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Chen Y, Wang S, Zhang C. The Differentiation Fate of Granulosa Cells and the Regulatory Mechanism in Ovary. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01682-w. [PMID: 39192066 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01682-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) are important drives of the reproductive process, not only the supporting cells for nutrition, but also cells with endocrine functions. Their differentiation and development parallel the entire menstruation period and even during pregnancy, making it tightly linked to the fate of the follicle. To elucidate the underlying mechanism is of great significance for related researches. The life course of GCs is briefly divided into five stages, from epithelial cells to pre-granulosa cells, GCs, mural and cumulus cells, lutein cells, and eventually disappear. A wide variety of genes and transcription factors participate in the regulation of different stages, and more importantly, various hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and GCs themselves play a leading role. These endogenous and exogenous signalling molecules interact to form a cross-linked communication network, promoting the development of GCs. Together with oocytes, theca cells and other functional cells in the ovary, GCs drive one of the most vital biological processes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Chen
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Shimeng Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Fu Y, Zhang M, Sui B, Yuan F, Zhang W, Weng Y, Xiang L, Li C, Shao L, You Y, Mao X, Zeng H, Chen D, Zhang M, Shi S, Hu X. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived apoptotic vesicles ameliorate impaired ovarian folliculogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian aging by targeting WNT signaling. Theranostics 2024; 14:3385-3403. [PMID: 38855175 PMCID: PMC11155401 DOI: 10.7150/thno.94943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: It has been emergingly recognized that apoptosis generates plenty of heterogeneous apoptotic vesicles (apoVs), which play a pivotal role in the maintenance of organ and tissue homeostasis. However, it is unknown whether apoVs influence postnatal ovarian folliculogenesis. Methods: Apoptotic pathway deficient mice including Fas mutant (Fasmut ) and Fas ligand mutant (FasLmut ) mice were used with apoV replenishment to evaluate the biological function of apoVs during ovarian folliculogenesis. Ovarian function was characterized by morphological analysis, biochemical examination and cellular assays. Mechanistical studies were assessed by combinations of transcriptomic and proteomic analysis as well as molecular assays. CYP17A1-Cre; Axin1fl /fl mice was established to verify the role of WNT signaling during ovarian folliculogenesis. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) mice and 15-month-old mice were used with apoV replenishment to further validate the therapeutic effects of apoVs based on WNT signaling regulation. Results: We show that systemic administration of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived apoptotic vesicles (MSC-apoVs) can ameliorate impaired ovarian folliculogenesis, PCOS phenotype, and reduced birth rate in Fasmut and FasLmut mice. Mechanistically, transcriptome analysis results revealed that MSC-apoVs downregulated a number of aberrant gene expression in Fasmut mice, which were enriched by kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis in WNT signaling and sex hormone biosynthesis. Furthermore, we found that apoptotic deficiency resulted in aberrant WNT/β-catenin activation in theca and mural granulosa cells, leading to responsive action of dickkopf1 (DKK1) in the cumulus cell and oocyte zone, which downregulated WNT/β-catenin expression in oocytes and, therefore, impaired ovarian folliculogenesis via NPPC/cGMP/PDE3A/cAMP cascade. When WNT/β-catenin was specially activated in theca cells of CYP17A1-Cre; Axin1fl /fl mice, the same ovarian impairment phenotypes observed in apoptosis-deficient mice were established, confirming that aberrant activation of WNT/β-catenin in theca cells caused the impairment of ovarian folliculogenesis. We firstly revealed that apoVs delivered WNT membrane receptor inhibitor protein RNF43 to ovarian theca cells to balance follicle homeostasis through vesicle-cell membrane integration. Systemically infused RNF43-apoVs down-regulated aberrantly activated WNT/β-catenin signaling in theca cells, contributing to ovarian functional maintenance. Since aging mice have down-regulated expression of WNT/β-catenin in oocytes, we used MSC-apoVs to treat 15-month-old mice and found that MSC-apoVs effectively ameliorated the ovarian function and fertility capacity of these aging mice through rescuing WNT/β-catenin expression in oocytes. Conclusion: Our studies reveal a previously unknown association between apoVs and ovarian folliculogenesis and suggest an apoV-based therapeutic approach to improve oocyte function and birth rates in PCOS and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology & Southern Center for Biomedical Research, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, China
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Manjin Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Bingdong Sui
- Research and Development Center for Tissue Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - FeiFei Yuan
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yashuang Weng
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Can Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Longquan Shao
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Yong You
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570013, China
- International Center for Aging and Cancer (ICAC), Hainan Medical University. Haikou, Hainan 570013, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research & Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province. Haikou, Hainan 570013, China
| | - Xueli Mao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Haitao Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Di Chen
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Meijia Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Songtao Shi
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Xuefeng Hu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology & Southern Center for Biomedical Research, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, China
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Ma X, Han X, Wang W, Zhang Q, Tang H. β-Catenin regulates ovarian granulosa cell cycle and proliferation in laying hens by interacting with TCF4. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103377. [PMID: 38301496 PMCID: PMC10846404 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103377] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicle development depends on the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells and is a complex biological process. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can regulate ovarian follicle development, and β-catenin, encoded by catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1), is the core component of this pathway. Although several studies of the mechanisms by which the Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates cell proliferation in humans and mammals have reported, it remains unclear how β-catenin functions in poultry. To investigate the function of β-catenin in laying hens' follicle development, we evaluated the effect of CTNNB1 on cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) isolated from laying hens. We demonstrated that CTNNB1 significantly affected the expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) and v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (c-Myc) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), key genes related to cell cycle and proliferation, to promote cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase, and thus accelerate granulosa cell proliferation. CTNNB1 did not however affect apoptosis or the expression of related genes baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) and BCL2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl-2). Overexpression of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF4) resulted in increased expression of CCND1, accelerated cell cycle progression, and granulosa cell proliferation. Direct physical interaction between β-catenin and TCF4 was demonstrated by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation. The proliferation of granulosa cells was inhibited by silencing CCND1; overexpression of TCF4 in CCND1-silenced cells restored their proliferation rate to normal levels. These results indicate that the interaction of TCF4 and β-catenin promotes CCND1 expression which in turn accelerates the cell cycle process of laying hen hierarchical follicular granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Ma
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China; Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China.
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Wang L, Meng Q, Wang H, Huang X, Yu C, Yin G, Wang D, Jiang H, Huang Z. Luman regulates the activity of the LHCGR promoter. Res Vet Sci 2023; 161:132-137. [PMID: 37384971 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.06.014] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone in male mammals is mainly secreted by testicular Leydig cells, and its secretion process is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. After receiving the luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulus signal, the lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) on the Leydig cell membrane transfers the signal into the cell and finally increases the secretion of testosterone by upregulating the expression of steroid hormone synthase. In previous experiments, we found that interfering with the expression of the Luman protein can significantly increase testosterone secretion in MLTC-1 cells. In this experiment, we found that knockdown of Luman in MLTC-1 cells significantly increased the concentration of cAMP and upregulated the expression of AC and LHCGR. Moreover, an analysis of the activity of the LHCGR promoter by a dual luciferase reporter system showed that knockdown of Luman increased the activity of the LHCGR promoter. Therefore, we believe that knockdown of Luman increased the activity of the LHCGR promoter and upregulated the expression of LHCGR, thereby increasing the concentration of intracellular cAMP and ultimately leading to an increase of testosterone secretion by MLTC-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China.
| | - Qingrui Meng
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China
| | - Hailun Wang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China
| | - Chunchen Yu
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China
| | - Guangwen Yin
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China
| | - Dengfeng Wang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China
| | - Heji Jiang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China
| | - Zhijian Huang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China.
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Stringer JM, Alesi LR, Winship AL, Hutt KJ. Beyond apoptosis: evidence of other regulated cell death pathways in the ovary throughout development and life. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:434-456. [PMID: 36857094 PMCID: PMC10320496 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulated cell death is a fundamental component of numerous physiological processes; spanning from organogenesis in utero, to normal cell turnover during adulthood, as well as the elimination of infected or damaged cells throughout life. Quality control through regulation of cell death pathways is particularly important in the germline, which is responsible for the generation of offspring. Women are born with their entire supply of germ cells, housed in functional units known as follicles. Follicles contain an oocyte, as well as specialized somatic granulosa cells essential for oocyte survival. Follicle loss-via regulated cell death-occurs throughout follicle development and life, and can be accelerated following exposure to various environmental and lifestyle factors. It is thought that the elimination of damaged follicles is necessary to ensure that only the best quality oocytes are available for reproduction. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Understanding the precise factors involved in triggering and executing follicle death is crucial to uncovering how follicle endowment is initially determined, as well as how follicle number is maintained throughout puberty, reproductive life, and ovarian ageing in women. Apoptosis is established as essential for ovarian homeostasis at all stages of development and life. However, involvement of other cell death pathways in the ovary is less established. This review aims to summarize the most recent literature on cell death regulators in the ovary, with a particular focus on non-apoptotic pathways and their functions throughout the discrete stages of ovarian development and reproductive life. SEARCH METHODS Comprehensive literature searches were carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar for human, animal, and cellular studies published until August 2022 using the following search terms: oogenesis, follicle formation, follicle atresia, oocyte loss, oocyte apoptosis, regulated cell death in the ovary, non-apoptotic cell death in the ovary, premature ovarian insufficiency, primordial follicles, oocyte quality control, granulosa cell death, autophagy in the ovary, autophagy in oocytes, necroptosis in the ovary, necroptosis in oocytes, pyroptosis in the ovary, pyroptosis in oocytes, parthanatos in the ovary, and parthanatos in oocytes. OUTCOMES Numerous regulated cell death pathways operate in mammalian cells, including apoptosis, autophagic cell death, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. However, our understanding of the distinct cell death mediators in each ovarian cell type and follicle class across the different stages of life remains the source of ongoing investigation. Here, we highlight recent evidence for the contribution of non-apoptotic pathways to ovarian development and function. In particular, we discuss the involvement of autophagy during follicle formation and the role of autophagic cell death, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos during follicle atresia, particularly in response to physiological stressors (e.g. oxidative stress). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Improved knowledge of the roles of each regulated cell death pathway in the ovary is vital for understanding ovarian development, as well as maintenance of ovarian function throughout the lifespan. This information is pertinent not only to our understanding of endocrine health, reproductive health, and fertility in women but also to enable identification of novel fertility preservation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Stringer
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren R Alesi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy L Winship
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
Intercellular communication by Wnt proteins governs many essential processes during development, tissue homeostasis and disease in all metazoans. Many context-dependent effects are initiated in the Wnt-producing cells and depend on the export of lipidated Wnt proteins. Although much focus has been on understanding intracellular Wnt signal transduction, the cellular machinery responsible for Wnt secretion became better understood only recently. After lipid modification by the acyl-transferase Porcupine, Wnt proteins bind their dedicated cargo protein Evi/Wntless for transport and secretion. Evi/Wntless and Porcupine are conserved transmembrane proteins, and their 3D structures were recently determined. In this Review, we summarise studies and structural data highlighting how Wnts are transported from the ER to the plasma membrane, and the role of SNX3-retromer during the recycling of its cargo receptor Evi/Wntless. We also describe the regulation of Wnt export through a post-translational mechanism and review the importance of Wnt secretion for organ development and cancer, and as a future biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Wolf
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Ji R, Jia F, Chen X, Gao Y, Yang J. Carnosol inhibits KGN cells oxidative stress and apoptosis and attenuates polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes in mice through Keap1-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 activation. Phytother Res 2023; 37:1405-1421. [PMID: 36786429 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Excessive oxidative stress and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells lead to abnormal follicular development and ovulation disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Carnosol is a plant-derived polyphenol that has been proven to exhibit several cell protective effects. In this study, we established hyperandrogenic PCOS models both in vitro and in vivo. In the human ovarian granulosa cell line, KGN cells, decreased viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and apoptosis induced by DHT were partly reversed by carnosol. Western blotting results showed that carnosol treatment inhibited the DHT-activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by activating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Knockdown of Nrf2 by transfecting with siRNA or inhibiting HO-1 by zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) blocked the protective effects of carnosol. Computational modeling and pull-down assay results confirmed the direct binding of carnosol to kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). In vivo results showed that the intraperitoneal administration of carnosol (50 and 100 mg/kg) improved estrous cycle disorders, polycystic ovary, and decreased elevated androgen in the PCOS mice. In summary, Carnosol has an effective role in inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in DHT-treated KGN cells and protecting against mouse PCOS phenotypes through the Keap1-mediated activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ji
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Ascientific Research Platform, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangyuan Jia
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou City, Henan, China.,Department of Aortic Surgery, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Ascientific Research Platform, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Ascientific Research Platform, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Ascientific Research Platform, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
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Cheng J, Liu Y. Knockout of cyclin B1 in granulosa cells causes female subfertility. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1867-1878. [PMID: 35536551 PMCID: PMC9359391 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2074740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, cyclin B1 plays a pivotal role in mitotic and meiotic progression. It has been reported that infertility occurs after disruption of cyclin B1 (Ccnb1) in male germ cells and oocytes. However, it remains to be elucidated whether the specific disruption of Ccnb1 in granulosa cells influences the reproductive activity of female mice. Amhr2 is expressed in granulosa cells (GCs) of the ovary. Here, we mated Ccnb1Flox/Flox mice with a transgenic mouse strain expressing Amhr2-Cre to generate GC-specific Ccnb1 knockout mice. The results showed that Ccnb1 Flox/Flox, Amhr2-Cre (Ccnb1 cKO) mice were subfertile but had normal oocyte meiotic progress, spindle shape and protein levels of cohesin subunits REC8 and SMC3 on arm chromosomes during meiosis I. A further study found that 32.4% of oocytes from Ccnb1 cKO mice exhibited chromosome condensation and spindle disassembly after the first polar body extrusion and failed to undergo second meiosis, which was never found in oocytes from Ccnb1Flox/Flox mice. In addition, the percentages of 2-cell embryos, morulas, and blastocysts in the Ccnb1 mutant group were all dramatically decreased compared to those in the Ccnb1Flox/Flox group (39.2% vs. 86.8%, 26.0% vs. 85.0%, 19.1% vs. 85.8%, respectively). Therefore, GC-specific Ccnb1 deletion in mice could cause fewer and poor-quality blastocysts and subsequent subfertility, which plays an important role in understanding the function of cyclin B1 in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Cheng
- School of Medicine, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, Xicheng, China
| | - Yixun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, Xicheng, China
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Gao Q, Ma C, Meng S, Wang G, Xing Q, Xu Y, He X, Wang T, Cao Y. Exploration of molecular features of PCOS with different androgen levels and immune-related prognostic biomarkers associated with implantation failure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:946504. [PMID: 36060967 PMCID: PMC9439868 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.946504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common heterogeneous reproductive disease afflicting women of childbearing age, has been recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease recently. Most PCOS patients have hyperandrogenism, indicating a poor prognosis and poor pregnancy outcomes. The molecular mechanism underlying PCOS development is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the gene expression profiling characteristics of PCOS with hyperandrogenism (HA) or without hyperandrogenism (NHA) and identified immune-related factors that correlated with embryo implantation failure. METHODS PCOS and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. ClueGO software was used to perform enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCOS with varying androgen levels. The Weighted Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify co-expressed modules and shared gene signatures between HA PCOS and RIF. Moreover, the upregulated DEGs of HA PCOS and RIF were intersected with shared gene signatures screening by WGCNA to excavate further key prognostic biomarkers related to implantation failure of HA PCOS. The selected biomarker was verified by qRT-PCR. RESULTS A total of 271 DEGs were found in HA PCOS granulosa cell samples, and 720 DEGs were found in NHA PCOS. According to CuleGO enrichment analysis, DEGs in HA PCOS are enriched in immune activation and inflammatory response. In contrast, DEGs in NHA PCOS are enriched in mesenchymal cell development and extracellular space. Using WGCNA analysis, we discovered 26 shared gene signatures between HA PCOS and RIF, which were involved in corticosteroid metabolism, bone maturation and immune regulation. DAPK2 was furtherly screened out and verified to be closely related with the development of HA PCOS, acting as an independent predictor biomarker of the embryo implantation failure. DAPK2 expression was negatively correlated to the embryo implantation rate (r=-0.474, P=0.003). The immune infiltration results suggested that upregulated DAPK2 expression was closely related with NK cell infiltration and macrophage M2, playing an essential role in the pathogenesis of implantation failure in HA PCOS. CONCLUSION Our research revealed the expression profiling of PCOS with different androgen levels and identified DAPK2 as a critical prognostic biomarker for implantation failure in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyu Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Shuyu Meng
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, United States
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Tianjuan Wang, ; Yunxia Cao,
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Tianjuan Wang, ; Yunxia Cao,
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10
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Zhang JH, Tasaki T, Tsukamoto M, Wang KY, Azuma K. Deficiency of Wnt10a causes female infertility via the β-catenin/Cyp19a1 pathway in mice. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:701-710. [PMID: 35582421 PMCID: PMC9108412 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.71127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is relevant for a wide range of biological processes, including reproductive function. The function of Wnt10a in female fertility, however, remains obscure. In the present study, we explored the structure and function of the female reproductive organs in Wnt10a knockout (KO) mice. The expression of β-catenin signaling was significantly lower in the ovaries of the Wnt10a KO mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, the estrous cycles were disrupted, ovarian follicles were diminished, and endometria were thinner, accompanied by lower serum estrogen levels, and higher testosterone and progesterone levels in Wnt10a KO mice. The expression of the ovarian cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp19a1) was significantly lower in Wnt10a KO mice. We detected no significant changes in the levels of the gonadotropins between WT and KO mice. Together, our findings indicate that deficiency of Wnt10a causes female infertility through β-catenin and Cyp19a1signaling pathways in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-He Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishiku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Takashi Tasaki
- Department of Pathology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - Manabu Tsukamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health University, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Ke-Yong Wang
- Shared-Use Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Kagaku Azuma
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishiku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
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11
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Habara O, Logan CY, Kanai-Azuma M, Nusse R, Takase HM. WNT signaling in pre-granulosa cells is required for ovarian folliculogenesis and female fertility. Development 2021; 148:261700. [PMID: 33914868 PMCID: PMC8126407 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian ovaries, immature oocytes are reserved in primordial follicles until their activation for potential ovulation. Precise control of primordial follicle activation (PFA) is essential for reproduction, but how this is achieved is unclear. Here, we show that canonical wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) signaling is pivotal for pre-granulosa cell (pre-GC) activation during PFA. We identified several WNT ligands expressed in pre-GCs that act in an autocrine manner. Inhibition of WNT secretion from pre-GCs/GCs by conditional knockout (cKO) of the wntless (Wls) gene led to female infertility. In Wls cKO mice, GC layer thickness was greatly reduced in growing follicles, which resulted in impaired oocyte growth with both an abnormal, sustained nuclear localization of forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) and reduced phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6). Constitutive stabilization of β-catenin (CTNNB1) in pre-GCs/GCs induced morphological changes of pre-GCs from a squamous into a cuboidal form, though it did not influence oocyte activation. Our results reveal that canonical WNT signaling plays a permissive role in the transition of pre-GCs to GCs, which is an essential step to support oocyte growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okiko Habara
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Catriona Y Logan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Developmental Biology and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Roeland Nusse
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Developmental Biology and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hinako M Takase
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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