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Okamoto A, Nakanishi T, Tonai S, Shimada M, Yamashita Y. Neurotensin induces sustainable activation of the ErbB-ERK1/2 pathway, which is required for developmental competence of oocytes in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12571. [PMID: 38510925 PMCID: PMC10951886 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose LH induces the expression of EGF-like factors and their shedding enzyme (ADAM17) in granulosa cells (GCs), which is essential for ovulation via activation of the ErbB-ERK1/2 pathway in cumulus cells (CCs). Neurotensin (NTS) is reported as a novel regulator of ovulation, whereas the NTS-induced maturation mechanism in oocytes remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the role of NTS in the expression of EGF-like factors and ErbBs, and ADAM17 activity, during oocyte maturation and ovulation in mice. Methods The expression and localization in GC and CC were examined. Next, hCG and NTS receptor 1 antagonist (SR) were injected into eCG-primed mice, and the effects of SR on ERK1/2 phosphorylation were investigated. Finally, we explored the effects of SR on the expression of EGF-like factors and ErbBs, and ADAM17 activity in GC and CC. Results NTS was significantly upregulated in GC and CC following hCG injection. SR injection suppressed oocyte maturation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. SR also downregulated part of the expression of EGF-like factors and their receptors, and ADAM17 activity. Conclusions NTS induces oocyte maturation through the sustainable activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway by upregulating part of the EGF-like factor-induced pathway during oocyte maturation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Okamoto
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaShobaraJapan
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for LifeHiroshima UniversityHigashi‐HiroshimaJapan
| | - Tomoya Nakanishi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaShobaraJapan
| | - Shingo Tonai
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaShobaraJapan
| | - Masayuki Shimada
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for LifeHiroshima UniversityHigashi‐HiroshimaJapan
| | - Yasuhisa Yamashita
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaShobaraJapan
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2
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Dang X, Fang L, Zhang Q, Liu B, Cheng JC, Sun YP. AREG upregulates secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine expression in human granulosa cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 561:111826. [PMID: 36462647 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111826] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a secreted glycoprotein and the expression of ovarian SPARC peaks during ovulation and luteinization. Besides, SPARC expression was induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in rat granulosa cells. Amphiregulin (AREG) is the most abundant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand expressed in human granulosa cells and follicular fluid. AREG mediates the physiological functions of luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG in the ovary. However, to date, the biological function of SPARC in the human ovary remains undetermined, and whether AREG regulates SPARC expression in human granulosa cells is unknown. In this study, we show that AREG upregulated SPARC expression via EGFR in a human granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN. Treatment of AREG activated ERK1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and all of them were required for the AREG-induced SPARC expression. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified that steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) was a downstream target gene of SPARC. In addition, we demonstrated that SPARC mRNA levels were positively correlated with the levels of StAR mRNA in the primary culture of human granulosa cells. Moreover, SPARC protein levels were positively correlated with progesterone levels in follicular fluid of in vitro fertilization patients. This study provides the regulatory role of AREG on the expression of SPARC and reveals the novel function of SPARC in progesterone production in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Dang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Boqun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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3
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Das D, Arur S. Regulation of oocyte maturation: Role of conserved ERK signaling. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:353-374. [PMID: 35908193 PMCID: PMC9492652 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23637] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During oogenesis, oocytes arrest at meiotic prophase I to acquire competencies for resuming meiosis, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Following this arrested period, oocytes resume meiosis in response to species-specific hormones, a process known as oocyte maturation, that precedes ovulation and fertilization. Involvement of endocrine and autocrine/paracrine factors and signaling events during maintenance of prophase I arrest, and resumption of meiosis is an area of active research. Studies in vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms have delineated the molecular determinants and signaling pathways that regulate oocyte maturation. Cell cycle regulators, such as cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK1), polo-like kinase (PLK1), Wee1/Myt1 kinase, and the phosphatase CDC25 play conserved roles during meiotic resumption. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), on the other hand, while activated during oocyte maturation in all species, regulates both species-specific, as well as conserved events among different organisms. In this review, we synthesize the general signaling mechanisms and focus on conserved and distinct functions of ERK signaling pathway during oocyte maturation in mammals, non-mammalian vertebrates, and invertebrates such as Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debabrata Das
- Department of Genetics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Swathi Arur
- Department of Genetics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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4
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Intraovarian, Isoform-Specific Transcriptional Roles of Progesterone Receptor in Ovulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091563. [PMID: 35563869 PMCID: PMC9105733 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091563] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PGR) activity is obligatory for mammalian ovulation; however, there is no established direct functional pathway explaining how progesterone receptor completely and specifically regulates oocyte release. This study examined the overarching cell- and isoform-specific effects of the PGR within each cellular compartment of the ovary, using mice null for the PGR (PRKO), as well as isoform-specific null mice. The PGR was expressed in ovarian granulosa and stromal cells and although PRKO ovaries showed no visible histological changes in preovulatory ovarian morphology, follicle rupture did not occur. Reciprocal ovarian transplant experiments established the necessity of ovarian PGR expression for ovulation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of PRKO mice exhibited normal morphology but showed some altered gene expression. The examination of mitochondrial activity showed subtle differences in PRKO oocytes but no differences in granulosa cell respiration, glycolysis or β-oxidation. Concurrently, RNA-seq identified novel functional pathways through which the PGR may regulate ovulation. PGR-A was the predominant transcriptionally active isoform in granulosa cells and 154 key PGR-dependent genes were identified, including a secondary network of transcription factors. In addition, the PGR regulated unique gene networks in the ovarian stroma. Collectively, we establish the effector pathways activated by the PGR across the ovarian cell types and conclude that PGR coordinates gene expression in the cumulus, granulosa and stromal cells at ovulation. Identifying these networks linking the PGR to ovulation provides novel targets for fertility therapeutics and nonhormonal contraceptive development.
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5
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Dau AMP, da Rosa PR, dos Santos J, Ferst J, de Macedo M, Rovani M, Comim F, Antoniazzi AQ, Gasperin B, Ferreira R, Gonçalves PB. The influence of prorenin/(pro)renin receptor on progesterone secretion by the bovine corpus luteum. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 241:106985. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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6
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Song Y, Chen W, Zhu B, Ge W. Disruption of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor but Not EGF Blocks Follicle Activation in Zebrafish Ovary. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:750888. [PMID: 35111746 PMCID: PMC8802807 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.750888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Folliculogenesis is controlled by intimate communications between oocytes and surrounding follicle cells. Epidermal growth factor (EGF/Egf) is an important paracrine/autocrine factor in vertebrate ovary, and it is well known for its stimulation of oocyte maturation. However, the role of EGF signaling through its receptor (EGFR/Egfr) in ovarian folliculogenesis is poorly understood, especially at early stages of follicle development. In this study, we created zebrafish mutants for Egf (egf−/−) and Egfr (egfra−/− and egfrb−/−) by CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Surprisingly, these mutants all survived well with little abnormality in growth and development. Spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis were both normal in egf−/− males and females. Their fecundity was comparable to that of the wildtype fish at 4 months post-fertilization (mpf); however, the fertilization rate of mutant eggs (egf−/−) decreased significantly at 7 mpf. Interestingly, disruption of egfra (egfra−/−) led to failed follicle activation with folliculogenesis being blocked at primary–secondary growth transition (PG-SG transition), leading to female infertility, whereas the mutant males remained fertile. The mutant ovary (egfra−/−) showed abnormal expression of a substantial number of genes involved in oxidative metabolism, gene transcription, cytomembrane transport, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and immune response. The stunted PG oocytes in egfra−/− ovary eventually underwent degeneration after 6 months followed by sex reversal to males with functional testes. No abnormal phenotypes were found in the mutant of truncated form of EGFR (egfrb). In summary, our data revealed critical roles for EGFR signaling in early folliculogenesis, especially at the PG-SG transition or follicle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wei Ge
- *Correspondence: Wei Ge, ,
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7
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Konstantinidou F, Budani MC, Sarra A, Stuppia L, Tiboni GM, Gatta V. Impact of Cigarette Smoking on the Expression of Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Cumulus Cells Retrieved from Healthy Women Undergoing IVF. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313147. [PMID: 34884952 PMCID: PMC8658611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system represents a sensitive target of the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, with folliculogenesis as one of the ovarian processes most affected by this exposure. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of tobacco smoking on expression of oxidative stress-related genes in cumulus cells (CCs) from smoking and non-smoking women undergoing IVF techniques. Real time PCR technology was used to analyze the gene expression profile of 88 oxidative stress genes enclosed in a 96-well plate array. Statistical significance was assessed by one-way ANOVA. The biological functions and networks/pathways of modulated genes were evidenced by ingenuity pathway analysis software. Promoter methylation analysis was performed by pyrosequencing. Our results showed a down-regulation of 24 genes and an up-regulation of 2 genes (IL6 and SOD2, respectively) involved in defense against oxidative damage, cell cycle regulation, as well as inflammation in CCs from smoking women. IL-6 lower promoter methylation was found in CCs of the smokers group. In conclusion, the disclosed overall downregulation suggests an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in CCs triggered by cigarette smoking exposure. This evidence adds a piece to the puzzle of the molecular basis of female reproduction and could help underlay the importance of antioxidant treatments for smoking women undergoing IVF protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Konstantinidou
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.); (L.S.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Budani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Annalina Sarra
- Department of Philosophical, Pedagogical and Quantitative Economic Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.); (L.S.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gian Mario Tiboni
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.M.T.); (V.G.)
| | - Valentina Gatta
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.); (L.S.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.M.T.); (V.G.)
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8
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Veikkolainen V, Ali N, Doroszko M, Kiviniemi A, Miinalainen I, Ohlsson C, Poutanen M, Rahman N, Elenius K, Vainio SJ, Naillat F. Erbb4 regulates the oocyte microenvironment during folliculogenesis. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2813-2830. [PMID: 32716031 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders leading to infertility in women affecting reproductive, endocrine and metabolic systems. Recent genomewide association studies on PCOS cohorts revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ERBB4 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 gene, but its role in ovary development or during folliculogenesis remains poorly understood. Since no genetic animal models mimicking all PCOS reproductive features are available, we conditionally deleted Erbb4 in murine granulosa cells (GCs) under the control of Amh promoter. While we have demonstrated that Erbb4 deletion displayed aberrant ovarian function by affecting the reproductive function (asynchronous oestrous cycle leading to few ovulations and subfertility) and metabolic function (obesity), their ovaries also present severe structural and functional abnormalities (impaired oocyte development). Hormone analysis revealed an up-regulation of serum luteinizing hormone, hyperandrogenism, increased production of ovarian and circulating anti-Müllerian hormone. Our data implicate that Erbb4 deletion in GCs leads to defective intercellular junctions between the GCs and oocytes, causing changes in the expression of genes regulating the local microenvironment of the follicles. In vitro culture assays reducing the level of Erbb4 via shRNAs confirm that Erbb4 is essential for regulating Amh level. In conclusion, our results indicate a functional role for Erbb4 in the ovary, especially during folliculogenesis and its reduced expression plays an important role in reproductive pathophysiology, such as PCOS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Veikkolainen
- Institute of Biomedicine and MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Nsrein Ali
- Organogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Milena Doroszko
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.,Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Section for Neuro-oncology, Uppsala University, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Antti Kiviniemi
- Organogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Ilkka Miinalainen
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nafis Rahman
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Klaus Elenius
- Institute of Biomedicine and MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.,Department of Oncology, Turku University Hospital, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Seppo J Vainio
- Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Section for Neuro-oncology, Uppsala University, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.,InfoTech Oulu, Oulu University and Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, FINLAND
| | - Florence Naillat
- Organogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
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Johnson GP, Jonas KC. Mechanistic insight into how gonadotropin hormone receptor complexes direct signaling†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:773-783. [PMID: 31882999 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin hormones and their receptors play a central role in the control of male and female reproduction. In recent years, there has been growing evidence surrounding the complexity of gonadotropin hormone/receptor signaling, with it increasingly apparent that the Gαs/cAMP/PKA pathway is not the sole signaling pathway that confers their biological actions. Here we review recent literature on the different receptor-receptor, receptor-scaffold, and receptor-signaling molecule complexes formed and how these modulate and direct gonadotropin hormone-dependent intracellular signal activation. We will touch upon the more controversial issue of extragonadal expression of FSHR and the differential signal pathways activated in these tissues, and lastly, highlight the open questions surrounding the role these gonadotropin hormone receptor complexes and how this will shape future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Carol Jonas
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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10
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Tahir MS, Porto-Neto LR, Gondro C, Shittu OB, Wockner K, Tan AWL, Smith HR, Gouveia GC, Kour J, Fortes MRS. Meta-Analysis of Heifer Traits Identified Reproductive Pathways in Bos indicus Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:768. [PMID: 34069992 PMCID: PMC8157873 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility traits measured early in life define the reproductive potential of heifers. Knowledge of genetics and biology can help devise genomic selection methods to improve heifer fertility. In this study, we used ~2400 Brahman cattle to perform GWAS and multi-trait meta-analysis to determine genomic regions associated with heifer fertility. Heifer traits measured were pregnancy at first mating opportunity (PREG1, a binary trait), first conception score (FCS, score 1 to 3) and rebreeding score (REB, score 1 to 3.5). The heritability estimates were 0.17 (0.03) for PREG1, 0.11 (0.05) for FCS and 0.28 (0.05) for REB. The three traits were highly genetically correlated (0.75-0.83) as expected. Meta-analysis was performed using SNP effects estimated for each of the three traits, adjusted for standard error. We identified 1359 significant SNPs (p-value < 9.9 × 10-6 at FDR < 0.0001) in the multi-trait meta-analysis. Genomic regions of 0.5 Mb around each significant SNP from the meta-analysis were annotated to create a list of 2560 positional candidate genes. The most significant SNP was in the vicinity of a genomic region on chromosome 8, encompassing the genes SLC44A1, FSD1L, FKTN, TAL2 and TMEM38B. The genomic region in humans that contains homologs of these genes is associated with age at puberty in girls. Top significant SNPs pointed to additional fertility-related genes, again within a 0.5 Mb region, including ESR2, ITPR1, GNG2, RGS9BP, ANKRD27, TDRD12, GRM1, MTHFD1, PTGDR and NTNG1. Functional pathway enrichment analysis resulted in many positional candidate genes relating to known fertility pathways, including GnRH signaling, estrogen signaling, progesterone mediated oocyte maturation, cAMP signaling, calcium signaling, glutamatergic signaling, focal adhesion, PI3K-AKT signaling and ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. The comparison of results from this study with previous transcriptomics and proteomics studies on puberty of the same cattle breed (Brahman) but in a different population identified 392 genes in common from which some genes-BRAF, GABRA2, GABR1B, GAD1, FSHR, CNGA3, PDE10A, SNAP25, ESR2, GRIA2, ORAI1, EGFR, CHRNA5, VDAC2, ACVR2B, ORAI3, CYP11A1, GRIN2A, ATP2B3, CAMK2A, PLA2G, CAMK2D and MAPK3-are also part of the above-mentioned pathways. The biological functions of the positional candidate genes and their annotation to known pathways allowed integrating the results into a bigger picture of molecular mechanisms related to puberty in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. A reasonable number of genes, common between previous puberty studies and this study on early reproductive traits, corroborates the proposed molecular mechanisms. This study identified the polymorphism associated with early reproductive traits, and candidate genes that provided a visualization of the proposed mechanisms, coordinating the hypothalamic, pituitary, and ovarian functions for reproductive performance in Brahman cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S. Tahir
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Laercio R. Porto-Neto
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Cedric Gondro
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Olasege B. Shittu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Kimberley Wockner
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Andre W. L. Tan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Hugo R. Smith
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Gabriela C. Gouveia
- Animal Science Department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Jagish Kour
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Marina R. S. Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
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11
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He M, Zhang T, Yang Y, Wang C. Mechanisms of Oocyte Maturation and Related Epigenetic Regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654028. [PMID: 33842483 PMCID: PMC8025927 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the basis of sexual reproduction. In female mammals, meiosis of oocytes starts before birth and sustains at the dictyate stage of meiotic prophase I before gonadotropins-induced ovulation happens. Once meiosis gets started, the oocytes undergo the leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene stages, and then arrest at the dictyate stage. During each estrus cycle in mammals, or menstrual cycle in humans, a small portion of oocytes within preovulatory follicles may resume meiosis. It is crucial for females to supply high quality mature oocytes for sustaining fertility, which is generally achieved by fine-tuning oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption progression. Anything that disturbs the process may result in failure of oogenesis and seriously affect both the fertility and the health of females. Therefore, uncovering the regulatory network of oocyte meiosis progression illuminates not only how the foundations of mammalian reproduction are laid, but how mis-regulation of these steps result in infertility. In order to provide an overview of the recently uncovered cellular and molecular mechanism during oocyte maturation, especially epigenetic modification, the progress of the regulatory network of oocyte meiosis progression including meiosis arrest and meiosis resumption induced by gonadotropins is summarized. Then, advances in the epigenetic aspects, such as histone acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation related to the quality of oocyte maturation are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meina He
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
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12
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Fu A, Koth ML, Brown RM, Shaw SA, Wang L, Krentz KJ, Zhang X, Hui CC, Jorgensen JS. IRX3 and IRX5 collaborate during ovary development and follicle formation to establish responsive granulosa cells in the adult mouse†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:620-629. [PMID: 32507881 PMCID: PMC7822710 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy development of ovarian follicles depends on appropriate interactions and function between oocytes and their surrounding granulosa cells. Previously, we showed that double knockout of Irx3 and Irx5 (Irx3/5 DKO) in mice resulted in abnormal follicle morphology and follicle death. Further, female mouse models of individual Irx3 or Irx5 knockouts were both subfertile but with distinct defects. Notably, the expression profile of each gene suggests independent roles for each; first, they are colocalized in pre-granulosa cells during development that then progresses to include oocyte expression during germline nest breakdown and primordial follicle formation. Thereafter, their expression patterns diverge between oocytes and granulosa cells coinciding with the formulation and maturation of intimate oocyte-granulosa cell interactions. The objective of this study was to investigate the contributions of Irx5 and somatic cell-specific expression of Irx3 during ovarian development. Our results show that Irx3 and Irx5 contribute to female fertility through different mechanisms and that Irx3 expression in somatic cells is important for oocyte quality and survival. Based on evaluation of a series of genetically modified mouse models, we conclude that IRX3 and IRX5 collaborate in the same cells and then in neighboring cells to foster a healthy and responsive follicle. Long after these two factors have extinguished, their legacy enables these intercellular connections to mature and respond to extracellular signals to promote follicle maturation and ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Fu
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Megan L Koth
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ryan M Brown
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sarah A Shaw
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Linda Wang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kathleen J Krentz
- Genome Editing and Animal Models Core, Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi-chung Hui
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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13
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Luteinizing Hormone Action in Human Oocyte Maturation and Quality: Signaling Pathways, Regulation, and Clinical Impact. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1223-1252. [PMID: 32046451 PMCID: PMC7190682 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The ovarian follicle luteinizing hormone (LH) signaling molecules that regulate oocyte meiotic maturation have recently been identified. The LH signal reduces preovulatory follicle cyclic nucleotide levels which releases oocytes from the first meiotic arrest. In the ovarian follicle, the LH signal reduces cyclic nucleotide levels via the CNP/NPR2 system, the EGF/EGF receptor network, and follicle/oocyte gap junctions. In the oocyte, reduced cyclic nucleotide levels activate the maturation promoting factor (MPF). The activated MPF induces chromosome segregation and completion of the first and second meiotic divisions. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the current understanding of human LH signaling regulation of oocyte meiotic maturation by identifying and integrating the human studies on this topic. We found 89 human studies in the literature that identified 24 LH follicle/oocyte signaling proteins. These studies show that human oocyte meiotic maturation is regulated by the same proteins that regulate animal oocyte meiotic maturation. We also found that these LH signaling pathway molecules regulate human oocyte quality and subsequent embryo quality. Remarkably, in vitro maturation (IVM) prematuration culture (PMC) protocols that manipulate the LH signaling pathway improve human oocyte quality of cultured human oocytes. This knowledge has improved clinical human IVM efficiency which may become a routine alternative ART for some infertile patients.
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14
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Kim JW, Park HJ, Yang SG, Kim MJ, Kim IS, Jegal HG, Wee G, Yang HY, Park JJ, Choo YK, Koo DB. Exogenous Ganglioside GT1b Enhances Porcine Oocyte Maturation, Including the Cumulus Cell Expansion and Activation of EGFR and ERK1/2 Signaling. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:278-289. [PMID: 32046393 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ganglioside GT1b is well-known for its role in cytokine production and in activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signaling pathways in cancer cells. However, there are no reports that clearly elucidate the role of GT1b in EGFR-mediated signaling pathways in porcine oocytes during the process of in vitro maturation (IVM). In this study, we investigated the role of GT1b in EGFR-mediated activation of the ERK1/2 pathway in porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) at 44 h of IVM. Our data show that expression of the ST3GAL2 protein significantly increased in porcine COCs at 44 h irrespective of treatment with EGF. Meiotic maturation and mRNA levels of factors (HAS2, TNFAIP6, and PTX3) related to cumulus cell expansion significantly increased in COCs treated with 2 μM GT1b during IVM in the absence of EGF. They also increased in COCs treated with EGF/GT1b as compared to that in the other groups. Interestingly, protein levels of EGFR, phospho-EGFR, ERK1/2, and phospho-ERK1/2 dramatically increased in COCs treated with EGF/GT1b. Moreover, the rate of fertilization and the developmental competence of blastocyst were significantly higher in EGF/GT1b-treated COCs. Taken together, these results suggest that exogenous GT1b improves meiotic maturation and cumulus cell expansion in porcine COCs via activation of EGFR-mediated ERK1/2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Woo Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jin Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul-Gi Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Su Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Geun Jegal
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Gabbine Wee
- Laboratory Animal Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), 80 Cheombok-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Young Yang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), 80 Cheombok-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Joung Jun Park
- Animal Reproduction & Biotechnology Center, Myung-Poom Hanwoo Consulting, Hoengseong, 25232, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kug Choo
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Wonkwang University, 460, Iksandae-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Deog-Bon Koo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea.
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15
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In Vitro Reconstruction of Xenopus Oocyte Ovulation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194766. [PMID: 31561408 PMCID: PMC6801927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is widely used to induce maturation of isolated fully grown oocytes of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. However, the hormone fails to release oocytes from the layer of surrounding follicle cells. Here, we report that maturation and follicle rupture can be recapitulated in vitro by treating isolated follicular oocytes with progesterone and low doses of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), collagenase, which are ineffective in the absence of the steroid. Using this in vitro ovulation model, we demonstrate that germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and oocyte liberation from ovarian follicles occur synchronously during ovulation. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway in these experimental settings suppresses both GVBD and follicular rupture, whereas inhibition of MMP activity delays follicular rupture without affecting GVBD. These results highlight importance of MAPK and MMP activities in the ovulation process and provide the first evidence for their involvement in the release of oocytes from ovarian follicles in frogs. The in vitro ovulation model developed in our study can be employed for further dissection of ovulation.
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16
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Lee SH, Oh HJ, Kim MJ, Lee BC. Exosomes derived from oviduct cells mediate the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway in cumulus cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:1386-1404. [PMID: 31338842 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29058] [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: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Current studies indicate that application of oviduct cells (OCs) in in vitro system create microenvironment similar to the in vivo conditions by releasing multiple growth factors which has beneficial effects on the development of cumulus-oocyte complexes and embryos. In particular, recent evidence with a coculture system indicates that there is a reciprocal relationship between canine OCs and cumulus cells and that oviductal secretions can promote changes in cellular protein/gene expression. Despite the fact that OCs respond to cumulus cells, a clear understanding of the mechanism by which the components released from OCs that play a role in modulating the biological function of cumulus cells is still elusive. Therefore, we hypothesized that exosomes derived from OCs (OC-Exo), which efficiently mediate cellular communication by transferring their molecular cargo to recipient cells, could be key modulators of the cross-talk with cumulus cells. We aimed to characterize OC-Exo and decipher their physiological effects on cumulus cells via the epidermal growth factor receptor/mitogen-activated protein kinase (EGFR/MAPK) pathway, which is one of the prerequisite pathways for cell development. Exposure of OC-Exo improved physiological cumulus cell condition including cell concentration, viability, and proliferation rate could reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the apoptotic rate. Moreover, exosomes could enhance the messenger RNA transcript and protein levels related to EGFR signaling in cumulus cells. The present study provides the first evidence that OC-Exo effectively enhance the physiological condition of cumulus cells exposed to GW4869 or Gefitinib via the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway and this could be the primary mediators of molecular interactions among cumulus cells and shedding light on the role of exosomes in cumulus cells might permit improvement of oocyte and embryo development in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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17
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Agwuegbo UC, Jonas KC. Molecular and functional insights into gonadotropin hormone receptor dimerization and oligomerization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:539-548. [PMID: 30226027 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The gonadotropin hormones, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, are essential for reproduction. They work in concert to control multiple aspects of gonadal function to ultimately produce meiotically competent and fertilizable gametes, provide the optimal endometrial environment and support for implantation and maintain pregnancy via progesterone production throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. These complex and multidimensional functions are mediated via the gonadotropin hormone receptors, luteinizing hormone receptor and follicle stimulating hormone receptor, Class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), which couple to multiple G protein-dependent and independent signal pathways to control these physiological processes. Over the last two decades, a plethora of experimental evidence has shown that GPCRs can associate to form dimers and oligomers. This association provides a means of mediating the diverse functional requirements of a single receptor subtype and for the gonadotropin hormone receptors, has been shown to alter the pharmacology and signal activation profile of these receptors. This review will detail the historical and current evidence detailing the formation of gonadotropin hormone receptor homomers and heteromers. We will discuss the functional insights gained from in vitro and in vivo studies, and the potential impact in modulating reproductive health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uche C Agwuegbo
- Vascular Biology Research Center, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Kim C Jonas
- Vascular Biology Research Center, St George's University of London, London, UK - .,Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
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18
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Lee SH, Oh HJ, Kim MJ, Setyawan EMN, Lee BC. Interaction of the EGFR signaling pathway with porcine cumulus oocyte complexes and oviduct cells in a coculture system. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:4030-4043. [PMID: 30252133 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
It has become increasingly recognized that coculture has a beneficial effect on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes and embryo development in many species. However, these effects of coculture on IVM have been documented only for their positive conditioning roles without any evidence on the precise mechanisms underlying the action of coculture systems on the development of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). It has been suggested that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is important for development of COCs, mediated by several epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like proteins with downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/3 signaling. Therefore, we hypothesized that canine oviduct cells (OCs) in a coculture system, which shows improvement of oocyte quality in several species, are associated with EGFR signaling by exposure to progesterone (P4; imitating its production before ovulation and its continuous increase while oocytes reside in the oviduct to complete maturation in dogs). We designed three experimental groups: control, OCs coculture exposed to P4, and OCs coculture without exposure to P4. The result showed that the OCs coculture exposed to P4 strongly expressed EGF-like proteins and significantly improved COCs and subsequent embryo development. Furthermore, the expression of EGFR-related genes in cumulus cells and GDF9 and BMP15 in oocytes was upregulated in the P4-treated group. This study provides the first evidence that OCs exposed to P4 can induce strong expression of EGF-like proteins, and OCs effectively mediate improved porcine COCs development and subsequent embryo development by altering EGFR signaling related mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Erif Maha Nugraha Setyawan
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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19
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Robker RL, Hennebold JD, Russell DL. Coordination of Ovulation and Oocyte Maturation: A Good Egg at the Right Time. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3209-3218. [PMID: 30010832 PMCID: PMC6456964 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovulation is the appropriately timed release of a mature, developmentally competent oocyte from the ovary into the oviduct, where fertilization occurs. Importantly, ovulation is tightly linked with oocyte maturation, demonstrating the interdependency of these two parallel processes, both essential for female fertility. Initiated by pituitary gonadotropins, the ovulatory process is mediated by intrafollicular paracrine factors from the theca, mural, and cumulus granulosa cells, as well as the oocyte itself. The result is the induction of cumulus expansion, proteolysis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and smooth muscle contraction, which are each required for follicular rupture. These complex intercellular communication networks and the essential ovulatory genes have been well defined in mouse models and are highly conserved in primates, including humans. Importantly, recent discoveries in regulation of ovulation highlight new areas of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Correspondence: Rebecca L. Robker, PhD, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. E-mail:
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Darryl L Russell
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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20
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Dos Santos JT, De Cesaro MP, Ferst JG, Pereira Dau AM, da Rosa PRA, Pasqual BM, Antoniazzi AQ, Gasperin BG, Bordignon V, Gonçalves PBD. Luteinizing hormone upregulates NPPC and downregulates NPR3 mRNA abundance in bovine granulosa cells through activation of the EGF receptor. Theriogenology 2018; 119:28-34. [PMID: 29960164 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During folliculogenesis, the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge triggers dynamic events in granulosa cells that culminate with ovulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is required for ovulation in cattle, and if it regulates the expression of the natriuretic peptide (NP) system in granulosa cells after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/LH stimulation. It was observed that GnRH induces amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG) mRNA at 3 and 6 h after in vivo treatment, but the expression of these genes was not regulated by atrial (ANP) and C-type (CNP) NPs in granulosa cells cultured in vitro. The abundance of mRNA encoding the NP receptors (NPR1, 2 and 3) was not altered by LH supplementation and/or EGFR inhibition (AG1478; AG) in granulosa cells after 6 h of in vitro culture. However, in the same conditions, mRNA encoding the natriuretic peptide precursor C (NPPC) was upregulated by LH, whereas AG (0.5 and 5 μM) inhibited the LH effect. In order to confirm those results, 5 μM AG or saline were intrafollicularly injected in preovulatory follicles and cows were simultaneously treated with GnRH intramuscularly. Granulosa cells harvested at 6 h after GnRH injection revealed higher NPR3 and lower NPPC mRNA levels in AG-treated, compared to control cows. However, intrafollicular injection of AG did not inhibit GnRH-induced ovulation. In granulosa cells cultured in vitro, ANP associated with LH increased prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) mRNA abundance. In conclusion, we inferred that LH modulated NPPC and NPR3 mRNA abundance through EGFR in bovine granulosa cells, but ovulation in cattle did not seem to depend on EGFR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joabel T Dos Santos
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), Frederico Westphalen, Brazil
| | - Matheus P De Cesaro
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Meridional Institute (IMED), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Juliana G Ferst
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Andressa M Pereira Dau
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), Rolante, Brazil
| | - Paulo R A da Rosa
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Pasqual
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Alfredo Q Antoniazzi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Bernardo G Gasperin
- Department of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Brazil
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada.
| | - Paulo B D Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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21
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Richards JS, Ascoli M. Endocrine, Paracrine, and Autocrine Signaling Pathways That Regulate Ovulation. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2018; 29:313-325. [PMID: 29602523 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The central role of luteinizing hormone (LH) and its receptor (LHCGR) in triggering ovulation has been recognized for decades. Because the LHCGR is present in the mural (outermost) granulosa cell layer of preovulatory follicles (POFs), the LH-initiated signal has to be transmitted to another somatic cell type (cumulus granulosa cells) and the oocyte to release a fertilizable oocyte. Recent studies have shown that activation of the LHCGR initiates vectorial transfer of information among the two somatic cell types and the oocyte and the molecules and signaling pathways involved are now better understood. This review summarizes the newer developments on the complex signaling pathways that regulate ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mario Ascoli
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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22
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Schuermann Y, Siddappa D, Pansera M, Duggavathi R. Activated receptor tyrosine kinases in granulosa cells of ovulating follicles in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:316-324. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Schuermann
- Department of Animal Science; McGill University; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Dayananda Siddappa
- Department of Animal Science; McGill University; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Melissa Pansera
- Department of Animal Science; McGill University; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Raj Duggavathi
- Department of Animal Science; McGill University; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Quebec Canada
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23
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Chowdhury I, Branch A, Mehrabi S, Ford BD, Thompson WE. Gonadotropin-Dependent Neuregulin-1 Signaling Regulates Female Rat Ovarian Granulosa Cell Survival. Endocrinology 2017; 158:3647-3660. [PMID: 28938399 PMCID: PMC5659703 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian ovarian follicular development and maturation of an oocyte competent to be fertilized and develop into an embryo depends on tightly regulated, spatiotemporally orchestrated crosstalk among cell death, survival, and differentiation signals through extra- and intraovarian signals, as well as on a permissive ovarian follicular microenvironment. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) is a member of the epidermal growth factor-like factor family that mediates its effects by binding to a member of the erythroblastoma (ErbB) family. Our experimental results suggest gonadotropins promote differential expression of NRG1 and erbB receptors in granulosa cells (GCs), and NRG1 in theca cells during follicular development, and promote NRG1 secretions in the follicular fluid (FF) of rat ovaries. During the estrous cycle of rat, NRG1 and erbB receptors are differentially expressed in GCs and correlate positively with serum gonadotropins and steroid hormones. Moreover, in vitro experimental studies suggest that the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (STS) causes the physical destruction of GCs by the activation of caspase-3. Exogenous NRG1 treatment of GCs delayed onset of STS-induced apoptosis and inhibited cleaved caspase-3 expressions. Moreover, exogenous NRG1 treatment of GCs alters STS-induced death by maintaining the expression of ErbB2, ErbB3, pAkt, Bcl2, and BclxL proteins. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that NRG1 is gonadotropin dependent, differentially regulated in GCs and theca cells, and secreted in ovarian FF as an intracellular survival factor that may govern follicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Chowdhury
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Reproductive Science Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Alicia Branch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Reproductive Science Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Sharifeh Mehrabi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Reproductive Science Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Byron D. Ford
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California-Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Winston E. Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Reproductive Science Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
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Prochazka R, Blaha M, Němcová L. Significance of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling for acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence in mammalian oocytes†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:537-549. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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Brown HM, Dunning KR, Sutton-McDowall M, Gilchrist RB, Thompson JG, Russell DL. Failure to launch: aberrant cumulus gene expression during oocyte in vitro maturation. Reproduction 2017; 153:R109-R120. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) offers significant benefits for human infertility treatment and animal breeding, but this potential is yet to be fully realised due to reduced oocyte developmental competence in comparison with in vivo matured oocytes. Cumulus cells occupy an essential position in determining oocyte developmental competence. Here we have examined the areas of deficient gene expression, as determined within microarrays primarily from cumulus cells of mouse COCs, but also other species, between in vivo matured and in vitro matured oocytes. By retrospectively analysing the literature, directed by focussing on downregulated genes, we provide an insight as to why the in vitro cumulus cells fail to support full oocyte potential and dissect molecular pathways that have important roles in oocyte competence. We conclude that the roles of epidermal growth factor signalling, the expanded extracellular matrix, cumulus cell metabolism and the immune system are critical deficiencies in cumulus cells of IVM COCs.
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Jaffe LA, Egbert JR. Regulation of Mammalian Oocyte Meiosis by Intercellular Communication Within the Ovarian Follicle. Annu Rev Physiol 2017; 79:237-260. [PMID: 27860834 PMCID: PMC5305431 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-022516-034102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic progression in mammalian preovulatory follicles is controlled by the granulosa cells around the oocyte. Cyclic GMP (cGMP) generated in the granulosa cells diffuses through gap junctions into the oocyte, maintaining meiotic prophase arrest. Luteinizing hormone then acts on receptors in outer granulosa cells to rapidly decrease cGMP. This occurs by two complementary pathways: cGMP production is decreased by dephosphorylation and inactivation of the NPR2 guanylyl cyclase, and cGMP hydrolysis is increased by activation of the PDE5 phosphodiesterase. The cGMP decrease in the granulosa cells results in rapid cGMP diffusion out of the oocyte, initiating meiotic resumption. Additional, more slowly developing mechanisms involving paracrine signaling by extracellular peptides (C-type natriuretic peptide and EGF receptor ligands) maintain the low level of cGMP in the oocyte. These coordinated signaling pathways ensure a fail-safe system to prepare the oocyte for fertilization and reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurinda A Jaffe
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030; ,
| | - Jeremy R Egbert
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030; ,
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Prochazka R, Blaha M. Regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 activity during meiosis resumption in mammals. J Reprod Dev 2016; 61:495-502. [PMID: 26688146 PMCID: PMC4685214 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo, resumption of oocyte meiosis occurs in large ovarian follicles after the
preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH surge leads to the activation of a broad signaling
network in mural granulosa cells equipped with LH receptors. The signals generated in the mural granulosa
cells are further augmented by locally produced peptides or steroids and transferred to the cumulus cell
compartment and the oocyte itself. Over the last decade, essential progress has been made in the
identification of molecular events associated with the final maturation and ovulation of mammalian oocytes.
All new evidence argues for a multiple roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1) in the
gonadotropin-induced ovulation processes. However, the knowledge of gonadotropin-induced signaling pathways
leading to MAPK3/1 activation in follicular cells seems limited. To date, only the LH-induced transactivation
of the epidermal growth factor receptor/MAPK3/1 pathway has been described in granulosa/cumulus cells even
though other mechanisms of MAPK3/1 activation have been detected in other types of cells. In this review, we
aimed to summarize recent advances in the elucidation of gonadotropin-induced mechanisms leading to the
activation of MAPK3/1 in preovulatory follicles and cultured cumulus-oocyte complexes and to point out a
specific role of this kinase in the processes accompanying final maturation of the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radek Prochazka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
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Gao Y, Vincent DF, Davis AJ, Sansom OJ, Bartholin L, Li Q. Constitutively active transforming growth factor β receptor 1 in the mouse ovary promotes tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2016; 7:40904-40918. [PMID: 27344183 PMCID: PMC5173031 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-established tumor suppressive role of TGFβ proteins, depletion of key TGFβ signaling components in the mouse ovary does not induce a growth advantage. To define the role of TGFβ signaling in ovarian tumorigenesis, we created a mouse model expressing a constitutively active TGFβ receptor 1 (TGFBR1) in ovarian somatic cells using conditional gain-of-function approach. Remarkably, these mice developed ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors with complete penetrance, leading to reproductive failure and mortality. The tumors expressed multiple granulosa cell markers and caused elevated serum inhibin and estradiol levels, reminiscent of granulosa cell tumors. Consistent with the tumorigenic effect, overactivation of TGFBR1 altered tumor microenvironment by promoting angiogenesis and enhanced ovarian cell proliferation, accompanied by impaired cell differentiation and dysregulated expression of critical genes in ovarian function. By further exploiting complementary genetic models, we substantiated our finding that constitutively active TGFBR1 is a potent oncogenic switch in mouse granulosa cells. In summary, overactivation of TGFBR1 drives gonadal tumor development. The TGFBR1 constitutively active mouse model phenocopies a number of morphological, hormonal, and molecular features of human granulosa cell tumors and are potentially valuable for preclinical testing of targeted therapies to treat granulosa cell tumors, a class of poorly defined ovarian malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David F. Vincent
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Jane Davis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laurent Bartholin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Lyon, France
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Chen J, Zeng F, Forrester SJ, Eguchi S, Zhang MZ, Harris RC. Expression and Function of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Physiology and Disease. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1025-1069. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the prototypical member of a family of membrane-associated intrinsic tyrosine kinase receptors, the ErbB family. EGFR is activated by multiple ligands, including EGF, transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, HB-EGF, betacellulin, amphiregulin, epiregulin, and epigen. EGFR is expressed in multiple organs and plays important roles in proliferation, survival, and differentiation in both development and normal physiology, as well as in pathophysiological conditions. In addition, EGFR transactivation underlies some important biologic consequences in response to many G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists. Aberrant EGFR activation is a significant factor in development and progression of multiple cancers, which has led to development of mechanism-based therapies with specific receptor antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This review highlights the current knowledge about mechanisms and roles of EGFR in physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchun Chen
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Fenghua Zeng
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven J. Forrester
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Satoru Eguchi
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ming-Zhi Zhang
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Raymond C. Harris
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Dau AMP, da Silva EP, da Rosa PRA, Bastiani FT, Gutierrez K, Ilha GF, Comim FV, Gonçalves PBD. Bovine ovarian cells have (pro)renin receptors and prorenin induces resumption of meiosis in vitro. Peptides 2016; 81:1-8. [PMID: 27060674 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of a receptor that binds prorenin and renin in human endothelial and mesangial cells highlights the possible effect of renin-independent prorenin in the resumption of meiosis in oocytes that was postulated in the 1980s.This study aimed to identify the (pro)renin receptor in the ovary and to assess the effect of prorenin on meiotic resumption. The (pro)renin receptor protein was detected in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes, theca cells, granulosa cells, and in the corpus luteum. Abundant (pro)renin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was detected in the oocytes and cumulus cells, while prorenin mRNA was identified in the cumulus cells only. Prorenin at concentrations of 10(-10), 10(-9), and 10(-8)M incubated with oocytes co-cultured with follicular hemisections for 15h caused the resumption of oocyte meiosis. Aliskiren, which inhibits free renin and receptor-bound renin/prorenin, at concentrations of 10(-7), 10(-5), and 10(-3)M blocked this effect (P<0.05). To determine the involvement of angiotensin II in prorenin-induced meiosis resumption, cumulus-oocyte complexes and follicular hemisections were treated with prorenin and with angiotensin II or saralasin (angiotensin II antagonist). Prorenin induced the resumption of meiosis independently of angiotensin II. Furthermore, cumulus-oocyte complexes cultured with forskolin (200μM) and treated with prorenin and aliskiren did not exhibit a prorenin-induced resumption of meiosis (P<0.05). Only the oocytes' cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels seemed to be regulated by prorenin and/or forskolin treatment after incubation for 6h. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the (pro)renin receptor in ovarian cells and to demonstrate the independent role of prorenin in the resumption of oocyte meiosis in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Minussi Pereira Dau
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Veterinary Hospital, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Pradebon da Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Veterinary Hospital, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Antunes da Rosa
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Veterinary Hospital, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Felipe Tusi Bastiani
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Veterinary Hospital, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Karina Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Veterinary Hospital, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Freitas Ilha
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Veterinary Hospital, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabio Vasconcellos Comim
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Veterinary Hospital, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Department of Medical Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Paulo Bayard Dias Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 1000, 97105-900, Veterinary Hospital, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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31
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Donaubauer EM, Hunzicker-Dunn ME. Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK)-dependent Phosphorylation of Y-Box-binding Protein 1 (YB-1) Enhances Gene Expression in Granulosa Cells in Response to Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH). J Biol Chem 2016; 291:12145-60. [PMID: 27080258 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.705368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the ovarian follicle, immature oocytes are surrounded and supported by granulosa cells (GCs). Stimulation of GCs by FSH leads to their proliferation and differentiation, events that are necessary for fertility. FSH activates multiple signaling pathways to regulate genes necessary for follicular maturation. Herein, we investigated the role of Y-box-binding protein-1 (YB-1) within GCs. YB-1 is a nucleic acid binding protein that regulates transcription and translation. Our results show that FSH promotes an increase in the phosphorylation of YB-1 on Ser(102) within 15 min that is maintained at significantly increased levels until ∼8 h post treatment. FSH-stimulated phosphorylation of YB-1(Ser(102)) is prevented by pretreatment of GCs with the PKA-selective inhibitor PKA inhibitor (PKI), the MEK inhibitor PD98059, or the ribosomal S6 kinase-2 (RSK-2) inhibitor BI-D1870. Thus, phosphorylation of YB-1 on Ser(102) is PKA-, ERK-, and RSK-2-dependent. However, pretreatment of GCs with the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) inhibitor tautomycin increased phosphorylation of YB-1(Ser(102)) in the absence of FSH; FSH did not further increase YB-1(Ser(102)) phosphorylation. This result suggests that the major effect of RSK-2 is to inhibit PP1 rather than to directly phosphorylate YB-1 on Ser(102) YB-1 coimmunoprecipitated with PP1β catalytic subunit and RSK-2. Transduction of GCs with the dephospho-adenoviral-YB-1(S102A) mutant prevented the induction by FSH of Egfr, Cyp19a1, Inha, Lhcgr, Cyp11a1, Hsd17b1, and Pappa mRNAs and estradiol-17β production. Collectively, our results reveal that phosphorylation of YB-1 on Ser(102) via the ERK/RSK-2 signaling pathway is necessary for FSH-mediated expression of target genes required for maturation of follicles to a preovulatory phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse M Donaubauer
- From the School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - Mary E Hunzicker-Dunn
- From the School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
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32
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Franciosi F, Manandhar S, Conti M. FSH Regulates mRNA Translation in Mouse Oocytes and Promotes Developmental Competence. Endocrinology 2016; 157:872-82. [PMID: 26653334 PMCID: PMC4733122 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge in assisted reproductive technology is to develop conditions for in vitro oocyte maturation yielding high-quality eggs. Efforts are underway to assess whether known hormonal and local factors play a role in oocyte developmental competence and to identify the molecular mechanism involved. Here we have tested the hypothesis that FSH improves oocyte developmental competence by regulating the translational program in the oocyte. Accumulation of oocyte proteins (targeting protein for the Xenopus kinesin xklp2 and IL-7) associated with improved oocyte quality is increased when cumulus-oocyte complexes are incubated with FSH. This increase is due to enhanced translation of the corresponding mRNAs, as indicated by microinjection of constructs in which the 3' untranslated region of the Tpx2 or Il7 transcripts is fused to the luciferase reporter. A transient activation of the phosphatidyl-inositol 3-phosphate/AKT cascade in the oocyte preceded the increase in translation. When the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is down-regulated in follicular cells, the FSH-induced rate of maternal mRNA translation and AKT activation were lost, demonstrating that the effects of FSH are indirect and require EGF receptor signaling in the somatic compartment. Using Pten(fl/fl):Zp3cre oocytes in which the AKT is constitutively activated, translation of reporters was increased and was no longer sensitive to FSH stimulation. More importantly, the oocytes lacking the phosphate and tensin homolog gene showed increased developmental competence, even when cultured in the absence of FSH or growth factors. Thus, we demonstrate that FSH intersects with the follicular EGF network to activate the phosphatidyl-inositol 3-phosphate/AKT cascade in the oocyte to control translation and developmental competence. These findings provide a molecular rationale for the use of FSH to improve egg quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Franciosi
- Center for Reproductive Sciences (F.F., S.M., M.C.), Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research (F.F., M.C.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (F.F., M.C.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Shila Manandhar
- Center for Reproductive Sciences (F.F., S.M., M.C.), Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research (F.F., M.C.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (F.F., M.C.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Marco Conti
- Center for Reproductive Sciences (F.F., S.M., M.C.), Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research (F.F., M.C.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (F.F., M.C.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
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Yang CR, Lowther KM, Lalioti MD, Seli E. Embryonic Poly(A)-Binding Protein (EPAB) Is Required for Granulosa Cell EGF Signaling and Cumulus Expansion in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:405-16. [PMID: 26492470 PMCID: PMC4701890 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (EPAB) is the predominant poly(A)-binding protein in Xenopus, mouse, and human oocytes and early embryos before zygotic genome activation. EPAB is required for translational activation of maternally stored mRNAs in the oocyte and Epab(-/-) female mice are infertile due to impaired oocyte maturation, cumulus expansion, and ovulation. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanism of follicular somatic cell dysfunction in Epab(-/-) mice. Using a coculture system of oocytectomized cumulus oophorus complexes (OOXs) with denuded oocytes, we found that when wild-type OOXs were cocultured with Epab(-/-) oocytes, or when Epab(-/-) OOXs were cocultured with WT oocytes, cumulus expansion failed to occur in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF). This finding suggests that oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) from Epab(-/-) mice fail to send and receive the necessary signals required for cumulus expansion. The abnormalities in Epab(-/-) CCs are not due to lower expression of the oocyte-derived factors growth differentiation factor 9 or bone morphogenetic protein 15, because Epab(-/-) oocytes express these proteins at comparable levels with WT. Epab(-/-) granulosa cells (GCs) exhibit decreased levels of phosphorylated MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase in response to lutenizing hormone and EGF treatment, as well as decreased phosphorylation of the EGF receptor. In conclusion, EPAB, which is oocyte specific, is required for the ability of CCs and GCs to become responsive to LH and EGF signaling. These results emphasize the importance of oocyte-somatic communication for GC and CC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Rong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Katie M Lowther
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Maria D Lalioti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
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El-Hayek S, Clarke HJ. Control of Oocyte Growth and Development by Intercellular Communication Within the Follicular Niche. Results Probl Cell Differ 2016; 58:191-224. [PMID: 27300180 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31973-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the mammalian ovary, each oocyte grows and develops within its own structural and developmental niche-the follicle. Together with the female germ cell in the follicle are somatic granulosa cells, specialized companion cells that surround the oocyte and provide support to it, and an outer layer of thecal cells that serve crucial roles including steroid synthesis. These follicular compartments function as a single physiological unit whose purpose is to produce a healthy egg, which upon ovulation can be fertilized and give rise to a healthy embryo, thus enabling the female germ cell to fulfill its reproductive potential. Beginning from the initial stage of follicle formation and until terminal differentiation at ovulation, oocyte and follicle growth depend absolutely on cooperation between the different cellular compartments. This cooperation synchronizes the initiation of oocyte growth with follicle activation. During growth, it enables metabolic support for the follicle-enclosed oocyte and allows the follicle to fulfill its steroidogenic potential. Near the end of the growth period, intra-follicular interactions prevent the precocious meiotic resumption of the oocyte and ensure its nuclear differentiation. Finally, cooperation enables the events of ovulation, including meiotic maturation of the oocyte and expansion of the cumulus granulosa cells. In this chapter, we discuss the cellular interactions that enable the growing follicle to produce a healthy oocyte, focusing on the communication between the germ cell and the surrounding granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephany El-Hayek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Block E-M0.2218, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Block E-M0.2218, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1.
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Dephosphorylation of juxtamembrane serines and threonines of the NPR2 guanylyl cyclase is required for rapid resumption of oocyte meiosis in response to luteinizing hormone. Dev Biol 2015; 409:194-201. [PMID: 26522847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The meiotic cell cycle of mammalian oocytes starts during embryogenesis and then pauses until luteinizing hormone (LH) acts on the granulosa cells of the follicle surrounding the oocyte to restart the cell cycle. An essential event in this process is a decrease in cyclic GMP in the granulosa cells, and part of the cGMP decrease results from dephosphorylation and inactivation of the natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) guanylyl cyclase, also known as guanylyl cyclase B. However, it is unknown whether NPR2 dephosphorylation is essential for LH-induced meiotic resumption. Here, we prevented NPR2 dephosphorylation by generating a mouse line in which the seven regulatory serines and threonines of NPR2 were changed to the phosphomimetic amino acid glutamate (Npr2-7E). Npr2-7E/7E follicles failed to show a decrease in enzyme activity in response to LH, and the cGMP decrease was attenuated; correspondingly, LH-induced meiotic resumption was delayed. Meiotic resumption in response to EGF receptor activation was likewise delayed, indicating that NPR2 dephosphorylation is a component of the pathway by which EGF receptor activation mediates LH signaling. We also found that most of the NPR2 protein in the follicle was present in the mural granulosa cells. These findings indicate that NPR2 dephosphorylation in the mural granulosa cells is essential for the normal progression of meiosis in response to LH and EGF receptor activation. In addition, these studies provide the first demonstration that a change in phosphorylation of a transmembrane guanylyl cyclase regulates a physiological process, a mechanism that may also control other developmental events.
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36
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Pelosi E, Forabosco A, Schlessinger D. Genetics of the ovarian reserve. Front Genet 2015; 6:308. [PMID: 26528328 PMCID: PMC4606124 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial follicles or non-growing follicles (NGFs) are the functional unit of reproduction, each comprising a single germ cell surrounded by supporting somatic cells. NGFs constitute the ovarian reserve (OR), prerequisite for germ cell ovulation and the continuation of the species. The dynamics of the reserve is determined by the number of NGFs formed and their complex subsequent fates. During the reproductive lifespan, the OR progressively diminishes due to follicle atresia as well as recruitment, maturation, and ovulation. The depletion of the OR is the major determining driver of menopause, which ensues when the number of primordial follicles falls below a threshold of ∼1,000. Therefore, genes and processes involved in follicle dynamics are particularly important to understand the process of menopause, both in the typical reproductive lifespan and in conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency, defined as menopause before age 40. Genes and their variants that affect the timing of menopause thereby provide candidates for diagnosis of and intervention in problems of reproductive lifespan. We review the current knowledge of processes and genes involved in the development of the OR and in the dynamics of ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pelosi
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - David Schlessinger
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Khan D, Guillemette C, Sirard M, Richard F. Characterization of FSH signalling networks in bovine cumulus cells: a perspective on oocyte competence acquisition. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:688-701. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Ríos G, Buschiazzo J, Mucci N, Kaiser G, Cesari A, Alberio R. Combined epidermal growth factor and hyaluronic acid supplementation of in vitro maturation medium and its impact on bovine oocyte proteome and competence. Theriogenology 2015; 83:874-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Blaha M, Nemcova L, Prochazka R. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate does not inhibit gonadotropin-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 in pig cumulus-oocyte complexes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:1. [PMID: 25567742 PMCID: PMC4293816 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-13-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent results indicate a key role for cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the regulation of oocyte meiotic arrest in preovulatory mammalian follicles. The aim of our study was to determine whether the resumption of oocyte meiosis and expansion of cumulus cells in isolated pig cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) can be blocked by a high intracellular concentration of cGMP, and whether this effect is mediated by a cGMP-dependent inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1). METHODS The COCs were isolated from ovaries of slaughtered gilts and cultured in vitro in M199 supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum. The expression levels of the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) precursor (NPPC) and its receptor (NPR2) mRNAs during the culture of COCs were determined by real-time RT-PCR. To control the intracellular concentration of cGMP in the COCs, the culture medium was further supplemented with CNP or various concentrations of synthetic cGMP analogues; the concentration of cGMP in COCs was then assessed by ELISA. The effect of the drugs on oocyte maturation was assessed after 24 and 44 h of culture by determining nuclear maturation. The expansion of cumulus cells was assessed by light microscopy and the expression of cumulus expansion-related genes by real-time RT-PCR. A possible effect of cGMP on FSH-induced activation of MAPK3/1 was assessed by immunoblotting the COC proteins with phospho-specific and total anti-Erk1/2 antibodies. RESULTS The COCs expressed NPPC and NPR2, the key components of cGMP synthesis, and produced a large amount of cGMP upon stimulation with exogenous CNP, which lead to a significant (P < 0.05) delay in oocyte meiotic resumption. The COCs also responded to cGMP analogues by inhibiting the resumption of oocyte meiosis. The inhibitory effect of cGMP on meiotic resumption was reversed by stimulating the COCs with FSH. However, high concentration of intracellular cGMP was not able to suppress FSH-induced activation of MAPK3/1 in cumulus cells, cumulus expansion and expression of expansion-related genes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate that high cGMP concentrations inhibit the maturation of pig oocytes in vitro but the inhibitory mechanism does not involve the suppression of MAPK3/1 activation in cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Blaha
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Nemcova
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Prochazka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
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Follicle-stimulating hormone regulates expression and activity of epidermal growth factor receptor in the murine ovarian follicle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:16778-83. [PMID: 25385589 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1414648111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility depends on the precise coordination of multiple events within the ovarian follicle to ensure ovulation of a fertilizable egg. FSH promotes late follicular development, including expression of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor by the granulosa cells. Expression of its receptor permits the subsequent LH surge to trigger the release of ligands that activate EGF receptors (EGFR) on the granulosa, thereby initiating the ovulatory events. Here we identify a previously unknown role for FSH in this signaling cascade. We show that follicles of Fshb(-/-) mice, which cannot produce FSH, have a severely impaired ability to support two essential EGFR-regulated events: expansion of the cumulus granulosa cell layer that encloses the oocyte and meiotic maturation of the oocyte. These defects are not caused by an inability of Fshb(-/-) oocytes to produce essential oocyte-secreted factors or of Fshb(-/-) cumulus cells to respond. In contrast, although expression of both Egfr and EGFR increases during late folliculogenesis in Fshb(+/-) females, these increases fail to occur in Fshb(-/-) females. Remarkably, supplying a single dose of exogenous FSH activity to Fshb(-/-) females is sufficient to increase Egfr and EGFR expression and to restore EGFR-dependent cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation. These studies show that FSH induces an increase in EGFR expression during late folliculogenesis and provide evidence that the FSH-dependent increase is necessary for EGFR physiological function. Our results demonstrate an unanticipated role for FSH in establishing the signaling axis that coordinates ovulatory events and may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of some types of human infertility.
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Egbert JR, Shuhaibar LC, Edmund AB, Van Helden DA, Robinson JW, Uliasz TF, Baena V, Geerts A, Wunder F, Potter LR, Jaffe LA. Dephosphorylation and inactivation of NPR2 guanylyl cyclase in granulosa cells contributes to the LH-induced decrease in cGMP that causes resumption of meiosis in rat oocytes. Development 2014; 141:3594-604. [PMID: 25183874 DOI: 10.1242/dev.112219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the meiotic cell cycle of oocytes starts during embryogenesis and then pauses. Much later, in preparation for fertilization, oocytes within preovulatory follicles resume meiosis in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). Before LH stimulation, the arrest is maintained by diffusion of cyclic (c)GMP into the oocyte from the surrounding granulosa cells, where it is produced by the guanylyl cyclase natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2). LH rapidly reduces the production of cGMP, but how this occurs is unknown. Here, using rat follicles, we show that within 10 min, LH signaling causes dephosphorylation and inactivation of NPR2 through a process that requires the activity of phosphoprotein phosphatase (PPP)-family members. The rapid dephosphorylation of NPR2 is accompanied by a rapid phosphorylation of the cGMP phosphodiesterase PDE5, an enzyme whose activity is increased upon phosphorylation. Later, levels of the NPR2 agonist C-type natriuretic peptide decrease in the follicle, and these sequential events contribute to the decrease in cGMP that causes meiosis to resume in the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R Egbert
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Leia C Shuhaibar
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Aaron B Edmund
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Dusty A Van Helden
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jerid W Robinson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Tracy F Uliasz
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Valentina Baena
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Andreas Geerts
- Bayer Pharma AG, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal D-42096, Germany
| | - Frank Wunder
- Bayer Pharma AG, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal D-42096, Germany
| | - Lincoln R Potter
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Laurinda A Jaffe
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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42
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Zhang W, Chen Q, Yang Y, Liu W, Zhang M, Xia G, Wang C. Epidermal growth factor-network signaling mediates luteinizing hormone regulation of BNP and CNP and their receptor NPR2 during porcine oocyte meiotic resumption. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:1030-41. [PMID: 25348585 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor (EGF) network, induced by luteinizing hormone (LH), plays an essential role during the regulation of oocyte maturation, cumulus expansion, and ovulation. Binding of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) to natriuretic receptor 2 (NPR2) generates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a key inhibitor that sustains porcine oocyte meiotic arrest. This correlation suggests that LH interacts with natriuretic-peptide signaling, possibly via the EGF network, to promote porcine meiotic resumption. In testing this hypothesis, we found that the majority of porcine oocytes remain arrested in the germinal-vesicle stage after 44 hr of co-culturing cumulus-oocyte complexes with 10(7) granulosa cells, which secreted active BNP and CNP; these natriuretic peptides associate with NPR2 on cumulus cells, thereby inhibiting porcine oocyte maturation. This inhibitory effect of BNP and CNP was relieved by EGF-like growth factors, whose expression naturally increases in granulosa cells 18 hr after human chorionic gonadotropin injection. LH and the EGF-like peptide amphiregulin (AREG) decreased BNP and CNP production in granulosa cells and down-regulated NPR2 expression in cumulus cells, which together decreased oocyte cGMP to levels that permit meiotic resumption. The effects of AREG on the gene expression of natriuretic-peptide signaling components and on oocyte maturation were completely blocked by the EGF receptor kinase inhibitor AG1478; the effect of LH, however, was only partially reversed by AG1478. Based on these results, LH regulates natriuretic-peptide signaling, although other pathways also cooperate with the EGF network to induce porcine oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
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Beclin-1 deficiency in the murine ovary results in the reduction of progesterone production to promote preterm labor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E4194-203. [PMID: 25246579 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1409323111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an important cellular process that serves as a companion pathway to the ubiquitin-proteasome system to degrade long-lived proteins and organelles to maintain cell homeostasis. Although initially characterized in yeast, autophagy is being realized as an important regulator of development and disease in mammals. Beclin1 (Becn1) is a putative tumor suppressor gene that has been shown to undergo a loss of heterozygosity in 40-75% of human breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Because Becn1 is a key regulator of autophagy, we sought to investigate its role in female reproduction by using a conditional knockout approach in mice. We find that pregnant females lacking Becn1 in the ovarian granulosa cell population have a defect in progesterone production and a subsequent preterm labor phenotype. Luteal cells in this model exhibit defective autophagy and a failure to accumulate lipid droplets needed for steroidogenesis. Collectively, we show that Becn1 provides essential functions in the ovary that are essential for mammalian reproduction.
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Pan H, Cui H, Liu S, Qian Y, Wu H, Li L, Guan Y, Guan X, Zhang L, Fan HY, Ma Y, Li R, Liu M, Li D. Lgr4 gene regulates corpus luteum maturation through modulation of the WNT-mediated EGFR-ERK signaling pathway. Endocrinology 2014; 155:3624-37. [PMID: 24877628 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-2183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Luteal-phase insufficiency is one of the major causes of female infertility, but the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Here we found that disruption of Lgr4/Gpr48, the newly identified receptor for R-spondins, greatly reduced female fertility in mice. The expression of Lgr4 was induced specifically in granulosa-lutein cells during luteinization. In Lgr4-deficient female mice, the estrous cycle was prolonged and serum progesterone levels were dramatically downregulated. In Lgr4(-/-) corpora lutea, the expression of key enzymes for steroidogenesis as well as common luteal marker genes was significantly decreased. Additionally, the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-ERK signaling was attenuated in Lgr4(-/-) granulosa-lutein cells. We found that the maturation of Lgr4(-/-) cells was impaired in cultured primary granulosa cells, but the defect was partially rescued by reactivation of EGFR signaling by heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor treatment. We found that the expression of wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT)/catenin (cadherin associated protein), beta 1 (CTNNB1) downstream targets, including matrix metalloproteinase 9, which is a critical matrix metalloproteinase for activation of EGF-like factors, was significantly downregulated in Lgr4(-/-) ovaries. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 inhibitor treatment attenuated human chorionic gonadotropin- but not heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor-induced ERK activation and luteinization in primary granulosa cells. Together, we report that Lgr4 modulates WNT-mediated EGFR-ERK signaling to facilitate corpus luteum maturation and ovarian steroidogenesis to maintain female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Pan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology (H.P., H.C., S.L., Y.Q., H.W., L.L., Y.G., X.G., L.Z., M.L., D.L.), Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices of National Population and Family Planning Commission (H.P., R.L.), Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China; Life Science Institute (H.-Y.F.), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research (Y.M.), Hainan Reproductive Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China; and The Institute of Biosciences and Technology (M.L.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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45
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Toward building the cow folliculome. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:90-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Li L, Zhang Z, Peng J, Wang Y, Zhu Q. Cooperation of luteinizing hormone signaling pathways in preovulatory avian follicles regulates circadian clock expression in granulosa cell. Mol Cell Biochem 2014; 394:31-41. [PMID: 24825178 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ovulation in birds is triggered by a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), and the ovulatory cycle is affected by the circadian rhythms of clock genes transcription levels in follicles. The influence of LH signaling cascades action on circadian clock genes was investigated using granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles from Roman hens cultured in a serum-free system. The expression of core oscillators (Bmal1, Clock, Cry1, Per2, and Rev-erbβ), clock-controlled gene (Star), Egr-1 and LHr was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Significant changes in clock genes transcription levels were observed in control groups over 24 h, indicating that cell-autonomous rhythms exist in granulosa cells. Intriguingly, the transcript levels of clock genes increased with LH treatment during 24 h of culture; they peaked 4 h in advance of controls and second but weaker oscillations were also observed. It appeared that LH changed the cell-autonomous rhythm and cycle time of clock genes. To further investigate the LH signaling cascades, inhibitors of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathways were used. The transcript levels of clock genes were suppressed by blocking cAMP, but increased with similar expression patterns by blocking the p38MPAK and ERK1/2 pathways over 24 h. Thus, the influence of LH signaling cascades in chicken ovulation is mediated by the cAMP pathway and also involves the p38MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
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47
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Liu X, Xie F, Zamah AM, Cao B, Conti M. Multiple pathways mediate luteinizing hormone regulation of cGMP signaling in the mouse ovarian follicle. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:9. [PMID: 24740605 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) regulation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) network is critical for oocyte maturation and the ovulatory process. Recent studies have indicated that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR2) play an important role in the control of meiotic arrest. Here, we investigated the involvement of the EGF network in the LH-dependent regulation of the CNP/NPR2 axis and cGMP accumulation. LH/hCG treatment causes a major decrease in both cGMP and the CNP precursor (natriuretic peptide precursor C [Nppc]) mRNA accumulation in vivo and in vitro. However, the cGMP downregulation precedes the decrease in Nppc mRNA by more than 1 h. Amphiregulin, an EGF-like factor, suppresses Nppc mRNA levels in cultured follicles to the same extent as LH, and this effect is completely prevented by the EGF receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor AG1478. However, the LH-dependent suppression of Nppc is insensitive to AG1478. Similarly, Nppc suppression by LH occurs in follicles from EGFR null mice. These findings document that EGFR signaling is sufficient to downregulate CNP, but is not necessary for LH action. When cGMP concentration in the follicle is measured, the short-term, but not long-term, LH effects on cGMP are prevented by AG1478, suggesting that ligand availability may be responsible for the late response. Human CG decreases the CNP-dependent cGMP synthesis in wild-type and EGFR knockdown cumulus-oocyte complexes. These findings demonstrate that redundant pathways are involved in the regulation of cGMP. EGFR-dependent events are involved in the short-term regulation of cGMP, whereas the long-term effects may involve regulation of the CNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Alberuni Musa Zamah
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Marco Conti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California
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48
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Kawashima I, Umehara T, Noma N, Kawai T, Shitanaka M, Richards JS, Shimada M. Targeted disruption of Nrg1 in granulosa cells alters the temporal progression of oocyte maturation. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:706-21. [PMID: 24650175 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is induced in granulosa cells by LH and acts on granulosa and cumulus cells during ovulation. In this study, we sought to determine the role of NRG1 in oocyte maturation by generating a granulosa cell-specific Nrg1 knockout mouse (Nrg1(flox/flox);Cyp19a1Cre mice [gcNrg1KO]). In the gcNrg1KO mice, meiosis was induced 2 hours earlier than in control mice. More than 60% of the oocytes in the mutant mice spontaneously re-resumed meiosis beyond the MII stage. The percentage of successful fertilization was comparable in oocytes of both genotypes collected at 14 or 16 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin injection but was significantly lower in oocytes of the gcNrg1KO mice at 18 or 20 hours. The number of pups per litter was significantly decreased in gcNrg1KO mice. To determine the molecular events associated with the abnormal progression of meiosis in the gcNrg1KO mouse oocytes, the defects of cumulus/granulosa cell functions were analyzed. The expression of genes involved in luteinization and cumulus expansion was significantly higher at 2 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin injection in the gcNrg1KO mice; this was related to abnormal activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and phosphorylation of connexin-43 in cumulus cells. Changes in connexin-43 by PKC might lead to early meiotic resumption of oocytes in gcNrg1KO mice. We conclude that NRG1 is induced by LH in mural granulosa cells and exerts an important regulatory role in oocyte meiotic maturation and competence by reducing PKC activation in cumulus cells and preventing premature progression to the MII stage that leads to abnormal fertilization and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikko Kawashima
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (I.K., T.U., N.N., T.K., M.S., M.S.), Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima,739-8528, Japan; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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49
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Richani D, Wang X, Zeng HT, Smitz J, Thompson JG, Gilchrist RB. Pre-maturation with cAMP modulators in conjunction with EGF-like peptides during in vitro maturation enhances mouse oocyte developmental competence. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:422-35. [PMID: 24488930 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have independently shown that cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cAMP) modulation prior to in vitro maturation (IVM) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like peptide supplementation during IVM improve subsequent oocyte developmental outcomes. This study investigated the effects of an IVM system that incorporates these two concepts. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from pre-pubertal mice either 46 hr post-equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) (IVM) or post-eCG + post-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation (in vivo maturation; IVV). IVM COCs were treated with the cAMP modulators forskolin and IBMX for 1, 2, or 4 hr (pre-IVM phase) prior to IVM. COCs then underwent IVM with the EGF-like peptides amphiregulin or epiregulin, or with the common IVM stimulants follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or EGF. A pre-IVM phase increased the size of the subsequent blastocysts' inner-cell-mass compared to standard IVM, regardless of IVM treatment (P < 0.05). Unlike FSH or EGF, amphiregulin or epiregulin significantly increased blastocyst quality (trophectoderm and total cell numbers) and/or yield (P < 0.01) compared to standard IVM, and were the only treatments that produced blastocysts comparable to IVV-derived blastocysts. Forskolin acutely up-regulated EGF-like peptide mRNA expression after a 2-hr pre-IVM phase (P < 0.001), although EGF receptor and ERK1/2 activities were not significantly different than control. IVV-like levels of EGF-like peptide mRNA expression during IVM were maintained only by supplementing with EGF-like peptides and EGF, since expression levels induced by FSH were significantly lower in vitro than during IVV. However, EGF receptor and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels were not significantly different across treatment groups. In conclusion, a pre-IVM phase in conjunction with IVM in the presence of EGF-like peptides endows high oocyte developmental competence, as evidenced by increased embryo yield and/or quality relative to FSH and EGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Richani
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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50
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Reiter E, Bousfield G, Dias JA, Huhtaniemi I. Constitutive activity in gonadotropin receptors. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2014; 70:37-80. [PMID: 24931192 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-417197-8.00002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Constitutively active mutants (CAMs) of gonadotropin receptors are, in general, rare conditions. Luteinizing hormone-choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) CAMs provoke the dramatic phenotype of familial gonadotropin-independent isosexual male-limited precocious puberty, whereas in females, there is not yet any identified phenotype. Only one isolated follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) CAM (Asp567Gly) has so far been detected in a single male patient, besides other FSHR weak CAMs linked to pregnancy-associated ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or to impaired desensitization and internalization. Several animal models have been developed for studying enhanced gonadotropin action; in addition to unraveling valuable new information about the possible phenotypes of isolated FSHR and LHCGR CAMs in women, the information obtained from these mouse models has served multiple translational goals, including the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic targets as well as the prediction of phenotypes for mutations not yet identified in humans. Mutagenesis and computational studies have shed important information on the physiopathogenic mechanisms leading to constitutive activity of gonadotropin receptors; a common feature in these receptor CAMs is the release of stabilizing interhelical interactions between transmembrane domains (TMDs) 3 and 6 leading to an increase, with respect to the wild-type receptor, in the solvent accessibility at the cytosolic extension of TMDs 3, 5, and 6, which involves the highly conserved Glu/Asp-Arg-Tyr/Trp sequence. In this chapter, we summarize the structural features, functional consequences, and mechanisms that lead to constitutive activation of gonadotropin receptor CAMs and provide information on pharmacological approaches that might potentially modulate gonadotropin receptor CAM function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Studium Consortium for Research and Training in Reproductive Sciences (sCORTS), Tours, France; Research Support Network, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán" and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., Mexico.
| | - Eric Reiter
- Studium Consortium for Research and Training in Reproductive Sciences (sCORTS), Tours, France; BIOS Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France; CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - George Bousfield
- Studium Consortium for Research and Training in Reproductive Sciences (sCORTS), Tours, France; Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
| | - James A Dias
- Studium Consortium for Research and Training in Reproductive Sciences (sCORTS), Tours, France; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Studium Consortium for Research and Training in Reproductive Sciences (sCORTS), Tours, France; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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