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Chakravarthi VP, Dilower I, Ghosh S, Borosha S, Mohamadi R, Dahiya V, Vo K, Lee EB, Ratri A, Kumar V, Marsh CA, Fields PE, Rumi MAK. ERβ Regulation of Indian Hedgehog Expression in the First Wave of Ovarian Follicles. Cells 2024; 13:644. [PMID: 38607081 PMCID: PMC11011683 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070644] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased activation of ovarian primordial follicles in Erβ knockout (ErβKO) rats becomes evident as early as postnatal day 8.5. To identify the ERβ-regulated genes that may control ovarian primordial follicle activation, we analyzed the transcriptome profiles of ErβKO rat ovaries collected on postnatal days 4.5, 6.5, and 8.5. Compared to wildtype ovaries, ErβKO ovaries displayed dramatic downregulation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression. IHH-regulated genes, including Hhip, Gli1, and Ptch1, were also downregulated in ErβKO ovaries. This was associated with a downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, and Hsd17b1. The expression of Ihh remained very low in ErβKO ovaries despite the high levels of Gdf9 and Bmp15, which are known upregulators of Ihh expression in the granulosa cells of activated ovarian follicles. Strikingly, the downregulation of the Ihh gene in ErβKO ovaries began to disappear on postnatal day 16.5 and recovered on postnatal day 21.5. In rat ovaries, the first wave of primordial follicles is rapidly activated after their formation, whereas the second wave of primordial follicles remains dormant in the ovarian cortex and slowly starts activating after postnatal day 12.5. We localized the expression of Ihh mRNA in postnatal day 8.5 wildtype rat ovaries but not in the age-matched ErβKO ovaries. In postnatal day 21.5 ErβKO rat ovaries, we detected Ihh mRNA mainly in the activated follicles in the ovaries' peripheral regions. Our findings indicate that the expression of Ihh in the granulosa cells of the activated first wave of ovarian follicles depends on ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Praveen Chakravarthi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Iman Dilower
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Subhra Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Shaon Borosha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Ryan Mohamadi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Vinesh Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Kevin Vo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Eun B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Anamika Ratri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Vishnu Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Courtney A. Marsh
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Patrick E. Fields
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
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Richard S, Zhou Y, Jasoni CL, Pankhurst MW. Ovarian follicle size or growth rate can both be determinants of ovulatory follicle selection in mice†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:130-139. [PMID: 37801701 PMCID: PMC10790341 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad134] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocrinology regulating ovulation of the desired number of oocytes in the ovarian cycle is well described, particularly in mono-ovulatory species. Less is known about the characteristics that make one follicle suitable for ovulation while most other follicles die by atresia. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injection was used to characterize granulosa cell proliferation rates in developing ovarian follicles in the estrous cycle of mice. This methodology allowed identification of follicle diameters of secondary (80-130 μm), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-sensitive (130-170 μm), FSH-dependent (170-350 μm), and preovulatory (>350 μm) follicles. Few preovulatory-sized follicles were present in the ovaries of mice at estrus, the beginning of the cycle. Progressive increases were seen at metestrus and diestrus, when full accumulation of the preovulatory cohort (~10 follicles) occurred. BrdU pulse-chase studies determined granulosa cell proliferation rates in the 24-48 h before the follicle reached the preovulatory stage. This showed that slow-growing follicles were not able to survive to the preovulatory stage. Mathematical modeling of follicle growth rates determined that the largest follicles at the beginning of the cycle had the greatest chance of becoming preovulatory. However, smaller follicles could enter the preovulatory follicle pool if low numbers of large antral follicles were present at the beginning of the cycle. In this instance, rapidly growing follicles had a clear selection advantage. The developing follicle pool displays heterogeneity in granulosa cell proliferation rates, even among follicles at the same stage of development. This parameter appears to influence whether a follicle can ovulate or become atretic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Richard
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yiran Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Christine L Jasoni
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Richard S, Anderson NJ, Zhou Y, Pankhurst MW. Mouse primary follicles experience slow growth rates after activation and progressive increases that influence the duration of the primary follicle phase†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:684-692. [PMID: 37552056 PMCID: PMC10651066 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad095] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There are conflicting estimates of the duration of mouse primary follicle development. An accurate determination is needed for studies examining preantral follicle survival and mathematical modeling of folliculogenesis. Primary follicle granulosa cell proliferation rates are low and variable, which may explain the variation in duration estimates. In the present study, female C57Bl6/J mice were exposed to bromodeoxyuridine for 48 hours, to label the proliferating granulosa cells in a large proportion of primary follicles. The bromodeoxyuridine-containing water was then withdrawn and replaced with drug-free water and the mice were euthanized at 0, 1, 3, 6, 10, or 13 days post-bromodeoxyuridine withdrawal. Granulosa cells were bromodeoxyuridine labeled in 48% of primary follicles at day 0, but this decreased to 5% over the 13-day period, as the labeled primary follicles progressed to the secondary follicle stage. Curve-fitting estimated that the last of the bromodeoxyuridine-labeled primary follicles would progress to the secondary stage by 13.7 days. Mathematical models that assumed constant rates of primary follicle proliferation were fitted to the data, but the observed pattern of bromodeoxyuridine-labeled primary follicle disappearance could not be replicated. The level of immunoreactivity for bromodeoxyuridine and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen in primary follicles revealed follicles with no granulosa cell proliferation during the 48-h bromodeoxyuridine-exposure period had resumed proliferation 1 or 3 days later. Therefore, primary follicle granulosa cells proliferate after follicle activation, but proliferation rates gradually increase as the follicle develops. Prior estimates of primary follicle duration are inaccurate due to the assumption that follicles develop at a constant rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Richard
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas J Anderson
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yiran Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Zhou J, Mo H, Feng Q, Li L, La J. ApoC3 is expressed in oocytes and increased expression is associated with PCOS progression. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:188. [PMID: 37689737 PMCID: PMC10493025 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01263-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong metabolic disorder and the most common cause of anovulatory infertility affecting women in reproductive age. Our recent study reported that apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) could be a potential diagnostic serum marker for metabolism disturbance in PCOS patients, but whether it is present in the ovaries and what role it plays has not yet been described. OBJECTIVE Aimed to investigate ApoC3 expression in ovary of PCOS, and to discuss its potential role in PCOS progression. METHODS ApoC3 expression in ovarian tissue samples from 12 PCOS patients along with 12 healthy controls were measured via immunohistochemistry (IHC). Also, the level of ApoC3 in follicular fluid from 14 patients diagnosed with PCOS and 13 control subjects were detected by ELISA. The expression and location of ApoC3 in ovaries of PCOS mice were tested weekly for three consecutive weeks during PCOS formation using real time PCR, Western Blot, IHC and immunofluorescence. The relation of ApoC3 and sex hormones was analyzed in mouse plasma. Additionally, the dynamic changes of ApoC3 level in ovaries of healthy mice during postnatal development was also investigated. RESULTS ApoC3 levels in ovarian tissue and follicular fluid were significantly higher in PCOS patients than in controls (33.87 ± 4.11 vs. 27.71 ± 3.65, P < 0.01; 0.87 ± 0.09 vs. 0.51 ± 0.32 ng/mL, P < 0.05), respectively. In ovary, ApoC3 was found to be located in the cytoplasm of oocyte, and its expression gradually increased with PCOS progression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that plasma ApoC3 level was closely associated with luteinizing hormone (r = 0.709, P = 0.001), testosterone (r = 0.627, P = 0.005) and anti-mullerian hormone (r = 0.680, P = 0.002) in PCOS mice. In addition, ApoC3 level in oocyte was physiologically increased and peaked on postnatal age 21 (P21), then decreased following P21 in healthy mice. CONCLUSIONS We identified ApoC3 expression in oocyte. It may be involved in PCOS progression and possibly participate in the regulation of oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahe Zhou
- Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Hui Mo
- Faculty of Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 000853, China
| | - Qian Feng
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Li Li
- Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China.
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
| | - Jiahui La
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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Wang X, Zhou S, Wu Z, Liu R, Ran Z, Liao J, Shi H, Wang F, Chen J, Liu G, Liang A, Yang L, Zhang S, Li X, He C. The FSH-mTOR-CNP signaling axis initiates follicular antrum formation by regulating tight junction, ion pumps, and aquaporins. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105015. [PMID: 37414146 PMCID: PMC10424218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The initial formation of the follicular antrum (iFFA) serves as a dividing line between gonadotropin-independent and gonadotropin-dependent folliculogenesis, enabling the follicle to sensitively respond to gonadotropins for its further development. However, the mechanism underlying iFFA remains elusive. Herein, we reported that iFFA is characterized by enhanced fluid absorption, energy consumption, secretion, and proliferation and shares a regulatory mechanism with blastula cavity formation. By use of bioinformatics analysis, follicular culture, RNA interference, and other techniques, we further demonstrated that the tight junction, ion pumps, and aquaporins are essential for follicular fluid accumulation during iFFA, as a deficiency of any one of these negatively impacts fluid accumulation and antrum formation. The intraovarian mammalian target of rapamycin-C-type natriuretic peptide pathway, activated by follicle-stimulating hormone, initiated iFFA by activating tight junction, ion pumps, and aquaporins. Building on this, we promoted iFFA by transiently activating mammalian target of rapamycin in cultured follicles and significantly increased oocyte yield. These findings represent a significant advancement in iFFA research, further enhancing our understanding of folliculogenesis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Wang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zian Wu
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruiyan Liu
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaohong Ran
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianning Liao
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongru Shi
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, USA
| | - Jianguo Chen
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Aixin Liang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Li
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changjiu He
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
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Alyoshina NM, Tkachenko MD, Nikishina YO, Nikishin DA. Serotonin Transporter Activity in Mouse Oocytes Is a Positive Indicator of Follicular Growth and Oocyte Maturity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11247. [PMID: 37511007 PMCID: PMC10379015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411247] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is known to be a regulator of oocyte maturation in a large number of animal species. In maturing mammalian oocytes, the accumulation of exogenous, maternal serotonin occurs due to the activity of the membrane transporter SERT. In this work, we investigated how SERT activity in oocytes correlates with indicators of follicular selection and oocyte maturity. An immunohistochemical study showed that the difference in the 5-HT intake activity in oocytes does not correlate with the marker of apoptosis in follicular cells, but positively correlates with markers of follicular growth, such as granulosa proliferation and follicle size. Functional analysis of oocytes at different stages of maturation showed that the expression and activity of SERT increases with oocyte maturation. An in vivo experiment on administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) for 7 days showed a significant decrease in the content of serotonin in both growing GV-oocytes and ovulated mature MII-oocytes. The data obtained clearly indicate that the mechanism of specific membrane transport of serotonin normally ensures the accumulation of serotonin in maturing oocytes, and can be considered as a promising positive marker of their mature status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M Alyoshina
- N.K. Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street, 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria D Tkachenko
- N.K. Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street, 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, Bld. 12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia O Nikishina
- N.K. Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street, 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis A Nikishin
- N.K. Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street, 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, Bld. 12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Devillers MM, François CM, Chester M, Corre R, Cluzet V, Giton F, Cohen-Tannoudji J, Guigon CJ. Androgen receptor signaling regulates follicular growth and steroidogenesis in interaction with gonadotropins in the ovary during mini-puberty in mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1130681. [PMID: 37152943 PMCID: PMC10154677 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1130681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In females, androgens contribute to ovarian diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but their action is also crucial for ovarian physiology, i.e., follicular growth and estradiol (E2) synthesis during reproductive life, in interaction with the gonadotropins LH and FSH. However, it is unclear whether androgens already play a role in the ovary at mini-puberty, a phase of postnatal development with active follicular growth and high E2 levels. Therefore, we analyzed the potential actions of androgens on the ovary and their possible interaction with gonadotropins during this period in mice. We used molecular-based studies and pharmacological approaches in vivo and on cultured ovaries. We found that mini-pubertal ovaries produce significant amounts of testosterone and display androgen receptor (AR) expression in growing follicles, both under the control of LH. By blocking AR signaling either in vivo or in ovarian cultures, we found that this pathway may participate in the regulation of prepubertal E2 synthesis and follicular growth, possibly by regulating the expression of a number of key intra-ovarian regulators, including FSH receptor (Fshr), the aromatase enzyme converting androgens into estrogens (Cyp19a1) and the cell cycle inhibitor p27KIP1 (Cdkn1b). We further showed that AR may stimulate FSH-mediated regulation of Cyp19a1 through its action on Fshr mRNA abundance. Overall, this work supports the idea that AR signaling is already activated in mini-pubertal ovaries to regulate E2 synthesis and follicular growth, at the interplay with LH and FSH signaling. Its early action may, thus, contribute to the implementation of early ovarian function with possible impacts on reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie M. Devillers
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte M. François
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Chester
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Corre
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Victoria Cluzet
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Frank Giton
- AP-HP, Pôle biologie-Pathologie Henri Mondor, Inserm IMRB U955, Créteil, France
| | - Joëlle Cohen-Tannoudji
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Céline J. Guigon
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Céline J. Guigon,
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8
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Zhou Y, Richard S, Batchelor NJ, Oorschot DE, Anderson GM, Pankhurst MW. Anti-Müllerian hormone-mediated preantral follicle atresia is a key determinant of antral follicle count in mice. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2635-2645. [PMID: 36107143 PMCID: PMC9627584 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) induce preantral follicle atresia in mice? SUMMARY ANSWER The present findings suggest that AMH-mediated follicle atresia only occurs in early follicles before they become sensitive to FSH. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Most prior studies have investigated the ability of AMH to inhibit primordial follicle activation. Our previous study showed that AMH-overexpressing mice had fewer preantral follicles than expected after accounting for primordial follicle inhibition but the reason for this was not determined. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional-control versus transgenic/knockout mouse studies were carried out. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Studies were conducted on female wild-type (Amh+/+), AMH-knockout (Amh-/-) and AMH overexpressing (Thy1.2-AMHTg/0) mice on a C57Bl/6J background (age: 42-120 days). The follicle counts were conducted for primordial, transitioning, primary, secondary and antral follicles in Amh-/- and Amh+/+ mice. After confirming that follicle development speeds were identical (proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry), the ratio of follicles surviving beyond each stage of folliculogenesis was determined in both genotypes. Evidence for increased rates of preantral follicle atresia was assessed by active caspase-3 immunohistochemistry in wild-type and Thy1.2-AMHTg/0 mice. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Amh -/- mice at 100-120 days of age had lower primordial follicle counts but higher primordial follicle activation rates compared to Amh+/+ mice. These counteracting effects led to equivalent numbers of primordial follicles transitioning to the primary stage in Amh+/+ and Amh-/- mice. Despite this, Amh+/+ mice had fewer primary, secondary, small antral and medium antral follicles than Amh-/- mice indicating differing rates of developing follicle atresia between genotypes. Cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry in Thy1.2-AMHTg/0 ovaries revealed high rates of granulosa cell and oocyte apoptosis in late primary/early secondary follicles of Thy1.2-AMHTg/0 mice. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The findings were shown only in one species and additional research will be required to determine generalizability to other species. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study is consistent with prior studies showing that Amh-/- mice have increased primordial follicle activation but these new findings demonstrate that AMH-mediated preantral follicle atresia is a predominant cause of the increased small antral follicle counts in Amh-/- mice. This suggests that the role of AMH is not to conserve the ovarian reserve to prolong fertility, but instead to prevent the antral follicle pool from becoming too large. While this study may demonstrate a new function for AMH, the biological purpose of this function requires further investigation, particularly in mono-ovulatory species. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the University of Otago. No competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - S Richard
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - N J Batchelor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - D E Oorschot
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - G M Anderson
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - M W Pankhurst
- Correspondence address. Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. Tel: +64-3-479-7440; E-mail:
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9
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Han X, Bai X, Yao H, Chen W, Meng F, Cao X, Zhuo Y, Hua L, Bu G, Du X, Liang Q, Zeng X. Two Synthetic Peptides Corresponding to the Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone β-Subunit Promoted Reproductive Functions in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911735. [PMID: 36233045 PMCID: PMC9570415 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911735] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is widely used in the assisted reproduction and a synthetic peptide corresponding to a receptor binding region of the human (h) FSH-β-(34−37) (TRDL) modulated reproduction. Furthermore, a 13-amino acid sequence corresponding to hFSH-β-(37−49) (LVYKDPARPKIQK) was recently identified as the receptor binding site. We hypothesized that the synthetic peptides corresponding to hFSH-β-(37−49) and hFSH-β-(34−49), created by merging hFSH-β-(34−37) and hFSH-β-(37−49), modulate the reproductive functions, with the longer peptide being more biologically active. In male or female prepubertal mice, a single injection of 200 μg/g BW ip of hFSH-β-(37−49) or hFSH-β-(34−49) hastened (p < 0.05) puberty, whereas the same treatments given daily for 4 d promoted (p < 0.05) the gonadal steroidogenesis and gamete formation. In addition of either peptide to the in vitro cell cultures, promoted (p < 0.05) the proliferation of primary murine granulosa cells and the estradiol production by upregulating the expression of Ccnd2 and Cyp19a1, respectively. In adult female mice, 200 μg/g BW ip of either peptide during diestrus antagonized the FSH-stimulated estradiol increase and uterine weight gain during proestrus. Furthermore, hFSH-β-(34−49) was a more potent (p < 0.05) reproductive modulator than hFSH-β-(37−49), both in vivo and in vitro. We concluded that hFSH-β-(37−49) and especially hFSH-β-(34−49), have the potential for reproductive modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfa Han
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Xinyu Bai
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Huan Yao
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Weihao Chen
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Lun Hua
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Guixian Bu
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Qiuxia Liang
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- Isotope Research Laboratory, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
- Correspondence:
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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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