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Zhang J, Qin X, Wang C, Zhang Y, Dou Y, Xu S, Liu J, Pan Z. Comparative transcriptome profile analysis of granulosa cells from porcine ovarian follicles during early atresia. Anim Biotechnol 2024; 35:2282090. [PMID: 38006572 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2282090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
At various stages of ovarian follicular development, more than 99% of follicles will be eliminated through a degenerative process called atresia. The regulatory mechanisms of atresia have been elucidated to some extent, involving hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and other factors. However, the stimuli initiating atresia in follicular granulosa cells remain unknown. In this study, we isolated the granulosa cells from porcine ovarian follicles (3-5 mm diameter) divided into healthy follicles (HFs) and early atretic follicles (EAFs). We applied high-throughput RNA sequencing to identify and compare differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HFs and EAFs. A total of 31,694 genes were detected, of which 21,806 were co-expressed in six samples, and 243 genes (p < 0.05; FDR < 0.05) were differentially expressed (DEGs), including 123 downregulated and 120 upregulated in EAFs. GO analysis highlighted hormone metabolism, plasma membrane localization, and transporter activity. The pathway analysis indicated that 51 DEGs, involved in steroidogenesis, cell adhesion molecules, and TGF-beta signaling pathways, were highly related to atresia. Additionally, the interaction network of DEGs (p < 0.01; FDR < 0.05) using STRING highlighted LHR, ACACB, and CXCR4 as central nodes. In summary, this transcriptome analysis enriched our knowledge of the shifted mechanisms in granulosa cells during early atresia and provided novel perspectives into the atresia initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinxin Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| | - Caixia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuge Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yizhe Dou
- College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyong Xu
- College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingge Liu
- College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Zengxiang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Liu L, Li J, Zhao C, Qu X, Liu X, Wang D, Wei J. The cellular expression patterns of gdnfa and gdnfb in the gonads of Nile tilapia and their differential response to retinoic acid. Theriogenology 2024; 224:1-8. [PMID: 38714023 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a critical role in the self-renewal and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testis and oogenesis in ovary, whilst retinoic acid (RA), the key factor of meiosis initiation, can downregulate its expression. Unlike mammals, two Gdnf replication genes are widely present in teleost fishes, however, our understanding of them is still poor. In the present study, two paralogous gdnf from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), namely as Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb, were characterized, and then their cellular expression profiles in testis and ovary and responsiveness to RA treatment at the tissue and cellular levels were investigated. In phylogenetic tree, the Gdnfa and Gdnfb from teleost fishes were clustered into two different subclasses, respectively, and then clustered with the homologs from cartilaginous fish and tetrapods, suggesting that OnGdnfa and OnGdnfb are orthologous to GDNF and paralogous to each other. Ongdnfa is expressed in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in testis and oocytes in ovary. The expression pattern of Ongdnfb is similar to Ongdnfa. In the ex vivo testicular organ culture, RA down-regulated the expression of Ongdnfa, whereas up-regulated the expression of Ongdnfb (P < 0.05), suggesting that they have differential responsiveness to RA signaling. RA treatment of the cultured cells derived from adult Nile tilapia testis which have the expression of RA receptors (RAR), Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb further confirmed the above result. Collectively, our study suggests that Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb have non-germline expression patterns in testis and germline expression patterns in ovary; furthermore, they have differential responsiveness to RA signaling, implying that they might have differential biological functions. This study broadens and enriches our understanding of fish GDNF homologs and lays foundation for the study of their biological functions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jianeng Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Changle Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ximei Qu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chengdu Kangnuoxing Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Jing Wei
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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3
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Grosbois J, Devos M, Demeestere I. Implications of Nonphysiological Ovarian Primordial Follicle Activation for Fertility Preservation. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5882019. [PMID: 32761180 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, ovarian tissue cryopreservation has rapidly developed as a successful method for preserving the fertility of girls and young women with cancer or benign conditions requiring gonadotoxic therapy, and is now becoming widely recognized as an effective alternative to oocyte and embryo freezing when not feasible. Primordial follicles are the most abundant population of follicles in the ovary, and their relatively quiescent metabolism makes them more resistant to cryoinjury. This dormant pool represents a key target for fertility preservation strategies as a resource for generating high-quality oocytes. However, development of mature, competent oocytes derived from primordial follicles is challenging, particularly in larger mammals. One of the main barriers is the substantial knowledge gap regarding the regulation of the balance between dormancy and activation of primordial follicles to initiate their growing phase. In addition, experimental and clinical factors also affect dormant follicle demise, while the mechanisms involved remain largely to be elucidated. Moreover, most of our basic knowledge of these processes comes from rodent studies and should be extrapolated to humans with caution, considering the differences between species in the reproductive field. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to improving both the quantity and the quality of mature oocytes available for further fertilization, and may have valuable biological and clinical applications, especially in fertility preservation procedures. This review provides an update on current knowledge of mammalian primordial follicle activation under both physiological and nonphysiological conditions, and discusses implications for fertility preservation and priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Grosbois
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Melody Devos
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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Samadian Z, Tofighi A, Razi M, Ghaderi Pakdel F, Tolouei Azar J. Effect of moderate-intensity exercise training on GDNF signaling pathway in testicles of rats after experimental diabetes type 1 induction. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2020; 167:108332. [PMID: 32702470 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The spermatogenesis failure is reported as the main complication for diabetes and the moderate-intensity exercise (EX) is shown to ameliorate the diabetes-induced impairments both at spermatogenesis and sperm levels. Thus, the current study was done to investigate the possible effect of EX in the sole and simultaneous form with insulin on the network between Sertoli and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by focusing on niche factor Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). METHODS For this purpose, 30 mature male Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental type 1 diabetes (T1D)-induced groups. Then the T1D-induced animals were subdivided to sedentary T1D-induced (ST1D), EX + T1D, insulin (INS) + T1D and EX + INS + T1D groups. The general histological changes of testicles, mRNA and protein contents of GDNF and its special receptors gfrα1 and c-RET were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS EX in the sole and simultaneous form with INS significantly (p < 0.05) diminished the T1D-induced histological damages, amplified the GDNF expression, and enhanced the gfrα1 and c-RET mRNA and protein contents compared to ST1D group. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the EX in the sole form promotes spermatogenesis by up-regulating the GDNF signaling system. Moreover, EX remarkably amplifies the insulin-induced ameliorative effect on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Samadian
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Asghar Tofighi
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Firouz Ghaderi Pakdel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Javad Tolouei Azar
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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Azarniad R, Razi M, Hasanzadeh S, Malekinejad H. Experimental diabetes negatively affects the spermatogonial stem cells' self-renewal by suppressing GDNF network interactions. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13710. [PMID: 32539191 DOI: 10.1111/and.13710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was done to analyse the time-dependent effects of diabetes on Sertoli cells-spermatogonial stem cells' (SSCs) network interaction by focusing on glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its special receptors, gfrα1 and c-RET as well as the Bcl-6b. In total, 40 Wistar rats were considered in; control, 20, 45 and 60 days diabetes-induced groups. An experimental diabetes was induced by STZ. The GDNF, gfrα1, c-RET and Bcl-6b expressions were evaluated. The serum level of testosterone, tubular repopulation (RI) and spermiogenesis (SPI) indices, general histological alterations, germ cells, mRNA damage, sperm count and viability were assessed. The diabetes, in a time-dependent manner, diminished mRNA and protein levels of GDNF, gfrα1, c-RET and Bcl-6b versus control group (p < .05), enhanced percentage of seminiferous tubules with negative RI, SPI, and diminished Leydig and Sertoli cells distribution, serum levels of testosterone, sperm count and viability. Finally, the number, percentage of cells and seminiferous tubules with normal mRNA content were significantly (p < .05) diminished. In conclusion, as a new data, we showed that the diabetes by inducing severe mRNA damage and suppressing GDNF, gfrα1, c-RET and Bcl-6b expressions, potentially affects the Sertoli-SSCs' network and consequently inhibits the SSCs' self-renewal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita Azarniad
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shapour Hasanzadeh
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hassan Malekinejad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Food and Beverages Safety Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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6
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Chang HM, Wu HC, Sun ZG, Lian F, Leung PCK. Neurotrophins and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the ovary: physiological and pathophysiological implications. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:224-242. [PMID: 30608586 PMCID: PMC6390169 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophins [nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4)] and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are soluble polypeptide growth factors that are widely recognized for their roles in promoting cell growth, survival and differentiation in several classes of neurons. Outside the nervous system, neurotrophin (NT) and GDNF signaling events have substantial roles in various non-neural tissues, including the ovary. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The molecular mechanisms that promote and regulate follicular development and oocyte maturation have been extensively investigated. However, most information has been obtained from animal models. Even though the fundamental process is highly similar across species, the paracrine regulation of ovarian function in humans remains poorly characterized. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the expression and functional roles of NTs and GDNF in human ovarian biology and disorders, and to describe and propose the development of novel strategies for diagnosing, treating and preventing related abnormalities. SEARCH METHODS Relevant literature in the English language from 1990 to 2018 describing the role of NTs and GDNF in mammalian ovarian biology and phenotypes was comprehensively selected using PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. OUTCOMES Studies have shown that the neurotrophins NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4 as well as GDNF and their functional receptors are expressed in the human ovary. Recently, gathered experimental data suggest putative roles for NT and GDNF signaling in the direct control of ovarian function, including follicle assembly, activation of the primordial follicles, follicular growth and development, oocyte maturation, steroidogenesis, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Additionally, crosstalk occurs between these ovarian regulators and the endocrine signaling system. Dysregulation of the NT system may negatively affect ovarian function, leading to reproductive pathology (decreased ovarian reserve, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis), female infertility and even epithelial ovarian cancers. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A comprehensive understanding of the expression, actions and underlying molecular mechanisms of the NT/GDNF system in the human ovary is essential for novel approaches to therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in ovarian diseases and to develop more safe, effective methods of inducing ovulation in ART in the treatment of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsun-Ming Chang
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hai-Cui Wu
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zhen-Gao Sun
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fang Lian
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Integrative Medicine Research Centre of Reproduction and Heredity, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Crosstalk between PTEN/PI3K/Akt Signalling and DNA Damage in the Oocyte: Implications for Primordial Follicle Activation, Oocyte Quality and Ageing. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010200. [PMID: 31947601 PMCID: PMC7016612 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The preservation of genome integrity in the mammalian female germline from primordial follicle arrest to activation of growth to oocyte maturation is fundamental to ensure reproductive success. As oocytes are formed before birth and may remain dormant for many years, it is essential that defence mechanisms are monitored and well maintained. The phosphatase and tensin homolog of chromosome 10 (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB, Akt) is a major signalling pathway governing primordial follicle recruitment and growth. This pathway also contributes to cell growth, survival and metabolism, and to the maintenance of genomic integrity. Accelerated primordial follicle activation through this pathway may result in a compromised DNA damage response (DDR). Additionally, the distinct DDR mechanisms in oocytes may become less efficient with ageing. This review considers DNA damage surveillance mechanisms and their links to the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, impacting on the DDR during growth activation of primordial follicles, and in ovarian ageing. Targeting DDR mechanisms within oocytes may be of value in developing techniques to protect ovaries against chemotherapy and in advancing clinical approaches to regulate primordial follicle activation.
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Yin J, Chang HM, Yi Y, Yao Y, Leung PC. TGF-β1 Increases GDNF Production by Upregulating the Expression of GDNF and Furin in Human Granulosa-Lutein Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010185. [PMID: 31936902 PMCID: PMC7016865 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is expressed at a high level in the human ovary and GDNF signaling is involved in the direct control of follicular activation and oocyte maturation. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in the regulation of various ovarian functions. Furin is an intracellular serine endopeptidase of the subtilisin family that is closely associated with the activation of multiple protein precursors. Despite the important roles of GDNF and TGF-β1 in the regulation of follicular development, whether TGF-β is able to regulate the expression and production of GDNF in human granulosa cells remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TGF-β1 on the production of GDNF and its underlying mechanisms in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. We used two types of hGL cells (primary hGL cells and an established immortalized hGL cell line, SVOG cells) as study models. Our results show that TGF-β1 significantly induced the expression of GDNF and furin, which, in turn, increased the production of mature GDNF. Using a dual inhibition approach combining RNA interference and kinase inhibitors against cell signaling components, we showed that the TβRII type II receptor and ALK5 type I receptor are the principal receptors that mediated TGF-β1-induced cellular activity in hGL cells. Additionally, Sma- and Mad-related protein (SMAD)3 and SMAD4 are the downstream signaling transducers that mediate the biological response induced by TGF-β1. Furthermore, furin is the main proprotein convertase that induces the production of GDNF. These findings provide additional regulatory mechanisms by which an intrafollicular factor influences the production of another growth factor through a paracrine or autocrine interaction in hGL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Yin
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (H.-M.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (H.-M.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yuyin Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (H.-M.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China;
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (P.C.K.L.)
| | - Peter C.K. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (H.-M.C.); (Y.Y.)
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (P.C.K.L.)
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9
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Development of the urogenital system is regulated via the 3'UTR of GDNF. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5302. [PMID: 30923332 PMCID: PMC6438985 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40457-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms controlling ureter lenght and the position of the kidney are poorly understood. Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) induced RET signaling is critical for ureteric bud outgrowth, but the function of endogenous GDNF in further renal differentiation and urogenital system development remains discursive. Here we analyzed mice where 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of GDNF is replaced with sequence less responsive to microRNA-mediated regulation, leading to increased GDNF expression specifically in cells naturally transcribing Gdnf. We demonstrate that increased Gdnf leads to short ureters in kidneys located in an abnormally caudal position thus resembling human pelvic kidneys. High GDNF levels expand collecting ductal progenitors at the expense of ureteric trunk elongation and result in expanded tip and short trunk phenotype due to changes in cell cycle length and progenitor motility. MEK-inhibition rescues these defects suggesting that MAPK-activity mediates GDNF’s effects on progenitors. Moreover, Gdnf hyper mice are infertile likely due to effects of excess GDNF on distal ureter remodeling. Our findings suggest that dysregulation of GDNF levels, for example via alterations in 3′UTR, may account for a subset of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and/or congenital infertility cases in humans and pave way to future studies.
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10
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Zhang XY, Chang HM, Taylor EL, Liu RZ, Leung PCK. BMP6 Downregulates GDNF Expression Through SMAD1/5 and ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways in Human Granulosa-Lutein Cells. Endocrinology 2018; 159:2926-2938. [PMID: 29750278 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 6 is a critical regulator of follicular development that is expressed in mammalian oocytes and granulosa cells. Glial cell line‒derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is an intraovarian neurotrophic factor that plays an essential role in regulating mammalian oocyte maturation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMP6 on the regulation of GDNF expression and the potential underlying mechanisms. We used an established immortalized human granulosa cell line (SVOG cells) and primary human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells as in vitro cell models. Our results showed that BMP6 significantly downregulated the expression of GDNF in both SVOG and primary hGL cells. With dual inhibition approaches (kinase receptor inhibitor and small interfering RNA knockdown), our results showed that both activin receptor kinase-like (ALK) 2 and ALK3 are involved in BMP6-induced downregulation of GDNF. In addition, BMP6 induced the phosphorylation of Sma- and Mad-related protein (SMAD)1/5/8 and ERK1/2 but not AKT or p38. Among three downstream mediators, both SMAD1 and SMAD5 are involved in BMP6-induced downregulation of GDNF. Moreover, concomitant knockdown of endogenous SMAD4 and inhibition of ERK1/2 activity completely reversed BMP6-induced downregulation of GDNF, indicating that both SMAD and ERK1/2 signaling pathways are required for the regulatory effect of BMP6 on GDNF expression. Our findings suggest an additional role for an intrafollicular growth factor in regulating follicular function through paracrine interactions in human granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elizabeth L Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rui-Zhi Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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11
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Agopiantz M, Xandre-Rodriguez L, Jin B, Urbistondoy G, Ialy-Radio C, Chalbi M, Wolf JP, Ziyyat A, Lefèvre B. Growth arrest specific 1 (Gas1) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor α1 (Gfrα1), two mouse oocyte glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins, are involved in fertilisation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:824-837. [PMID: 28442042 DOI: 10.1071/rd15367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, Juno, the oocyte receptor for Izumo1, a male immunoglobulin, was discovered. Juno is an essential glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GIP)-anchored protein. This result did not exclude the participation of other GIP-anchored proteins in this process. After bibliographic and database searches we selected five GIP-anchored proteins (Cpm, Ephrin-A4, Gas1, Gfra1 and Rgmb) as potential oocyte candidates participating in fertilisation. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that only three were present on the mouse ovulated oocyte membrane and, of these, only two were clearly involved in the fertilisation process, namely growth arrest specific 1 (Gas1) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor α1 (Gfrα1). This was demonstrated by evaluating oocyte fertilisability after treatment of oocytes with antibodies against the selected proteins, with their respective short interference RNA or both. Gfrα1 and Gas1 seem to be neither redundant nor synergistic. In conclusion, oocyte Gas1 and Gfrα1 are both clearly involved in fertilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agopiantz
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - L Xandre-Rodriguez
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - B Jin
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - G Urbistondoy
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - C Ialy-Radio
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - M Chalbi
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - J-P Wolf
- Service d'Histologie Embryologie Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, F75014 Paris, France
| | - A Ziyyat
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - B Lefèvre
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
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12
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Wang DH, Zhou HX, Liu SJ, Zhou CJ, Kong XW, Han Z, Liang CG. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor supplementation promotes bovine in vitro oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Theriogenology 2018; 113:92-101. [PMID: 29477014 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Paracrine factors such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which was originally derived from the supernatants of a rat glioma cell line, play pivotal roles in oocyte maturation and early embryo development in mammals, such as mice, rats, pigs, sheep, and even humans. However, whether GDNF facilitates in vitro oocyte maturation or early embryo development in bovines is not yet known. We show for the first time that GDNF and its receptor, GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRA1), are presented in ovarian follicles at different stages as well as during oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Immunostaining results revealed the subcellular localizations of GDNF and GFRA1 in oocytes throughout follicle development, first in germinal vesicles and during blastocyst embryo stages. The ability of exogenously applied GDNF to promote oocyte maturation and early embryo development was evaluated in culture, where we found that an optimal concentration of 50 ng/mL promotes the maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes and the nuclei of denuded oocytes as well as the development of embryos after IVF. To further investigate the potential mechanism by which GDNF promotes oocyte maturation, bovine oocytes were treated with morpholinos targeting Gfra1. The suppression of GFRA1 presence blocked endogenous and exogenous GDNF functions, indicating that the effects of GDNF that are essential and beneficial for bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development occur through this receptor. Furthermore, we show that supplementation with GDNF improves the efficiency of bovine IVF embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, The Research Center for Laboratory Animal Science, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, The Research Center for Laboratory Animal Science, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, The Research Center for Laboratory Animal Science, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, The Research Center for Laboratory Animal Science, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Wei Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, The Research Center for Laboratory Animal Science, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, The Research Center for Laboratory Animal Science, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Guang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, The Research Center for Laboratory Animal Science, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Kallen A, Polotsky AJ, Johnson J. Untapped Reserves: Controlling Primordial Follicle Growth Activation. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:319-331. [PMID: 29452791 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Even with the benefit of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), many women are unable to conceive and deliver healthy offspring. One common cause of infertility is the inability to produce eggs capable of contributing to live birth. This can occur despite standard-of-care treatment to maximize the recovery of eggs from growing ovarian follicles. Dormant primordial follicles in the human ovary are a 'reserve ' that can be exploited clinically to overcome this problem. We discuss how controlling primordial follicle growth activation (PFGA) can produce increased numbers of high-quality eggs available for fertility treatment(s). We consider the state of the art in interventions used to control PFGA, and consider genetic and epigenetic strategies on the horizon that might improve compromised oocyte quality to increase live births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kallen
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alex J Polotsky
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joshua Johnson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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14
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Fielder GC, Yang TWS, Razdan M, Li Y, Lu J, Perry JK, Lobie PE, Liu DX. The GDNF Family: A Role in Cancer? Neoplasia 2018; 20:99-117. [PMID: 29245123 PMCID: PMC5730419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands (GFLs) comprising of GDNF, neurturin, artemin, and persephin plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous system, renal morphogenesis, and spermatogenesis. Here we review our current understanding of GFL biology, and supported by recent progress in the area, we examine their emerging role in endocrine-related and other non-hormone-dependent solid neoplasms. The ability of GFLs to elicit actions that resemble those perturbed in an oncogenic phenotype, alongside mounting evidence of GFL involvement in tumor progression, presents novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahalakshmi Razdan
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yan Li
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jun Lu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jo K Perry
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter E Lobie
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Xu Liu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
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15
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Kawashima I, Kawamura K. Regulation of follicle growth through hormonal factors and mechanical cues mediated by Hippo signaling pathway. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2017; 64:3-11. [PMID: 29224376 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1411990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The ovary is an interesting organ that shows major structural changes within a short period of time during each reproductive cycle. Follicle development is controlled by local paracrine and systemic endocrine factors. Many hormonal and molecular analyses have been conducted to find the mechanisms underlying structural changes in ovaries, However, exact mechanisms still remain to be determined. Recent development of mechanobiology facilitates the understanding on the contribution of physical forces and changes in the mechanical properties of cells and tissues to physiology and pathophysiology. The Hippo signaling pathway is one of the key players in mechanotransduction, providing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to mechanical signals to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis for maintaining optimal organ sizes. Our group recently demonstrated the involvement of the Hippo signaling pathway in the regulation of ovarian follicle development. Fragmentation of ovarian cortex into small cubes changed cytoskeletal actin dynamics and induced disruption of the Hippo signaling pathway, leading to the production of CCN growth factors and anti-apoptotic BIRC. These factors, in turn, stimulated secondary follicle growth in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarized hormonal regulation of follicular structural changes and further focused on the role of Hippo signaling in the regulation of follicle development. We also suggest a new strategy of infertility treatments in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency based on mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikko Kawashima
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , St. Marianna University School of Medicine , Kawasaki City , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , St. Marianna University School of Medicine , Kawasaki City , Kanagawa , Japan
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16
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Pankhurst MW. A putative role for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in optimising ovarian reserve expenditure. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:R1-R13. [PMID: 28130407 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary has a finite supply of oocytes, which are contained within primordial follicles where they are arrested in a dormant state. The number of primordial follicles in the ovary at puberty is highly variable between females of the same species. Females that enter puberty with a small ovarian reserve are at risk of a shorter reproductive lifespan, as their ovarian reserve is expected to be depleted faster. One of the roles of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is to inhibit primordial follicle activation, which slows the rate at which the ovarian reserve is depleted. A simple interpretation is that the function of AMH is to conserve ovarian reserve. However, the females with the lowest ovarian reserve and the greatest risk of early reserve depletion have the lowest levels of AMH. In contrast, AMH apparently strongly inhibits primordial follicle activation in females with ample ovarian reserve, for reasons that remain unexplained. The rate of primordial follicle activation determines the size of the developing follicle pool, which in turn, determines how many oocytes are available to be selected for ovulation. This review discusses the evidence that AMH regulates the size of the developing follicle pool by altering the rate of primordial follicle activation in a context-dependent manner. The expression patterns of AMH across life are also consistent with changing requirements for primordial follicle activation in the ageing ovary. A potential role of AMH in the fertility of ageing females is proposed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of AnatomySchool of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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17
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O LG, Park CE. The Expression of Solute carrier family membersGenes in Mouse Ovarian Developments. KOREAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.15324/kjcls.2017.49.1.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Gyun O
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, St. Vincent Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Chang-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Molecular Diagnostics Research Institute, Namseoul University, Cheonan, Korea
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18
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Xu K, Chen X, Yang H, Xu Y, He Y, Wang C, Huang H, Liu B, Liu W, Li J, Kou X, Zhao Y, Zhao K, Zhang L, Hou Z, Wang H, Wang H, Li J, Fan H, Wang F, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Gao S. Maternal Sall4 Is Indispensable for Epigenetic Maturation of Mouse Oocytes. J Biol Chem 2016; 292:1798-1807. [PMID: 28031467 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.767061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sall4 (Splat-like 4) plays important roles in maintaining pluripotency of embryonic stem cells and in various developmental processes. Here, we find that Sall4 is highly expressed in oocytes and early embryos. To investigate the roles of SALL4 in oogenesis, we generated Sall4 maternal specific knock-out mice by using CRISPR/Cas9 system, and we find that the maternal deletion of Sall4 causes developmental arrest of oocytes at germinal vesicle stage with non-surrounded nucleus, and the subsequent meiosis resumption is prohibited. We further discover that the loss of maternal Sall4 causes failure in establishment of DNA methylation in oocytes. Furthermore, we find that Sall4 modulates H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications by regulating the expression of key histone demethylases coding genes Kdm5b, Kdm6a, and Kdm6b in oocytes. Moreover, we demonstrate that the aberrant H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 cause mis-expression of genes that are critical for oocytes maturation and meiosis resumption. Taken together, our study explores a pivotal role of Sall4 in regulating epigenetic maturation of mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xu
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xia Chen
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hui Yang
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yiwen Xu
- the Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuanlin He
- the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hua Huang
- the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Baodong Liu
- the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaochen Kou
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Linfeng Zhang
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhenzhen Hou
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hailin Wang
- the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jing Li
- the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hengyu Fan
- the Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yawei Gao
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Shaorong Gao
- From the Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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19
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Atwood CS, Vadakkadath Meethal S. The spatiotemporal hormonal orchestration of human folliculogenesis, early embryogenesis and blastocyst implantation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 430:33-48. [PMID: 27045358 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The early reproductive events starting with folliculogenesis and ending with blastocyst implantation into the uterine endometrium are regulated by a complex interplay among endocrine, paracrine and autocrine factors. This review examines the spatiotemporal integration of these maternal and embryonic signals that are required for successful reproduction. In coordination with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) hormones, an intraovarian HPG-like axis regulates folliculogenesis, follicular quiescence, ovulation, follicular atresia, and corpus luteal functions. Upon conception and passage of the zygote through the fallopian tube, the contribution of maternal hormones in the form of paracrine secretions from the endosalpinx to embryonic development declines, with autocrine and paracrine signaling becoming increasingly important as instructional signals for the differentiation of the early zygote/morula into a blastocyst. These maternal and embryonic signals include activin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) that are crucial for the synthesis and secretion of the 'pregnancy' hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG in turn signals pre-implantation embryonic cell division and sex steroid production required for stem cell differentiation, and subsequent blastulation, gastrulation, cavitation and blastocyst formation. Upon reaching the uterus, blastocyst hatching occurs under the influence of decreased activin signaling, while the attachment and invasion of the trophoblast into the endometrium appears to be driven by a decrease in activin signaling, and by increased GnRH1 and hCG signaling that allows for tissue remodeling and the controlled invasion of the blastocyst into the uterine endometrium. This review demonstrates the importance of integrative endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine signaling for successful human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Atwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA; School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, 6027 WA, Australia.
| | - Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, WI 53792, USA
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20
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Streiter S, Fisch B, Sabbah B, Ao A, Abir R. The importance of neuronal growth factors in the ovary. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 22:3-17. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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21
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Nilsson EE, Larsen G, Skinner MK. Roles of Gremlin 1 and Gremlin 2 in regulating ovarian primordial to primary follicle transition. Reproduction 2014; 147:865-74. [PMID: 24614542 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A network of extracellular signaling factors has previously been shown to act in concert to control the ovarian primordial to primary follicle transition. The current study was designed to investigate the roles of the endogenous bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) inhibitors Gremlin 1 (GREM1) and GREM2 in primordial follicle transition in the rat ovary. GREM1 and GREM2 treatments were found to reverse the effects of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to inhibit follicle transition in a whole-ovary culture system. GREM1 reversed the effect of BMP4 to stimulate primordial follicle transition. Immunohistochemical studies showed that GREM2, but not GREM1, was present in primordial follicles suggesting that GREM2 may regulate primordial follicle transition in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated that GREM2 directly binds to AMH, as well as to BMP4. Transcriptome analyses of ovaries treated with GREM2 or GREM1 yielded negligible numbers of differentially expressed genes, suggesting that the immediate effects of GREM2 or GREM1 appear to be at the level of protein-protein interactions, rather than direct actions on the cells. A number of other ovarian growth factors were found to influence the expression of Grem2. Observations suggest that Grem2 is a part of the signaling network of growth factors that regulate the primordial to primary follicle transition. Insights into the regulatory networks affecting the pool of primordial follicles are important to understand the molecular basis for reproductive diseases such as primary ovarian insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Nilsson
- School of Biological SciencesCenter for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4236, USA
| | - Ginger Larsen
- School of Biological SciencesCenter for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4236, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- School of Biological SciencesCenter for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4236, USA
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22
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Nilsson E, Zhang B, Skinner MK. Gene bionetworks that regulate ovarian primordial follicle assembly. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:496. [PMID: 23875758 PMCID: PMC3726361 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primordial follicle assembly is the process by which ovarian primordial follicles are formed. During follicle assembly oocyte nests break down and a layer of pre-granulosa cells surrounds individual oocytes to form primordial follicles. The pool of primordial follicles formed is the source of oocytes for ovulation during a female’s reproductive life. Results The current study utilized a systems approach to detect all genes that are differentially expressed in response to seven different growth factor and hormone treatments known to influence (increase or decrease) primordial follicle assembly in a neonatal rat ovary culture system. One novel factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), was experimentally determined to inhibit follicle assembly. The different growth factor and hormone treatments were all found to affect similar physiological pathways, but each treatment affected a unique set of differentially expressed genes (signature gene set). A gene bionetwork analysis identified gene modules of coordinately expressed interconnected genes and it was found that different gene modules appear to accomplish distinct tasks during primordial follicle assembly. Predictions of physiological pathways important to follicle assembly were validated using ovary culture experiments in which ERK1/2 (MAPK1) activity was increased. Conclusions A number of the highly interconnected genes in these gene networks have previously been linked to primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and polycystic ovarian disease syndrome (PCOS). Observations have identified novel factors and gene networks that regulate primordial follicle assembly. This systems biology approach has helped elucidate the molecular control of primordial follicle assembly and provided potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ovarian disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
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23
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Magalhães-Padilha DM, Geisler-Lee J, Wischral A, Gastal MO, Fonseca GR, Eloy YRG, Geisler M, Figueiredo JR, Gastal EL. Gene Expression During Early Folliculogenesis in Goats Using Microarray Analysis. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:19. [PMID: 23759311 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.106096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of gene expression and metabolic, biological and physiological pathways in ovarian follicular development can have a significant impact on the dynamics of follicular atresia or survival. In fact, some oocyte loss occurs during the transition from secondary to early tertiary follicles. This study aimed to understand, by microarray analysis, the temporal changes in transcriptional profiles of secondary and early antral (tertiary) follicles in caprine ovaries. Ovarian follicles were microdissected and pooled to extract total RNA. The RNA was cross hybridized with the bovine array. Among 23,987 bovine genes, a total of 14,323 genes were hybridized with goat mRNAs while 9,664 genes were not. Of all the hybridized genes, 2,466 were stage-specific, up- and down-regulated in the transition from secondary to early tertiary follicles. Gene expression profiles showed that three major metabolic pathways (lipid metabolism, cell death, and hematological system) were significantly differentiated between the two follicle stages. In conclusion, this study has identified important genes and pathways which may potentially be involved in the transition from secondary to early tertiary follicles in goats.
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24
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Sobinoff AP, Beckett EL, Jarnicki AG, Sutherland JM, McCluskey A, Hansbro PM, McLaughlin EA. Scrambled and fried: cigarette smoke exposure causes antral follicle destruction and oocyte dysfunction through oxidative stress. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 271:156-67. [PMID: 23693141 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke is a reproductive hazard associated with pre-mature reproductive senescence and reduced clinical pregnancy rates in female smokers. Despite an increased awareness of the adverse effects of cigarette smoke exposure on systemic health, many women remain unaware of the adverse effects of cigarette smoke on female fertility. This issue is compounded by our limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind cigarette smoke induced infertility. In this study we used a direct nasal exposure mouse model of cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to characterise mechanisms of cigarette-smoke induced ovotoxicity. Cigarette smoke exposure caused increased levels of primordial follicle depletion, antral follicle oocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress in exposed ovaries, resulting in fewer follicles available for ovulation. Evidence of oxidative stress also persisted in ovulated oocytes which escaped destruction, with increased levels of mitochondrial ROS and lipid peroxidation resulting in reduced fertilisation potential. Microarray analysis of ovarian tissue correlated these insults with a complex mechanism of ovotoxicity involving genes associated with detoxification, inflammation, follicular activation, immune cell mediated apoptosis and membrane organisation. In particular, the phase I detoxifying enzyme cyp2e1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in developing oocytes; an enzyme known to cause molecular bioactivation resulting in oxidative stress. Our results provide a preliminary model of cigarette smoke induced sub-fertility through cyp2e1 bioactivation and oxidative stress, resulting in developing follicle depletion and oocyte dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Sobinoff
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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25
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Schilder RJ, Sill MW, Lankes HA, Gold MA, Mannel RS, Modesitt SC, Hanjani P, Bonebrake AJ, Sood AK, Godwin AK, Hu W, Alpaugh RK. A phase II evaluation of motesanib (AMG 706) in the treatment of persistent or recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal carcinomas: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study. Gynecol Oncol 2013; 129:86-91. [PMID: 23321064 PMCID: PMC3712785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors have a critical role in stimulating the growth of ovarian cancer cells. Motesanib is a small molecule inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases including VEGF receptors 1-3, as well as c-KIT and platelet-derived growth factor which are related to the VEGF family. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-two eligible patients with recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal carcinoma were treated with an oral daily dose of 125 mg of motesanib. Peripheral blood was analyzed for circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating endothelial cells/circulating endothelial progenitors (CEC/CEP), VEGF levels and cell-free circulating DNA (cfDNA). RESULTS The study was abruptly halted after four patients developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. One patient had a partial response and seven patients had stable disease at the time they were removed from study treatment. Twelve of the 22 patients (50%) had indeterminate responses at trial closure. Early closure without clinical efficacy data precludes meaningful correlative studies. CONCLUSIONS The serious central nervous system toxicity observed in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer precluded full examination of this agent in this population. There were no clear cut explanations for the high incidence of this known class effect in the study population compared with patients with other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Schilder
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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26
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Linher-Melville K, Li J. The roles of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor during the final stage of folliculogenesis: a focus on oocyte maturation. Reproduction 2013; 145:R43-54. [PMID: 23166367 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors were first identified to promote the growth, survival or differentiation of neurons and have also been associated with the early stages of ovarian folliculogenesis. More recently, their effects on the final stage of follicular development, including oocyte maturation and early embryonic development, have been reported. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which are expressed in numerous peripheral tissues outside of the CNS, most notably the ovary, are now known to stimulate oocyte maturation in various species, also enhancing developmental competence. The mechanisms that underlie their actions in antral follicles, as well as the targets ultimately controlled by these factors, are beginning to emerge. GDNF, BDNF and NGF, alone or in combination, could be added to the media currently utilized for in vitro oocyte maturation, thereby potentially increasing the production and/or quality of early embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Linher-Melville
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S4L8 Canada
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27
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Adhikari D. In vitro activation of dormant follicles for fertility preservation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 761:29-42. [PMID: 24097380 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8214-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy have led to higher cure rates for female children and adolescents with cancer. However, these treatments adversely affect germ cell survival, and ovarian failure is thus a probable side effect of these anticancer therapies. Moreover, an increasing number of women are choosing to postpone childbearing until later in life, but their primordial follicle reserves degenerate with advancing age. Thus there is a pressing need for the development of fertility preservation methods for these individuals. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation prior to loss of the primordial follicle population either due to cancer treatments or normal aging is a promising option for safeguarding fertility. A complete in vitro maturation (IVM) system could help generate mature eggs for later use without the patient having to undergo the cumbersome process involved in current assisted reproduction methods to generate mature eggs. Cryopreserved ovarian cortical tissues have attracted the attention of reproductive biologists and clinicians because of the large number of safely frozen primordial follicles in them, and it is theoretically possible to use these follicles for in vitro activation (IVA) and subsequent IVM. Ovarian tissue collection is independent of patient age and social or personal conditions. Despite being widely accepted potential techniques for fertility preservation, IVA and IVM of human primordial follicles to obtain fertilizable eggs remains far from reality. This chapter highlights the current achievements and obstacles in obtaining growing follicles through activation of dormant follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Adhikari
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, S-90187, Sweden,
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28
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Abstract
During oogenesis in mammals, the germ line interacts with ovarian somatic cells as follicles assemble, grow, ovulate, and die. As a result, these interactions with granulosa cells determine germ cell fate as the oocyte undergoes hypertrophy, the final stages of meiosis, and preparations required for successful fertilization. Over the past 15 years, investigators using a range of experimental approaches have uncovered the existence of multiple modalities for signaling between the oocyte and companion granulosa cells that play essential and sometimes overlapping roles during the growth and maturative phases of oogenesis. Five modalities of intercellular signaling are considered in the context of regulating oocyte gene expression, metabolism, spatial patterning, and the cell cycle. While some forms of signaling predominate at specific stages of oogenesis, such as during the assembly of primordial follicles, it is apparent that combinations of modalities work in concert to control events associated with ovulation when both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation occur. A final key feature of the signaling platform underscoring the protracted process of oogenesis is the existence of negative and positive feedback loops designed to coordinate the tempo of oogenesis and folliculogenesis at key developmental transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda K McGinnis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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29
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Esmaielzadeh F, Hosseini SM, Nasiri Z, Hajian M, Chamani M, Gourabi H, Shahverdi AH, Vosough AD, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Kit ligand and glial-derived neurotrophic factor as alternative supplements for activation and development of ovine preantral follicles in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2012; 80:35-47. [PMID: 23139200 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In vitro growth of preantral follicles has the potential to produce considerable numbers of competent oocytes for use in medicine, agriculture, and even wildlife conservation. The critical regulatory role of growth factors and hormones in the development of preantral follicles has been established. This study investigated the effect of glial-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) and kit ligand (KL) on the in vitro development of ovine preantral follicles. Results indicated that both GDNF and KL significantly improved activation of primordial follicles, similar to co-addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which are commonly used for in vitro follicular development. Importantly, GDNF had a more profound effect on follicle health, development, and differentiation compared with KL alone. Furthermore, the combination of GDNF and KL in the presence of EGF and bFGF had a positive, synergic effect on health, development, and differentiation of preantral follicles, as determined by histological and hormonal assessments. The results of this study may provide a foundation for further studies that will unravel the molecular mechanisms of follicular development to further improve the current status of in vitro preantral follicle culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Esmaielzadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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30
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Pangas SA. Regulation of the ovarian reserve by members of the transforming growth factor beta family. Mol Reprod Dev 2012; 79:666-79. [PMID: 22847922 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Genetic or environmental factors that affect the endowment of oocytes, their assembly into primordial follicles, or their subsequent entry into the growing follicle pool can disrupt reproductive function and may underlie disorders such as primary ovarian insufficiency. Mouse models have been instrumental in identifying genes important in ovarian development, and a number of genes now associated with ovarian dysfunction in women were first identified as causing reproductive defects in knockout mice. The transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) family consists of developmentally important growth factors that include the TGFBs, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), activins, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9). The ovarian primordial follicle pool is the source of oocytes in adults. Development of this pool can be grossly divided into three key processes: (1) establishment of oocytes during embryogenesis followed by (2) assembly and (3) activation of the primordial follicle. Disruptions in any of these processes may cause reproductive dysfunction. Most members of the TGFB family show pivotal roles in each of these areas. Understanding the phenotypes of various mouse models for this protein family will be directly relevant to understanding how disruptions in TGFB family signaling result in reproductive diseases in women and will present new areas for development of tailored diagnostics and interventions for infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Pangas
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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31
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Nilsson E, Larsen G, Manikkam M, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Savenkova MI, Skinner MK. Environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36129. [PMID: 22570695 PMCID: PMC3343040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The actions of environmental toxicants and relevant mixtures in promoting the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease was investigated with the use of a fungicide, a pesticide mixture, a plastic mixture, dioxin and a hydrocarbon mixture. After transient exposure of an F0 gestating female rat during embryonic gonadal sex determination, the F1 and F3 generation progeny adult onset ovarian disease was assessed. Transgenerational disease phenotypes observed included an increase in cysts resembling human polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) and a decrease in the ovarian primordial follicle pool size resembling primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). The F3 generation granulosa cells were isolated and found to have a transgenerational effect on the transcriptome and epigenome (differential DNA methylation). Epigenetic biomarkers for environmental exposure and associated gene networks were identified. Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease states was induced by all the different classes of environmental compounds, suggesting a role of environmental epigenetics in ovarian disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael K. Skinner
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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32
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Kong XX, Fu YC, Xu JJ, Zhuang XL, Chen ZG, Luo LL. Resveratrol, an effective regulator of ovarian development and oocyte apoptosis. J Endocrinol Invest 2011; 34:e374-81. [PMID: 21738004 DOI: 10.3275/7853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Resveratrol, a phytopolyphenol compound found chiefly in grapes and wine, has been reported to have a variety of anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, and anti-carcinogenic effects. However, little is known about the effects of resveratrol on ovarian development and oocyte apoptosis. We investigated the effects of resveratrol on ovarian development in rats with different ages [from post-natal day (PD) 1 to 15 months], as well as on oocyte apoptosis in PD1 and PD2 rat ovaries. We show that: a) ip injection of resveratrol (20 mg/kg/day) increased the percentage of unassembled follicles and the total number of oocytes in PD1 and PD2 rat ovaries. Similar results were obtained when mothers were treated with resveratrol (20 mg/kg/day) by intragastric administration from day 11, after the detection of vaginal plug, until delivery. In PD4 rat ovaries, the total number of oocytes was significantly increased in the groups treated with resveratrol. Moreover, more unassembled follicles and fewer primary follicles were present in the groups treated with resveratrol than in the controls; b) in 15-month-old rat ovaries, resveratrol increased the number of resting follicles and total oocytes, and decreased the number of developing follicles and atretic follicles; 3) the percentage of TUNEL-positive oocytes decreased in PD1 and PD2 rat ovaries after resveratrol treatment, and the number of oocytes positive for Foxo3a, Bim, and p27KIP1 in PD2 rat ovaries was lower in the resveratrol treatment group than in controls. These results suggest that resveratrol may delay oocyte nest breakdown and inhibit both the primordial-to-developing-follicle transition and apoptosis by decreasing the activation of Foxo3a, Bim, and p27KIP1, thus augmenting the resting follicle reserves, maintaining regular estrous cycles of early aged rats and delaying climacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- X-X Kong
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China
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33
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Mark-Kappeler CJ, Hoyer PB, Devine PJ. Xenobiotic effects on ovarian preantral follicles. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:871-83. [PMID: 21697514 PMCID: PMC3197911 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.091173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Women are born with a finite population of ovarian follicles, which are slowly depleted during their reproductive years until reproductive failure (menopause) occurs. The rate of loss of primordial follicles is determined by genetic and environmental influences, but certain toxic exposures can accelerate this process. Ionizing radiation reduces preantral follicle numbers in rodents and humans in a dose-dependent manner. Cigarette smoking is linked to menopause occurring 1-4 yr earlier than with nonsmokers, and components of smoke, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, can cause follicle depletion in rodents or in ovaries in vitro. Chemotherapeutic agents, such as alkylating drugs and cisplatin, also cause loss of preantral ovarian follicles. Effects depend on dose, type, and reactivity of the drug, and the age of the individual. Evidence suggests DNA damage may underlie follicle loss induced by one common alkylating drug, cyclophosphamide. Occupational exposures have also been linked to ovarian damage. In an industrial setting, 2-bromopropane caused infertility in men and women, and it can induce ovarian follicle depletion in rats. Solvents, such as butadiene, 4-vinylcyclohexene, and their diepoxides, can also cause specific preantral follicle depletion. The mechanism(s) underlying effects of the latter compound may involve alterations in apoptosis, survival factors such as KIT/Kit Ligand, and/or the cellular signaling that maintains primordial follicle dormancy. Estrogenic endocrine disruptors may alter follicle formation/development and impair fertility or normal development of offspring. Thus, specific exposures are known or suspected of detrimentally impacting preantral ovarian follicles, leading to early ovarian failure.
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34
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Mark-Kappeler CJ, Sen N, Lukefahr A, McKee L, Sipes IG, Konhilas J, Hoyer PB. Inhibition of ovarian KIT phosphorylation by the ovotoxicant 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide in rats. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:755-62. [PMID: 21677306 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.092742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro exposure of Postnatal Day 4 (PND4) rat ovaries to the occupational chemical 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) destroys specifically primordial and primary follicles via acceleration of atresia. Because oocyte-expressed c-kit (KIT) plays a critical role in follicle survival and activation, a direct interaction of VCD with KIT as its mechanism of ovotoxicity was investigated. PND4 rat ovaries were cultured with and without VCD (30 μM) for 2 days. When assessed by Western analysis or mobility shift detection, phosphorylated KIT (pKIT) was decreased (P < 0.05) by VCD exposure, while total KIT protein was unaffected. Anti-mouse KIT2 (ACK2) antibody binds KIT and blocks its signaling pathways, whereas anti-mouse KIT 4 (ACK4) antibody binds KIT but does not block its activity. PND4 rat ovaries were incubated for 2 days with and without VCD with and without ACK2 (80 μg/ml) or ACK4 (80 μg/ml). ACK2 decreased pKIT; however, ACK4 had no effect. Conversely, ACK2 did not affect a VCD-induced decrease in pKIT, whereas ACK4 further reduced it. Because ACK2 and ACK4 (known to directly bind KIT) affect VCD responses, these results support the fact that VCD interacts directly with KIT. The effect of these antibodies on VCD-induced follicle loss was measured after 8 days of incubation. ACK2 further reduced (P < 0.05) VCD-induced follicle loss, whereas ACK4 did not affect it. These findings demonstrate that VCD induces ovotoxicity by direct inhibition of KIT autophosphorylation of the oocyte. The data also further support the vital function of KIT and its signaling pathway in primordial follicle survival and activation, as well as its role in VCD-induced ovotoxicity.
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35
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An XP, Hou JX, Li G, Song YX, Wang JG, Chen QJ, Cui YH, Wang YF, Cao BY. Polymorphism identification in the goat KITLG gene and association analysis with litter size. Anim Genet 2011; 43:104-7. [PMID: 22221032 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2011.02219.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study reported the analysis of KIT ligand (KITLG) gene polymorphisms in 681 goats of three breeds: Xinong Saanen (SN), Guanzhong (GZ), and Boer (BG). In addition, the study identified three allelic variants: g.769T>C and g.817G>T in SN and GZ breeds, and g.9760G>C in the three goat breeds. The g.769T>C and g.817G>T loci were closely linked (r(2) > 0.33). All the single nucleotide polymorphism loci were in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium (P < 0.05). Significant associations were found for litter size with all three loci. Therefore, these results suggest that the KITLG gene is a strong candidate gene affecting litter size in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- X P An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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36
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Nilsson EE, Schindler R, Savenkova MI, Skinner MK. Inhibitory actions of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) on ovarian primordial follicle assembly. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20087. [PMID: 21637711 PMCID: PMC3103528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study was designed to investigate the actions of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) on primordial follicle assembly. Ovarian primordial follicles develop from the breakdown of oocyte nests during fetal development for the human and immediately after birth in rodents. AMH was found to inhibit primordial follicle assembly and decrease the initial primordial follicle pool size in a rat ovarian organ culture. The AMH expression was found to be primarily in the stromal tissue of the ovaries at this period of development, suggesting a stromal-epithelial cell interaction for primordial follicle assembly. AMH was found to promote alterations in the ovarian transcriptome during primordial follicle assembly with over 200 genes with altered expression. A gene network was identified suggesting a potential central role for the Fgf2/Nudt6 antisense transcript in the follicle assembly process. A number of signal transduction pathways are regulated by AMH actions on the ovarian transcriptome, in particular the transforming growth factor – beta (TGFß) signaling process. AMH is the first hormone/protein shown to have an inhibitory action on primordial follicle assembly. Due to the critical role of the primordial follicle pool size for female reproduction, elucidation of factors, such as AMH, that regulate the assembly process will provide insights into potential therapeutics to manipulate the pool size and female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E. Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ryan Schindler
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Marina I. Savenkova
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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37
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Oron G, Ao A, Friedman O, Fisch B, Zhang XY, Ben-Haroush A, Peled Y, Abir R. Expression of neurotrophin 3 and its tropomyosin-related kinase receptor C in human preantral follicles. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2056-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2011] [Revised: 02/06/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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38
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Notarianni E. Reinterpretation of evidence advanced for neo-oogenesis in mammals, in terms of a finite oocyte reserve. J Ovarian Res 2011; 4:1. [PMID: 21211009 PMCID: PMC3024995 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-4-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The central tenet of ovarian biology, that the oocyte reserve in adult female mammals is finite, has been challenged over recent years by proponents of neo-oogenesis, who claim that germline stem cells exist in the ovarian surface epithelium or the bone marrow. Currently opinion is divided over these claims, and further scrutiny of the evidence advanced in support of the neo-oogenesis hypothesis is warranted - especially in view of the enormous implications for female fertility and health. This article contributes arguments against the hypothesis, providing alternative explanations for key observations, based on published data. Specifically, DNA synthesis in germ cells in the postnatal mouse ovary is attributed to mitochondrial genome replication, and to DNA repair in oocytes lagging in meiotic progression. Lines purported to consist of germline stem cells are identified as ovarian epithelium or as oogonia, from which cultures have been derived previously. Effects of ovotoxic treatments are found to negate claims for the existence of germline stem cells. And arguments are presented for the misidentification of ovarian somatic cells as de novo oocytes. These clarifications, if correct, undermine the concept that germline stem cells supplement the oocyte quota in the postnatal ovary; and instead comply with the theory of a fixed, unregenerated reserve. It is proposed that acceptance of the neo-oogenesis hypothesis is erroneous, and may effectively impede research in areas of ovarian biology. To illustrate, a novel explanation that is consistent with orthodox theory is provided for the observed restoration of fertility in chemotherapy-treated female mice following bone marrow transplantation, otherwise interpreted by proponents of neo-oogenesis as involving stimulation of endogenous germline stem cells. Instead, it is proposed that the chemotherapeutic regimens induce autoimmunity to ovarian antigens, and that the haematopoietic chimaerism produced by bone marrow transplantation circumvents activation of an autoreactive response, thereby rescuing ovarian function. The suggested mechanism draws from animal models of autoimmune ovarian disease, which implicate dysregulation of T cell regulatory function; and from a surmised role for follicular apoptosis in the provision of ovarian autoantigens, to sustain self-tolerance during homeostasis. This interpretation has direct implications for fertility preservation in women undergoing chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Notarianni
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
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39
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Gene bionetwork analysis of ovarian primordial follicle development. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11637. [PMID: 20661288 PMCID: PMC2905436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian primordial follicles are critical for female reproduction and comprise a finite pool of gametes arrested in development. A systems biology approach was used to identify regulatory gene networks essential for primordial follicle development. Transcriptional responses to eight different growth factors known to influence primordial follicles were used to construct a bionetwork of regulatory genes involved in rat primordial follicle development. Over 1,500 genes were found to be regulated by the various growth factors and a network analysis identified critical gene modules involved in a number of signaling pathways and cellular processes. A set of 55 genes was identified as potential critical regulators of these gene modules, and a sub-network associated with development was determined. Within the network two previously identified regulatory genes were confirmed (i.e., Pdgfa and Fgfr2) and a new factor was identified, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). CTGF was tested in ovarian organ cultures and found to stimulate primordial follicle development. Therefore, the relevant gene network associated with primordial follicle development was validated and the critical genes and pathways involved in this process were identified. This is one of the first applications of network analysis to a normal developmental process. These observations provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for preventing ovarian disease and promoting female reproduction.
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40
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Farhi J, Ao A, Fisch B, Zhang XY, Garor R, Abir R. Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptors in human ovaries from fetuses, girls, and women. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:2565-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2009] [Revised: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Celestino JJH, Bruno JB, Lima-Verde IB, Matos MHT, Saraiva MVA, Chaves RN, Martins FS, Almeida AP, Cunha RMS, Lima LF, Name KPO, Campello CC, Silva JRV, Báo SN, Figueiredo JR. Steady-state level of kit ligand mRNA in goat ovaries and the role of kit ligand in preantral follicle survival and growth in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:231-40. [PMID: 20014130 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate steady-state level of Kit Ligand (KL) mRNA and its effects on in vitro survival and growth of caprine preantral follicles. RT-PCR was used to analyze caprine steady-state level of KL mRNA in primordial, primary, and secondary follicles, and in small (1-3 mm) and large (3-6 mm) antral follicles. Furthermore, ovarian fragments were cultured for 1 or 7 days in Minimal Essential Medium (MEM(+)) supplemented with KL (0, 1, 10, 50, 100, or 200 ng/ml). Noncultured (control) and cultured fragments were processed for histology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RT-PCR demonstrated an increase in steady-state level of KL mRNA during the transition from primary to secondary follicles. Small antral follicles had higher steady-state levels of KL mRNA in granulosa and theca cells than large follicles. After 7 days, only 50 ng/ml of KL had maintained the percentage of normal follicles similar to control. After 1 day, all KL concentrations reduced the percentage of primordial follicles and increased the percentage of growing follicles. KL at 10, 50, 100, or 200 ng/ml increased primary follicles, compared to MEM(+) after 7 days. An increase in oocyte and follicular diameter was observed at 50 ng/ml of KL. TEM confirmed ultrastructural integrity of follicles after 7 days at 50 ng/ml of KL. In conclusion, the KL mRNAs were detected in all follicular categories. Furthermore, 50 ng/ml of KL maintained the integrity of caprine preantral follicle cultured for 7 days and stimulated primordial follicle activation and follicle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana J H Celestino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LAMOFOPA, PPGCV, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Abstract
In the human ovary, early in pre-natal life, oocytes are surrounded by pre-granulosa follicular cells to form primordial follicles. These primordial oocytes remain dormant, often for decades, until recruited into the growing pool throughout a woman's adult reproductive years. Activation of follicle growth and subsequent development of growing oocytes in pre-antral follicles are major biological checkpoints that determine an individual females reproductive potential. In the past decade, great strides have been made in the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning maintenance of the quiescent primordial follicle pool and initiation and development of follicle growth. Gaining an in-depth knowledge of the intracellular signalling systems that control oocyte preservation and follicle activation has significant implications for improving female reproductive productivity and alleviating infertility. It also has application in domestic animal husbandry, feral animal population control and contraception in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen A McLaughlin
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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Abstract
Two major functions of the mammalian ovary are the production of germ cells (oocytes), which allow continuation of the species, and the generation of bioactive molecules, primarily steroids (mainly estrogens and progestins) and peptide growth factors, which are critical for ovarian function, regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and development of secondary sex characteristics. The female germline is created during embryogenesis when the precursors of primordial germ cells differentiate from somatic lineages of the embryo and take a unique route to reach the urogenital ridge. This undifferentiated gonad will differentiate along a female pathway, and the newly formed oocytes will proliferate and subsequently enter meiosis. At this point, the oocyte has two alternative fates: die, a common destiny of millions of oocytes, or be fertilized, a fate of at most approximately 100 oocytes, depending on the species. At every step from germline development and ovary formation to oogenesis and ovarian development and differentiation, there are coordinated interactions of hundreds of proteins and small RNAs. These studies have helped reproductive biologists to understand not only the normal functioning of the ovary but also the pathophysiology and genetics of diseases such as infertility and ovarian cancer. Over the last two decades, parallel progress has been made in the assisted reproductive technology clinic including better hormonal preparations, prenatal genetic testing, and optimal oocyte and embryo analysis and cryopreservation. Clearly, we have learned much about the mammalian ovary and manipulating its most important cargo, the oocyte, since the birth of Louise Brown over 30 yr ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Edson
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Abstract
In humans and other mammalian species, the pool of resting primordial follicles serves as the source of developing follicles and fertilizable ova for the entire length of female reproductive life. One question that has intrigued biologists is: what are the mechanisms controlling the activation of dormant primordial follicles. Studies from previous decades have laid a solid, but yet incomplete, foundation. In recent years, molecular mechanisms underlying follicular activation have become more evident, mainly through the use of genetically modified mouse models. As hypothesized in the 1990s, the pool of primordial follicles is now known to be maintained in a dormant state by various forms of inhibitory machinery, which are provided by several inhibitory signals and molecules. Several recently reported mutant mouse models have shown that a synergistic and coordinated suppression of follicular activation provided by multiple inhibitory molecules is necessary to preserve the dormant follicular pool. Loss of function of any of the inhibitory molecules for follicular activation, including PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10), Foxo3a, p27, and Foxl2, leads to premature and irreversible activation of the primordial follicle pool. Such global activation of the primordial follicle pool leads to the exhaustion of the resting follicle reserve, resulting in premature ovarian failure in mice. In this review, we summarize both historical and recent results on mammalian primordial follicular activation and focus on the up-to-date knowledge of molecular networks controlling this important physiological event. We believe that information obtained from mutant mouse models may also reflect the molecular machinery responsible for follicular activation in humans. These advances may provide a better understanding of human ovarian physiology and pathophysiology for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Adhikari
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Nilsson E, Dole G, Skinner MK. Neurotrophin NT3 promotes ovarian primordial to primary follicle transition. Reproduction 2009; 138:697-707. [PMID: 19584175 DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins are growth factors that are known to have a role in promoting cell survival and differentiation. The focus of the current study is to examine the role of neurotrophins in regulating ovarian primordial follicle development. Ovaries from 4-day old rats were placed into organ culture and cultured for 10 days in the absence or presence of neurotrophin-3 (NT3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or nerve growth factor (NGF). Treatment of ovaries with NT3 resulted in a significant (P<0.01) increase in primordial follicle development (i.e. primordial to primary follicle transition). Treatment with BDNF at high doses of 100-250 ng/ml also significantly (P<0.01) increased primordial follicle development, but NGF had no effect. Immunohistochemical studies determined that NT3 was present in granulosa cells, interstitial tissue, and in the oocytes of primordial and primary follicles. The NT3 receptor NTRK3 was present in oocytes at all stages of development. Analysis of ovaries that contain predominantly primordial follicles demonstrated the transcripts for NT3, NTRK3, NGF, and the BDNF/neurotrophin-4 (NT4) receptor NTRK2 are expressed, while BDNF, NT4, and the NGF receptor NTRK1 are not detectable. Inhibition of the NTRK3 receptor with the tyrphostin AG 879 resulted in oocyte death and a significant (P<0.01) reduction in follicle pool size. Inhibition of the NTRK receptors with K252a slowed primordial to primary follicle transition. A microarray analysis demonstrated that a small number of genes were differentially expressed after NT3 treatment. Observations indicate that the neurotrophin NT3, acting through the NTRK3 receptor in oocytes, promotes the primordial to primary follicle transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4234, USA
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Trombly DJ, Woodruff TK, Mayo KE. Roles for transforming growth factor beta superfamily proteins in early folliculogenesis. Semin Reprod Med 2009; 27:14-23. [PMID: 19197801 DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1108006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Primordial follicle formation and the subsequent transition of follicles to the primary and secondary stages encompass the early events during folliculogenesis in mammals. These processes establish the ovarian follicle pool and prime follicles for entry into subsequent growth phases during the reproductive cycle. Perturbations during follicle formation can affect the size of the primordial follicle pool significantly, and alterations in follicle transition can cause follicles to arrest at immature stages or result in premature depletion of the follicle reserve. Determining the molecular events that regulate primordial follicle formation and early follicle growth may lead to the development of new fertility treatments. Over the last decade, many of the growth factors and signaling proteins that mediate the early stages of folliculogenesis have been identified using mouse genetic models, in vivo injection studies, and ex vivo organ culture approaches. These studies reveal important roles for the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of proteins in the ovary. This article reviews these roles for TGF-beta family proteins and focuses in particular on work from our laboratories on the functions of activin in early folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Trombly
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Cell Biology and Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
Oocytes are sequestered in primordial follicles before birth and remain quiescent in the ovary, often for decades, until recruited into the growing pool throughout the reproductive years. Therefore, activation of follicle growth is a major biological checkpoint that controls female reproductive potential. However, we are only just beginning to elucidate the cellular mechanisms required for either maintenance of the quiescent primordial follicle pool or initiation of follicle growth. Understanding the intracellular signalling systems that control oocyte maintenance and activation has significant implications for improving female reproductive productivity and longevity in mammals, and has application in domestic animal husbandry, feral animal population control and infertility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen A McLaughlin
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
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