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Arjoune A, Sirard MA. The genomic response of human granulosa cells (KGN) to melatonin and specific agonists/antagonists to the melatonin receptors. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17539. [PMID: 36266374 PMCID: PMC9584952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21162-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a known modulator of follicle development; it acts through several molecular cascades via binding to its two specific receptors MT1 and MT2. Even though it is believed that melatonin can modulate granulosa cell (GC) functions, there is still limited knowledge of how it can act in human GC through MT1 and MT2 and which one is more implicated in the effects of melatonin on the metabolic processes in the dominant follicle. To better characterize the roles of these receptors on the effects of melatonin on follicular development, human granulosa-like tumor cells (KGN) were treated with specific melatonin receptor agonists and antagonists, and gene expression was analyzed with RNA-seq technology. Following appropriate normalization and the application of a fold change cut-off of 1.5 (FC 1.5, p ≤ 0.05) for each treatment, lists of the principal differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are generated. Analysis of major upstream regulators suggested that the MT1 receptor may be involved in the melatonin antiproliferative effect by reprogramming the metabolism of human GC by activating the PKB signaling pathway. Our data suggest that melatonin may act complementary through both MT1 and MT2 receptors to modulate human GC steroidogenesis, proliferation, and differentiation. However, MT2 receptors may be the ones implicated in transducing the effects of melatonin on the prevention of GC luteinization and follicle atresia at the antral follicular stage through stimulating the PKA pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Arjoune
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de L’agriculture et de l’alimentation, Département des Sciences animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6 Canada ,grid.419508.10000 0001 2295 3249Department of Animal Production, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, 43 Avenue Charles Nicolle, 1082 Mahrajène, Tunisia
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de L’agriculture et de l’alimentation, Département des Sciences animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6 Canada
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2
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Cai H, Chang T, Li Y, Jia Y, Li H, Zhang M, Su P, Zhang L, Xiang W. Circular DDX10 is associated with ovarian function and assisted reproductive technology outcomes through modulating the proliferation and steroidogenesis of granulosa cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:9592-9612. [PMID: 33742605 PMCID: PMC8064152 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
circRNAs are present in human ovarian tissue, but how they regulate ovarian function remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the levels of circRNAs in granulosa cells (GCs) derived from human follicular fluid, explored their correlation with female ovarian reserve function and clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction technique (ART), and investigated their effects on the biological functions of GC cell lines (COV434) in vitro. We identified that the levels of circDDX10 in GCs decreased gradually with aging (P < 0.01) and was positively correlated with AMH (r = 0.45, P < 0.01) and AFC (r = 0.32, P < 0.01), but not with FSH and estradiol (P > 0.05). Additionally, circDDX10 was related to the number of oocytes obtained, and good quality embryo rates. Silencing circDDX10 in GCs could markedly up-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related factors, reduce cell proliferation activity, inhibit the expression of steroid hormone synthesis-related factors, and prohibit the synthesis of estradiol. On the contrary, over-expression of circDDX10 had the opposite effect. circDDX10 is expected to become a novel biomarker for predicting the outcomes of ART, and may participate in the regulation of ovarian function by affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of GCs and steroid hormone synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcai Cai
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianli Chang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yinzhao Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Huiying Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Mengdi Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
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3
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Li Q, Du X, Liu L, Liu H, Pan Z, Li Q. Upregulation of miR-146b promotes porcine ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis by attenuating CYP19A1. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 74:106509. [PMID: 32653739 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 21- to 24-nucleotide long small noncoding RNAs, which play an important role in follicular atresia and granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis in the mammalian ovary. Here, we report that miR-146b, a conserved and ovary-enriched miRNA, modulates estradiol (E2) secretion, GC apoptosis, and follicular atresia in pigs. Genome-wide analysis and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that miR-146b was significantly upregulated during follicular atresia, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting showed that miR-146b functioned as a proapoptotic factor to induce GC apoptosis. MicroRNA-mRNA network analysis and luciferase reporter assays showed that CYP19A1, the pivotal enzyme for E2 synthesis signaling, was directly targeted by miR-146b. Furthermore, miR-146b interacted with the 3'untranslated region of CYP19A1 to prevent translation, thereby regulating CYP19A1-mediated E2 secretion and GC apoptosis. However, miR-146b was not regulated by the transcription factor SMAD4 or oxidative stress, both of which are critical regulators of CYP19A1. We, thus, conclude that miR-146b is a novel epigenetic factor regulating GC functions, follicular development, and female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - X Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - L Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - H Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Z Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Q Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Transactivation of miR-202-5p by Steroidogenic Factor 1 (SF1) Induces Apoptosis in Goat Granulosa Cells by Targeting TGFβR2. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020445. [PMID: 32075111 PMCID: PMC7072820 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs play key roles during ovary development, with emerging evidence suggesting that miR-202-5p is specifically expressed in female animal gonads. Granulosa cells (GCs) are somatic cells that are closely related to the development of female gametes in mammalian ovaries. However, the biological roles of miR-202-5p in GCs remain unknown. Here, we show that miR-202-5p is specifically expressed in GCs and accumulates in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from large growth follicles in goat ovaries. In vitro assays showed that miR-202-5p induced apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of goat GCs. We further revealed that miR-202-5p is a functional miRNA that targets the transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor (TGFβR2). MiR-202-5p attenuated TGF-β/SMAD signaling through the degradation of TGFβR2 at both the mRNA and protein level, decreasing p-SMAD3 levels in GCs. Moreover, we verified that steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) is a transcriptional factor that binds to the promoters of miR-202 and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) through luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. That contributed to positive correlation between miR-202-5p and CYP19A1 expression and estradiol (E2) release. Furthermore, SF1 repressed TGFβR2 and p-SMAD3 levels in GCs through the transactivation of miR-202-5p. Taken together, these results suggest a mechanism by which miR-202-5p regulates canonical TGF-β/SMAD signaling through targeting TGFβR2 in GCs. This provides insight into the transcriptional regulation of miR-202 and CYP19A1 during goat ovarian follicular development.
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Zhang JQ, Gao BW, Guo HX, Ren QL, Wang XW, Chen JF, Wang J, Zhang ZJ, Ma Q, Xing BS. miR-181a promotes porcine granulosa cell apoptosis by targeting TGFBR1 via the activin signaling pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 499:110603. [PMID: 31574295 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Activin/Smad3 signaling plays a pivotal role in follicle development and atresia. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this process are not yet fully understood. Herein, we identified miR-181a as a central component of activin/Smad3-mediated follicle atresia. miR-181a was strikingly upregulated in porcine atretic follicles, which induced the apoptosis of porcine granulosa cells (GCs) in vitro. Furthermore, the transforming growth factor-β type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) was confirmed as a direct target of miR-181a by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assays. Transfection with an miR-181a agomir repressed the TGFBR1 mRNA and protein levels. In addition, TGFBR1 overexpression repressed GC apoptosis, whereas TGFBR1 inhibition promoted GC apoptosis. miR-181a overexpression downregulated the phosphorylation of Smad3 and blocked the activation of TGF-β signaling. Moreover, activin A downregulated miR-181a expression and upregulated the TGFBR1 and p-Smad3 protein levels. Collectively, these data suggest that miR-181a regulates porcine GC apoptosis by targeting TGFBR1 via the activin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Qing Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Bin-Wen Gao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Hong-Xia Guo
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Qiao-Ling Ren
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Xian-Wei Wang
- Henan Provincial Animal Husbandry General Station, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
| | - Jun-Feng Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Zi-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Qiang Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Bao-Song Xing
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
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Li X, Du X, Yao W, Pan Z, Li Q. TGF‐β/SMAD4 signaling pathway activates the HAS2–HA system to regulate granulosa cell state. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:2260-2272. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Xing Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Wang Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Zengxiang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Qifa Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
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7
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Transforming growth factor-β is involved in maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest by promoting natriuretic peptide type C expression in mouse granulosa cells. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:558. [PMID: 31332164 PMCID: PMC6646305 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1797-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natriuretic peptide type C (NPPC) secreted by mural granulosa cells (MGCs) maintains oocyte meiotic arrest via the activation of guanylyl cyclase-linked natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2). Here, we investigated the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β on NPPC expression in MGCs and oocyte maturation. TGF-β ligands (TGFB1 and TGFB3, but not TGFB2) and receptors (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2) were predominantly expressed in MGCs. The activation of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor by FSH/equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) increased the levels of TGFB1, TGFBR2, and TGF-β downstream SMAD proteins in MGCs, which were decreased following the activation of the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). TGF-β significantly increased the gene and protein levels of NPPC in cultured MGCs through SMAD3 binding to Nppc promoter regions. In the presence of FSH, TGF-β further increased NPPC levels and inhibited oocyte meiotic resumption of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). Moreover, Tgfbr2-specific depletion in granulosa cells using Fshr-Cre mice reduced NPPC mRNA and protein levels, resulting in the weak maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest within large antral follicles. Tgfbr2 depletion also impaired follicle development, ovulation, and female fertility. Taken together, TGF-β-promoted NPPC in MGCs is involved in maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest. FSH and LH could regulate NPPC levels in MGCs via TGF-β and then control the process of oocyte meiosis.
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Yang L, Du X, Liu L, Cao Q, Pan Z, Li Q. miR-1306 Mediates the Feedback Regulation of the TGF-β/SMAD Signaling Pathway in Granulosa Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040298. [PMID: 30935128 PMCID: PMC6523565 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β receptor II (TGFBR2), the type II receptor of the TGF-β/SMA- and MAD-related protein (SMAD) signaling pathway, plays a crucial role in TGF-β signal transduction and is regulated by multiple factors. Nevertheless, the modulation of the non-coding RNA involved in the process of TGFBR2 expression in ovaries is not well studied. In our study, we isolated and characterized the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of the porcine TGFBR2 gene and microRNA-1306 (miR-1306) was identified as the functional miRNA that targets TGFBR2 in porcine granulosa cells (GCs). Functional analysis showed that miR-1306 promotes apoptosis of GCs as well as attenuating the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway targeting and impairing TGFBR2 in GCs. Moreover, we identified the miR-1306 core promoter and found three potential SMAD4-binding elements (SBEs). Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that the transcription factor SMAD4 directly binds to the miR-1306 core promoter and inhibits its transcriptional activity. Furthermore, the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway is modulated by SMAD4 positive feedback via inhibition of miR-1306 expression in GCs. Collectively, our findings provide evidence of an epigenetic mechanism that modulates as well as mediates the feedback regulation of the classical TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in GCs from porcine ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Xing Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Lu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Qiuyu Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Zengxiang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Qifa Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Tu J, Cheung AHH, Chan CLK, Chan WY. The Role of microRNAs in Ovarian Granulosa Cells in Health and Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:174. [PMID: 30949134 PMCID: PMC6437095 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The granulosa cell (GC) is a critical somatic component of the ovary. It is essential for follicle development by supporting the developing oocyte, proliferating and producing sex steroids and disparate growth factors. Knowledge of the GC's function in normal ovarian development and function, and reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF), is largely acquired through clinical studies and preclinical animal models. Recently, microRNAs have been recognized to play important regulatory roles in GC pathophysiology. Here, we examine the recent findings on the role of miRNAs in the GC, including four related signaling pathways (Transforming growth factor-β pathway, Follicle-stimulating hormones pathway, hormone-related miRNAs, Apoptosis-related pathways) and relevant diseases. Therefore, miRNAs appear to be important regulators of GC function in both physiological and pathological conditions. We suggest that targeting specific microRNAs is a potential therapeutic option for treating ovary-related diseases, such as PCOS, POF, and GCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Tu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Albert Hoi-Hung Cheung
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- *Correspondence: Wai-Yee Chan
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Shen H, Wang Y. Activation of TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway inhibits the development of ovarian follicle in polycystic ovary syndrome by promoting apoptosis of granulosa cells. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:11976-11985. [PMID: 30536903 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Shen
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Shanghai P.R. China
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Li Q, Du X, Pan Z, Zhang L, Li Q. The transcription factor SMAD4 and miR-10b contribute to E2 release and cell apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells by targeting CYP19A1. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 476:84-95. [PMID: 29723543 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) gene, encodes aromatase, a key enzyme in estradiol (E2) synthesis, and is down-regulated during porcine follicular atresia. However, its role in and the mechanism of transcriptional repression in follicular atresia is largely unknown. In the present study, we show that the CYP19A1 gene stimulates E2 release and inhibits cell apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells (GCs). SMAD4, an anti-apoptotic moderator, was identified as a transcription factor of the porcine CYP19A1 gene and enhanced the expression and function of CYP19A1 in porcine GCs through direct binding to a SMAD4-binding element (SBE) within the promoter region of CYP19A1 gene. Moreover, we found that miR-10b, a pro-apoptotic factor, directly interacted with 3'-UTR of the porcine CYP19A1 mRNA, inhibiting its expression and function in porcine GCs. Collectively, we demonstrated that CYP19A1 is an inhibitor of follicular atresia and is regulated by both SMAD4 and miR-10b. These findings provide further insight into the mechanisms of CYP19A1 in steroid hormone synthesis and GC apoptosis and provide molecular targets for exploring methods of treatment for steroid-dependent reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xing Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zengxiang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lifan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Qifa Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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12
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Li H, Guo S, Cai L, Ma W, Shi Z. Lipopolysaccharide and heat stress impair the estradiol biosynthesis in granulosa cells via increase of HSP70 and inhibition of smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Cell Signal 2017; 30:130-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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TGF-β signaling controls FSHR signaling-reduced ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis through the SMAD4/miR-143 axis. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2476. [PMID: 27882941 PMCID: PMC5260897 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and its intracellular signaling control mammalian follicular development and female infertility. Our previous study showed that FSHR is downregulated during follicular atresia of porcine ovaries. However, its role and regulation in follicular atresia remain unclear. Here, we showed that FSHR knockdown induced porcine granulosa cell (pGC) apoptosis and follicular atresia, and attenuated the levels of intracellular signaling molecules such as PKA, AKT and p-AKT. FSHR was identified as a target of miR-143, a microRNA that was upregulated during porcine follicular atresia. miR-143 enhanced pGC apoptosis by targeting FSHR, and reduced the levels of intracellular signaling molecules. SMAD4, the final molecule in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling, bound to the promoter and induced significant downregulation of miR-143 in vitro and in vivo. Activated TGF-β signaling rescued miR-143-reduced FSHR and intracellular signaling molecules, and miR-143-induced pGC apoptosis. Overall, our findings offer evidence to explain how TGF-β signaling influences and FSHR signaling for regulation of pGC apoptosis and follicular atresia by a specific microRNA, miR-143.
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Cooperative Effects of FOXL2 with the Members of TGF-β Superfamily on FSH Receptor mRNA Expression and Granulosa Cell Proliferation from Hen Prehierarchical Follicles. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141062. [PMID: 26496659 PMCID: PMC4619702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is a member of the forkhead nuclear factor 3 gene family and plays an essential role in ovarian growth and maturation in mammals. However, its potential effects and regulative mechanism in development of chicken ovarian prehierarchical follicles remain unexplored. In this study, the cooperative effects of FOXL2 with activin A, growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and follistatin, three members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily that were previously suggested to exert a critical role in follicle development was investigated. We demonstrated herein, using in-situ hybridization, Northern blot and immunohistochemical analyses of oocytes and granulosa cells in various sizes of prehierarchical follicles that both FOXL2 transcripts and FOXL2 proteins are predominantly expressed in a highly similar expression pattern to that of GDF9 gene. In addition, the FOXL2 transcript was found at lower levels in theca cells in the absence of GDF9. Furthermore, culture of granulosa cells (GCs) from the prehierarchical follicles (6–8 mm) in conditioned medium revealed that in the pcDNA3.0-FOXL2 transfected GCs, there was a more dramatic increase in FSHR mRNA expression after treatment with activin A (10 ng/ml) or GDF9 (100 ng/ml) for 24 h which caused a stimulatory effect on the GC proliferation. In contrast, a significant decrease of FSHR mRNA was detected after treatment with follistatin (50 ng/ml) and resulted in an inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation. The results of this suggested that FOXL2 plays a bidirectional modulating role involved in the intracellular FSHR transcription and GC proliferation via an autocrine regulatory mechanism in a positive or negative manner through cooperation with activin A and/or GDF9, and follistatin in the hen follicle development. This cooperative action may be mediated by the examined Smad signals and simultaneously implicated in modulation of the StAR, CCND2, and CYP11A1 expression.
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Cai L, Sun A, Li H, Tsinkgou A, Yu J, Ying S, Chen Z, Shi Z. Molecular mechanisms of enhancing porcine granulosa cell proliferation and function by treatment in vitro with anti-inhibin alpha subunit antibody. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:26. [PMID: 25889399 PMCID: PMC4395973 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0022-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to clarify the effect of the inhibiting action of inhibin on porcine granulosa cell proliferation and function, and to investigate the underlying intracellular regulatory molecular mechanisms. METHODS Porcine granulosa cells were cultured in vitro, and were treated with an anti-inhibin alpha subunit antibody, with or without co-treatment of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the culture medium. RESULTS Treatment with anti-inhibin alpha subunit antibody led to a significant increase in estradiol (E2) secretion and cell proliferation. Anti-inhibin alpha subunit antibody worked synergistically with FSH at low concentrations (25 microg/mL) to stimulate E2 secretion, but attenuated FSH action at high concentrations (50 microg/mL). Immunoneutralization of inhibin bioactivity increased FOXL2, Smad3, and PKA phosphorylation, and mRNA expression of the transcription factors CEBP and c-FOS. The expression of genes encoding gonadotropin receptors, FSHR and LHR, and of those involved in steroidogenesis, as well as IGFs and IGFBPs, the cell cycle progression factors cyclinD1 and cyclinD2, and the anti-apoptosis and anti-atresia factors Bcl2, TIMP, and ADAMTS were upregulated following anti-inhibin alpha-subunit treatment. Treatment with anti-inhibin alpha subunit down regulated expression of the pro-apoptotic gene encoding caspase3. Although expression of the pro-angiogenesis genes FN1, FGF2, and VEGF was upregulated, expression of the angiogenesis-inhibiting factor THBS1 was downregulated following anti-inhibin alpha subunit treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that immunoneutralization of inhibin bioactivity, through augmentation of the activin and gonadotropin receptor signaling pathways and regulation of gene expression, permits the development of healthy and viable granulosa cells. These molecular mechanisms help to explain the enhanced ovarian follicular development observed following inhibin immunization in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuping Cai
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Aidong Sun
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Anastasia Tsinkgou
- Department of Life Science, Xijiao-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Jianning Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Shijia Ying
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Zhe Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Zhendan Shi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
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Liu Y, Chen X, Xue X, Shen C, Shi C, Dong J, Zhang H, Liang R, Li S, Xu J. Effects of Smad3 on the proliferation and steroidogenesis in human ovarian luteinized granulosa cells. IUBMB Life 2014; 66:424-37. [PMID: 24979474 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) are essential for proper oocyte, follicular development, and steroidogenesis in the ovary. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily members are critical in regulating GCs growth and differentiation. Smad3 is known to serve as a signaling intermediate for the TGF-β; however, the functions of Smad3 in the human GCs remain unidentified. In this study, the luteinized GCs collected from follicular aspirates from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization were cultured and engineered to overexpress and knockdown Smad3, which were validated by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Immunocytochemistry showed that Smad3 protein was strongly expressed in human ovarian luteinized GCs. EdU incorporation demonstrated that Smad3 promoted the proliferation of GCs, and the expression of PCNA was also enhanced by Smad3. ELISA analysis indicated that the secretion of both estradiol and progesterone was stimulated by Smad3. In addition, Smad3 upregulated the level of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and protein kinase A (PKA) proteins. We subsequently added special PKA inhibitor H89 into the GCs and found that the stimulating effect on the growth of GCs by Smad3 was blocked partly. The morphology of cultured GCs was changed by Smad3, and the expression level of integrin β1 was enhanced by Smad3. Kindlin-2, an important cellular mediating molecule of integrin β signaling, was expressed in human ovarian luteinized GCs and was upregulated by Smad3. Our results indicated that Smad3 promoted the proliferation and steroidogenesis of human ovarian luteinized GCs, and these effects may be mediated by the FSHR/LHR-PKA signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Liu
- Department of Scientific Research, Peking Union Medical Collage Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Su J, Cheng J, Sun HX, Diao ZY, Zhen X, Yang J, Ding LJ, Hu YL. Tripterygium Glycosides Impairs the Proliferation of Granulosa Cells and Decreases the Reproductive Outcomes in Female Rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 101:283-91. [PMID: 24831781 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.21111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Su
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing City, China
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