1
|
Isola JVV, Ocañas SR, Hubbart CR, Ko S, Mondal SA, Hense JD, Carter HNC, Schneider A, Kovats S, Alberola-Ila J, Freeman WM, Stout MB. A single-cell atlas of the aging mouse ovary. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:145-162. [PMID: 38200272 PMCID: PMC10798902 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00552-5] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian aging leads to diminished fertility, dysregulated endocrine signaling and increased chronic disease burden. These effects begin to emerge long before follicular exhaustion. Female humans experience a sharp decline in fertility around 35 years of age, which corresponds to declines in oocyte quality. Despite a growing body of work, the field lacks a comprehensive cellular map of the transcriptomic changes in the aging mouse ovary to identify early drivers of ovarian decline. To fill this gap we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on ovarian tissue from young (3-month-old) and reproductively aged (9-month-old) mice. Our analysis revealed a doubling of immune cells in the aged ovary, with lymphocyte proportions increasing the most, which was confirmed by flow cytometry. We also found an age-related downregulation of collagenase pathways in stromal fibroblasts, which corresponds to rises in ovarian fibrosis. Follicular cells displayed stress-response, immunogenic and fibrotic signaling pathway inductions with aging. This report provides critical insights into mechanisms responsible for ovarian aging phenotypes. The data can be explored interactively via a Shiny-based web application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José V V Isola
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sarah R Ocañas
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Neuroscience Department, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Physiology Department, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Chase R Hubbart
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sunghwan Ko
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Neuroscience Department, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Samim Ali Mondal
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jessica D Hense
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Nutrition College, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Hannah N C Carter
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Susan Kovats
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - José Alberola-Ila
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael B Stout
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Isola JVV, Ocañas SR, Hubbart CR, Ko S, Mondal SA, Hense JD, Carter HNC, Schneider A, Kovats S, Alberola-Ila J, Freeman WM, Stout MB. A single-cell atlas of the aging murine ovary. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.29.538828. [PMID: 37162983 PMCID: PMC10168416 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.29.538828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian aging leads to diminished fertility, dysregulated endocrine signaling, and increased chronic disease burden. These effects begin to emerge long before follicular exhaustion. Around 35 years old, women experience a sharp decline in fertility, corresponding to declines in oocyte quality. Despite a growing body of work, the field lacks a comprehensive cellular map of the transcriptomic changes in the aging ovary to identify early drivers of ovarian decline. To fill this gap, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on ovarian tissue from young (3-month-old) and reproductively aged (9-month-old) mice. Our analysis revealed a doubling of immune cells in the aged ovary, with lymphocyte proportions increasing the most, which was confirmed by flow cytometry. We also found an age-related downregulation of collagenase pathways in stromal fibroblasts, which corresponds to rises in ovarian fibrosis. Follicular cells displayed stress response, immunogenic, and fibrotic signaling pathway inductions with aging. This report raises provides critical insights into mechanisms responsible for ovarian aging phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José V. V. Isola
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sarah R. Ocañas
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Chase R. Hubbart
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sunghwan Ko
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Samim Ali Mondal
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jessica D. Hense
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Nutrition College, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Hannah N. C. Carter
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Augusto Schneider
- Nutrition College, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Susan Kovats
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - José Alberola-Ila
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M. Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael B. Stout
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shuyuan Y, Meimei W, Fenghua L, Huishan Z, Min C, Hongchu B, Xuemei L. hUMSC transplantation restores follicle development in ovary damaged mice via re-establish extracellular matrix (ECM) components. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:172. [PMID: 37620943 PMCID: PMC10464307 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01217-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Explore the therapeutic role of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) transplantation for regeneration of ECM components and restoration of follicular development in mice. BACKGROUND The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial to maintain ovary function and regulate follicular development, as it participates in important cell signaling and provides physical support to the cells. However, it is unknown how hUMSCs affect the expression of ECM-related genes in ovaries treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and busulfan (BUS). METHODS In the present study, we used 64 six- to eight-week-old ICR female mice to established mouse model. The mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 16/group): control, POI, POI + hUMSCs, and POI + PBS group. The premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of CTX and BUS for 7days, then, hUMSCs or PBS were respectively injected via the tail vein in POI + hUMSCs or POI + PBS group. Another 7days after injection, the mice were sacrificed to harvest the ovary tissue. The ovaries were immediately frozen with liquid nitrogen or fixed with 4% PFA for subsequent experiments. To screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we performed transcriptome sequencing of ovaries. Thereafter, a Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to predict the related biological functions. Retrieval of interacting genes for ECM-related DEGs was performed using the function of STRINGdb (version 2.6.5) to evaluate potential protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and IHC were performed to assess the differential expression of selected DEGs in control, damaged, hUMSCs-transplanted and non-transplanted ovaries. RESULTS Chemotherapy caused mouse ovarian follicular reserve depletion, and hUMSCs transplantation partially restored follicular development. Our results revealed that ECM-receptor interaction and ECM organization were both downregulated in the damaged ovaries. Further investigation showed that ECM-related genes were downregulated in the CTX and BUS treatment group and partially rescued in hUMSCs injection group but not in the PBS group. qRT-PCR and IHC verified the results: collagen IV and laminin gamma 3 were both expressed around follicle regions in normal ovaries, chemotherapy treatment disrupted their expression, and hUMSCs transplantation rescued their localization and expression to some extent. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrated that ECM-related genes participate in the regulation of ovarian reserve, hUMSCs treatment rescued abnormal expression and localization of collagen IV and laminin gamma 3 in the damaged ovaries. The results suggest that hUMSCs transplantation can maintain ECM-stable microenvironments, which is beneficial to follicular development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Shuyuan
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Wang Meimei
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Li Fenghua
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao Huishan
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Chu Min
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Bao Hongchu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China.
| | - Liu Xuemei
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Spatial distribution of preantral follicles in ovarian parenchyma of bovine species. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:195-200. [PMID: 36793125 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the distribution of preantral follicles in bovine ovaries. Follicular distribution in the ovaries (n = 12) was evaluated in the region of the greater curvature of the ovary (GCO) and the region close to the ovarian pedicle (OP) of Bos taurus indicus heifers of the Nelore breed. Two fragments were obtained from each region of the ovary (GCO and OP). The mean weight of the ovaries was 4.04 ± 0.32 g. The mean antral follicle count (AFC) was 54.58 ± 3.55 follicles (minimum and maximum variation of 30 and 71 follicles, respectively). In total, 1123 follicles were visualized in the region of the GCO; 949 (84.5%) of them were primordial follicles and 174 (15.5%) were developing follicles. The region close to the OP contained 1454 follicles, of which 1266 (87%) were primordial follicles and 44 (12.9%) were developing follicles. The OP region showed a higher proportion of intact follicles in the primordial (P < 0.0001) and primary (P = 0.042) stages compared with the GCO region. The proportion of secondary follicles was similar in the OP and GCO regions. The ovaries of two bovine females (16%; 2/12) contained multi-oocytes follicles, which were characterized as primary follicles. Therefore, the distribution of preantral follicles in the bovine ovary was heterogeneous, with the region close to the OP containing a greater number of preantral follicles compared with the GCO region (P < 0.05).
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu M, Hummitzsch K, Bastian NA, Hartanti MD, Irving-Rodgers HF, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Expression of PCOS candidate genes in bovine fetal and adult ovarian somatic cells. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 3:RAF-22-0068. [PMID: 36346793 PMCID: PMC9782414 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine metabolic disorder that appears to have a genetic predisposition and a fetal origin. The fetal ovary has two major somatic cell types shown previously to be of different cellular origins, different morphologies and to differentially express 15 genes. We isolated the somatic gonadal ridge epithelial-like (GREL) cells (n = 7) and ovarian fetal fibroblasts (n = 6) by clonal expansion. Using qRT-PCR, we compared the gene expression levels of PCOS candidate genes with previous data on the expression levels in whole fetal ovaries across gestation. We also compared these levels with those in bovine adult ovarian cells including fibroblasts (n = 4), granulosa cells (n = 5) and surface epithelial cells (n = 5). Adult cell types exhibited clear differences in the expression of most genes. In fetal ovarian cells, DENND1A and ERBB3 had significantly higher expression in GREL cells. HMGA2 and TGFB1I1 tended to have higher expression in fetal fibroblasts than GREL cells. Another 19 genes did not exhibit differences between GREL cells and fetal fibroblasts and FBN3, FSHB, LHCGR, FSHR and ZBTB16 were very lowly expressed in GREL cells and fibroblasts. The culture of fetal fibroblasts in EGF-containing medium resulted in lower expression of NEIL2, but higher expression of MAPRE1 compared to culture in the absence of EGF. Thus, the two fetal ovarian somatic cell types mostly lacked differential expression of PCOS candidate genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menghe Liu
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicole A Bastian
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Monica D Hartanti
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Helen F Irving-Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Raymond J Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Walters KA, Moreno-Asso A, Stepto NK, Pankhurst MW, Rodriguez Paris V, Rodgers RJ. Key signalling pathways underlying the aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome. J Endocrinol 2022; 255:R1-R26. [PMID: 35980384 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition characterised by a range of reproductive, endocrine, metabolic and psychological abnormalities. Reports estimate that around 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS, representing a significant prevalence worldwide, which poses a high economic health burden. As the origin of PCOS remains largely unknown, there is neither a cure nor mechanism-based treatments leaving patient management suboptimal and focused solely on symptomatic treatment. However, if the underlying mechanisms underpinning the development of PCOS were uncovered then this would pave the way for the development of new interventions for PCOS. Recently, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the underlying pathways likely involved in PCOS pathogenesis. Key insights include the potential involvement of androgens, insulin, anti-Müllerian hormone and transforming growth factor beta in the development of PCOS. This review will summarise the significant scientific discoveries on these factors that have enhanced our knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the development of PCOS and discuss the impact these insights may have in shaping the future development of effective strategies for women with PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A Walters
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alba Moreno-Asso
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria University, St. Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nigel K Stepto
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria University, St. Albans, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University and Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Medicine at Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Valentina Rodriguez Paris
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raymond J Rodgers
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu M, Hummitzsch K, Bastian NA, Hartanti MD, Wan Q, Irving-Rodgers HF, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Isolation, culture, and characterisation of bovine ovarian fetal fibroblasts and gonadal ridge epithelial-like cells and comparison to their adult counterparts. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268467. [PMID: 35802560 PMCID: PMC9269465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During ovarian development, gonadal ridge epithelial-like (GREL) cells arise from the epithelial cells of the ventral surface of the mesonephros. They ultimately develop into follicular granulosa cells or into ovarian surface epithelial cells. Stromal fibroblasts arise from the mesonephros and penetrate the ovary. We developed methods for isolating and culturing fetal ovarian GREL cells and ovarian fibroblasts by expansion of colonies without passage. In culture, these two cell types were morphologically different. We examined the expression profile of 34 genes by qRT-PCR, of which 24 genes had previously been studied in whole fetal ovaries. Expression of nine of the 10 newly-examined genes in fetal ovaries correlated with gestational age (MUC1, PKP2, CCNE1 and CCNE2 negatively; STAR, COL4A1, GJA1, LAMB2 and HSD17B1 positively). Comparison between GREL cells and fetal fibroblasts revealed higher expression of KRT19, PKP2, OCLN, MUC1, ESR1 and LGR5 and lower expression of GJA1, FOXL2, NR2F2, FBN1, COL1A1, NR5A1, CCND2, CCNE1 and ALDH1A1. Expression of CCND2, CCNE1, CCNE2, ESR2 and TGFBR1 was higher in the fetal fibroblasts than in adult fibroblasts; FBN1 was lower. Expression of OCLN, MUC1, LAMB2, NR5A1, ESR1, ESR2, and TGFBR3 was lower in GREL cells than ovarian surface epithelial cells. Expression of KRT19, DSG2, PKP2, OCLN, MUC1, FBN1, COL1A1, COL3A1, STAR and TGFBR2 was higher and GJA1, CTNNB1, LAMB2, NR5A1, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP19A1, HSD17B1, FOXL2, ESR1, ESR2, TGFBR3 and CCND2 was lower in GREL cells compared to granulosa cells. TGFβ1 altered the expression of COL1A1, COL3A1 and FBN1 in fetal fibroblasts and epidermal growth factor altered the expression of FBN1 and COL1A1. In summary, the two major somatic cell types of the developing ovary have distinct gene expression profiles. They, especially GREL cells, also differ from the cells they ultimately differentiate in to. The regulation of cell fate determination, particularly of the bi-potential GREL cells, remains to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menghe Liu
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicole A. Bastian
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Monica D. Hartanti
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Qianhui Wan
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Helen F. Irving-Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond J. Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kinnear HM, Tomaszewski CE, Chang FL, Moravek MB, Xu M, Padmanabhan V, Shikanov A. The ovarian stroma as a new frontier. Reproduction 2020; 160:R25-R39. [PMID: 32716007 PMCID: PMC7453977 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Historically, research in ovarian biology has focused on folliculogenesis, but recently the ovarian stroma has become an exciting new frontier for research, holding critical keys to understanding complex ovarian dynamics. Ovarian follicles, which are the functional units of the ovary, comprise the ovarian parenchyma, while the ovarian stroma thus refers to the inverse or the components of the ovary that are not ovarian follicles. The ovarian stroma includes more general components such as immune cells, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels, as well as ovary-specific components including ovarian surface epithelium, tunica albuginea, intraovarian rete ovarii, hilar cells, stem cells, and a majority of incompletely characterized stromal cells including the fibroblast-like, spindle-shaped, and interstitial cells. The stroma also includes ovarian extracellular matrix components. This review combines foundational and emerging scholarship regarding the structures and roles of the different components of the ovarian stroma in normal physiology. This is followed by a discussion of key areas for further research regarding the ovarian stroma, including elucidating theca cell origins, understanding stromal cell hormone production and responsiveness, investigating pathological conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), developing artificial ovary technology, and using technological advances to further delineate the multiple stromal cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadrian M Kinnear
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Claire E Tomaszewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Faith L Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu M, Hummitzsch K, Hartanti MD, Rosario R, Bastian NA, Hatzirodos N, Bonner WM, Irving-Rodgers HF, Laven JSE, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Analysis of expression of candidate genes for polycystic ovary syndrome in adult and fetal human and fetal bovine ovaries†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:840-853. [PMID: 32678441 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to have a genetic predisposition and a fetal origin. We compared the expression levels of 25 PCOS candidate genes from adult control and PCOS human ovaries (n = 16) using microarrays. Only one gene was potentially statistically different. Using qRT-PCR, expression of PCOS candidate genes was examined in bovine fetal ovaries from early stages when they first developed stroma through to completion of development (n = 27; 60-270 days of gestation). The levels of ERBB3 mRNA negatively correlated with gestational age but positively with HMGA2, FBN3, TOX3, GATA4, and DENND1A.X1,2,3,4, previously identified as correlated with each other and expressed early. PLGRKT and ZBTB16, and less so IRF1, were also correlated with AMH, FSHR, AR, INSR, and TGFB1I1, previously identified as correlated with each other and expressed late. ARL14EP, FDFT1, NEIL2, and MAPRE1 were expressed across gestation and not correlated with gestational age as shown previously for THADA, ERBB4, RAD50, C8H9orf3, YAP1, RAB5B, SUOX, and KRR1. LHCGR, because of its unusual bimodal expression pattern, had some unusual correlations with other genes. In human ovaries (n = 15; <150 days of gestation), ERBB3.V1 and ERBB3.VS were expressed and correlated negatively with gestational age and positively with FBN3, HMGA2, DENND1A.V1,3,4, DENND1A.V1-7, GATA4, and FSHR, previously identified as correlated with each other and expressed early. Thus, the general lack of differential expression of candidate genes in adult ovaries contrasting with dynamic patterns of gene expression in fetal ovaries is consistent with a vulnerability to disturbance in the fetal ovary that may underpin development of PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menghe Liu
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Monica D Hartanti
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Trisakti University, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicole A Bastian
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicholas Hatzirodos
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Wendy M Bonner
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Helen F Irving-Rodgers
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Richard A Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Raymond J Rodgers
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|