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Benderradji H, Barbotin AL, Leroy-Billiard M, Prasivoravong J, Marcelli F, Decanter C, Robin G, Mitchell V, Rigot JM, Bongiovanni A, Sauve F, Buée L, Maurage CA, Cartigny M, Villers A, Prevot V, Catteau-Jonard S, Sergeant N, Giacobini P, Pigny P, Leroy C. Defining Reference Ranges for Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone on a Large Cohort of Normozoospermic Adult Men Highlights New Potential Physiological Functions of AMH on FSH Secretion and Sperm Motility. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:1878-1887. [PMID: 35396994 PMCID: PMC9202722 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies to date have attempted to measure serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in adult men, and solid references ranges have not yet been defined in a large cohort. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed, first, to establish the reference ranges for serum AMH and AMH-to-total testosterone ratio (AMH/tT) in adult males. Second, we investigated the relationship between serum AMH and both reproductive hormones and semen parameters. METHODS This single-center retrospective study included 578 normozoospermic adult men. Serum AMH concentrations were determined with an automated sandwich chemiluminescent immunoassay. RESULTS The median serum AMH was 43.5 pmol/L. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentile values for serum AMH and AMH/tT were 16.4 and 90.3 pmol/L and 0.45 and 3.43, respectively. AMH was positively correlated with inhibin B and sperm concentration and negatively correlated with age, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and progressive sperm motility. Interestingly, using immunofluorescence, we documented for the first time that AMH type II receptor (AMH-R2) is expressed in ejaculated human spermatozoa and gonadotrophic cells in the postmortem pituitary gland. CONCLUSIONS We establish a new age-specific reference range for serum AMH and AMH/tT. Moreover, AMH-R2 expression in human spermatozoa and gonadotrophic cells, together with the relationship between serum AMH levels and sperm motility or mean FSH levels, highlight new potential functions of AMH in regulating sperm motility or FSH secretion in adult men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Benderradji
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Department of Reproductive Biology-Spermiology-CECOS, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Maryse Leroy-Billiard
- Department of Endocrine Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Julie Prasivoravong
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - François Marcelli
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Christine Decanter
- Department of Endocrine Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Geoffroy Robin
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- Department of Endocrine Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Valérie Mitchell
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Department of Reproductive Biology-Spermiology-CECOS, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Rigot
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Antonino Bongiovanni
- University of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, BioImaging Center Lille, Lille, France
| | - Florent Sauve
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Luc Buée
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Claude-Alain Maurage
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
- University of Lille, CHU Lille, Department of Pathological Anatomy, Lille, France
| | - Maryse Cartigny
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, DevGen, Reference Centre for Genital Development Abnormalities, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Arnauld Villers
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sophie Catteau-Jonard
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Department of Endocrine Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (UMR-S1172), CHU Lille, Inserm, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Pascal Pigny
- Department of Biochemistry & Hormonology, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- University of Lille, Inserm,UMR-S 1277,Lille, France
| | - Clara Leroy
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, DevGen, Reference Centre for Genital Development Abnormalities, University of Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
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Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the TGF-β family produced essentially by the supporting somatic cells of the testis. Initially known for its inhibiting role upon the development of female internal organs, AMH has been shown to exert many other effects namely upon germ cells. Circulating AMH reflects the ovarian reserve of young developing follicles and is used to evaluate the fertility potential in assisted reproduction. The signaling pathway of AMH is both similar and different from that of other members of the TGF-β family. Like these, it signals through two distinct serine/threonine receptors, type 1 and type 2, that phosphorylate cytoplasmic effectors, the Smads. It also shares type 1 receptors and Smads with other members of the family. However, AMH is the only family member with its own, dedicated, ligand-specific type 2 receptor, AMHR2. The monogamic relationship between AMH and AMHR2 is supported by molecular studies of the Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome, characterized by the presence of Müllerian derivatives in otherwise normally virilized males: mutations of AMH or AMHR2 are clinically indistinguishable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Josso
- Lipodystrophies, Adaptations Métaboliques et Hormonales, et Vieillissement, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherches Saint-Antoine, 27 rue de Chaligny, 75012 Paris, France.
| | - Jean-Yves Picard
- Lipodystrophies, Adaptations Métaboliques et Hormonales, et Vieillissement, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherches Saint-Antoine, 27 rue de Chaligny, 75012 Paris, France.
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Tu M, Wu Y, Wang F, Huang Y, Qian Y, Li J, Lv P, Ying Y, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhang R, Zhao W, Zhang D. Effect of lncRNA MALAT1 on the Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Pregnancy Outcome in Patients With PCOS. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:825431. [PMID: 35573984 PMCID: PMC9094420 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.825431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle arrest is one of the main characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinological disorder in reproductive-aged women. Increasing evidence proves that high anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels may play an important role in follicular development. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) with a length of more than 200 nt is widely involved in the directional differentiation, growth, and development of cells, whereas whether lncRNA is involved in AMH's role in follicular development is unknown. In this study, we analyzed lncRNA expression in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) collected from women with and without PCOS via high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that a total of 79 noncoding transcripts were differently expressed in GCs of PCOS patients, including upregulated lncRNA MALAT1. The upregulation of MALAT1 was further confirmed by RT-qPCR in GCs from a larger cohort of PCOS patients. Furthermore, knockdown MALAT1 can promote the proliferation of KGN cell in vitro. These data suggested a role for MALAT1 in the development of PCOS. Meanwhile, MALAT1 and phosphorylated SMAD 1/5 (Ser463/465) protein were upregulated in KGN cells after exogenous AMH stimulation, which identified AMH perhaps as a regulator for the expression of MALAT1. We also found that MALAT1 can predict clinical pregnancy outcome to a certain extent by ROC curve analysis (area: 0.771, p = 0.007, 95% CI: 0.617-0.925, sensitivity: 57.1%, specificity: 91.7%). Thus, our findings revealed a role of lncRNA MALAT1 in inhibiting granulosa cell proliferation and may be correlated with pregnancy outcome in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mixue Tu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Wu
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuli Qian
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pingping Lv
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanyun Ying
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Runju Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dan Zhang,
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Functional Activity of Recombinant Forms of Amh and Synergistic Action with Fsh in European Sea Bass Ovary. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810092. [PMID: 34576257 PMCID: PMC8467395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Although anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has classically been correlated with the regression of Müllerian ducts in male mammals, involvement of this growth factor in other reproductive processes only recently come to light. Teleost is the only gnathostomes that lack Müllerian ducts despite having amh orthologous genes. In adult teleost gonads, Amh exerts a role in the early stages of germ cell development in both males and females. Mechanisms involving the interaction of Amh with gonadotropin- and growth factor-induced functions have been proposed, but our overall knowledge regarding Amh function in fish gonads remains modest. In this study, we report on Amh actions in the European sea bass ovary. Amh and type 2 Amh receptor (Amhr2) are present in granulosa and theca cells of both early and late-vitellogenic follicles and cannot be detected in previtellogenic ovaries. Using the Pichia pastoris system a recombinant sea bass Amh has been produced that is endogenously processed to generate a 12–15 kDa bioactive mature protein. Contrary to previous evidence in lower vertebrates, in explants of previtellogenic sea bass ovaries, mature Amh has a synergistic effect on steroidogenesis induced by the follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh), increasing E2 and cyp19a1a levels.
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Oliveira MA, Martinez ERM, Butzge AJ, Doretto LB, Ricci JMB, Rodrigues MS, Vigoya AAA, Gómez-González NE, Stewart AB, Nóbrega RH. Molecular characterization and expression analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) adult testes. Gene Expr Patterns 2021; 40:119169. [PMID: 33667682 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2021.119169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (Tgf-β) superfamily required in the regression of Müllerian ducts during gonadal sex differentiation of higher vertebrates. Teleost fish lack Müllerian ducts, but identified Amh orthologs have been shown to exert crucial functions during sex determination and differentiation of several species of teleosts. However, the function of Amh during gametogenesis in adult fish remains poorly investigated. Therefore, to expand present knowledge on the role of Amh in teleosts, the present study aimed to isolate and clone full-length amh cDNA in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, and examine its expression levels throughout the male reproductive cycle and in response to different hormone treatments of testicular explants. Molecular cloning and characterization showed that the common carp Amh precursor amino acid sequence shared common features to other fish Amh precursors, including a conserved C-terminus (Tgf-β domain) and a double proteolytic cleavage site (R-X-X-R-X-X-R) upstream to the Tgf-β domain. Expression analysis showed amh dimorphic expression in the adult gonads with higher expression in the testes than ovaries. In testes, amh mRNA was detected in Sertoli cells contacting different types of germ cells, although the expression was greatest in Sertoli cells associated with type A undifferentiated spermatogonia. Expression analysis during the reproductive cycle showed that amh transcripts were down-regulated during the developing phase, which is characterized by an increased proliferation of type A undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells and appearance of spermatocytes (meiosis) in the testes. Furthermore, ex vivo experiments showed that a 7 day exposure to Fsh or estrogens was required to decrease amh mRNA levels in common carp testicular explants. In summary, this study provided information on the molecular characterization and transcript abundance of amh in common carp adult testes. Altogether, these data will be useful for further investigations on sex determination and differentiation in this species, and also to improved strategies for improved carp aquaculture, such as inhibiting precocious maturation of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos A Oliveira
- Aquaculture Program (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emanuel R M Martinez
- Aquaculture Program (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arno J Butzge
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas B Doretto
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana M B Ricci
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira S Rodrigues
- Aquaculture Program (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angel A A Vigoya
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, San Martín University Foundation (FUSM), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Núria E Gómez-González
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Amanda B Stewart
- Department of Orthopaedics Muscle skeletal Research, West Virginia University, USA
| | - Rafael H Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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da Rosa LA, Escott GM, Simonetti RB, da Silva JCD, Werlang ICR, Goldani MZ, de Fraga LS, Loss EDS. Role of non-classical effects of testosterone and epitestosterone on AMH balance and testicular development parameters. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 511:110850. [PMID: 32387527 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) and its 17-α epimer, epitestosterone (EpiT), are described as having non-classical effects in addition to their classical androgen actions via the intracellular androgen receptor (iAR). The actions of these androgens play an essential role in triggering factors that shift Sertoli cells from the proliferation phase to the maturation phase. This process is essential for successful spermatogenesis and normal fertility. The aim of this work was to investigate the difference between T and EpiT effects in normal and in chemically castrated Wistar rats. We also tested the effects of these hormones when the iAR-dependent pathways were inhibited by the antiandrogen flutamide. Rats were chemically castrated on postnatal day (pnd) 5 using EDS, a cytotoxic agent that promotes apoptosis of Leydig cells, reducing androgen levels. Then, animals received replacement with T or EpiT and were treated or not with flutamide from pnd 6 to pnd 13 or 20 and were euthanized on pnd 14 and 21. Animals treated with EpiT and flutamide had lower body weight overall. Epididymis weight was also reduced in animals treated with EpiT and flutamide. Flutamide per se reduced epididymis weight at both ages (pnd 14 and 21). Testicular weight and the testicular/body weight ratio were reduced in EDS animals, and flutamide further reduced this weight in animals which received T replacement. EDS administration reduced mRNA levels of both AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) and its receptor, AMHR2, at pnd 14. In the testes of flutamide-treated animals, EpiT reduced AMH, and both T and EpiT replacement diminished AMHR2 mRNA expression also on pnd 14. EDS decreased iAR expression, and androgen replacement did not change this effect on pnd 21. In rats receiving flutamide, only those also receiving T and EpiT replacement exhibited decreased iAR expression. An increase in connexin 43 expression was observed in animals treated with EpiT without flutamide, whereas in rats treated with flutamide, both hormones were ineffective to increase connexin 43 expression reduced by EDS. Our results suggest that EpiT has an antiandrogen effect on androgen-sensitive tissues such as the epididymis. Nonetheless, the effects of T and EpiT on testicular development parameters are similar. Both hormones may act through their iAR-independent non-classical pathway, regulating AMH and AMHR2, as well as iAR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Abreu da Rosa
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Experimental e Eletrofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Pediatria Translacional/Núcleo de Estudos em Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente (NESCA)/Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Monteiro Escott
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Experimental e Eletrofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas: Endocrinologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rajla Bressan Simonetti
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Experimental e Eletrofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Jessica Caroline Dias da Silva
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Experimental e Eletrofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Isabel Cristina Ribas Werlang
- Laboratório de Pediatria Translacional/Núcleo de Estudos em Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente (NESCA)/Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Zubaran Goldani
- Laboratório de Pediatria Translacional/Núcleo de Estudos em Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente (NESCA)/Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Luciano Stürmer de Fraga
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Experimental e Eletrofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Eloísa da Silveira Loss
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Experimental e Eletrofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Mehanovic S, Mendoza-Villarroel RE, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. The Nuclear Receptor COUP-TFII Regulates Amhr2 Gene Transcription via a GC-Rich Promoter Element in Mouse Leydig Cells. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:2236-2257. [PMID: 31723721 PMCID: PMC6839530 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter–transcription factor type II (COUP-TFII)/NR2F2 is expressed in adult Leydig cells, and conditional deletion of the Coup-tfii/Nr2f2 gene impedes their differentiation. Steroid production is also reduced in COUP-TFII–depleted Leydig cells, supporting an additional role in steroidogenesis for this transcription factor. COUP-TFII action in Leydig cells remains to be fully characterized. In the present work, we report that COUP-TFII is an essential regulator of the gene encoding the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2), which participates in Leydig cell differentiation and steroidogenesis. We found that Amhr2 mRNA levels are reduced in COUP-TFII–depleted MA-10 Leydig cells. Consistent with this, COUP-TFII directly activates a −1486 bp fragment of the mouse Amhr2 promoter in transient transfection assays. The COUP-TFII responsive region was localized between −67 and −34 bp. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed COUP-TFII recruitment to the proximal Amhr2 promoter whereas DNA precipitation assay revealed that COUP-TFII associates with the −67/−34 bp region in vitro. Even though the −67/−34 bp region contains an imperfect nuclear receptor element, COUP-TFII–mediated activation of the Amhr2 promoter requires a GC-rich sequence at −39 bp known to bind the specificity protein (SP)1 transcription factor. COUP-TFII transcriptionally cooperates with SP1 on the Amhr2 promoter. Mutations that altered the GCGGGGCGG sequence at −39 bp abolished COUP-TFII–mediated activation, COUP-TFII/SP1 cooperation, and reduced COUP-TFII binding to the proximal Amhr2 promoter. Our data provide a better understanding of the mechanism of COUP-TFII action in Leydig cells through the identification and regulation of the Amhr2 promoter as a novel target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Mehanovic
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Raifish E Mendoza-Villarroel
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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8
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Moses MM, Behringer RR. A gene regulatory network for Müllerian duct regression. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2019; 5:dvz017. [PMID: 31579527 PMCID: PMC6760261 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian embryos initially develop progenitor tissues for both male and female reproductive tract organs, known as the Wolffian ducts and the Müllerian ducts, respectively. Ultimately, each individual develops a single set of male or female reproductive tract organs. Therefore, an essential step for sex differentiation is the regression of one duct and growth and differentiation of the other duct. In males, this requires Müllerian duct regression and Wolffian duct growth and differentiation. Müllerian duct regression is induced by the expression of Amh, encoding anti-Müllerian hormone, from the fetal testes. Subsequently, receptor-mediated signal transduction in mesenchymal cells surrounding the Müllerian duct epithelium leads to duct elimination. The genes that induce Amh transcription and the downstream signaling that results from Amh activity form a pathway. However, the molecular details of this pathway are currently unknown. A set of essential genes for AMH pathway function has been identified. More recently, transcriptome analysis of male and female Müllerian duct mesenchyme at an initial stage of regression has identified new genes that may mediate elimination of the Müllerian system. The evidence taken together can be used to generate an initial gene regulatory network describing the Amh pathway for Müllerian duct regression. An Amh gene regulatory network will be a useful tool to study Müllerian duct regression, sex differentiation, and its relationship to environmental influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm M Moses
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence address. Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA. Tel: +713-834-6327; Fax: +713-834-6339; E-mail:
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9
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Gowkielewicz M, Lipka A, Piotrowska A, Szadurska-Noga M, Nowakowski JJ, Dzięgiel P, Majewski MK, Jozwik M, Majewska M. Anti-Müllerian Hormone Expression in Endometrial Cancer Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061325. [PMID: 30884769 PMCID: PMC6471522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a commonly known factor secreted by Sertoli cells, responsible for regression of the Müllerian ducts in male fetuses. AMH has also other functions in humans. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that AMH inhibits cell cycle and induces apoptosis in cancers with AMH receptors. The aim of the study was to assess whether the tissue of pre-cancerous states of endometrium (PCS) and various histopathologic types of endometrial cancer (EC) exhibit the presence of AMH. We aimed to investigate whether the potential presence of the protein concerns menopausal women or those regularly menstruating, and whether is related to cancers with a good or a bad prognosis, as well as what other factors may influence AMH expression. The undertaken analysis was carried out on tissues retrieved from 232 women who underwent surgical treatment for PCS and EC. Tissues were prepared for immunohistochemical assessment with the use of a tissue microarrays method. AMH expression was confirmed in 23 patients with well differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma (G1), moderately differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma (G2), clear cell carcinoma (CCA) and nonatypical hyperplasia. AMH was not found in EC tissues in regularly menstruating women. An appropriately long mean period of breastfeeding in line with a prolonged period of hormonal activity had a positive effect on AMH expression. Our results may suggest that AMH is a factor which protects the organism against cancer, and should be further investigated as a potential prognosis marker and a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Gowkielewicz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-045 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Lipka
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-045 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Piotrowska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marta Szadurska-Noga
- Department of Pathomorphology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Jacek J Nowakowski
- Department of Ecology & Environmental Protection, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10⁻727 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Krzysztof Majewski
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Marcin Jozwik
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-045 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Marta Majewska
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland.
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10
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Li XL, Huang R, Fang C, Liang XY. Basal Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone Level as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Freezing-all Embryo Transfer Program. Curr Med Sci 2018; 38:861-867. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-018-1954-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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11
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BMP15 regulates AMH expression via the p38 MAPK pathway in granulosa cells from goat. Theriogenology 2018; 118:72-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Rehman ZU, Worku T, Davis JS, Talpur HS, Bhattarai D, Kadariya I, Hua G, Cao J, Dad R, Hussain T, Yang L. Role and mechanism of AMH in the regulation of Sertoli cells in mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 174:133-140. [PMID: 28851672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells produce anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta family. AMH mediates the regression of Müllerian ducts in the developing male fetus. However, the role of AMH in the regulation of primary Sertoli cells remains unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of AMH on the viability and proliferation of Sertoli cells, with an additional focus on stem cell factor (SCF). Treatment of Sertoli cells with increasing concentrations of rh-AMH (0, 10, 50, 100, and 800ng/ml) for two days revealed that AMH, at high concentrations, increased apoptosis. These results were confirmed by a significant increase in Caspase-3 and Bax and a decrease in Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression (P<0.01). Paradoxically, treatment with a low concentration of rh-AMH (10ng/ml), but not higher concentrations (50-800ng/ml), promoted Sertoli cell proliferation, which was verified by an increase in PCNA mRNA (P<0.05). Furthermore, only low concentrations of rh-AMH activated the non-canonical ERK signaling pathway. Similarly, low concentrations of rh-AMH (10-50ng/ml) significantly increased (P<0.05) SCF mRNA and SCF protein levels. These findings indicate that AMH differentially regulates the fate of Sertoli cells in vitro by promoting proliferation at low concentrations and apoptosis at high concentrations. In addition, AMH increased the expression of SCF, an important regulator of Sertoli cell development. Therefore, AMH may play a role in Sertoli cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zia Ur Rehman
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Tesfaye Worku
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Omaha VA Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Hira Sajjad Talpur
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Dinesh Bhattarai
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ishwari Kadariya
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Rahim Dad
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Tarique Hussain
- Lab of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese of Academy of Science, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, People's Republic of China
| | - Liguo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Kimura AP, Yoneda R, Kurihara M, Mayama S, Matsubara S. A Long Noncoding RNA, lncRNA-Amhr2, Plays a Role in Amhr2 Gene Activation in Mouse Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Endocrinology 2017; 158:4105-4121. [PMID: 28938492 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is critical to the regression of Müllerian ducts during mammalian male differentiation and targets ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Sertoli and Leydig cells of adults. Specific effects of AMH are exerted via its receptor, AMH type II receptor (Amhr2), but the mechanism by which the Amhr2 gene is specifically activated is not fully understood. To see whether a proximal promoter was sufficient for Amhr2 gene activation, we generated transgenic mice that bore the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene driven by a 500-bp mouse Amhr2 gene promoter. None of the established 10 lines, however, showed appropriate EGFP expression, indicating that the 500-bp promoter was insufficient for Amhr2 gene activation. As a regulatory element, we found a long noncoding RNA, lncRNA-Amhr2, transcribed from upstream of the Amhr2 gene in ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Sertoli cells. In primary granulosa cells, knockdown of lncRNA-Amhr2 resulted in a decrease of Amhr2 messnger RNA level, and a transient reporter gene assay showed that lncRNA-Amhr2 activation increased Amhr2 promoter activity. The activity was correlated with lncRNA-Amhr2 transcription in stably transfected OV3121 cells derived from mouse granulosa cells. Moreover, by the Tet-on system, the induction of lncRNA-Amhr2 transcription dramatically increased Amhr2 promoter activity in OV3121 cells. These results indicate that lncRNA-Amhr2 plays a role in Amhr2 gene activation in ovarian granulosa cells by enhancing promoter activity, providing insight into Amhr2 gene regulation underlying the AMH signaling in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi P Kimura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Ryoma Yoneda
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Misuzu Kurihara
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Shota Mayama
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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14
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Cameron DF, Hushen JJ, Dejarlais T, Colado L, Wolski KM, Sanberg PR, Saporta S. A Unique Cytoplasmic Marker for Extratesticular Sertoli Cells. Cell Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.3727/000000002783985530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of a definitive cell marker for testis-derived Sertoli cells, their identification in cell culture or in Sertoli cell-facilitated cell transplantation protocols is difficult and limits the creditable evaluation of experimental results. However, the production by prepubertal Sertoli cells of Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) presents the possibility of specifically identifying extratesticular Sertoli cells as well as Sertoli cells in situ, by the immunodection of this unique glycoprotein. This study was designed to determine if isolated rat Sertoli cells could be identified by routine immunocytochemistry utilizing an antibody raised against MIS. Sertoli cells immunostained for MIS included Sertoli cells in situ and freshly isolated, cultured and cocultured Sertoli cells, and Sertoli cells structurally integrated with NT2 cells in simulated microgravity. Detection of MIS was also determined by Western blot analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. F. Cameron
- Department of Anatomy, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - J. J. Hushen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - T. Dejarlais
- Department of Anatomy, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
- Saneron CCEL Therapeutics, Inc., Tampa, FL
| | - L. Colado
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - K. M. Wolski
- Department of Anatomy, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - P. R. Sanberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - S. Saporta
- Department of Anatomy, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
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15
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Poole DH, Ocón-Grove OM, Johnson AL. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) receptor type II expression and AMH activity in bovine granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1353-60. [PMID: 27268296 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) produced by granulosa cells has previously been proposed to play a role in regulating granulosa cell differentiation and follicle selection. Although AMH receptor type II (AMHR2) dimerizes with a type I receptor to initiate AMH signaling, little is known about the regulation of AMHR2 expression in bovine granulosa cells and the role of AMH in follicle development. The primary objectives of this study were to: (1) characterize AMHR2 expression in granulosa cells during follicle development; (2) identify factors that regulate AMHR2 mRNA expression in granulosa cells; and (3) examine the role of AMH signaling in granulosa cell differentiation and proliferation. Bovine granulosa cells were isolated from 5- to 8-mm follicles before selection and deviation, as well as from 9- to 12-mm and 13- to 24-mm follicles after selection. Analyses revealed that expression of AMHR2 was greater in 5- to 8-mm follicles compared with 13- to 24-mm follicles (P < 0.05). Granulosa cells treated with bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) or BMP15, but not BMP2, significantly increased AMHR2 expression when compared with control cultured cells (P < 0.05). In addition, expression of AMH was greater in granulosa cells cultured with BMP2, BMP6, or BMP15 when compared with controls (P < 0.05). Finally, treatment with recombinant human AMH, in vitro, inhibited CYP19A1 expression in a dose-related (10-100 ng/mL) fashion, and reduced granulosa cell proliferation at 48 and 72 hours (P < 0.05). Results from these studies indicate that AMH signaling plays a role in both regulating granulosa cell proliferation and preventing granulosa cells from 5- to 8-mm follicles from undergoing premature differentiation before follicle selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Poole
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Olga M Ocón-Grove
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alan L Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Wu L, Yang P, Luo F, Wang D, Zhou L. R-spondin1 signaling pathway is required for both the ovarian and testicular development in a teleosts, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 230-231:177-85. [PMID: 27044511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The furin-domain-containing peptide R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) has recently emerged as an important regulator of ovarian development, upregulating the WNT/β-catenin pathway to oppose testis formation in mammals. However, little information has been reported on the Rspo1 signaling pathway in teleosts. In this study, Rspo1 was isolated from the gonads of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. An in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that Rspo1 is expressed in the germ cells of the ovary and the testis. An ontogenic analysis demonstrated that Rspo1 expression is upregulated just before meiotic initiation in both the ovary and testis during the early developmental stages of the tilapia. The expression pattern is sexually dimorphic from 20days after hatching, with higher expression in the ovary. The reduction of Rspo1 expression by transcription activator-like (TAL) effector nuclease (TALEN) caused retarded ovarian development, the ectopic expression of male-dominant genes, and increased serum 11-ketotestosterone. Intriguingly, a deficiency of Rspo1 in XY fish caused a delay in spermatogenesis, the inhibition of igf3 and amh expression and a reduction in serum 11-ketotestosterone. Furthermore, incubation with FH535, an inhibitor of the Rspo1/Wnt pathway, decreased β-catenin, while increased cyp11c1 and dmrt1 expression in the in vitro cultured ovaries; decreased cyp11c1, amh and igf3 expression in the in vitro cultured testes. Taken together, our data suggest that the Rspo1 signaling pathway might be involved in both ovarian and testicular development in the tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Feng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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17
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Qi X, Pang Y, Qiao J. The role of anti-Müllerian hormone in the pathogenesis and pathophysiological characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 199:82-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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18
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Pfennig F, Standke A, Gutzeit HO. The role of Amh signaling in teleost fish--Multiple functions not restricted to the gonads. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 223:87-107. [PMID: 26428616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the important role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) during gonad development in fishes. This Tgfβ-domain bearing hormone was named after one of its known functions, the induction of the regression of Müllerian ducts in male mammalian embryos. Later in development it is involved in male and female gonad differentiation and extragonadal expression has been reported in mammals as well. Teleosts lack Müllerian ducts, but they have amh orthologous genes. amh expression is reported from 21 fish species and possible regulatory interactions with further factors like sex steroids and gonadotropic hormones are discussed. The gonadotropin Fsh inhibits amh expression in all fish species studied. Sex steroids show no consistent influence on amh expression. Amh is produced in male Sertoli cells and female granulosa cells and inhibits germ cell proliferation and differentiation as well as steroidogenesis in both sexes. Therefore, Amh might be a central player in gonad development and a target of gonadotropic Fsh. Furthermore, there is evidence that an Amh-type II receptor is involved in germ cell regulation. Amh and its corresponding type II receptor are also present in brain and pituitary, at least in some teleosts, indicating additional roles of Amh effects in the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis. Unraveling Amh signaling is important in stem cell research and for reproduction as well as for aquaculture and in environmental science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Pfennig
- Institut für Zoologie, TU Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Andrea Standke
- Institut für Zoologie, TU Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany
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19
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Kollmann Z, Bersinger NA, McKinnon BD, Schneider S, Mueller MD, von Wolff M. Anti-Müllerian hormone and progesterone levels produced by granulosa cells are higher when derived from natural cycle IVF than from conventional gonadotropin-stimulated IVF. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:21. [PMID: 25889012 PMCID: PMC4379743 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study was designed to compare the effect of in vitro FSH stimulation on the hormone production and gene expression profile of granulosa cells (GCs) isolated from single naturally matured follicles obtained from natural cycle in vitro fertilization (NC-IVF) with granulosa cells obtained from conventional gonadotropin-stimulated IVF (c-IVF). METHODS Lutein granulosa cells from the dominant follicle were isolated and cultured in absence or presence of recombinant FSH. The cultures were run for 48 h and six days. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and FSH receptor were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). AMH protein and progesterone concentration (P4) in cultured supernatant were measured by ELISA and RIA. RESULTS Our results showed that the mRNA expression of AMH was significantly higher in GCs from NC- than from c-IVF on day 6 after treatment with FSH (1 IU/mL). The FSH stimulation increased the concentration of AMH in the culture supernatant of GCs from NC-IVF compared with cells from c-IVF. In the culture medium, the AMH level was correlated significantly and positively to progesterone concentration. CONCLUSIONS Differences in the levels of AMH and progesterone released into the medium by cultured GC as well as in AMH gene expression were observed between GCs obtained under natural and stimulated IVF protocols. The results suggest that artificial gonadotropin stimulation may have an effect on the intra-follicular metabolism. A significant positive correlation between AMH and progesterone may suggest progesterone as a factor influencing AMH secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Kollmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital Berne, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Nick A Bersinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital Berne, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Brett D McKinnon
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Sophie Schneider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital Berne, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Michael D Mueller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital Berne, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Michael von Wolff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital Berne, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
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20
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Müllerian inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone: A novel treatment for gynecologic tumors. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2014; 57:343-57. [PMID: 25264524 PMCID: PMC4175594 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2014.57.5.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), also called anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), is a member of the transforming growth factor-β super-family of growth and differentiation response modifiers. It is produced in immature Sertoli cells in male embryos and binds to MIS/AMH receptors in primordial Müllerian ducts to cause regression of female reproductive structures that are the precursors to the fallopian tubes, the surface epithelium of the ovaries, the uterus, the cervix, and the upper third of the vagina. Because most gynecologic tumors originate from Müllerian duct-derived tissues, and since MIS/AMH causes regression of the Müllerian duct in male embryos, it is expected to inhibit the growth of gynecologic tumors. Purified recombinant human MIS/AMH causes growth inhibition of epithelial ovarian cancer cells and cell lines in vitro and in vitro via MIS receptor-mediated mechanism. Furthermore, several lines of evidence suggest that MIS/AMH inhibits proliferation in tissues and cell lines of other MIS/AMH receptor-expressing gynecologic tumors such as cervical, endometrial, breast, and in endometriosis as well. These findings indicate that bioactive MIS/AMH recombinant protein should be tested in patients against tumors expressing the MIS/AMH receptor complex, perhaps beginning with ovarian cancer because it has the worst prognosis. The molecular tools to identify MIS/AMH receptor expressing ovarian and other cancers are in place, thus, it is possible to select patients for treatment. An MIS/AMH ELISA exists to follow administered doses of MIS/AMH, as well. Clinical trials await the production of sufficient supplies of qualified recombinant human MIS/AMH for this purpose.
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Jones S, Boisvert A, Duong TB, Francois S, Thrane P, Culty M. Disruption of Rat Testis Development Following Combined In Utero Exposure to the Phytoestrogen Genistein and Antiandrogenic Plasticizer Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:64. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.120907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Seroka-Vanhove A, Sonigo C, Roche C, Grynberg M. [What's new in 2014 about anti-Müllerian hormone?]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 43:559-71. [PMID: 25042625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2014.06.004] [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: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The existence of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been postulated by Professor Alfred Jost to explain the regression of the Müllerian ducts during male sexual differentiation. Since then, AMH has been purified, its gene and specific receptor, AMHR-II have been cloned. Further, the signaling pathways were identified and it has been observed that AMH was produced by the granulosa cells of growing follicles. From the 2000s, unexpected roles of AMH have been highlighted, reactivating international research on this hormone. It is now well established that AMH plays a key role in the follicular recruitment and development. Over the past years, serum AMH measurements have been proposed as a marker of the follicular ovarian status, and a predictor of assisted reproductive cycles. AMH is also useful to assess the effectiveness of treatment of some gynecological tumors. This article is a review of the past five years advances on the regulation of the expression of AMH and its specific receptor AMHR-II in female.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Seroka-Vanhove
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Jean-Verdier, avenue du 14-Juillet, 93140 Bondy, France
| | - C Sonigo
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Jean-Verdier, avenue du 14-Juillet, 93140 Bondy, France; Université Paris XIII, 93000 Bobigny, France
| | - C Roche
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Jean-Verdier, avenue du 14-Juillet, 93140 Bondy, France
| | - M Grynberg
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Jean-Verdier, avenue du 14-Juillet, 93140 Bondy, France; Université Paris XIII, 93000 Bobigny, France; Unité Inserm U1133, université Paris-Diderot, 75013 Paris, France.
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Ortega-Hrepich C, Polyzos NP, Anckaert E, Guzman L, Tournaye H, Smitz J, De Vos M. The effect of ovarian puncture on the endocrine profile of PCOS patients who undergo IVM. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:18. [PMID: 24564914 PMCID: PMC3936928 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine whether ovarian puncture for immature oocyte retrieval and in-vitro maturation (IVM) has an effect on the endocrine profile of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS Twenty-two consecutive patients with PCOS undergoing IVM treatment were included. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone (TT) and luteinized hormone (LH) levels were analyzed at the start of the cycle, on the day of immature oocyte retrieval (OR) and at fixed intervals thereafter, for up to three months after OR. RESULTS Five days after OR circulating AMH, TT, calculated free testosterone (FTc), and LH levels were significantly reduced and circulating SHBG was significantly increased. Two weeks after OR, TT, FTc and LH remained reduced, whereas circulating AMH and SHBG levels recovered to pre-puncture values. Three months after OR, all circulating hormone levels had recovered to baseline values. CONCLUSION Ovarian puncture for the retrieval of immature oocytes and IVM in patients with PCOS has a significant impact on the ovarian endocrine profile, but this impact is brief and transient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Radioimmunology, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luis Guzman
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Radioimmunology, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Smitz
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Radioimmunology, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Böttcher B, Tsybulyak I, Grubinger T, Wildt L, Seeber B. Dynamics of anti-Müllerian hormone during controlled ovarian stimulation. Gynecol Endocrinol 2014; 30:121-5. [PMID: 24308745 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2013.860124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the dynamics of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) and to correlate changes in AMH to age, estradiol (E2) levels, and the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS Data were retrospectively collected from women presenting for COH in the outpatient clinic of a university hospital between January and July 2011. Concentrations of AMH and E2 during COH with gonadotropins for in vitro fertilization (IVF) (n = 68) and clomiphene or low-dose gonadotropin stimulation cycles (n = 27) for intrauterine insemination were evaluated. Percentage change in AMH and E2 from pre-stimulation values was calculated. Dynamics of hormonal changes were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Correlations between changes in AMH and E2 were analyzed with Spearman correlation. RESULTS During IVF stimulation, AMH declined steadily from pre-stimulation values. No significant change in AMH dynamics was observed during clomiphene or low-dose stimulation cycles. Percentage decline in AMH during IVF stimulation correlated with rise in E2 at all time points. CONCLUSIONS The observed phenomena contribute to an improved understanding of AMH expression and its role in the follicular development. Our data support the concept that AMH is produced by secondary, preantral and small antral follicles in the early part of stimulation and declines as these follicles are recruited into dominant growing follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Böttcher
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University , Innsbruck, Austria and
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"Anti-Mullerian Hormone: Marker for Ovarian Response in Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for IVF Patients": A First Pilot Study in the Indian Population. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2013; 63:268-72. [PMID: 24431654 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-012-0318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the levels of early follicular phase Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in Indian patients of IVF and to evaluate the AMH as a predictive marker of ovarian response in assisted reproductive technology outcome. METHODS Sixty women (age 25-40 years) selected for in vitro fertilization treatment were included in this study. Analysis of day-2 serum samples was done for the AMH, FSH, Inhibin B, and LH by ELISA kit methods. USG was done for the antral follicle count (AFC) and oocytes' retrieval. Hormone parameters were compared and correlated with the oocytes' retrieval count and the AFC. The discriminant analysis was done to compare relevance of different parameters for predicting ovarian response. RESULTS The Anti-Mullerian hormone showed a significant correlation with the oocytes' retrieval after ovulation induction for IVF (r = 0.648, p < 0.0001) and no correlation was seen with serum FSH, LH, and Inhibin. Serum AMH levels show 80 % sensitivity and 80 % specificity in predicting poor ovarian response. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant correlation between day-2 serum AMH levels and the oocytes' retrieval count in women undergoing ovulation induction for IVF, and the AMH is a good marker as the negative predictive values for the success of ART. There is no correlation found between other hormonal ovarian reserve markers and the oocytes' retrieval count.
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Ortega I, Wong DH, Villanueva JA, Cress AB, Sokalska A, Stanley SD, Duleba AJ. Effects of resveratrol on growth and function of rat ovarian granulosa cells. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:1563-73. [PMID: 22959450 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Revised: 08/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of resveratrol on growth and function of granulosa cells. Previously, we demonstrated that resveratrol exerts profound proapoptotic effects on theca-interstitial cells. DESIGN In vitro study. SETTING Research laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Immature Sprague-Dawley female rats. INTERVENTION(S) Granulosa cells were cultured in the absence or presence of resveratrol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) DNA synthesis was determined by thymidine incorporation assay, apoptosis by activity of caspases 3/7, cell morphology by immunocytochemistry, steroidogenesis by mass spectrometry, antimüllerian hormone (AMH), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULT(S) Resveratrol induced a biphasic effect on DNA synthesis, whereby a lower concentration stimulated thymidine incorporation and higher concentrations inhibited it. Additionally, resveratrol slightly increased the cell number and modestly decreased the activity of caspases 3/7 with no effect on cell morphology or progesterone production. However, resveratrol decreased aromatization and VEGF expression, whereas AMH expression remained unaltered. CONCLUSION(S) Resveratrol, by exerting cytostatic but not cytotoxic effects, together with antiangiogenic actions mediated by decreased VEGF in granulosa cells, may alter the ratio of theca-to-granulosa cells and decrease vascular permeability, and therefore may be of potential therapeutic use in conditions associated with highly vascularized theca-interstitial hyperplasia and abnormal angiogenesis, such as those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Ortega
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95817, USA
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Campbell BK, Clinton M, Webb R. The role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during follicle development in a monovulatory species (sheep). Endocrinology 2012; 153:4533-43. [PMID: 22778215 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Knockout studies in mice have suggested that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) modulates primordial follicle recruitment and the response of growing follicles to FSH. Little is known of the physiology of AMH in monovular species, despite intense clinical interest in this factor. Using sheep as a model, we sought to investigate the functional role of AMH in modulating follicle development in monovular species. In contrast to the rodent, the results indicate that AMH does not affect the rate of primordial follicle recruitment but appears to regulate the rate at which follicles progress through the gonadotropin-responsive phase, during which it is maximally expressed. Thus, knockdown of AMH bioactivity by active immunization lead to a decline in the population of gonadotropin-responsive preantral and small antral follicles (P < 0.01) and increases in both the number of gonadotropin-dependent antral follicles (P < 0.01) and ovulation rate (P < 0.05). These in vivo findings were consistent with the results of other studies examining the pattern of expression of AMH, which was negatively correlated with aromatase (P < 0.001), and in vitro supplementation experiments, which supported an inhibitory role for AMH in modulating the response of both theca and granulosa cells to LH and FSH, respectively. The elucidation of a functional relationship between AMH and LH-stimulated thecal androgen production may be significant in terms of the etiology of common forms of anovulatory infertility in women. Furthermore, the observed increase in both the number of recruitable antral follicles and ovulatory quota in response to AMH knockdown may have therapeutic value in women who respond poorly to ovarian stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K Campbell
- Division of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
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Skiadas CC, Duan S, Correll M, Rubio R, Karaca N, Ginsburg ES, Quackenbush J, Racowsky C. Ovarian reserve status in young women is associated with altered gene expression in membrana granulosa cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2012; 18:362-71. [PMID: 22355044 PMCID: PMC3378309 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a challenging diagnosis of infertility, as there are currently no tests to predict who may become affected with this condition, or at what age. We designed the present study to compare the gene expression profile of membrana granulosa cells from young women affected with DOR with those from egg donors of similar age and to determine if distinct genetic patterns could be identified to provide insight into the etiology of DOR. Young women with DOR were identified based on FSH level in conjunction with poor follicular development during an IVF cycle (n = 13). Egg donors with normal ovarian reserve (NOR) comprised the control group (n = 13). Granulosa cells were collected following retrieval, RNA was extracted and microarray analysis was conducted to evaluate genetic differences between the groups. Confirmatory studies were undertaken with quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Multiple significant differences in gene expression were observed between the DOR patients and egg donors. Two genes linked with ovarian function, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR), were further analyzed with qRT-PCR in all patients. The average expression of AMH was significantly higher in egg donors (adjusted P-value = 0.01), and the average expression of LHCGR was significantly higher in DOR patients (adjusted P-value = 0.005). Expression levels for four additional genes, progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2), prostaglandin E receptor 3 (subtype EP3) (PTGER3), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and StAR-related lipid transfer domain containing 4 (StarD4), were validated in a group consisting of five NOR and five DOR patients. We conclude that gene expression analysis has substantial potential to determine which young women may be affected with DOR. More importantly, our analysis suggests that DOR patients fall into two distinct subgroups based on gene expression profiles, indicating that different mechanisms may be involved during development of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine C. Skiadas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, ASB 1+3, Rm 082, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shenghua Duan
- Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mick Correll
- Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Renee Rubio
- Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nilay Karaca
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, ASB 1+3, Rm 082, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Ginsburg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, ASB 1+3, Rm 082, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John Quackenbush
- Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, ASB 1+3, Rm 082, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Skaar KS, Nóbrega RH, Magaraki A, Olsen LC, Schulz RW, Male R. Proteolytically activated, recombinant anti-mullerian hormone inhibits androgen secretion, proliferation, and differentiation of spermatogonia in adult zebrafish testis organ cultures. Endocrinology 2011; 152:3527-40. [PMID: 21750047 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) is in mammals known as a TGFβ type of glycoprotein processed to yield a bioactive C-terminal homodimer that directs regression of Müllerian ducts in the male fetus and regulates steroidogenesis and early stages of folliculogenesis. Here, we report on the zebrafish Amh homologue. Zebrafish, as all teleost fish, do not have Müllerian ducts. Antibodies raised against the N- and C-terminal part of Amh were used to study the processing of endogenous and recombinant Amh. The N-terminally directed antibody detected a 27-kDa protein, whereas the C-terminally directed one recognized a 32-kDa protein in testes extracts, both apparently not glycosylated. The C-terminal fragment was present as a monomeric protein, because reducing conditions did not change its apparent molecular mass. Recombinant zebrafish Amh was cleaved with plasmin to N- and C-terminal fragments that after deglycosylation were similar in size to endogenous Amh fragments. Mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing revealed a 21-residue N-terminal leader sequence and a plasmin cleavage site after Lys or Arg within Lys-Arg-His at position 263-265, which produce theoretical fragments in accordance with the experimental results. Experiments using adult zebrafish testes tissue cultures showed that plasmin-cleaved, but not uncleaved, Amh inhibited gonadotropin-stimulated androgen production. However, androgens did not modulate amh expression that was, on the other hand, down-regulated by Fsh. Moreover, plasmin-cleaved Amh inhibited androgen-stimulated proliferation as well as differentiation of type A spermatogonia. In conclusion, zebrafish Amh is processed to become bioactive and has independent functions in inhibiting both steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Skaar
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7800, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
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Wu GC, Chiu PC, Lyu YS, Chang CF. The Expression of amh and amhr2 Is Associated with the Development of Gonadal Tissue and Sex Change in the Protandrous Black Porgy, Acanthopagrus schlegeli1. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:443-53. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.084681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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MacLaughlin DT, Donahoe PK. Müllerian inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone: a potential therapeutic agent for human ovarian and other cancers. Future Oncol 2010; 6:391-405. [PMID: 20222796 DOI: 10.2217/fon.09.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the 2008 American Cancer Society statistics, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in American today. Early detection, innovative surgery, new drugs and increased public education regarding avoidable risk factors, such as smoking, have had significant impact on the incidence and survival rates of many cancers, while overall death rates from all cancers have declined a modest 5% over the past 50 years. Ovarian cancer statistics, however, have not been as encouraging. Despite recent advances in the management of this disease, 5-year survival has not improved, and the search continues for rationally designed new treatments. Müllerian Inhibiting Substance is a strong candidate because it addresses many of the deficiencies of existing treatments. Namely, Müllerian Inhibiting Substance has little demonstrated toxicity, it complements the activity of known anticancer drugs, it is highly specific against cancers expressing its receptor and it inhibits the proliferation of drug-resistant tumors.
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Papakostas TD, Pieretti-Vanmarcke R, Nicolaou F, Thanos A, Trichonas G, Koufomichali X, Anago K, Donahoe PK, Teixeira J, MacLaughlin DT, Vavvas D. Development of an efficiently cleaved, bioactive, highly pure FLAG-tagged recombinant human Mullerian Inhibiting Substance. Protein Expr Purif 2009; 70:32-8. [PMID: 19755162 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2009.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS), a member of the TGF-beta family, causes regression of the Mullerian duct in male embryos, after binding to Mullerian Inhibiting Substance Receptor II (MISRII). It has also been extensively demonstrated that it can inhibit proliferation of various cancer cell lines such as ovarian, prostate, and breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Hence, the availability of a recombinant, epitope tagged, bioactive MIS is important for the selection of patients for treatment and for probing novel molecular targets for MIS in various tissues. To this end, we have expressed a recombinant, internally FLAG-tagged form of hMIS with the tag (DYKDDDDK) immediately after the cleavage site (427-428) of MIS at the C-terminus with a modified dibasic cleavage motif sequence. We show that this construct results in a highly pure, endogenously processed (cleaved) FLAG MIS, that causes complete regression of the Mullerian Duct in an organ culture assay. In addition, purified FLAG MIS was able to bind and affinity purify both transfected and endogenous MIS type II receptor. The availability of this fully functional, epitope tagged form of MIS should facilitate scale-up for preclinical and clinical use and should also be used for the study of MIS binding proteins and for tracking in pharmacokinetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanos D Papakostas
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 325 Cambridge St., Boston, MA, USA
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Arango NA, Kobayashi A, Wang Y, Jamin SP, Lee HH, Orvis GD, Behringer RR. A mesenchymal perspective of Müllerian duct differentiation and regression in Amhr2-lacZ mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:1154-62. [PMID: 18213646 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The Müllerian ducts give rise to the female reproductive tract, including the Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and anterior vagina. In male embryos, the Müllerian ducts regress, preventing the formation of female organs. We introduced the bacterial lacZ gene, encoding beta-galactosidase (beta-gal), into the AMHR-II locus (Amhr2) by gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to mark Müllerian duct differentiation and regression. We show that Amhr2-lacZ heterozygotes express beta-gal activity in an Amhr2-specific pattern. In the gonads, beta-gal activity was detected in Sertoli cells of the testes from 2 weeks after birth, and fetal ovaries and granulosa cells of the adult ovary. beta-gal activity was first detected in the rostral mesenchyme of the Müllerian ducts at 12.5 days post coitus (dpc) in both sexes but soon thereafter expression was found along the entire length of the Müllerian ducts with higher levels initially found in males. In females, beta-gal activity was restricted to one side of the ductal mesoepithelium, whereas in males beta-gal expression encircled the duct. beta-gal activity was also detected in the coelomic epithelium at 13.5 and 14.5 dpc. In male embryos, mesenchymal beta-gal activity permitted the visualization of the temporal and spatial pattern of Müllerian duct regression. This pattern was similar to that observed using a Müllerian duct mesoepithelium lacZ reporter, indicating a coordinated loss of Müllerian duct mesoepithelium and Amhr2-expressing mesenchyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson A Arango
- Program in Genes and Development, The University of Texas, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Liebelt EL, Balk SJ, Faber W, Fisher JW, Hughes CL, Lanzkron SM, Lewis KM, Marchetti F, Mehendale HM, Rogers JM, Shad AT, Skalko RG, Stanek EJ. NTP-CERHR expert panel report on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of hydroxyurea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 80:259-366. [PMID: 17712860 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Klüver N, Pfennig F, Pala I, Storch K, Schlieder M, Froschauer A, Gutzeit HO, Schartl M. Differential expression of anti-Müllerian hormone (amh) and anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type II (amhrII) in the teleost medaka. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:271-81. [PMID: 17075875 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) is responsible for the regression of the Müllerian ducts; therefore, Amh is an important factor of male sex differentiation. The amh gene has been cloned in various vertebrates, as well as in several teleost species. To date, all described species show a sexually dimorphic expression of amh during sex differentiation or at least in differentiated juvenile gonads. We have identified the medaka amh ortholog and examined its expression pattern. Medaka amh shows no sexually dimorphic expression pattern. It is expressed in both developing XY male and XX female gonads. In adult testes, amh is expressed in the Sertoli cells and in adult ovaries in granulosa cells surrounding the oocytes, like in mammals. To better understand the function of amh, we cloned the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type II (amhrII) ortholog and compared its expression pattern with amh, aromatase (cyp19a1), and scp3. During gonad development, amhrII is coexpressed with medaka amh in somatic cells of the gonads and shows no sexually dimorphic expression. Only the expression level of the Amh type II receptor gene was decreased noticeably in adult female gonads. These results suggest that medaka Amh and AmhrII are involved in gonad formation and maintenance in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Klüver
- University of Würzburg, Department of Physiological Chemistry I, Biozentrum, Würzburg, Germany
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Thomas FH, Telfer EE, Fraser HM. Expression of anti-Mullerian hormone protein during early follicular development in the primate ovary in vivo is influenced by suppression of gonadotropin secretion and inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor. Endocrinology 2007; 148:2273-81. [PMID: 17317775 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-1501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) plays a role during early follicular development and selection. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of AMH protein expression in the marmoset ovary and to investigate the effects of inhibition of gonadotropins or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity on AMH expression in vivo. GnRH antagonist or VEGF Trap, a soluble decoy receptor, was administered on d 0 or 5 of the follicular phase of the cycle, and ovaries were collected at the end of the follicular phase (d 10). AMH protein was expressed in the marmoset ovary in granulosa cells from the primary stage, with the most abundant staining at the preantral and early antral stages. Inhibition of gonadotropin secretion or VEGF activity between d 0-10 of the cycle decreased AMH expression in early preantral follicles (P < 0.01), and AMH expression was decreased in late preantral follicles in the presence of the VEGF Trap (P < 0.01), compared with controls. There was significantly less AMH expression in early antral follicles with both treatments (P < 0.01), and a decrease in the ratio of oocyte-associated/basement-membrane-associated granulosa cell expression of AMH (P < 0.05). When treatments were administered from d 5-10 of the cycle, both VEGF Trap and GnRH antagonist decreased AMH expression in preantral follicles (P < 0.01) but had no significant effect on early antral follicles. In conclusion, VEGF and gonadotropins are involved in the regulation of expression of AMH in the marmoset. This AMH expression may be a marker of abnormal folliculogenesis in the absence of gonadotropin stimulation or functional angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona H Thomas
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, University of Edinburgh Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Charron M, Chern JY, Wright WW. The cathepsin L first intron stimulates gene expression in rat sertoli cells. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:813-24. [PMID: 17229931 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.057851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Large amounts of cathepsin L (CTSL), a cysteine protease required for quantitatively normal spermatogenesis, are synthesized by mouse and rat Sertoli cells during stages VI to VII of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. We previously demonstrated that all of the regulatory elements required in vivo for both Sertoli cell- and stage-specific expression of the Ctsl gene are present within a ~3-kb genomic fragment that contains 2065 nucleotides upstream of the transcription start site and 977 nucleotides of downstream sequence. Most of the downstream region encodes the first intron. In this study, transient transfection assays using primary Sertoli cell cultures and the TM4 Sertoli cell line established that the Ctsl first intron increased reporter gene activity by ~5-fold. While the intron-mediated enhancement in reporter gene activity was not restricted to the Ctsl promoter, positioning the first intron upstream of the Ctsl promoter in either orientation abolished its stimulatory activity, suggesting that it does not contain a typical enhancer. Mutating the 5'-splice site of the Ctsl first intron or replacing the first intron by the Ctsl fourth intron abolished the stimulatory effect. Finally, the intron-dependent increase in reporter gene activity could be explained in part by an increase in the amounts of total RNA and transcript polyadenylation. Results from this study suggest that the stimulatory effect mediated by the Ctsl first intron may explain in part why Sertoli cells in seminiferous tubules at stages VI to VII produce high levels of CTSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Charron
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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38
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Isikoglu M, Ozgur K, Oehninger S, Ozdem S, Seleker M. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels do not predict the efficiency of testicular sperm retrieval in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Gynecol Endocrinol 2006; 22:256-60. [PMID: 16785146 DOI: 10.1080/09513590600624366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine whether serum concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) can be used as a tool for prediction of the efficacy of sperm retrieval. METHODS This was a prospective cohort observational study. AMH levels were determined in 47 men presenting for infertility evaluation. Group 1 consisted of 24 infertile patients diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia. Group 1 was further divided into two subgroups. The patients with spermatozoa in their testicular samples constituted group 1a (n = 13), while the patients with absence of spermatozoa constituted group 1b (n = 11). Twenty-three normozoospermic fertile men constituted group 2. Serum AMH was measured before obtaining testicular specimens. RESULTS Testicular spermatozoa were recovered in 13 out of the 24 patients (54%). Demographic characteristics of the three groups were similar. The difference between serum AMH levels among the three groups did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS We speculated that although AMH is secreted predominantly into the seminiferous tubules, studying serum samples might be more advantageous than seminal plasma because the presence of seminal proteases could influence AMH levels in the latter. However, our results did not demonstrate differences in serum concentrations of AMH between the studied groups. Studies with extended patient populations focusing on seminal plasma concentrations of AMH are warranted.
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Wijgerde M, Ooms M, Hoogerbrugge JW, Grootegoed JA. Hedgehog signaling in mouse ovary: Indian hedgehog and desert hedgehog from granulosa cells induce target gene expression in developing theca cells. Endocrinology 2005; 146:3558-66. [PMID: 15878962 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Follicle development in the mammalian ovary requires interactions among the oocyte, granulosa cells, and theca cells, coordinating gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. Here we show that granulosa cells of growing follicles in mouse ovary act as a source of hedgehog signaling. Expression of Indian hedgehog and desert hedgehog mRNAs initiates in granulosa cells at the primary follicle stage, and we find induced expression of the hedgehog target genes Ptch1 and Gli1, in the surrounding pre-theca cell compartment. Cyclopamine, a highly specific hedgehog signaling antagonist, inhibits this induced expression of target genes in cultured neonatal mouse ovaries. The theca cell compartment remains a target of hedgehog signaling throughout follicle development, showing induced expression of the hedgehog target genes Ptch1, Ptch2, Hip1, and Gli1. In periovulatory follicles, a dynamic synchrony between loss of hedgehog expression and loss of induced target gene expression is observed. Oocytes are unable to respond to hedgehog because they lack expression of the essential signal transducer Smo (smoothened). The present results point to a prominent role of hedgehog signaling in the communication between granulosa cells and developing theca cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Wijgerde
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Wu X, Arumugam R, Baker SP, Lee MM. Pubertal and adult Leydig cell function in Mullerian inhibiting substance-deficient mice. Endocrinology 2005; 146:589-95. [PMID: 15514087 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-0646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) causes Mullerian duct regression during sexual differentiation and regulates postnatal Leydig cell development. MIS knockout (MIS-KO) mice with targeted deletions of MIS develop Leydig cell hyperplasia, but their circulating androgen concentrations are reportedly unaltered. We compared reproductive hormone profiles, androgen biosynthesis, and the expression of key steroidogenic and metabolic enzymes in MIS-KO and wild-type (WT) mice at puberty (36 d) and sexual maturity (60 d). In pubertal animals, basal testosterone and LH concentrations in plasma were lower in MIS-KO than WT mice, whereas human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated testosterone concentrations were similar. In adults, basal LH, and both basal and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-stimulated testosterone concentrations were similar. Purified Leydig cells from pubertal MIS-KO mice had lower testosterone but higher androstanediol and androstenedione production rates. In contrast, testosterone, androstanediol, and androstenedione production rates were all lower in adult MIS-KO Leydig cells. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression was lower in pubertal MIS-KO mice compared with WT, whereas 17beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase and 5alpha-reductase were greater, and P450c17 and P450scc were similar. The expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was lower in adult MIS-KO mice, whereas that of 5alpha-reductase, P450c17, and P450scc was similar. Collectively, these results suggest that in the absence of MIS, Leydig cells remain less differentiated, causing an altered intratesticular androgen milieu that may contribute to the infertility of MIS-KO mice. In immature mice, this deficit in steroidogenic capacity appears to be mediated by a direct loss of MIS action in Leydig cells as well as by indirect effects via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Wu
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
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41
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Salva A, Hardy MP, Wu XF, Sottas CM, MacLaughlin DT, Donahoe PK, Lee MM. Müllerian-inhibiting substance inhibits rat Leydig cell regeneration after ethylene dimethanesulphonate ablation. Biol Reprod 2003; 70:600-7. [PMID: 14585814 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.021550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The postnatal development of Leydig cell precursors is postulated to be controlled by Sertoli cell secreted factors, which may have a determinative influence on Leydig cell number and function in sexually mature animals. One such hormone, Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), has been shown to inhibit DNA synthesis and steroidogenesis in primary Leydig cells and Leydig cell tumor lines. To further delineate the effects of MIS on Leydig cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, we employed the established ethylene dimethanesulphonate (EDS) model of Leydig cell regeneration. Following EDS ablation of differentiated Leydig cells in young adult rats, recombinant MIS or vehicle was delivered by intratesticular injection for 4 days (Days 11-14 after EDS). On Days 15 and 35 after EDS (1 and 21 days post-MIS injections), endocrine function was assessed and testes were collected for stereology, immunohistochemistry, and assessment of proliferation and steroidogenesis. Although serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were no different, intratesticular testosterone was higher on Day 35 in MIS-treated animals. At both time points, intratesticular 5alpha-androstan-3alpha,17beta-diol concentrations were much higher than that of testosterone. MIS-treated animals had fewer mesenchymal precursors on Day 15 and fewer differentiated Leydig cells on Day 35 with decreased numbers of BrdU+ nuclei. Apoptotic interstitial cells were observed only in the MIS-treated testes, not in the vehicle-treated group on Day 15. These data suggest that MIS inhibits regeneration of Leydig cells in EDS-treated rats by enhancing apoptotic cell death as well as by decreasing proliferative capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Salva
- Population Council and The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Fleming L, Baker PJ, Jackson G, Johnston H. Identification of developmentally regulated genes in the somatic cells of the mouse testis using serial analysis of gene expression. Biol Reprod 2003; 69:797-808. [PMID: 12748123 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.016899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To identify genes developmentally regulated in the somatic cells of the testis, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) has been used to generate gene expression profiles from these cells in the fetal and adult mouse. To avoid germ cell transcripts, a fetal SAGE library was generated from germ cell-free fetal Wv/Wv mice, and an adult SAGE library was generated from adult testes depleted of germ cells with busulfan. The combined SAGE libraries contained 147570 tags identifying 12976 unique transcripts. Of these transcripts, 3607 were present in only the fetal library and 3941 were present in only the adult library. Most of the abundant differentially expressed tags in the adult testis library were from characterized genes, whereas 3' rapid amplification of complementary ends was required to identify most differentially expressed tags in the fetal library. These fetal tags were mostly associated with uncharacterized UniGene clusters. These data provide a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of gene expression in the somatic cells of the fetal and adult testis (including unknown transcripts) and identify genes differentially expressed in these cells during testis development. These differentially regulated genes are likely to provide insight into mechanisms regulating testis function both during development and in the adult animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Hossain A, Saunders GF. Synergistic cooperation between the beta-catenin signaling pathway and steroidogenic factor 1 in the activation of the Mullerian inhibiting substance type II receptor. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:26511-6. [PMID: 12724325 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m300804200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mullerian inhibiting substance type II receptor (MISRII) is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. Mutations in mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) or MISRII cause male sexual abnormalities, persistent mullerian duct syndrome, and pseudohermaphroditism. The spatial and temporal regulation of MIS and MISRII is important for its biological action. Male Wnt7a mutant mice do not undergo regression of mullerian ducts. Here we showed that the canonical Wnt signaling pathway regulated MISRII. The promoter MISRII was activated by beta-catenin expression, and this activation was dependent on TCF4-binding sites. The nuclear receptor superfamily member steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) synergistically activated the MISRII promoter with beta-catenin. APC, a negative regulator of Wnt signaling, decreased SF1-mediated activation of the MISRII promoter in the colon carcinoma cell line SW480. We also showed a direct physical interaction between beta-catenin and SF1 by co-immunoprecipitation. Thus, our findings suggest that MISRII is a developmental target of Wnt7a signaling for mullerian duct regression during sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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44
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Charron M, DeCerbo JN, Wright WW. A GC-box within the proximal promoter region of the rat cathepsin L gene activates transcription in Sertoli cells of sexually mature rats. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1649-56. [PMID: 12606333 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.012328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that stage-specific gene expression in Sertoli cells results from sequential activation and repression of transcription. However, the exact molecular mechanisms are unknown. As a first step in addressing this fundamental issue, we recently demonstrated that a 3-kilobase (kb) genomic fragment immediately upstream of the rat cathepsin L translation start site directed stage-specific expression of a reporter gene only in Sertoli cells of transgenic mice in a manner comparable to that of the endogenous gene (predominantly in stages VI-VIII tubules). Supporting the activation/repression model of regulation, an upstream domain that mediated an inhibitory effect by male germ cells was identified within this 3-kb promoter region. In the present study, we localized and characterized the regulatory elements that activate transcription. Analyses of a series of 5' deletion constructs demonstrated that a 120-base pair (bp) region that spans the transcription start site of the rat cathepsin L gene was sufficient to activate transcription in Sertoli cells isolated from sexually mature rats. Within this region, electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that one member of the Sp/XKLF family of factors, Sp3, specifically bound to a GC-box. Furthermore, Sp1-binding activity was not detected in nuclear extracts from Sertoli cells of sexually mature rats. Finally, the GC-box was shown to be essential for promoter activity since mutating this binding motif abolished promoter activity. Collectively, these results suggest that the GC-box is a critical regulatory element for the cathepsin L promoter in mature Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Charron
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Charron M, Folmer JS, Wright WW. A 3-kilobase region derived from the rat cathepsin L gene directs in vivo expression of a reporter gene in sertoli cells in a manner comparable to that of the endogenous gene. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1641-8. [PMID: 12606358 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.011619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian spermatogenesis, the transcription of several genes in Sertoli cells is turned on and off as the adjacent male germ cells progress through the stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. A requirement for defining how germ cells regulate this process is the identification of a promoter that confers, in vivo, accurate, stage-specific gene expression in Sertoli cells. To date, such a promoter has not been identified. Using transgenic mice, we show that the 3-kilobase genomic fragment immediately upstream of the rat cathepsin L translation start site directs expression of the reporter gene, beta-galactosidase, only in Sertoli cells. The expression pattern of the reporter gene recapitulated that of the endogenous gene in Sertoli cells as 75% of the seminiferous tubules that contained X-gal positive Sertoli cells were at stages VI-VIII and beta-galactosidase enzymatic activity was 4-fold higher in mature testes compared with immature testes. This is, to our knowledge, the first identification of a promoter region that contains all of the regulatory elements required for accurate, stage-specific gene expression in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Charron
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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46
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Lukas-Croisier C, Lasala C, Nicaud J, Bedecarrás P, Kumar TR, Dutertre M, Matzuk MM, Picard JY, Josso N, Rey R. Follicle-stimulating hormone increases testicular Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) production through sertoli cell proliferation and a nonclassical cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate-mediated activation of the AMH Gene. Mol Endocrinol 2003; 17:550-61. [PMID: 12554789 DOI: 10.1210/me.2002-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) production by testicular Sertoli cells is high before puberty and can be further induced by FSH. Our objective was to delineate the mechanisms by which FSH stimulates AMH production. Assay of serum AMH levels and histological morphometric analysis in prepubertal FSH-deficient transgenic mice showed that serum AMH and testicular mass were decreased owing to reduced Sertoli cell number. All parameters resumed normal values in mice treated with recombinant FSH. We also analyzed the ability of FSH and the factors involved in its signaling pathway to activate AMH transcription by transfecting AMH promoter-luc reporter constructs of different lengths in a prepubertal Sertoli cell line. Our results showed that FSH activates AMH transcription via adenylate cyclase, cAMP, and protein kinase A but involving a nonclassical cAMP-response pathway requiring nuclear factor-kappaB and activating protein 2 binding sites, which lie more than 1.9 kb upstream of the AMH transcription start site. This is the first report showing the importance of distant sequences in the regulation of AMH expression. We conclude that prepubertal testicular AMH production is increased by FSH stimulation through Sertoli cell proliferation and an enhancement of AMH gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Lukas-Croisier
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas, Hospital de Niños, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Teixeira J, Maheswaran S, Donahoe PK. Müllerian inhibiting substance: an instructive developmental hormone with diagnostic and possible therapeutic applications. Endocr Rev 2001; 22:657-74. [PMID: 11588147 DOI: 10.1210/edrv.22.5.0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dr. Alfred Jost pioneered the field of reproductive endocrinology with his seminal observation that two hormones produced by the testes are required for the male embryo to develop a normal internal reproductive tract. T induces the Wolffian ducts to differentiate into epididymides, vasa deferens, and seminal vesicles. Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) causes regression of the Müllerian ducts, which in its absence would normally develop into the Fallopian tubes, uterus, and upper vagina as is observed in female embryos. This review will summarize our current understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the function of MIS both as a fetal gonadal hormone that causes Müllerian duct regression and as an adult hormone, the roles for which are currently being investigated, i.e., inhibition of steroidogenesis, germ cell development, and cancer. We will also address the regulation of MIS expression as one of the first genes expressed after the commitment of the bipotential gonads to differentiate into testes under the influence of SRY, the gene on the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome. We will discuss what is known regarding MIS signal transduction, which as with other members of the TGFbeta family of growth and differentiation factors, occurs through a heteromeric complex of single transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors to effect downstream signaling events, including Smad, nuclear factor-kappaB, beta-catenin, and p16 activation. Finally, we will assess the clinical relevance of studying MIS in patients with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome and our efforts to determine the therapeutic value of MIS for patients with ovarian and other MIS receptor-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Teixeira
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Mendis-Handagama SM, Ariyaratne HB. Differentiation of the adult Leydig cell population in the postnatal testis. Biol Reprod 2001; 65:660-71. [PMID: 11514326 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod65.3.660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Five main cell types are present in the Leydig cell lineage, namely the mesenchymal precursor cells, progenitor cells, newly formed adult Leydig cells, immature Leydig cells, and mature Leydig cells. Peritubular mesenchymal cells are the precursors to Leydig cells at the onset of Leydig cell differentiation in the prepubertal rat as well as in the adult rat during repopulation of the testis interstitium after ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) treatment. Leydig cell differentiation cannot be viewed as a simple process with two distinct phases as previously reported, simply because precursor cell differentiation and Leydig cell mitosis occur concurrently. During development, mesenchymal and Leydig cell numbers increase linearly with an approximate ratio of 1:2, respectively. The onset of precursor cell differentiation into progenitor cells is independent of LH; however, LH is essential for the later stages in the Leydig cell lineage to induce cell proliferation, hypertrophy, and establish the full organelle complement required for the steroidogenic function. Testosterone and estrogen are inhibitory to the onset of precursor cell differentiation, and these hormones produced by the mature Leydig cells may be of importance to inhibit further differentiation of precursor cells to Leydig cells in the adult testis to maintain a constant number of Leydig cells. Once the progenitor cells are formed, androgens are essential for the progenitor cells to differentiate into mature adult Leydig cells. Although early studies have suggested that FSH is required for the differentiation of Leydig cells, more recent studies have shown that FSH is not required in this process. Anti-Müllerian hormone has been suggested as a negative regulator in Leydig cell differentiation, and this concept needs to be further explored to confirm its validity. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) induces proliferation of immature Leydig cells and is associated with the promotion of the maturation of the immature Leydig cells into mature adult Leydig cells. Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) is a mitogen for mesenchymal precursor cells. Moreover, both TGFalpha and TGFbeta (to a lesser extent than TGFalpha) stimulate mitosis in Leydig cells in the presence of LH (or hCG). Platelet-derived growth factor-A is an essential factor for the differentiation of adult Leydig cells; however, details of its participation are still not known. Some cytokines secreted by the testicular macrophages are mitogenic to Leydig cells. Moreover, retarded or absence of Leydig cell development has been observed in experimental models with impaired macrophage function. Thyroid hormone is critical to trigger the onset of mesenchymal precursor cell differentiation into Leydig progenitor cells, proliferation of mesenchymal precursors, acceleration of the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into Leydig cell progenitors, and enhance the proliferation of newly formed Leydig cells in the neonatal and EDS-treated adult rat testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Mendis-Handagama
- Department of Comparative Medicine, The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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Visser JA, Olaso R, Verhoef-Post M, Kramer P, Themmen AP, Ingraham HA. The serine/threonine transmembrane receptor ALK2 mediates Müllerian inhibiting substance signaling. Mol Endocrinol 2001; 15:936-45. [PMID: 11376112 DOI: 10.1210/mend.15.6.0645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS or anti-Müllerian hormone) is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta family and plays a pivotal role in proper male sexual differentiation. Members of this family signal by the assembly of two related serine/threonine kinase receptors, referred to as type I or type II receptors, and downstream cytoplasmic Smad effector proteins. Although the MIS type II receptor (MISRII) has been identified, the identity of the type I receptor is unclear. Here we report that MIS activates a bone morphogenetic protein-like signaling pathway, which is solely dependent on the presence of the MISRII and bioactive MIS ligand. Among the multiple type I candidates tested, only ALK2 resulted in significant enhancement of the MIS signaling response. Furthermore, dominant-negative and antisense strategies showed that ALK2 is essential for MIS-induced signaling in two independent assays, the cellular Tlx-2 reporter gene assay and the Müllerian duct regression organ culture assay. In contrast, ALK6, the other candidate MIS type I receptor, was not required. Expression analyses revealed that ALK2 is present in all MIS target tissues including the mesenchyme surrounding the epithelial Müllerian duct. Collectively, we conclude that MIS employs a bone morphogenetic protein-like signaling pathway and uses ALK2 as its type I receptor. The use of this ubiquitously expressed type I receptor underscores the role of the MIS ligand and the MIS type II receptor in establishing the specificity of the MIS signaling cascade.
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MESH Headings
- Activin Receptors, Type I
- Animals
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone
- Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/genetics
- Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Line
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Embryo, Mammalian/physiology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/genetics
- Genes, Reporter
- Glycoproteins
- Growth Inhibitors/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mullerian Ducts/embryology
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense
- Organ Culture Techniques
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptors, Growth Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Growth Factor/metabolism
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Peptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Smad2 Protein
- Smad5 Protein
- Testicular Hormones/metabolism
- Trans-Activators/metabolism
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Visser
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus, San Francisco, CA 94143-0444, USA
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50
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Beau C, Vivian N, Münsterberg A, Dresser DW, Lovell-Badge R, Guerrier D. In vivo analysis of the regulation of the anti-Müllerian hormone, as a marker of Sertoli cell differentiation during testicular development, reveals a multi-step process. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 59:256-64. [PMID: 11424211 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the TGF-beta family which elicits its main action during male sex differentiation. This hormone is probably the most convenient marker of Sertoli cell differentiation and maturation throughout testicular development. Studying AMH gene regulation may thus be one way of identifying effectors of Sertoli cell differentiation. To this end we first tried to locate and then to characterise DNA elements responsible for in vivo transcriptional control of AMH expression. We obtained transgenic mice expressing a reporter gene (LacZ), under control of various putative AMH regulatory sequences. Analysis of transgenic animals revealed that activation of the AMH gene probably requires a two-step regulatory process. The first step corresponds to the initial activation of the AMH gene occurring at around 12.0 dpc. It requires the presence of regulatory DNA encompassed within a maximum of 370 bp upstream of the translation start site of the gene, delimited by the presence of an upstream housekeeping gene (SAP-62). Following this initial transient phase, a second phase seems to account for the persistence of AMH gene expression until the onset of puberty. As the 370 bp regulatory region is not sufficient on its own to allow the triggering of this second phase, it seems possible that additional control elements are required for normal AMH expression throughout testicular development. The complete array of regulatory elements remains to be located. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59:256-264, 2001.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Beau
- GERM/INSERM U435, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes Cedex, France
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