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Ruan X, Wang P, Wei M, Yang Q, Dong X. Yu Linzhu alleviates primary ovarian insufficiency in a rat model by improving proliferation and energy metabolism of granulosa cells through hif1α/cx43 pathway. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:89. [PMID: 38671471 PMCID: PMC11046760 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yu Linzhu (YLZ) is a classical Chinese traditional formula, which has been used for more than 600 years to regulate menstruation to help pregnancy. However, the mechanism of modern scientific action of YLZ needs to be further studied. METHODS Thirty SD female rats were divided into three groups to prepare the blank serum and drug-containing serum, and then using UHPLC-QE-MS to identify the ingredients of YLZ and its drug-containing serum. Twenty-four SD female rats were divided into four groups, except the control group, 4-vinylcyclohexene dicycloxide (VCD) was intraperitoneally injected to establish a primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) model of all groups. Using vaginal smear to show that the estrous cycle of rats was disturbed after modeling, indicates that the POI model was successfully established. The ELISA test was used to measure the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in the serum of rats. HE stain was used to assess the morphology of ovarian tissue. The localization and relative expression levels of CX43 protein were detected by tissue immunofluorescence. Primary ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were identified by cellular immunofluorescence. CCK8 was used to screen time and concentration of drug-containing serum and evaluate the proliferation effect of YLZ on VCD-induced GCs. ATP kit and Seahorse XFe24 were used to detect energy production and real-time glycolytic metabolism rate of GCs. mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF1α, CX43, PEK, LDH, HK1 were detected by RT-PCR and WB. RESULTS UHPLC-QE-MS found 1702 ingredients of YLZ and 80 constituents migrating to blood. YLZ reduced the FSH while increasing the AMH and E2 levels. In ovarian tissues, YLZ improved ovarian morphology, follicle development, and the relative expression of CX43. In vitro studies, we found that YLZ increased the proliferative activity of GCs, ATP levels, glycolytic metabolic rate, HIF1α, CX43, PEK, HK1, LDH mRNA, and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS The study indicated that YLZ increased the proliferation and glycolytic energy metabolism of GCs to improve follicular development further alleviating ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ruan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medicine University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Pengxu Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medicine University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Maolin Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medicine University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qingqing Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medicine University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaoying Dong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medicine University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Mills M, Emori C, Kumar P, Boucher Z, George J, Bolcun-Filas E. Single-cell and bulk transcriptional profiling of mouse ovaries reveals novel genes and pathways associated with DNA damage response in oocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.02.578648. [PMID: 38352597 PMCID: PMC10862846 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Immature oocytes enclosed in primordial follicles stored in female ovaries are under constant threat of DNA damage induced by endogenous and exogenous factors. Checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) is a key mediator of the DNA damage response in all cells. Genetic studies have shown that CHEK2 and its downstream targets, p53 and TAp63, regulate primordial follicle elimination in response to DNA damage, however the mechanism leading to their demise is still poorly characterized. Single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing were used to determine the DNA damage response in wildtype and Chek2-deficient ovaries. A low but oocyte-lethal dose of ionizing radiation induces a DNA damage response in ovarian cells that is solely dependent on CHEK2. DNA damage activates multiple ovarian response pathways related to apoptosis, p53, interferon signaling, inflammation, cell adhesion, and intercellular communication. These pathways are differentially employed by different ovarian cell types, with oocytes disproportionately affected by radiation. Novel genes and pathways are induced by radiation specifically in oocytes, shedding light on their sensitivity to DNA damage, and implicating a coordinated response between oocytes and pre-granulosa cells within the follicle. These findings provide a foundation for future studies on the specific mechanisms regulating oocyte survival in the context of aging, as well as therapeutic and environmental genotoxic exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Mills
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Parveen Kumar
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Zachary Boucher
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Joshy George
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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Sistani MN, Zavareh S, Valojerdi MR, Salehnia M. Reconstruction of ovarian follicular-like structure by recellularization of a cell-free human ovarian scaffold with mouse fetal ovarian cells. Cytotechnology 2024; 76:27-38. [PMID: 38304626 PMCID: PMC10828258 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-023-00595-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study assessed the supportive roles of the decellularized human ovarian tissue in homing of mouse fetal ovarian cells into the scaffold as well as the formation of the follicular-like structure. The human ovarian cortical tissues were decellularized by three freeze-thaw cycles and then, treated with Triton X-100 for 15 h and 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate for 72 h. After isolation and preparation of mouse fetal ovarian cells (19 dpc) they were seeded into the decellularized scaffolds and cultured for 7 days, then using a light microscope, laser confocal scanning microscope, and scanning electron microscope these scaffolds were studied. Analysis of gene expression related to oocyte and follicular cells such as Ddx4, Nobox, Gdf9, and Connexin37 was assessed by real-time RT-PCR and the DDX4 and GDF9 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. The result showed that the human ovarian tissue was decellularized properly and the tissue elements and integrity were well preserved. After 7 days of in vitro culture, the fetal ovarian cells attached and penetrated into different sites and depths of the scaffold. The formed organoid within the scaffold showed large round, small polyhedral, and elongated spindle cells similar to the follicle structure. The molecular analysis and immunohistochemistry were confirmed an increase in the expression of genes and proteins related to oocyte and follicular cells in these reconstructed structures. In conclusion, the recellularization of human ovarian scaffolds by mouse fetal ovarian cells could support the follicular-like structure formation and it provides an in vitro model for follicle reconstitution and offers an alternative approach for clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Nezhad Sistani
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Zavareh
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | | | - Mojdeh Salehnia
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
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Bahrami N, Nazari A, Afshari Z, Aftabsavad S, Moini A, Noormohammadi Z. Gene expression and demographic analyses in women with the poor ovarian response: a computational approach. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2627-2638. [PMID: 37642817 PMCID: PMC10643739 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02919-4] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor response to ovarian stimulation (POR) typically is reflected as decreased follicular response and low estradiol (E2) levels following ovarian stimulation by FSH/HMG. Many genes are involved in oocyte maturation, and demographic features and lifestyle can affect the oocyte maturity and developmental competence. The present study was conducted to investigate the magnitude of gene expression and lifestyle habits in POR women as compared to healthy women, using different statistical and computational methods. METHODS Fifty women in the two groups were studied. The study groups included POR women (n = 25) with 1-9 released oocytes, and the control group (normal women, n = 25) with 9-15 released oocytes. Quantitative PCR was used to estimate the expression of FIGLA, ZAR1, WNT4, LHX8, APC, H1FOO, MOS, and DMC1 genes in granulosa cells. RESULTS The results showed no significant difference in the magnitude of the studied genes' expression and linear discriminant analysis did not differentiate the studied groups based on all the genes together. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and latent factor mixed model (LFMM) results produce no significant association between the genes' expression magnitude and the geographical variables of the patients' local habitat. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of the demographic features differentiated the two groups of women. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that demographic features may have an effect on sample gene expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arnoosh Nazari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Afshari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Aftabsavad
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Breast Disease Research Center (BDRC), Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Noormohammadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Pierson Smela MD, Kramme CC, Fortuna PRJ, Adams JL, Su R, Dong E, Kobayashi M, Brixi G, Kavirayuni VS, Tysinger E, Kohman RE, Shioda T, Chatterjee P, Church GM. Directed differentiation of human iPSCs to functional ovarian granulosa-like cells via transcription factor overexpression. eLife 2023; 12:e83291. [PMID: 36803359 PMCID: PMC9943069 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An in vitro model of human ovarian follicles would greatly benefit the study of female reproduction. Ovarian development requires the combination of germ cells and several types of somatic cells. Among these, granulosa cells play a key role in follicle formation and support for oogenesis. Whereas efficient protocols exist for generating human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), a method of generating granulosa cells has been elusive. Here, we report that simultaneous overexpression of two transcription factors (TFs) can direct the differentiation of hiPSCs to granulosa-like cells. We elucidate the regulatory effects of several granulosa-related TFs and establish that overexpression of NR5A1 and either RUNX1 or RUNX2 is sufficient to generate granulosa-like cells. Our granulosa-like cells have transcriptomes similar to human fetal ovarian cells and recapitulate key ovarian phenotypes including follicle formation and steroidogenesis. When aggregated with hPGCLCs, our cells form ovary-like organoids (ovaroids) and support hPGCLC development from the premigratory to the gonadal stage as measured by induction of DAZL expression. This model system will provide unique opportunities for studying human ovarian biology and may enable the development of therapies for female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrick D Pierson Smela
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Christian C Kramme
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Patrick RJ Fortuna
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Jessica L Adams
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Rui Su
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Edward Dong
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Mutsumi Kobayashi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Garyk Brixi
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Venkata Srikar Kavirayuni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Emma Tysinger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Richie E Kohman
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Pranam Chatterjee
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - George M Church
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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Jung KM, Seo M, Han JY. Comparative single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals differences in signaling pathways in gonadal primordial germ cells between chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). FASEB J 2023; 37:e22706. [PMID: 36520042 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201569r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) have been used in avian genetic resource conservation and transgenic animal production. Despite their potential applications to numerous avian taxa facing extinction due to habitat loss and degradation, research has largely focused on poultry, such as chickens, in part owing to the difficulty in obtaining intact PGCs from other species. Recently, phenotypic differences between PGCs of chicken and zebra finch, a wild bird with vocal learning, in early embryonic development have been reported. In this study, we used advanced single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to evaluate zebra finch and chicken PGCs and surrounding cells, and to identify species-specific characteristics. We constructed single-cell transcriptome landscapes of chicken gonadal PGCs for a comparison with previously reported scRNA-seq data for zebra finch. We identified interspecific differences in several signaling pathways in gonadal PGCs and somatic cells. In particular, NODAL and insulin signaling pathway activity levels were higher in zebra finch than in chickens, whereas activity levels of the downstream FGF signaling pathway, involved in the proliferation of chicken PGCs, were higher in chickens. This study is the first cross-species single-cell transcriptomic analysis targeting birds, revealing differences in germ cell development between phylogenetically distant Galliformes and Passeriformes. Our results provide a basis for understanding the reproductive physiology of avian germ cells and for utilizing PGCs in the restoration of endangered birds and the production of transgenic birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Min Jung
- Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minseok Seo
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Korea University, Sejong, South Korea
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Eya-controlled affinity between cell lineages drives tissue self-organization during Drosophila oogenesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6377. [PMID: 36289235 PMCID: PMC9605976 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33845-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooperative morphogenesis of cell lineages underlies the development of functional units and organs. To study mechanisms driving the coordination of lineages, we investigated soma-germline interactions during oogenesis. From invertebrates to vertebrates, oocytes develop as part of a germline cyst that consists of the oocyte itself and so-called nurse cells, which feed the oocyte and are eventually removed. The enveloping somatic cells specialize to facilitate either oocyte maturation or nurse cell removal, which makes it essential to establish the right match between germline and somatic cells. We uncover that the transcriptional regulator Eya, expressed in the somatic lineage, controls bilateral cell-cell affinity between germline and somatic cells in Drosophila oogenesis. Employing functional studies and mathematical modelling, we show that differential affinity and the resulting forces drive somatic cell redistribution over the germline surface and control oocyte growth to match oocyte and nurse cells with their respective somatic cells. Thus, our data demonstrate that differential affinity between cell lineages is sufficient to drive the complex assembly of inter-lineage functional units and underlies tissue self-organization during Drosophila oogenesis.
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Li ZM, Li YY, Fei CF, Zhou LQ. Insm2 deficiency results in female infertility by disturbing steroid pathway and decreasing ovarian reserve in mice. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2255-2267. [PMID: 35786158 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2092816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The number and quality of oocytes in the ovarian reserve are related to fertility and reproductive lifespan in mammals. Some transcription factors have been demonstrated to determine oogenesis. The insulinoma-associated 2 (Insm2) gene is a member of the Snail transcriptional repressor superfamily. Recent studies have demonstrated Insm2 plays an essential role for insulin secretion and glucose intolerance in mice, but the functions of Insm2 in reproduction remain elusive. Here, by examination of Insm2 knockout mice, we found Insm2 was essential for female fertility. Loss of Insm2 resulted in female infertility with major defects in primordial follicle pool, ovarian folliculogenesis and ovulation. Transcriptomic profiling of ovaries suggests that loss of Insm2 caused defects in oocyte meiosis and steroid synthesis. Both oocyte- and granulosa cell-expressed genes were dysregulated, including Foxo1 and other known genes involved in primary ovarian insufficiency. Together, these studies show that Insm2 is required for oocyte development and their communication with ovarian somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cai-Feng Fei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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