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Lu J, Guo M, Wang X, Wang R, Xi G, An L, Tian J, Chu M. A Redesigned Method for CNP-Synchronized In Vitro Maturation Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes and Improves the Developmental Potential of Porcine Oocytes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1885. [PMID: 37895234 PMCID: PMC10606118 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101885] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production depends on high-quality oocytes. Compared with in vivo matured oocytes, in vitro oocytes undergo precocious meiotic resumption, thus compromising oocyte quality. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a follicular factor maintaining meiotic arrest. Thus, CNP-pretreatment has been widely used to improve the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes in many species. However, the efficacy of this strategy has remained unsatisfactory in porcine oocytes. Here, by determining the functional concentration and dynamics of CNP in inhibiting spontaneous meiotic resumption, we improved the current IVM system of porcine oocytes. Our results indicate that although the beneficial effect of the CNP pre-IVM strategy is common among species, the detailed method may be largely divergent among them and needs to be redesigned specifically for each one. Focusing on the overlooked role of cumulus cells surrounding the oocytes, we also explore the mechanisms relevant to their beneficial effect. In addition to oocytes per se, the enhanced anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative gene expression in cumulus cells may contribute considerably to improved oocyte quality. These findings not only emphasize the importance of screening the technical parameters of the CNP pre-IVM strategy for specific species, but also highlight the critical supporting role of cumulus cells in this promising strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Min Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guangyin Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei An
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meiqiang Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
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Wang X, Zhou S, Wu Z, Liu R, Ran Z, Liao J, Shi H, Wang F, Chen J, Liu G, Liang A, Yang L, Zhang S, Li X, He C. The FSH-mTOR-CNP signaling axis initiates follicular antrum formation by regulating tight junction, ion pumps, and aquaporins. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105015. [PMID: 37414146 PMCID: PMC10424218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105015] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The initial formation of the follicular antrum (iFFA) serves as a dividing line between gonadotropin-independent and gonadotropin-dependent folliculogenesis, enabling the follicle to sensitively respond to gonadotropins for its further development. However, the mechanism underlying iFFA remains elusive. Herein, we reported that iFFA is characterized by enhanced fluid absorption, energy consumption, secretion, and proliferation and shares a regulatory mechanism with blastula cavity formation. By use of bioinformatics analysis, follicular culture, RNA interference, and other techniques, we further demonstrated that the tight junction, ion pumps, and aquaporins are essential for follicular fluid accumulation during iFFA, as a deficiency of any one of these negatively impacts fluid accumulation and antrum formation. The intraovarian mammalian target of rapamycin-C-type natriuretic peptide pathway, activated by follicle-stimulating hormone, initiated iFFA by activating tight junction, ion pumps, and aquaporins. Building on this, we promoted iFFA by transiently activating mammalian target of rapamycin in cultured follicles and significantly increased oocyte yield. These findings represent a significant advancement in iFFA research, further enhancing our understanding of folliculogenesis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Wang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zian Wu
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruiyan Liu
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaohong Ran
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianning Liao
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongru Shi
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, USA
| | - Jianguo Chen
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Aixin Liang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Li
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changjiu He
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
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Hou B, Mao M, Dong S, Deng M, Sun B, Guo Y, Li Y, Liu D, Liu G. Transcriptome analysis reveals mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs associated with fecundity in the hypothalamus of high-and low-fecundity goat. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1145594. [PMID: 37056233 PMCID: PMC10086355 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1145594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As an important organ that coordinates the neuroendocrine system, the hypothalamus synthesizes and secretes reproductive hormones that act on the goat organism, thereby precisely regulating follicular development and reproductive processes in goats. However, it is still elusive to explore the mechanism of hypothalamic effects on goat fertility alone. Therefore, RNA-seq was used to analyze the gene expression in hypothalamic tissues of goats in high fertility group (HFG: litter size per litter ≥2) and low fertility group (LFG: litter size per litter = 1), and identified the differential lncRNAs and mRNAs and their associated pathways related to their fertility. The results showed that a total of 23 lncRNAs and 57 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the hypothalamic tissue of high and low fertility goats. GO terms and KEGG functional annotation suggest that DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were significantly enriched in hormone-related pathways regulating ovarian development, hormone synthesis and secretion, regulation of reproductive processes, Estrogen signaling pathway, Oxytocin signaling pathway and GnRH signaling pathway. And we constructed a co-expression network of lncRNAs and target genes, and identified reproduction-related genes such as NMUR2, FEZF1, and WT1. The sequencing results of the hypothalamic transcriptome have broadened our understanding of lncRNA and mRNA in goat hypothalamic tissue and provided some new insights into the molecular mechanisms of follicle development and regulation of its fertility in goats.
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Ma C, Xiang Q, Song G, Wang X. Quercetin and polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1006678. [PMID: 36588716 PMCID: PMC9800798 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1006678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine disease, and results to opsomenorrhea or amenorrhea, hairy, acne, acanthosis, infertility, abortion. In the long term, PCOS may also increase the risk of endometrial cancer, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and other diseases. Till now there is no specific drug for PCOS due to the unclearness of the cause and pathogenesis, as current treatments for PCOS only target certain symptoms. Quercetin (QUR) is a flavonoid drug widely found in Chinese herbal medicines, fruits, leaves, vegetables, seeds and plants roots. Studies on other diseases have found that QUR has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-insulin resistance, anti-cancer and other effects. Some studies have shown that serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), the LH/follicule-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and lipid levels are reduced in PCOS patients with QUR treatment. However, the mechanisms of QUR in PCOS patients have not been completely elucidated. In this review, we retrospect the basic characteristics of QUR, and in vitro studies, animal experiments and clinical trials of QUR and plant extracts containing QUR in the treatment of PCOS. We also summarized the effects and mechanism of QUR in ovarian cells in vitro and PCOS model rats, the changes in relevant parameters after QUR administration in PCOS patients, and its potentially therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshun Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianru Xiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Song
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ge Song, ; Xuefei Wang,
| | - Xuefei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ge Song, ; Xuefei Wang,
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Chen W, Mao X. Impacts of seasonality on gene expression in the Chinese horseshoe bat. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8923. [PMID: 35592062 PMCID: PMC9100453 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonality can cause changes in many environmental factors which potentially affects gene expression. Here, we used a bat species (Rhinolophus sinicus) from eastern China as a model to explore the molecular mechanisms of seasonal effects, in particular during phenological shifts in the spring and autumn. Based on the analysis of 45 RNA-seq samples, we found strong seasonal effects on gene expression, with a large number of genes identified as either specific or biased to each season. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis also identified multiple modules significantly associated with each season. These seasonal genes were further enriched into different functional categories. Consistent with effects of phenological shifts on bats, we found that genes related to promoting food intake were highly expressed in both autumn and spring. In addition, immunity genes were also highly expressed in both seasons although this seasonal immune response had tissue specificity in different seasons. In female bats, genes related to the delay of ovulation (e.g., NPPC, natriuretic peptide precursor type C) were highly expressed in October, while genes associated with the promotion of reproduction (e.g., DIO2, iodothyronine deiodinase 2) were biasedly expressed in April. Lastly, we found multiple known core clock genes in both October-biased and April-biased expressed genes, which may be involved in regulating the start and end of hibernation, respectively. Overall, together with studies in other land and aquatic animals, our work supports that seasonal gene expression variations may be a general evolutionary response to environmental changes in wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Chen
- School of Ecological and Environmental SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiuguang Mao
- School of Ecological and Environmental SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
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6
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Ozturk S. Molecular determinants of the meiotic arrests in mammalian oocytes at different stages of maturation. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:547-571. [PMID: 35072590 PMCID: PMC8942507 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2026704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes undergo two rounds of developmental arrest during maturation: at the diplotene of the first meiotic prophase and metaphase of the second meiosis. These arrests are strictly regulated by follicular cells temporally producing the secondary messengers, cAMP and cGMP, and other factors to regulate maturation promoting factor (composed of cyclin B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1) levels in the oocytes. Out of these normally appearing developmental arrests, permanent arrests may occur in the oocytes at germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), or metaphase II (MII) stage. This issue may arise from absence or altered expression of the oocyte-related genes playing key roles in nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Additionally, the assisted reproductive technology (ART) applications such as ovarian stimulation and in vitro culture conditions both of which harbor various types of chemical agents may contribute to forming the permanent arrests. In this review, the molecular determinants of developmental and permanent arrests occurring in the mammalian oocytes are comprehensively evaluated in the light of current knowledge. As number of permanently arrested oocytes at different stages is increasing in ART centers, potential approaches for inducing permanent arrests to obtain competent oocytes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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Zheng S, Chen Y, Ma M, Li M. Mechanism of quercetin on the improvement of ovulation disorder and regulation of ovarian CNP/NPR2 in PCOS model rats. J Formos Med Assoc 2021; 121:1081-1092. [PMID: 34538551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of quercetin on ovulation disorder and expression of androgen receptor (AR) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) / Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 2 (NPR2) in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model. METHODS DHEA was used to construct the PCOS rat model. After intervention with quercetin, metformin, and AR, the estrous cycle, ovarian and uterine weight of rats were measured. The morphological changes of ovarian and uterine were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining). Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical detection of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), BCL2-Associated X (Bax) and AR expression in ovarian. Determination of the expression of CNP and NPR2 mRNA by qRT-PCR. Chromatin immunocoprecipitation (ChIP) was used to detect the ability of AR to bind to CNP or NPR2 promoter. RESULTS The results showed that quercetin could significantly reduce the expression of Testosterone (T) , Estradiol (E2) , LH, Bax, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, increase the expression of FSH and Bcl-2, inhibit the expression of AR, regulate the expression of CNP / NPR2 gene and protein by affecting the combination of AR with the specific sequence of CNP and NPR2 gene promoters, restore the maturation of oocyte and ovulation. CONCLUSION The results suggest that quercetin can alleviate the hormone, metabolic and ovulatory aberrations caused by PCOS, and provide experimental basis for the clinical application of quercetin in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Zheng
- Pharmacy Department, Foshan Women And Children Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, China.
| | - Yanxia Chen
- Pharmacy Department, The First Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Mingying Ma
- Pharmacy Department, Nanfang Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, China
| | - Miaoxia Li
- Comprehensive Laboratory, Guangdong Huiqun Chinese Traditional Medicine CO., Ltd, China
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Wang J, Zhuo Z, Ma X, Liu Y, Xu J, He C, Fu Y, Wang F, Ji P, Zhang L, Liu G. Melatonin Alleviates the Suppressive Effect of Hypoxanthine on Oocyte Nuclear Maturation and Restores Meiosis via the Melatonin Receptor 1 (MT1)-Mediated Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:648148. [PMID: 33937242 PMCID: PMC8083900 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.648148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that hypoxanthine (HX) inhibits nuclear maturation of oocytes by elevating the intracellular cAMP level, while melatonin (MT) is a molecule that reduces cAMP production, which may physiologically antagonize this inhibition and restore the meiosis process. We conducted in vitro and in vivo studies to examine this hypothesis. The results showed that 10-3 M MT potentiated the inhibitory effect of HX on mouse oocyte meiosis by lowering the rate of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and the first polar body (PB1). However, 10-5 M and 10-7 M MT significantly alleviated the nuclear suppression induced by HX and restored meiosis in 3- and 6-week-old mouse oocytes, respectively. We identified that the rate-limiting melatonin synthetic enzyme AANAT and melatonin membrane receptor MT1 were both expressed in oocytes and cumulus cells at the GV and MII stages. Luzindole, a non-selective melatonin membrane receptor antagonist, blocked the activity of MT on oocyte meiotic recovery (P < 0.05). This observation indicated that the activity of melatonin was mediated by the MT1 receptor. To understand the molecular mechanism further, MT1 knockout (KO) mice were constructed. In this MT1 KO animal model, the PB1 rate was significantly reduced with the excessive expression of cAPM synthases (Adcy2, Adcy6, Adcy7, and Adcy9) in the ovaries of these animals. The mRNA levels of Nppc and Npr2 were upregulated while the genes related to progesterone synthesis (Cyp11a11), cholesterol biosynthesis (Insig1), and feedback (Lhcgr, Prlr, and Atg7) were downregulated in the granulosa cells of MT1 KO mice (P < 0.05). The altered gene expression may be attributed to the suppression of oocyte maturation. In summary, melatonin protects against nuclear inhibition caused by HX and restores oocyte meiosis via MT1 by reducing the intracellular concentration of cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhuo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Keao Xieli Feed Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunjie Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Changjiu He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyun Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Jang YJ, Kim JS, Yun PR, Seo YW, Lee TH, Park JI, Chun SY. Involvement of peroxiredoxin 2 in cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:783-791. [PMID: 32389179 DOI: 10.1071/rd19310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2), an antioxidant enzyme, is expressed in the ovary during the ovulatory process. The aim of the present study was to examine the physiological role of Prdx2 during ovulation using Prdx2-knockout mice and mouse cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) from WT mice. Two days of treatment of immature mice (21-23 days old) with equine chorionic gonadotrophin and followed by treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin greatly impaired cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in Prdx2-knockout but not wild-type mice. Treatment of COCs in culture with conoidin A (50µM), a 2-cys Prdx inhibitor, abolished epiregulin (EPI)-induced cumulus expansion. Conoidin A treatment also inhibited EPI-stimulated signal molecules, including signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2. Conoidin A treatment also reduced the gene expression of EPI-stimulated expansion-inducing factors (hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2), pentraxin 3 (Ptx3), TNF-α induced protein 6 (Tnfaip6) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2)) and oocyte-derived factors (growth differentiation factor 9 (Gdf9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (Bmp15)). Furthermore, conoidin A inhibited EPI-induced oocyte maturation and the activity of connexins 43 and 37. Together, these results demonstrate that Prdx2 plays a role in regulating cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation during the ovulatory process in mice, probably by modulating epidermal growth factor receptor signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Jee Jang
- Animal Facility of Aging Science, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Seon Kim
- School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Pu-Reum Yun
- School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Woo Seo
- Animal Facility of Aging Science, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hoon Lee
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, College of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Il Park
- Animal Facility of Aging Science, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea. Corresponding authors.
| | - Sang-Young Chun
- School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea. Corresponding authors.
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Idrees M, Kumar V, Joo MD, Ali N, Lee KW, Kong IK. SHP2 Nuclear/Cytoplasmic Trafficking in Granulosa Cells Is Essential for Oocyte Meiotic Resumption and Maturation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:611503. [PMID: 33553147 PMCID: PMC7862566 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.611503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Src-homology-2-containing phosphotyrosine phosphatase (SHP2), a classic cytoplasmic protein and a major regulator of receptor tyrosine kinases and G protein-coupled receptors, plays a significant role in preimplantation embryo development. In this study, we deciphered the role of SHP2 in the somatic compartment of oocytes during meiotic maturation. SHP2 showed nuclear/cytoplasmic localization in bovine cumulus and human granulosa (COV434) cells. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment significantly enhanced cytoplasmic SHP2 localization, in contrast to the E2 treatment, which augmented nuclear localization. Enhanced cytoplasmic SHP2 was found to negatively regulate the expression of the ERα-transcribed NPPC and NPR2 mRNAs, which are vital for oocyte meiotic arrest. The co-immunoprecipitation results revealed the presence of the SHP2/ERα complex in the germinal vesicle-stage cumulus-oocyte complexes, and this complex significantly decreased with the progression of meiotic maturation. The complex formation between ERα and SHP2 was also confirmed by using a series of computational modeling methods. To verify the correlation between SHP2 and NPPC/NPR2, SHP2 was knocked down via RNA interference, and NPPC and NPR2 mRNAs were analyzed in the control, E2, and FSH-stimulated COV434 cells. Furthermore, phenyl hydrazonopyrazolone sulfonate 1, a site-directed inhibitor of active SHP2, showed no significant effect on the ERα-transcribed NPPC and NPR2 mRNAs. Taken together, these findings support a novel nuclear/cytoplasmic role of SHP2 in oocyte meiotic resumption and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Institute of Agriculture and Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Division of Applied Life Science, Department of Bio and Medical Big Data (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, South Korea
| | - Myeong-Don Joo
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Institute of Agriculture and Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Niaz Ali
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khybar Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Keun-Woo Lee
- Division of Applied Life Science, Department of Bio and Medical Big Data (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, South Korea
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Institute of Agriculture and Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea.,The King Kong Corp. Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
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11
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Hatirnaz S, Başbuğ A, Hatirnaz E, Tannus S, Hatirnaz K, Bakay K, Dahan MH. Can in vitro maturation overcome cycles with repeated oocyte maturation arrest? A classification system for maturation arrest and a cohort study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2020; 153:496-502. [PMID: 33216990 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of gonadotropin-stimulated and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) -primed in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) in cases of repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure due to various forms of oocyte maturation arrest (OMA). METHODS Retrospective cohort study. RESULTS In all, 63 women with IVF failure due to OMA were evaluated in this study. According to the Hatirnaz & Dahan classification, 11 (17.5%) women were OMA type 1, 22 (34.9%) were OMA type 2, 0 were OMA type 3, 11 (17.5%) were OMA type 4, and 19 women were OMA type 5 (30.1%). Fewer oocytes were retrieved in the IVM than in the IVF cycles. No embryos were produced from oocytes collected in the IVM cycles of women with OMA types 1, 2, and 4. In the OMA type 5 group, 9 (47.4%) day 2 embryos and 6 (31.6%) day 3 embryos were obtained. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). Single day 3 embryo transfer was performed for the six patients with OMA type 5 but no clinical pregnancies occurred. CONCLUSIONS Follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated and hCG-primed IVM does not improve oocyte maturation, developmental potential, or pregnancy rates of women with OMA. Future studies directed to re-establishing normal cytoskeletal architecture and machinery, and resumption of meiosis may be beneficial for obtaining mature oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safak Hatirnaz
- IVF-IVM Center, Medicana International Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Alper Başbuğ
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Ebru Hatirnaz
- IVF-IVM Center, Medicana International Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Samer Tannus
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center affiliated to Bar-Ilan University, Naharia, Israel
| | - Kaan Hatirnaz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ondokuzmayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Kadir Bakay
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ondokuzmayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Michael H Dahan
- Department of obstetrics gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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12
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Turhan A, Pereira MT, Schuler G, Bleul U, Kowalewski MP. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1alpha) inhibition modulates cumulus cell function and affects bovine oocyte maturation in vitro†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:479-491. [PMID: 33095229 PMCID: PMC7876663 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Various metabolic and hormonal factors expressed in cumulus cells are positively correlated with the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes. However, the role of hypoxia sensing both during maturation of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) as well as during the resumption of meiosis remains uncertain. HIF1alpha plays major roles in cellular responses to hypoxia, and here we investigated its role during bovine COC maturation by assessing the expression of related genes in cumulus cells. COCs were divided into the following groups: immature (control), in vitro matured (IVM/control), or matured in the presence of a blocker of HIF1alpha activity (echinomycin, IVM/E). We found an inhibition of cumulus cell expansion in IVM/E, compared with the IVM/control. Transcript levels of several factors (n = 13) were assessed in cumulus cells. Decreased expression of HAS2, TNFAIP6, TMSB4, TMSB10, GATM, GLUT1, CX43, COX2, PTGES, and STAR was found in IVM/E (P < 0.05). Additionally, decreased protein levels were detected for STAR, HAS2, and PCNA (P < 0.05), while activated-Caspase 3 remained unaffected in IVM/E. Progesterone output decreased in IVM/E. The application of PX-478, another blocker of HIF1alpha expression, yielded identical results. Negative effects of HIF1alpha suppression were further observed in the significantly decreased oocyte maturation and blastocyst rates from COCs matured with echinomycin (P < 0.05) or PX-478 (P < 0.05). These results support the importance of HIF1alpha for COC maturation and subsequent embryo development. HIF1alpha is a multidirectional factor controlling intercellular communication within COCs, steroidogenic activity, and oocyte development rates, and exerting effects on blastocyst rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslihan Turhan
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Farm Animals, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Tavares Pereira
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Bleul
- Department of Farm Animals, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mariusz P Kowalewski
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Kahraman A, Karakulak T, Szklarczyk D, von Mering C. Pathogenic impact of transcript isoform switching in 1,209 cancer samples covering 27 cancer types using an isoform-specific interaction network. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14453. [PMID: 32879328 PMCID: PMC7468103 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71221-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Under normal conditions, cells of almost all tissue types express the same predominant canonical transcript isoform at each gene locus. In cancer, however, splicing regulation is often disturbed, leading to cancer-specific switches in the most dominant transcripts (MDT). To address the pathogenic impact of these switches, we have analyzed isoform-specific protein-protein interaction disruptions in 1,209 cancer samples covering 27 different cancer types from the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) project of the International Cancer Genomics Consortium (ICGC). Our study revealed large variations in the number of cancer-specific MDT (cMDT) with the highest frequency in cancers of female reproductive organs. Interestingly, in contrast to the mutational load, cancers arising from the same primary tissue had a similar number of cMDT. Some cMDT were found in 100% of all samples in a cancer type, making them candidates for diagnostic biomarkers. cMDT tend to be located at densely populated network regions where they disrupted protein interactions in the proximity of pathogenic cancer genes. A gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that these disruptions occurred mostly in protein translation and RNA splicing pathways. Interestingly, samples with mutations in the spliceosomal complex tend to have higher number of cMDT, while other transcript expressions correlated with mutations in non-coding splice-site and promoter regions of their genes. This work demonstrates for the first time the large extent of cancer-specific alterations in alternative splicing for 27 different cancer types. It highlights distinct and common patterns of cMDT and suggests novel pathogenic transcripts and markers that induce large network disruptions in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Kahraman
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tülay Karakulak
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Damian Szklarczyk
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian von Mering
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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14
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Casalechi M, Dias JA, Pinto LV, Lobach VN, Pereira MT, Cavallo IK, Reis AM, Dela Cruz C, Reis FM. C-type natriuretic peptide signaling in human follicular environment and its relation with oocyte maturation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 492:110444. [PMID: 31075302 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Studies in mice have shown that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is produced by granulosa cells and contributes to ovarian follicle growth and oocyte meiotic arrest until the preovulatory LH surge. In humans, the relationship between intraovarian CNP levels and oocyte meiotic resumption is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CNP and its receptor NPR2 are expressed in human ovarian follicles and if their levels change according to the meiotic phase of oocytes. We collected follicular fluid (FF) and luteinized granulosa cells (LGC) from follicle pools (n = 47), and FF, LGC and cumulus cells (CC) from individual follicles (n = 96) during oocyte pickup for in vitro fertilization. There was a positive linear correlation between CNP levels in FF pools and basal antral follicle counting (rs = 0.458; p = 0.002), number of preovulatory follicles >16 mm (rs = 0.361; p = 0.016) and number of oocytes retrieved (rs = 0,378; p = 0.011) and a negative correlation between CNP levels in FF pools and the percentage of mature (MII) oocytes retrieved (rs = -0.39; p = 0.033). FF CNP levels in follicles containing MII oocytes were significantly lower than in follicles containing immature (MI) oocytes (median = 0.44 vs. 0.57 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Accordingly, the CNP precursor gene NPPC was 50% less expressed in LGC from follicles containing MII oocytes than in follicles containing MI oocytes (p < 0.01). In addition, NPR2 mRNA was down-regulated in CC surrounding MII oocytes (60% reduction, p < 0.01). CNP signaling is downregulated in human ovarian follicles containing mature oocytes. Further studies should clarify whether CNP signaling is essential to keep oocyte meiotic arrest in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Casalechi
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Júlia A Dias
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lorena V Pinto
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Verônica N Lobach
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria T Pereira
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ines K Cavallo
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adelina M Reis
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernando M Reis
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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15
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Mohamed NE, Hay T, Reed KR, Smalley MJ, Clarke AR. APC2 is critical for ovarian WNT signalling control, fertility and tumour suppression. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:677. [PMID: 31291912 PMCID: PMC6617595 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canonical WNT signalling plays a critical role in the regulation of ovarian development; mis-regulation of this key pathway in the adult ovary is associated with subfertility and tumourigenesis. The roles of Adenomatous polyposis coli 2 (APC2), a little-studied WNT signalling pathway regulator, in ovarian homeostasis, fertility and tumourigenesis have not previously been explored. Here, we demonstrate essential roles of APC2 in regulating ovarian WNT signalling and ovarian homeostasis. METHODS A detailed analysis of ovarian histology, gene expression, ovulation and hormone levels was carried out in 10 week old and in aged constitutive APC2-knockout (Apc2-/-) mice (mixed background). Statistical significance for qRT-PCR data was determined from 95% confidence intervals. Significance testing was performed using 2-tailed Student's t-test, when 2 experimental cohorts were compared. When more were compared, ANOVA test was used, followed by a post-hoc test (LSD or Games-Howell). P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS APC2-deficiency resulted in activation of ovarian WNT signalling and sub-fertility driven by intra-ovarian defects. Follicular growth was perturbed, resulting in a reduced rate of ovulation and corpora lutea formation, which could not be rescued by administration of gonadotrophins. Defects in steroidogenesis and follicular vascularity contributed to the subfertility phenotype. Tumour incidence was assessed in aged APC2-deficient mice, which also carried a hypomorphic Apc allele. APC2-deficiency in these mice resulted in predisposition to granulosa cell tumour (GCT) formation, accompanied by acute tumour-associated WNT-signalling activation and a histologic pattern and molecular signature seen in human adult GCTs. CONCLUSIONS Our work adds APC2 to the growing list of WNT-signalling members that regulate ovarian homeostasis, fertility and suppress GCT formation. Importantly, given that the APC2-deficient mouse develops tumours that recapitulate the molecular signature and histological features of human adult GCTs, this mouse has excellent potential as a pre-clinical model to study ovarian subfertility and transitioning to GCT, tumour biology and for therapeutic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha-Ehssan Mohamed
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
- Hormones Evaluation Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt
- Present address: CRUK Beatson Institute, Switchback road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD UK
| | - Trevor Hay
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Karen R. Reed
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Matthew J. Smalley
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Alan R. Clarke
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
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Abstract
A central dogma of mammalian reproductive biology is that the size of the primordial follicle pool represents reproductive capacity in females. The assembly of the primordial follicle starts after the primordial germ cells (PGCs)-derived oocyte releases from the synchronously dividing germline cysts. PGCs initiate meiosis during fetal development. However, after synapsis and recombination of homologous chromosomes, they arrest at the diplotene stage of the first meiotic prophase (MI). The diplotene-arrested oocyte, together with the surrounding of a single layer of flattened granulosa cells, forms a basic unit of the ovary, the primordial follicle. At the start of each estrous (animal) or menstrual cycle (human), in response to a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, a limited number of primordial follicles are triggered to develop into primary follicles, preantral follicles, antral follicles and reach to preovulatory follicle stage. During the transition from the preantral to antral stages, the enclosed oocyte gradually acquires the capacity to resume meiosis. Meiotic resumption from the prophase of MI is morphologically characterized by the dissolution of the oocyte nuclear envelope, which is generally termed the "germinal vesicle breakdown" (GVBD). Following GVBD and completion of MI, the oocyte enters meiosis II without an obvious S-phase and arrests at metaphase phase II (MII) until fertilization. The underlying mechanism of meiotic arrest has been widely explored in numerous studies. Many studies indicated that two cellular second messengers, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) play an essential role in maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest. This review will discuss how these two cyclic nucleotides regulate oocyte maturation by blocking or initiating meiotic processes, and to provide an insight in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Building #70, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Julang Li
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Building #70, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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17
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Abstract
Natriuretic peptides are structurally related, functionally diverse hormones. Circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are delivered predominantly by the heart. Two C-type natriuretic peptides (CNPs) are paracrine messengers, notably in bone, brain, and vessels. Natriuretic peptides act by binding to the extracellular domains of three receptors, NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C of which the first two are guanylate cyclases. NPR-C is coupled to inhibitory proteins. Atrial wall stress is the major regulator of ANP secretion; however, atrial pressure changes plasma ANP only modestly and transiently, and the relation between plasma ANP and atrial wall tension (or extracellular volume or sodium intake) is weak. Absence and overexpression of ANP-related genes are associated with modest blood pressure changes. ANP augments vascular permeability and reduces vascular contractility, renin and aldosterone secretion, sympathetic nerve activity, and renal tubular sodium transport. Within the physiological range of plasma ANP, the responses to step-up changes are unimpressive; in man, the systemic physiological effects include diminution of renin secretion, aldosterone secretion, and cardiac preload. For BNP, the available evidence does not show that cardiac release to the blood is related to sodium homeostasis or body fluid control. CNPs are not circulating hormones, but primarily paracrine messengers important to ossification, nervous system development, and endothelial function. Normally, natriuretic peptides are not powerful natriuretic/diuretic hormones; common conclusions are not consistently supported by hard data. ANP may provide fine-tuning of reno-cardiovascular relationships, but seems, together with BNP, primarily involved in the regulation of cardiac performance and remodeling. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:1211-1249, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bie
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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18
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Santiquet NW, Greene AF, Becker J, Barfield JP, Schoolcraft WB, Krisher RL. A pre-in vitro maturation medium containing cumulus oocyte complex ligand-receptor signaling molecules maintains meiotic arrest, supports the cumulus oocyte complex and improves oocyte developmental competence. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:594-606. [PMID: 28586460 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can a pre-in vitro maturation (pre-IVM) medium containing signaling molecules rather than chemical/pharmaceutical agents, sustain meiotic arrest and improve developmental competence of in vitro matured oocytes in CF1 outbred mice? SUMMARY ANSWER A short 2 h period of pre-IVM prevents spontaneous meiotic resumption, improves mitochondria activity in subsequently matured oocytes, and increases developmental competence, pregnancy rate and implantation of resulting embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Spontaneous resumption of meiosis in vitro is detrimental for oocyte developmental competence. Pre-IVM systems that prevent spontaneous meiotic resumption with chemical/pharmaceutical agents are a promising approach to improving IVM oocyte competence; however, the success of these methods has proven to be inconsistent. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study consisted of a series of experiments using cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) derived from outbred mice following ovarian stimulation. The study was designed to examine if a novel, ligand/receptor-based pre-IVM treatment could sustain meiotic arrest in vitro and improve oocyte developmental competence, compared to control IVM. Two pre-IVM durations (2 h and 24 h) were evaluated, and the effect of the mitochondrial stimulator PQQ during 24 h pre-IVM was studied. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Murine (outbred CF1) immature COC were cultured in vitro in the presence of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) (30 nM), estradiol (100 nM), FSH (1 × 10-4 IU/ml) and bone morphogenic protein 15 (BMP15) (100 ng/ml) for 2 h or 24 h prior to IVM. Meiotic status during pre-IVM and IVM was analyzed using orcein staining, and functionality of gap junction communication was confirmed using the functional gap junction inhibitor carbenoxolone (CBX). Oocytes exposed to pre-IVM treatment were compared to control oocytes collected on the same day from the same females and undergoing standard IVM. Developmental competence and embryo viability was assessed by oocyte mitochondrial activity and ATP concentration, in vitro embryo development following IVF and in vitro culture, blastocyst cell number and allocation, embryo morphokinetics, and embryo transfer. Differences were determined to be significant when P < 0.05. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both a short (2 h) and long (24 h) pre-IVM period successfully prevented spontaneous resumption of meiosis. Moreover, gap junctions remained open during the pre-IVM period, as shown by the resumption of meiosis (95.9 ± 2.1%) in the presence of CBX during pre-IVM. A 2 h pre-IVM treatment improved blastocyst development after 96 h of culture per cleaved embryo compared to control (71.9 ± 7.4% versus 53.3 ± 6.2%, respectively), whereas a longer 24 h pre-IVM had no effect on development. A short 2 h period of pre-IVM increased mitochondrial activity in mature oocytes. On the contrary, mitochondrial activity was reduced in mature oocytes following 24 h of arrest and IVM. Treatment of arrested COC with pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) during the 24 h pre-IVM period successfully maintained mitochondrial activity equal to control. However, PQQ was not able to improve blastocyst development compared to pre-IVM 24 h without PQQ. Moreover, ATP concentration in mature oocytes following pre-IVM and/or IVM, did not differ between treatments. A 2 h pre-IVM period prior to IVM improved pregnancy rate following transfer to recipient females. Implantation was also improved after transfer of embryos derived from oocytes arrested for either 2 h or 24 h prior to IVM, compared to control IVM derived embryos (41.9 ± 9%, 37.2 ± 9.5% and 17.2 ± 8.3%, respectively), although fetal development did not differ. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Slower meiotic resumption and enhanced mitochondrial activity likely contribute to improved developmental competence of oocytes exposed to pre-IVM for 2 h, but further experiments are required to identify specific mechanisms. Maintaining oocytes in meiotic arrest for 24 h with this approach could be a potential window to improve oocyte quality. However, an initial attempt to utilize this period of arrest to manipulate quality with PQQ, a mitochondrial stimulator, did not improve oocyte competence. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS IVM could be an attractive clinical alternative to conventional IVF, with reduced time, cost and reliance on high doses of exogenous hormones to stimulate follicle growth, thus eliminating ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Currently IVM is not widely used as it results in reduced embryo development and lower pregnancy outcomes compared to embryos produced from in vivo matured oocytes. Our approach to IVM, incorporating a ligand/receptor pre-IVM period, could improve human oocyte quality following IVM leading to routine adoption of this patient friendly technology. In addition, our methodology of pre-IVM containing signaling molecules rather than chemical/pharmaceutical agents may prove to be more consistent at improving oocyte quality than those focusing only on cAMP modulation with pharmacological agents. Finally, a reliable method of maintaining oocytes in meiotic arrest in vitro provides a novel window of opportunity in which the oocyte may be manipulated to address specific physiological deficiencies prior to meiotic resumption. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM, Lone Tree, Colorado USA). We declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison F Greene
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - John Becker
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
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Richards JS, Ascoli M. Endocrine, Paracrine, and Autocrine Signaling Pathways That Regulate Ovulation. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2018; 29:313-325. [PMID: 29602523 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The central role of luteinizing hormone (LH) and its receptor (LHCGR) in triggering ovulation has been recognized for decades. Because the LHCGR is present in the mural (outermost) granulosa cell layer of preovulatory follicles (POFs), the LH-initiated signal has to be transmitted to another somatic cell type (cumulus granulosa cells) and the oocyte to release a fertilizable oocyte. Recent studies have shown that activation of the LHCGR initiates vectorial transfer of information among the two somatic cell types and the oocyte and the molecules and signaling pathways involved are now better understood. This review summarizes the newer developments on the complex signaling pathways that regulate ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mario Ascoli
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Sun W, Liu C, Feng Y, Zhuo G, Zhou W, Fei X, Zhang Z. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is an intermediate in the process of luteinizing hormone-induced decrease in natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) and resumption of oocyte meiosis. J Ovarian Res 2017; 10:68. [PMID: 28978329 PMCID: PMC5628418 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Luteinizing hormone (LH) regulation of the ligand, natriuretic peptide precursor type C, and its receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2), is critical for oocyte maturation; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) has recently been shown to be involved in oocyte maturation and ovulation. In the present study we determined whether or not M-CSF plays a role in the intermediate signal that mediates LH regulation of NPR2 in resumption of oocyte meiosis. Methods Immature female C57BL/6 mice were injected i.p. with 5 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) to stimulate follicle development. After 44–48 h, the eCG-stimulated mice were injected i.p. with an ovulatory dose of 5 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The ovaries were excised at selected times. Pre-ovulatory follicles (POFs) and cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in different media. Immunohistochemical and quantitative real-time PCR analyses were used to assess the expression of M-CSF, M-CSF receptor (M-CSF-R), and NPR2. The presence of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) was examined under a stereomicroscope to morphologically evaluate resumption of oocyte meiosis. Results NPR2 was mainly expressed in cumulus cells of pre-ovulatory follicles, while M-CSF and M-CSF-R were expressed in both mural granulosa and cumulus cells. The levels of M-CSF/M-CSF-R and NPR2 decreased within 4 h after treatment of hCG. M-CSF not only reduced the expression of NPR2 mRNA via its receptor (M-CSF-R), but also increased the proportion of GVBD in oocytes. Conclusion M-CSF serves as an intermediate signal, thus inducing a vital decrease in the NPR2 levels in cumulus cells, and regulates the process of LH-induced resumption of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Sun
- Center of Reductive Medicine, Hangzhou Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Division of Embryo Laboratory, Center of Reductive Medicine, Hangzhou Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangchao Zhuo
- Central Laboratory, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Zhou
- Division of Embryo Laboratory, Center of Reductive Medicine, Hangzhou Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Fei
- Center of Reductive Medicine, Hangzhou Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhifen Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Hangzhou Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 369 Kunpeng Road, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
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Transporting cumulus complexes using novel meiotic arresting conditions permits maintenance of oocyte developmental competence. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:1079-1086. [PMID: 28573527 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a novel bovine cumulus oocyte complex (COC) shipping media designed to arrest meiotic resumption during transport on meiotic arrest, as well as meiotic resumption, subsequent embryonic development, and embryo quality. METHODS Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes were transported overnight from the collection facility to the laboratory. COCs were placed in control in vitro maturation (IVM) or in shipping arrest medium (SAM) containing multiple meiotic inhibitors, and then shipped to our laboratory. Upon arrival, meiotic status was assessed, control COCs were inseminated, and arrested COCs were matured and inseminated the next day. Embryonic development and quality were analyzed. RESULTS When bovine COC arrived at the laboratory after overnight shipment (21 h) in SAM, the majority of oocytes remained at the GV stage (75.6 ± 2.9% GV). Arrested oocytes successfully resumed and completed meiosis during IVM after removal from SAM (96.8 ± 0.5% metaphase II compared to control 88.3 ± 5.0%). Moreover, the development of blastocysts per COC was not different from control (22.3 ± 2.4% for control and 18.7 ± 2.1% for SAM), nor was any difference detected in blastocyst quality as determined by cell number and allocation. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that a physiological system incorporating cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate modulators can be used to maintain meiotic arrest followed by successful nuclear maturation and pre-implantation embryo development equal to control IVM-derived embryos. Our results offer promising insights for the development of pre-IVM media that may improve oocyte developmental competence in vitro.
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Liu W, Xin Q, Wang X, Wang S, Wang H, Zhang W, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Wang C, Xu Y, Duan E, Xia G. Estrogen receptors in granulosa cells govern meiotic resumption of pre-ovulatory oocytes in mammals. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2662. [PMID: 28277543 PMCID: PMC5386574 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, oocytes are arrested at the diplotene stage of meiosis I until the pre-ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge triggers meiotic resumption through the signals in follicular granulosa cells. In this study, we show that the estradiol (E2)-estrogen receptors (ERs) system in follicular granulosa cells has a dominant role in controlling oocyte meiotic resumption in mammals. We found that the expression of ERs was controlled by gonadotropins under physiological conditions. E2-ERs system was functional in maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest by regulating the expression of natriuretic peptide C and natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPPC/NPR2), which was achieved through binding to the promoter regions of Nppc and Npr2 genes directly. In ER knockout mice, meiotic arrest was not sustained by E2 in most cumulus–oocyte complexes in vitro and meiosis resumed precociously in pre-ovulatory follicles in vivo. In human granulosa cells, similar conclusions are reached that ER levels were controlled by gonadotropins and E2-ERs regulated the expression of NPPC/NPR2 levels. In addition, our results revealed that the different regulating patterns of follicle-stimulating hormone and LH on ER levels in vivo versus in vitro determined their distinct actions on oocyte maturation. Taken together, these findings suggest a critical role of E2-ERs system during oocyte meiotic progression and may propose a novel approach for oocyte in vitro maturation treatment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiliang Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Huarong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wenqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China.,College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Ye Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
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Ferré P, Bui TMT, Wakai T, Funahashi H. Effect of removing cumulus cells from porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes derived from small and medium follicles during IVM on the apoptotic status and meiotic progression of the oocytes. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1705-10. [PMID: 27329157 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to examine the apoptotic status and meiotic progression of oocytes from small follicle (SF; 0.5-2 mm in diameter) and medium follicle (MF; 3-6 mm in diameter) when the oocytes were denuded before, during, and after IVM. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from SF or MF of prepubertal gilt ovaries. Before or 20 hours after the start of IVM culture, some oocytes were denuded and cultured for IVM. At the end of IVM, apoptotic status and meiotic progression of the oocytes were compared with oocytes matured in the presence of cumulus cells (CCs) by Annexin-V/PI assay and 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. Apoptotic status of the oocytes was only affected by time when the oocytes were denuded. In both oocytes from SF and MF, although the incidence of early and late apoptotic oocytes was significantly higher when the CCs were removed before IVM, the rate was significantly lower when CCs were removed 20 and 44 hours after the start of IVM. The incidence of mature oocytes was significantly affected by both the origin of COCs and time when oocytes were denuded from the COCs. Although the percentage of mature oocytes was higher in MF than SF, maturation rates were significantly higher when oocytes were denuded 20 hours, as compared with 0 and 44 hours after the start of IVM. However, the percentage of mature oocytes with a morphologically normal spindle was significantly higher when oocytes were denuded 44 hours, rather than 22 hours of IVM. In conclusion, removing CCs 20 hours after the start of IVM seems to promote meiotic progression of the oocytes to the metaphase-II stage even when the COCs were collected from SF, although factor(s) from or communication with CCs during IVM may need to obtain a morphologically normal spindle in mature oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Ferré
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tra Mi Thi Bui
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Wakai
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Funahashi
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
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Campen KA, Clark ZL, Olds MA, McNatty KP, Pitman JL. The in-vitro effects of cAMP and cGMP modulators on inter-cellular dye transfer and gene expression levels in rat cumulus cell--oocyte complexes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:46-56. [PMID: 26628038 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Supplementation of in-vitro maturation medium with reagents that inhibit meiotic resumption whilst supporting normal function of cumulus cell-oocyte complexes (COC) is challenging. This study compared the in-vitro effects of synthetic and physiologically-relevant reagents on meiotic resumption, gap junction activity and gene expression of rat COC. Higher doses of forskolin reduced gap junction activity. Whilst addition of phosphodiesterase inhibitors initially promoted gap junction activity, this decreased with time in-vitro. Moreover despite oocytes remaining in meiotic arrest, there was a concomitant decline in expression of genes critical for oocyte maturation, and evidence of a reduction in overall transcription rate. Similarly, supplementing media with C-type natriuretic peptide and/or oestradiol delayed meiotic resumption and only initially maintained gap junction activity. In contrast, several key genes were stimulated and overall transcription rates remained constant with time in-vitro. In summary, supplementation of media with physiologically-relevant reagents may better enable normal functions of the COC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Campen
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Zaramasina L Clark
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Melanie A Olds
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Kenneth P McNatty
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Janet L Pitman
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
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Pelosi E, Forabosco A, Schlessinger D. Genetics of the ovarian reserve. Front Genet 2015; 6:308. [PMID: 26528328 PMCID: PMC4606124 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial follicles or non-growing follicles (NGFs) are the functional unit of reproduction, each comprising a single germ cell surrounded by supporting somatic cells. NGFs constitute the ovarian reserve (OR), prerequisite for germ cell ovulation and the continuation of the species. The dynamics of the reserve is determined by the number of NGFs formed and their complex subsequent fates. During the reproductive lifespan, the OR progressively diminishes due to follicle atresia as well as recruitment, maturation, and ovulation. The depletion of the OR is the major determining driver of menopause, which ensues when the number of primordial follicles falls below a threshold of ∼1,000. Therefore, genes and processes involved in follicle dynamics are particularly important to understand the process of menopause, both in the typical reproductive lifespan and in conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency, defined as menopause before age 40. Genes and their variants that affect the timing of menopause thereby provide candidates for diagnosis of and intervention in problems of reproductive lifespan. We review the current knowledge of processes and genes involved in the development of the OR and in the dynamics of ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pelosi
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - David Schlessinger
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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26
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The Local CNP/GC-B system in growth plate is responsible for physiological endochondral bone growth. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10554. [PMID: 26014585 PMCID: PMC5395013 DOI: 10.1038/srep10554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies revealed C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor, guanylyl cyclase-B (GC-B) are potent stimulators of endochondral bone growth. As they exist ubiquitously in body, we investigated the physiological role of the local CNP/GC-B in the growth plate on bone growth using cartilage-specific knockout mice. Bones were severely shorter in cartilage-specific CNP or GC-B knockout mice and the extent was almost the same as that in respective systemic knockout mice. Cartilage-specific GC-B knockout mice were shorter than cartilage-specific CNP knockout mice. Hypertrophic chondrocyte layer of the growth plate was drastically reduced and proliferative chondrocyte layer, along with the proliferation of chondrocytes there, was moderately reduced in either cartilage-specific knockout mice. The survival rate of cartilage-specific CNP knockout mice was comparable to that of systemic CNP knockout mice. The local CNP/GC-B system in growth plate is responsible for physiological endochondral bone growth and might further affect mortality via unknown mechanisms.
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Abstract
Although hormonal regulation of ovarian follicle development has been extensively investigated, most studies concentrate on the development of early antral follicles to the preovulatory stage, leading to the successful use of exogenous FSH for infertility treatment. Accumulating data indicate that preantral follicles are under stringent regulation by FSH and local intraovarian factors, thus providing the possibility to develop new therapeutic approaches. Granulosa cell-derived C-type natriuretic factor not only suppresses the final maturation of oocytes to undergo germinal vesicle breakdown before ovulation but also promotes preantral and antral follicle growth. In addition, several oocyte- and granulosa cell-derived factors stimulate preantral follicle growth by acting through wingless, receptor tyrosine kinase, receptor serine kinase, and other signaling pathways. In contrast, the ovarian Hippo signaling pathway constrains follicle growth and disruption of Hippo signaling promotes the secretion of downstream CCN growth factors capable of promoting follicle growth. Although the exact hormonal factors involved in primordial follicle activation has yet to be elucidated, the protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways are important for the activation of dormant primordial follicles. Hippo signaling disruption after ovarian fragmentation, combined with treating ovarian fragments with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors and phosphoinositide-3-kinase stimulators to augment AKT signaling, promote the growth of preantral follicles in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency, leading to a new infertility intervention for such patients. Elucidation of intraovarian mechanisms underlying early folliculogenesis may allow the development of novel therapeutic strategies for patients diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, and poor ovarian response to FSH stimulation, as well as for infertile women of advanced reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J W Hsueh
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology (A.J.W.H., Y.C.), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5317; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (K.K.), St. Mariana University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan; Department of Reproductive Medicine & Gynecology (B.C.J.M.F.), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Sogawa C, Fujiwara Y, Tsukamoto S, Ishida Y, Yoshii Y, Furukawa T, Kunieda T, Saga T. Mutant phenotype analysis suggests potential roles for C-type natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-B) in male mouse fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:64. [PMID: 25012822 PMCID: PMC4105788 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) signaling through its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) is a key molecule for mammalian reproduction, and known to play important roles in female fertility. However, the function of these peptides in mouse male reproduction remains largely unknown. To determine the role of CNP/NPR-B signaling in male reproduction we investigated phenotype of Npr2-deficient short-limbed-dwarfism (Npr2(slw/slw)) mice, which have been shown to have gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities. FINDINGS In homozygous Npr2(slw/slw) mice, spermatogenesis is developmentally delayed at both 2 and 4 weeks of age, with vacuolation and degenerating apoptotic germ cells being observed at 3 weeks age. However, the adult Npr2(slw/slw) mice exhibited apparently normal spermatogenesis, albeit with some aberrant spermatids, suggesting that developmental delay was overcome. In addition, the adult Npr2(slw/slw) mice showed abnormal penile morphology (paraphimosis). CONCLUSIONS The potential role of CNP signaling via the NPR-B receptor in male fertility appears to be mediated not through germ-cell development, but may be through maintenance of normal penile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chizuru Sogawa
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tsukamoto
- Laboratory Animal and Genome Sciences Section, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yuka Ishida
- Laboratory Animal and Genome Sciences Section, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yukie Yoshii
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Takako Furukawa
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Kunieda
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Saga
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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Liu X, Xie F, Zamah AM, Cao B, Conti M. Multiple pathways mediate luteinizing hormone regulation of cGMP signaling in the mouse ovarian follicle. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:9. [PMID: 24740605 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) regulation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) network is critical for oocyte maturation and the ovulatory process. Recent studies have indicated that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR2) play an important role in the control of meiotic arrest. Here, we investigated the involvement of the EGF network in the LH-dependent regulation of the CNP/NPR2 axis and cGMP accumulation. LH/hCG treatment causes a major decrease in both cGMP and the CNP precursor (natriuretic peptide precursor C [Nppc]) mRNA accumulation in vivo and in vitro. However, the cGMP downregulation precedes the decrease in Nppc mRNA by more than 1 h. Amphiregulin, an EGF-like factor, suppresses Nppc mRNA levels in cultured follicles to the same extent as LH, and this effect is completely prevented by the EGF receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor AG1478. However, the LH-dependent suppression of Nppc is insensitive to AG1478. Similarly, Nppc suppression by LH occurs in follicles from EGFR null mice. These findings document that EGFR signaling is sufficient to downregulate CNP, but is not necessary for LH action. When cGMP concentration in the follicle is measured, the short-term, but not long-term, LH effects on cGMP are prevented by AG1478, suggesting that ligand availability may be responsible for the late response. Human CG decreases the CNP-dependent cGMP synthesis in wild-type and EGFR knockdown cumulus-oocyte complexes. These findings demonstrate that redundant pathways are involved in the regulation of cGMP. EGFR-dependent events are involved in the short-term regulation of cGMP, whereas the long-term effects may involve regulation of the CNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Alberuni Musa Zamah
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Marco Conti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California
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Emori C, Sugiura K. Role of oocyte-derived paracrine factors in follicular development. Anim Sci J 2014; 85:627-33. [PMID: 24717179 PMCID: PMC4271669 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes secrete transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily proteins, such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) and BMP15, and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). These oocyte-derived paracrine factors (ODPFs) play essential roles in regulating the differentiation and function of somatic granulosa cells as well as the development of ovarian follicles. In addition to the importance of individual ODPFs, emerging evidence suggests that the interaction of ODPF signals with other intra-follicular signals, such as estrogen, is critical for folliculogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of the role of ODPFs in follicular development with an emphasis on their interaction with estrogen signaling in regulation of the differentiation and function of granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Emori
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Bidirectional communication between oocytes and ovarian follicular somatic cells is required for meiotic arrest of mammalian oocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E3723-9. [PMID: 23980176 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1314829110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated regulation of oocyte and ovarian follicular development is essential for fertility. In particular, the progression of meiosis, a germ cell-specific cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes from diploid to haploid, must be arrested until just before ovulation. Follicular somatic cells are well-known to impose this arrest, which is essential for oocyte-follicle developmental synchrony. Follicular somatic cells sustain meiotic arrest via the natriuretic peptide C/natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPPC/NPR2) system, and possibly also via high levels of the purine hypoxanthine in the follicular fluid. Upon activation by the ligand NPPC, NPR2, the predominant guanylyl cyclase in follicular somatic cells, produces cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which maintains meiotic arrest after transfer to the oocyte via gap junctions. Here we report that both the NPPC/NPR2 system and hypoxanthine require the activity of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), the rate-limiting enzyme required for the production of guanylyl metabolites and cGMP. Furthermore, oocyte-derived paracrine factors, particularly the growth differentiation factor 9-bone morphogenetic protein 15 heterodimer, promote expression of Impdh and Npr2 and elevate cGMP levels in cumulus cells. Thus, although the somatic compartment of ovarian follicles plays an essential role in the maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest, as has been known for many years, this function of the somatic cells is surprisingly regulated by signals from the oocyte itself.
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Lee KB, Zhang M, Sugiura K, Wigglesworth K, Uliasz T, Jaffe LA, Eppig JJ. Hormonal coordination of natriuretic peptide type C and natriuretic peptide receptor 3 expression in mouse granulosa cells. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:42. [PMID: 23255339 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.104810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Natriuretic peptide type C (NPPC) and its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) regulate cGMP in ovarian follicles and participate in maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest. We investigated the regulation of Nppc expression in mouse granulosa cells in vivo and in vitro. In mural granulosa cells (MGCs) in vivo, eCG caused an increase in Nppc mRNA, and subsequent human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment caused a decrease. A culture system was established for MGCs isolated from follicles not stimulated with equine chorionic gonadotropin to further define the mechanisms controlling Nppc expression. In this system, expression of Nppc mRNA was increased by estradiol (E2), with augmentation by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), but FSH or luteinizing hormone (LH) alone had no effect. Thus, estrogens are important for regulating Nppc expression, probably by feedback mechanisms enhancing the action of gonadotropins. In MGCs treated with E2 plus FSH in vitro, subsequent treatment with EGF, but not LH, decreased Nppc mRNA. MGCs express higher levels of both Nppc and Lhcgr mRNAs than cumulus cells. Oocyte-derived paracrine factors suppressed cumulus cell Lhcgr but not Nppc expression. Thus, higher Nppc expression by MGCs is not the result of oocyte suppression of expression in cumulus cells. Another possible regulator of the LH-induced NPPC decrease is NPR3, an NPPC clearance receptor. Human chorionic gonadotropin increased Npr3 expression in vivo and LH increased Npr3 mRNA in cultured MGCs, independently of EGF receptor activation. Interestingly, despite the increase in Npr3 mRNA, the hCG-induced decrease in ovarian NPPC occurred normally in an Npr3 mutant (lgj), thus NPR3 probably does not participate in regulation of ovarian NPPC levels or oocyte development.
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Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a recently identified meiotic inhibitor in mice. However, it has not been investigated in porcine oocytes to date. This study aimed to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of CNP against germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in porcine oocyte meiotic resumption. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed intense natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) immunoreactivity in the oocyte surrounded cumulus cells in the follicles. Furthermore, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed the expression of npr2 mRNA only in cumulus cells but not in oocytes, suggesting that cumulus cells are the targets of CNP. When cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) or denuded oocytes (DOs) were cultured with various concentrations of CNP (10, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 nM), inhibitory effect was observed in the COC group, but not in the DO group, confirming that CNP indirectly inhibits GVBD via cumulus cells. This evidence is the first indication that the CNP-NPR2 pathway is involved in meiotic arrest in porcine oocytes. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of oocyte-derived paracrine factor (ODPF) on npr2 mRNA expression level in cumulus cells by evaluating changes in mRNA expression in oocytectomised COCs (OXCs) by real-time PCR. A significant decrease in npr2 mRNA expression level was observed in OXCs, whereas mRNA expression level was restored in OXCs with DOs, indicating that ODPF participates in the regulation of npr2 expression in porcine cumulus cells.
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Geister KA, Brinkmeier ML, Hsieh M, Faust SM, Karolyi IJ, Perosky JE, Kozloff KM, Conti M, Camper SA. A novel loss-of-function mutation in Npr2 clarifies primary role in female reproduction and reveals a potential therapy for acromesomelic dysplasia, Maroteaux type. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 22:345-57. [PMID: 23065701 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We discovered a new spontaneous mutant allele of Npr2 named peewee (pwe) that exhibits severe disproportionate dwarfism and female infertility. The pwe phenotype is caused by a four base-pair deletion in exon 3 that generates a premature stop codon at codon 313 (L313X). The Npr2(pwe/pwe) mouse is a model for the human skeletal dysplasia acromesomelic dysplasia, Maroteaux type (AMDM). We conducted a thorough analysis of the female reproductive tract and report that the primary cause of Npr2(pwe/pwe) female infertility is premature oocyte meiotic resumption, while the pituitary and uterus appear to be normal. Npr2 is expressed in chondrocytes and osteoblasts. We determined that the loss of Npr2 causes a reduction in the hypertrophic and proliferative zones of the growth plate, but mineralization of skeletal elements is normal. Mutant tibiae have increased levels of the activated form of ERK1/2, consistent with the idea that natriuretic peptide receptor type 2 (NPR2) signaling inhibits the activation of the MEK/ERK mitogen activated protein kinase pathway. Treatment of fetal tibiae explants with mitogen activated protein kinase 1 and 2 inhibitors U0126 and PD325901 rescues the Npr2(pwe/pwe) growth defect, providing a promising foundation for skeletal dysplasia therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista A Geister
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Tsuji T, Kiyosu C, Akiyama K, Kunieda T. CNP/NPR2 signaling maintains oocyte meiotic arrest in early antral follicles and is suppressed by EGFR-mediated signaling in preovulatory follicles. Mol Reprod Dev 2012; 79:795-802. [PMID: 22987720 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte meiosis is arrested at prophase I by factors secreted from surrounding somatic cells after oocytes acquire meiotic competence at an early antral stage, and meiosis resumes in preovulatory follicles as a result of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Recently, signaling by C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) through its receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2), was found to be essential for meiotic arrest at the late antral stage. Whether or not CNP/NPR2 signaling maintains oocyte meiotic arrest in earlier follicular stages and how it is associated with meiotic resumption induced by the LH surge is unclear. In this study, we examined the expression of Nppc and Npr2, respectively encoding CNP and NPR2, in the ovaries of immature mice. Nppc and Npr2 mRNA were specifically expressed in the outer and inner granulosa cell layers, respectively, in early antral follicles. Histological analysis of mice with a mutation in Npr2 revealed precocious resumption of oocyte meiosis in early antral follicles. Ovaries of mice treated with excess human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) exhibited markedly decreased Nppc mRNA levels in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. Moreover, we found that amphiregulin, a mediator of LH/hCG activity through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), suppressed Nppc mRNA levels in cultured granulosa cells. These results suggest that CNP/NPR2 signaling is essential for oocyte meiotic arrest in early antral follicles and that activated LH/amphiregulin/EGFR signaling pathway suppresses this signal by downregulating Nppc expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehito Tsuji
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
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