: A single-arm meta-analysis and systematic review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 258:258-264. [PMID: 33485262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primordial follicles in premature ovarian failure (POF) patients are very difficult to be activated spontaneously, so that mature oocytes are difficult to be obtained for in vitro fertilization. The aim of our review is to analyze and to systematize the published data regarding effectiveness of different strategies for in vitro activation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. STUDY DESIGN According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a review of the literature was performed for all relevant full-text articles published in PubMed in English. Meta-analysis conducted using STATA 14.0. The random-effects model was used to combine 8 study results because the examination of heterogeneity was minimal. RESULTS One hundred and seventy seven patients after in vitro activation treatment (IVA) of ovarian tissue had accumulatively 26 pregnancies through IVF or natural pregnancy and then produced 18 live births. The random-effects model showed that the total clinical pregnancy and baby born rates reported in 8 studies evidence about effectiveness of IVA. CONCLUSION In vitro activation of primordial follicles as a new potential treatment for ovarian disorder patients, can be a promising option for fertility preservation. Drug-free activation of ovarian tissue in comparison with drug-included activation seemed to be more efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxue Wang
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Plamen Todorov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Tzarigradsko Shosse 73, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Mengying Wang
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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28
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Sha QQ, Jiang Y, Yu C, Xiang Y, Dai XX, Jiang JC, Ou XH, Fan HY. CFP1-dependent histone H3K4 trimethylation in murine oocytes facilitates ovarian follicle recruitment and ovulation in a cell-nonautonomous manner. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2997-3012. [PMID: 31676962 PMCID: PMC11104893 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03322-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CxxC-finger protein 1 (CFP1)-mediated trimethylated histone H3 at lysine-4 (H3K4me3) during oocyte development enables the oocyte genome to establish the competence to generate a new organism. Nevertheless, it remains unclear to which extent this epigenetic modification forms an instructive component of ovarian follicle development. We investigated the ovarian functions using an oocyte-specific Cxxc1 knockout mouse model, in which the H3K4me3 accumulation is downregulated in oocytes of developing follicles. CFP1-dependent H3K4 trimethylation in oocytes was necessary to maintain the expression of key paracrine factors and to facilitate the communication between an oocyte and the surrounding granulosa cells. The distinct gene expression patterns in cumulus cells within preovulatory follicles were disrupted by the Cxxc1 deletion in oocytes. Both follicle growth and ovulation were compromised after CFP1 deletion, because Cxxc1 deletion in oocytes indirectly impaired essential signaling pathways in granulosa cells that mediate the functions of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Therefore, CFP1-regulated epigenetic modification of the oocyte genome influences the responses of ovarian follicles to gonadotropin in a cell-nonautonomous manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Sha
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yunlong Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xing-Xing Dai
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jun-Chao Jiang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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29
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Venniyoor A. PTEN: A Thrifty Gene That Causes Disease in Times of Plenty? Front Nutr 2020; 7:81. [PMID: 32582754 PMCID: PMC7290048 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The modern obesity epidemic with associated disorders of metabolism and cancer has been attributed to the presence of "thrifty genes". In the distant past, these genes helped the organism to improve energy efficiency and store excess energy safely as fat to survive periods of famine, but in the present day obesogenic environment, have turned detrimental. I propose PTEN as the likely gene as it has functions that span metabolism, cancer and reproduction, all of which are deranged in obesity and insulin resistance. The activity of PTEN can be calibrated in utero by availability of nutrients by the methylation arm of the epigenetic pathway. Deficiency of protein and choline has been shown to upregulate DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), especially 1 and 3a; these can then methylate promoter region of PTEN and suppress its expression. Thus, the gene is tuned like a metabolic rheostat proportional to the availability of specific nutrients, and the resultant "dose" of the protein, which sits astride and negatively regulates the insulin-PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, decides energy usage and proliferation. This "fixes" the metabolic capacity of the organism periconceptionally to a specific postnatal level of nutrition, but when faced with a discordant environment, leads to obesity related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Venniyoor
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Oncology Centre, The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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PTEN and FOXO3 expression in the prenatal and postnatal human ovary. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1613-1622. [PMID: 32424736 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01790-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to analyse the expression and cellular localization of FOXO3, pFOXO3 and PTEN throughout human ovary development both before and after birth. METHODS Foetal, pubertal and adult paraffin-embedded ovarian samples were analysed by immunohistochemistry for cellular localization of FOXO3, pFOXO3 and PTEN proteins. Protein and mRNA expression were analysed by western blot and real time PCR, respectively, from fresh biopsies. RESULTS PTEN was not detected by immunohistochemistry in germ cells and follicles of foetal, pubertal and adult ovaries. Occasional PTEN immunoreactive granulosa cells were found in atretic antral follicles in the adult ovary. Western blot analysis showed low levels of PTEN protein. Nuclear FOXO3-expressing primordial follicles represented a variable proportion of the ovarian reserve. The presence of FOXO3-expressing primordial follicles was very low in foetal ovary; although always represented in a low proportion, prevalence increased during pubertal and adult life. CONCLUSION Our results seem to indicate that two subpopulations of primordial follicles, i.e. nuclear FOXO3-expressing and no FOXO3-expressing primordial follicles are found in the postnatal human ovary. This scenario suggests that FOXO3 could be acting as in the mouse model, preventing primordial follicle activation. However, the strategy would not be an "all or nothing" system as in mouse ovary but rather a selected subpopulation of primordial follicles preserved to ensure long-term fertility.
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Sekulovski N, Whorton AE, Shi M, Hayashi K, MacLean JA. Periovulatory insulin signaling is essential for ovulation, granulosa cell differentiation, and female fertility. FASEB J 2020; 34:2376-2391. [PMID: 31908002 PMCID: PMC7781071 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901791r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated an essential role for insulin signaling in folliculogenesis as conditional ablation of Igf1r in primary follicles elicits defective follicle-stimulating hormone responsiveness blocking development at the preantral stage. Thus the potential role of insulin action in the periovulatory window and in the corpus luteum is unknown. To examine this, we generated conditional Insr,Igf1r, and double receptor knockout mice driven by Pgr-Cre. These models escape the preantral follicle block and in response to superovulatory gonadotropins exhibit normal distribution of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea. However, single ablation of Igf1r leads to subfertility and mice lacking both receptors are infertile. Double knockout mice have impaired oocyte development and ovulation. While some oocytes are released and fertilized, subsequent embryo development is retarded, and the embryos potentially fail to thrive due to lack of luteal support. In support of this, we found reduced expression of key enzymes in the steroid synthesis pathway and reduced serum progesterone. In addition to metabolic and steroidogenic pathways, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed transcription factor-3 as an important transcription factor downstream of insulin signaling. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of growth factors of the insulin family during two distinct windows of follicular development, ovulation, and luteinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Sekulovski
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Allison E Whorton
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Mingxin Shi
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Kanako Hayashi
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - James A MacLean
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
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Tsoi M, Morin M, Rico C, Johnson RL, Paquet M, Gévry N, Boerboom D. Lats1 and Lats2 are required for ovarian granulosa cell fate maintenance. FASEB J 2019; 33:10819-10832. [PMID: 31268774 PMCID: PMC6766663 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900609r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent reports suggest that the Hippo signaling pathway influences ovarian follicle development; however, its exact roles remain unknown. Here, we examined the ovarian functions of the Hippo kinases large tumor suppressors (LATS)1 and 2, which serve to inactivate the transcriptional coactivators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Inactivation of Lats1/2 in murine granulosa cells either in vitro or in vivo resulted in a loss of granulosa cell morphology, function, and gene expression. Mutant cells further underwent changes in structure and gene expression suggestive of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and transdifferentiation into multiple lineages. In vivo, granulosa cell-specific loss of Lats1/2 caused the ovarian parenchyma to be mostly replaced by bone tissue and seminiferous tubule-like structures. Transdifferentiation into Sertoli-like cells and osteoblasts was attributed in part to the increased recruitment of YAP and TAZ to the promoters of sex-determining region Y box 9 and bone γ-carboxyglutamate protein, key mediators of male sex determination and osteogenesis, respectively. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time a critical role for Lats1/2 in the maintenance of the granulosa cell genetic program and further highlight the remarkable plasticity of granulosa cells.-Tsoi, M., Morin, M., Rico, C., Johnson, R. L., Paquet, M., Gévry, N., Boerboom, D. Lats1 and Lats2 are required for ovarian granulosa cell fate maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Tsoi
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin Morin
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Charlène Rico
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Randy L. Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marilène Paquet
- Département de Pathologie et de Microbiologie, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gévry
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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Knockdown of Sfrp4 attenuates apoptosis to protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. J Pharmacol Sci 2019; 140:14-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Duffy DM, Ko C, Jo M, Brannstrom M, Curry TE. Ovulation: Parallels With Inflammatory Processes. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:369-416. [PMID: 30496379 PMCID: PMC6405411 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The midcycle surge of LH sets in motion interconnected networks of signaling cascades to bring about rupture of the follicle and release of the oocyte during ovulation. Many mediators of these LH-induced signaling cascades are associated with inflammation, leading to the postulate that ovulation is similar to an inflammatory response. First responders to the LH surge are granulosa and theca cells, which produce steroids, prostaglandins, chemokines, and cytokines, which are also mediators of inflammatory processes. These mediators, in turn, activate both nonimmune ovarian cells as well as resident immune cells within the ovary; additional immune cells are also attracted to the ovary. Collectively, these cells regulate proteolytic pathways to reorganize the follicular stroma, disrupt the granulosa cell basal lamina, and facilitate invasion of vascular endothelial cells. LH-induced mediators initiate cumulus expansion and cumulus oocyte complex detachment, whereas the follicular apex undergoes extensive extracellular matrix remodeling and a loss of the surface epithelium. The remainder of the follicle undergoes rapid angiogenesis and functional differentiation of granulosa and theca cells. Ultimately, these functional and structural changes culminate in follicular rupture and oocyte release. Throughout the ovulatory process, the importance of inflammatory responses is highlighted by the commonalities and similarities between many of these events associated with ovulation and inflammation. However, ovulation includes processes that are distinct from inflammation, such as regulation of steroid action, oocyte maturation, and the eventual release of the oocyte. This review focuses on the commonalities between inflammatory responses and the process of ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Misung Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats Brannstrom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Curry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Wen R, Gan X, Hu S, Gao S, Deng Y, Qiu J, Sun W, Li L, Han C, Hu J, Wang J. Evidence for the existence of de novo lipogenesis in goose granulosa cells. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1023-1030. [PMID: 30376078 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is an important physiological mechanism, but it is poorly understood in avian follicles. The protein distribution patterns of three key genes related to DNL (i.e., FAS, ACC, and PPARγ) were firstly determined in geese developing follicles using immunohistochemistry, and our results showed that all three proteins were present in both prehierarchical and hierarchical follicles. Furthermore, it was revealed by qPCR that transcripts of these three genes were widely expressed in theca and granulosa layers of all staged follicles; however, the expression of DNL-related genes in granulosa cell changed significantly (P < 0.05) after follicle selection (FAS and PPARγ) and before ovulation (FAS). It is suggested that the DNL mechanism may be closely related to the follicular selection, while FAS may be closely associated with ovulation and steroidogenesis. These results suggested that DNL exists throughout follicle development and it potentially have an important role in the process of follicular selection, development, steroidogenesis, and ovulation, especially in their granulosa layers. To further demonstrate this point, granulosa cells isolated from hierarchical follicles were cultured in vitro. By analyzing the mRNA and protein expression patterns of these three genes, the fatty acid synthase enzyme activity, the contents of extracellular triglyceride, and intracellular lipids, as well as the cell activity at different time points of in vitro culture (0, 6, 12, and 18 h). These findings not only ensured the existence of DNL in the granulosa cells of goose follicles, but also suggested the complex process of lipid metabolism that associated with DNL, may play an important role in cell proliferation and physiological functions. Taken together, we first confirmed the existence of lipid metabolism, especially the DNL in goose follicles, and further suggested its role in the follicles, especially in the granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shenqiang Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shanyan Gao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiamin Qiu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Wenqiang Sun
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Liang Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Chunchun Han
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiwei Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiwen Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase of the phosphatidylinositol kinase-related kinase family that regulates cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Extensive research has linked mTOR to several human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. In this review, recent publications regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of mTOR in female reproduction under physiological and pathological conditions are summarized. Moreover, we assess whether strategies to improve or suppress mTOR expression could have therapeutic potential for reproductive diseases like premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis.
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Zhou Y, Hong F, Wu N, Ji J, Cui Y, Li J, Zhuang J, Wang L. Suppression of ovarian follicle development by nano TiO2is associated with TGF-β-mediated signaling pathways. J Biomed Mater Res A 2018; 107:414-422. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Safety and Nutrition Function Evaluation; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- School of Life Sciences; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
| | - Fashui Hong
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Safety and Nutrition Function Evaluation; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- School of Life Sciences; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
| | - Nan Wu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Safety and Nutrition Function Evaluation; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- School of Life Sciences; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
| | - Jianhui Ji
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Safety and Nutrition Function Evaluation; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- School of Life Sciences; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
| | - Yonghua Cui
- Medical College, Soochow University; Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Jinyan Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Safety and Nutrition Function Evaluation; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- School of Life Sciences; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
| | - Juan Zhuang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Safety and Nutrition Function Evaluation; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
- School of Life Sciences; Huaiyin Normal University; Huaian 223300 China
| | - Ling Wang
- Library, Soochow University; Suzhou 215123 China
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Woo I, Christenson LK, Gunewardena S, Ingles SA, Thomas S, Ahmady A, Chung K, Bendikson K, Paulson R, McGinnis LK. Micro-RNAs involved in cellular proliferation have altered expression profiles in granulosa of young women with diminished ovarian reserve. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1777-1786. [PMID: 29987422 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to determine differences in micro-RNA (miRNA) expression in granulosa (GC) and cumulus cells (CC) between young women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) or normal ovarian reserve (NOR). Secondary objective was to identify downstream signaling pathways that could ultimately indicate causes of lower developmental competence of oocytes from young women with DOR. METHODS The method of the study is prospective cohort study. RESULTS Of the miRNA, 125 are differentially expressed in GC between DOR and NOR. Only nine miRNA were different in CC; therefore, we focused analysis on GC. In DOR GC, miR-100-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-30a-3p, and miR-193a-3p were significantly downregulated, while miR-155-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-128-3p, miR-486-5p, miR130a-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-17-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-175p were increased. This pattern predicted higher cell proliferation in the DOR GC. The primary pathways include MAPK, Wnt, and TGFbeta. CONCLUSIONS The miRNA pattern identified critical functions in cell proliferation and survival associated with DOR. GC in women with DOR seems to respond differently to the LH surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Woo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 534, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sue Ann Ingles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 534, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Semara Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 534, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Ali Ahmady
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 534, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Karine Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 534, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Kristin Bendikson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 534, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Richard Paulson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 534, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Lynda K McGinnis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 534, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Rajabi Z, Khokhar Z, Yazdekhasti H. The Growth of Preantral Follicles and the Impact of Different Supplementations and Circumstances: A Review Study with Focus on Bovine and Human Preantral Follicles. Cell Reprogram 2018; 20:164-177. [PMID: 29782184 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2017.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important concerns cancer survivors face is fertility. Current treatment modalities often result in damage to the reproductive system. Different options have been proposed to preserve the fertility of affected women, and many attempts have been made to improve their chance of childbearing after therapy. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and follicles before the onset of cancer treatment and then either transplantation of ovarian tissue or culture of ovarian tissue and individual follicles in vitro is a commonly cited approach. Extensive research is being done to design an optimal condition for the culture of ovarian follicles. Improving follicle culture systems by understanding their actual growth needs might be a crucial step toward fertility preservation in cancer patients. This review article will try to provide a summary of the role of different factors and conditions on growth of human and bovine preantral follicles in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rajabi
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran .,2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Zunair Khokhar
- 3 Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Hossein Yazdekhasti
- 4 Center for Research in Contraception and Reproductive Health, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia.,5 Center for Membrane & Cell Physiology, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia
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40
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Xu M, Sun J, Wang Q, Zhang Q, Wei C, Lai D. Chronic restraint stress induces excessive activation of primordial follicles in mice ovaries. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194894. [PMID: 29601583 PMCID: PMC5877864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is an important factor influencing people's health. It usually causes endocrinal disorders and a decline in reproduction in females. Although studies of both human and animals suggest a detrimental effect of stress on reproduction, the influence of chronic stress on the ovarian reservation and follicular development is still not clear. In this study, a chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model was used to investigate the effect of stress on ovarian reservation and follicular development and explore the underlying mechanism. In this study, after 8 weeks of CRS, primordial follicles were excessively activated in the ovaries of the CRS group compared with the control group. Further results showed that the activation of primordial follicles induced by CRS was involved in the increasing expression level of Kit ligand and its receptor Kit and the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a neuropeptide released due to stress, which plays an important role in regulating follicle development. A high level of serum CRH was detected in the CRS mouse model, and the real-time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that the mRNA level of its main receptor CRHR1increased in the ovaries of the CRS mouse group. Moreover, 100nM CRH significantly improved the activation of primordial follicles in newborn mouse ovaries in vitro. These results demonstrated that CRS could induce immoderate activation of primordial follicles accompanied by the activation of Kit-PI3K signaling, in which CRH might be an important endocrine factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhua Xu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyan Sun
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuwan Zhang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunsheng Wei
- Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (DL); (CW)
| | - Dongmei Lai
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (DL); (CW)
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The role of combining medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate with human menopausal gonadotropin in mouse ovarian follicular development. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29535409 PMCID: PMC5849710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate (MPA) combined with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) has been effectively used for ovarian stimulation in clinical practice. However, the molecular mechanism of MPA + hMG treatment in follicular development is poorly described. Here we performed a study to investigate the impact of MPA + hMG on ovarian stimulation utilizing a mouse model in vivo. Forty female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each and treated during ciestrus stage and continued for 5 days: control group, MPA group, hMG group, and MPA + hMG group. Morphological and molecular biology methods were used for detecting serum hormones and ovarian function. MPA + hMG group exhibited increasing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), antral follicle, FSH receptor (FSHR) and phosphorylated mammal target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and decreasing luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), corpus luteum, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and mTOR compared with control group. In contrast, MPA + hMG group showed reduced FSH, LH, E2, P, corpus luteum, LH receptor (LHR), and activated PI3K,/Akt/mTOR pathway compared with hMG group (P < 0.05). Collectively, these data definitively established that MPA plus hMG may modulate the hormone, hormone receptor and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to influence follicular development in the mouse ovary. Our study provides overwhelming support for MPA + hMG as an effective treatment for infertility in women.
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Richards JS. From Follicular Development and Ovulation to Ovarian Cancers: An Unexpected Journey. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 107:453-472. [PMID: 29544640 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Follicular development and ovulation are complex development processes that are regulated by multiple, interacting pathways and cell types. The oocyte, cumulus cells, granulosa cells, and theca cells communicate to impact follicular development and ovulation. Many hormones and cytokines control intracellular regulatory networks and transcription factors, some of which are cell type specific. Molecular biology approaches and mutant mouse models have contributed immensely to our knowledge of what genes and signaling cascades impact each stage of follicular development and ovulation, and how the alteration of gene expression profiles and the activation of specific signaling pathways can impact ovarian cancer development in ovarian surface epithelial cells as well as granulosa cells. This chapter explores how pathways controlling normal follicle development and ovulation can be diverted to abnormal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S Richards
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.
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43
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Bennett-Toomey J, Stocco C. GATA Regulation and Function During the Ovarian Life Cycle. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 107:193-225. [PMID: 29544631 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
GATA4 and GATA6 are the sole GATA factors expressed in the ovary during embryonic development and adulthood. Up today, GATA4 and GATA6 are the only transcription factors that have been conditionally deleted during ovarian development and at each major stage of follicle maturation. The evidence from these transgenic mice revealed that GATA4 and GATA6 are crucial for follicles assembly, granulosa cell differentiation, postnatal follicle growth, and luteinization. Thus, conditional knockdown of both factors in the granulosa cells at any stage of development leads to female infertility. GATA targets impacting female reproduction include genes involved in steroidogenesis, hormone signaling, ovarian hormones, extracellular matrix organization, and apoptosis/cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Stocco
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Pulido R. PTEN Inhibition in Human Disease Therapy. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020285. [PMID: 29385737 PMCID: PMC6017825 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor PTEN is a major homeostatic regulator, by virtue of its lipid phosphatase activity against phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3], which downregulates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR prosurvival signaling, as well as by its protein phosphatase activity towards specific protein targets. PTEN catalytic activity is crucial to control cell growth under physiologic and pathologic situations, and it impacts not only in preventing tumor cell survival and proliferation, but also in restraining several cellular regeneration processes, such as those associated with nerve injury recovery, cardiac ischemia, or wound healing. In these conditions, inhibition of PTEN catalysis is being explored as a potentially beneficial therapeutic intervention. Here, an overview of human diseases and conditions in which PTEN inhibition could be beneficial is presented, together with an update on the current status of specific small molecule inhibitors of PTEN enzymatic activity, their use in experimental models, and their limitations as research or therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pulido
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain.
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
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45
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da Silveira JC, de Ávila ACFCM, Garrett HL, Bruemmer JE, Winger QA, Bouma GJ. Cell-secreted vesicles containing microRNAs as regulators of gamete maturation. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:R15-R27. [PMID: 28870888 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian gamete maturation requires extensive signaling between germ cells and their surrounding somatic cells. In the ovary, theca cells, mural granulosa cells, cumulus cells and the oocyte all secrete factors throughout follicle growth and maturation that are critical for ovulation of a high-quality oocyte with the competence to develop into an embryo. Similarly, maturation of sperm occurs as it transits the epididymis during which epididymal epithelium and sperm exchange secretory factors that are required for sperm to gain motility and fertility. Recent studies in a variety of species have uncovered the presence of cell-secreted vesicles in follicular fluid (microvesicles and exosomes) and epididymal fluid (epididymosomes). Moreover, these cell-secreted vesicles contain small non-coding regulatory RNAs called microRNAs, which can be shuttled between maturing gametes and surrounding somatic cells. Although little is known about the exact mechanism of how microRNAs are loaded into these cell-secreted vesicles or are transferred and modulate gene expression and function in gametes, recent studies clearly suggest that cell-secreted vesicle microRNAs play a role in oocyte and sperm maturation. Moreover, a role for cell-secreted vesicular microRNAs in gamete maturation provides for novel opportunities to modulate and discover new diagnostic markers associated with male or female fertility. This manuscript provides an overview of cell-secreted vesicles in ovarian follicular fluid and epididymal fluid and microRNAs and discusses recent discoveries on the potential function of cell-secreted vesicles as carriers of microRNAs in oocyte and sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano C da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary MedicineFaculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara F C M de Ávila
- Department of Veterinary MedicineFaculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hannah L Garrett
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Jason E Bruemmer
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Quinton A Winger
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Gerrit J Bouma
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Hu Y, Yuan DZ, Wu Y, Yu LL, Xu LZ, Yue LM, Liu L, Xu WM, Qiao XY, Zeng RJ, Yang ZL, Yin WY, Ma YX, Nie Y. Bisphenol A Initiates Excessive Premature Activation of Primordial Follicles in Mouse Ovaries via the PTEN Signaling Pathway. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:609-620. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719117734700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Dong-zhi Yuan
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Sichuan Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Heavy Metals Pollution Control, Sichuan Academy of Environmental Sciences, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin-lin Yu
- Department of Infertility and Sterility ,Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital, Sichuan, Chengdu
| | - Liang-zhi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Li-min Yue
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, China
- Department of Infertility and Sterility ,Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital, Sichuan, Chengdu
| | - Wen-ming Xu
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University -The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-yong Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Ru-jun Zeng
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-lan Yang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-yao Yin
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-xian Ma
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Nie
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
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47
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Monsivais D, Matzuk MM, Pangas SA. The TGF-β Family in the Reproductive Tract. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:cshperspect.a022251. [PMID: 28193725 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family has a profound impact on the reproductive function of various organisms. In this review, we discuss how highly conserved members of the TGF-β family influence the reproductive function across several species. We briefly discuss how TGF-β-related proteins balance germ-cell proliferation and differentiation as well as dauer entry and exit in Caenorhabditis elegans. In Drosophila melanogaster, TGF-β-related proteins maintain germ stem-cell identity and eggshell patterning. We then provide an in-depth analysis of landmark studies performed using transgenic mouse models and discuss how these data have uncovered basic developmental aspects of male and female reproductive development. In particular, we discuss the roles of the various TGF-β family ligands and receptors in primordial germ-cell development, sexual differentiation, and gonadal cell development. We also discuss how mutant mouse studies showed the contribution of TGF-β family signaling to embryonic and postnatal testis and ovarian development. We conclude the review by describing data obtained from human studies, which highlight the importance of the TGF-β family in normal female reproductive function during pregnancy and in various gynecologic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas 77030.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.,Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Stephanie A Pangas
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas 77030
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48
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Andrade GM, da Silveira JC, Perrini C, Del Collado M, Gebremedhn S, Tesfaye D, Meirelles FV, Perecin F. The role of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185045. [PMID: 28922408 PMCID: PMC5602670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The ovarian follicle encloses oocytes in a microenvironment throughout their growth and acquisition of competence. Evidence suggests a dynamic interplay among follicular cells and oocytes, since they are constantly exchanging “messages”. We dissected bovine ovarian follicles and recovered follicular cells (FCs—granulosa and cumulus cells) and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to investigate whether the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway impacted oocyte quality. Following follicle rupture, COCs were individually selected for in vitro cultures to track the follicular cells based on oocyte competence to reach the blastocyst stage after parthenogenetic activation. Levels of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway components in FCs correlated with oocyte competence. This pathway is upregulated in FCs from follicles with high-quality oocytes that are able to reach the blastocyst stage, as indicated by decreased levels of PTEN and increased levels of the PTEN regulators bta-miR-494 and bta-miR-20a. Using PI3K-Akt responsive genes, we showed decreased FOXO3a levels and BAX levels in lower quality groups, indicating changes in cell cycle progression, oxidative response and apoptosis. Based on these results, the measurement of levels of PI3K-Akt pathway components in FCs from ovarian follicles carrying oocytes with distinct developmental competences is a useful tool to identify putative molecular pathways involved in the acquisition of oocyte competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Mamede Andrade
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Perrini
- Large Animal Hospital, Reproduction Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maite Del Collado
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Gebremedhn
- Institute for Animal Sciences (ITW), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Institute for Animal Sciences (ITW), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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Fu X, He Y, Wang X, Peng D, Chen X, Li X, Wang Q. Overexpression of miR-21 in stem cells improves ovarian structure and function in rats with chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage by targeting PDCD4 and PTEN to inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:187. [PMID: 28807003 PMCID: PMC5556338 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0641-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) is a severe complication affecting tumor patients at a childbearing age. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can partially restore the ovarian structure and function damaged by chemotherapy. miR-21 is a microRNA that can regulate cell apoptosis. This study discusses the repair effect and mechanism of MSCs overexpressing miR-21 on chemotherapy-induced POF. METHODS Rat MSCs and granulosa cells (GCs) were isolated in vitro. MSCs were transfected with miR-21 lentiviral vector (LV-miR-21) to obtain MSCs stably expressing miR-21 (miR-21-MSCs). The microenvironment of an ovary receiving chemotherapy was mimicked by adding phosphamide mustard (PM) into the cellular culture medium. The apoptosis rate and the mRNA and protein expression of target genes PTEN and PDCD4 were detected in MSCs. Apoptosis was induced by adding PM into the culture medium for GCs, which were cocultured with miR-21-MSCs. The apoptosis rate and the mRNA and protein expression of PTEN and PDCD4 were detected. The chemotherapy-induced POF model was built into rats by intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide injection. miR-21-MSCs were transplanted into the bilateral ovary. The rats were sacrificed at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after the last injection. The ovarian weights, follicle count, estrous cycle, and sex hormone levels (estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) were detected. Apoptosis of GCs was determined by TUNEL assay. The miR-21 and mRNA and protein expression of PTEN and PDCD4 were determined. RESULTS The apoptosis decreased in MSCs transfected with miR-21. The mRNA and protein expression of target genes PTEN and PDCD4 was downregulated. GCs cocultured with miR-21-MSCs showed a decreased apoptosis, an upregulation of miR-21, and a downregulation of PTEN and PDCD4. Following the injection of miR-21-MSCs, the ovarian weight and follicle counts increased; E2 levels increased while FSH levels decreased, with less severe apoptosis of GCs. The miR-21 expression in the ovaries was upregulated, while the mRNA expression and protein expression of PTEN and PDCD4 were downregulated. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of miR-21 in MSCs promoted efficacy against chemotherapy-induced POF and its improvement of the repair effect was related to the inhibition of GC apoptosis by targeting PTEN and PDCD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiafei Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanli He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxian Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinran Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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50
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Baumgarten SC, Armouti M, Ko C, Stocco C. IGF1R Expression in Ovarian Granulosa Cells Is Essential for Steroidogenesis, Follicle Survival, and Fertility in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2309-2318. [PMID: 28407051 PMCID: PMC5505221 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Folliculogenesis is a lengthy process that requires the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells (GCs) for preovulatory follicle formation. The most crucial endocrine factor involved in this process is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Interestingly, previous in vitro studies indicated that FSH does not stimulate GC proliferation in the absence of the insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). To determine the role of the IGF1R in vivo, female mice with a conditional knockdown of the IGF1R in the GCs were produced and had undetectable levels of IGF1R mRNA and protein in the GCs. These animals were sterile, and their ovaries were smaller than those of control animals and contained no antral follicles even after gonadotropin stimulation. The lack of antral follicles correlated with a 90% decrease in serum estradiol levels. In addition, under a superovulation protocol no oocytes were found in the oviducts of these animals. Accordingly, the GCs of the mutant females expressed significantly lower levels of preovulatory markers including aromatase, luteinizing hormone receptor, and inhibin α. In contrast, no alterations in FSH receptor expression were observed in GCs lacking IGF1R. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrated that ovaries lacking IGF1R had higher levels of apoptosis in follicles from the primary to the large secondary stages. Finally, molecular studies determined that protein kinase B activation was significantly impaired in mutant females when compared with controls. These in vivo findings demonstrate that IGF1R has a crucial role in GC function and, consequently, in female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Baumgarten
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Marah Armouti
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Champaigne, Illinois 60812
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
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