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Przygrodzka E, Binderwala F, Powers R, McFee RM, Cupp AS, Wood JR, Davis JS. Central Role for Glycolysis and Fatty Acids in LH-responsive Progesterone Synthesis. bioRxiv 2024:2024.02.14.580329. [PMID: 38405789 PMCID: PMC10888869 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Progesterone production by the corpus luteum is fundamental for establishing and maintaining pregnancy. The pituitary gonadotropin luteinizing hormone (LH) is recognized as the primary stimulus for luteal formation and progesterone synthesis, regardless of species. Previous studies demonstrated an elevation in abundance of genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism during the follicular to luteal transition. However, the metabolic phenotype of these highly steroidogenic cells has not been studied. Herein, we determined acute metabolic changes induced by LH in primary luteal cells and defined pathways required for progesterone synthesis. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that LH induces rapid changes in vital metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, de novo lipogenesis, and hydrolysis of phospholipids. LH stimulated glucose uptake, enhanced glycolysis, and flux of [U- 13 C 6 ]-labeled glucose-derived carbons into metabolic branches associated with adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and NADH/NADPH production, synthesis of nucleotides, proteins, and lipids, glycosylation of proteins or lipids, and redox homeostasis. Selective use of small molecule inhibitors targeting the most significantly changed pathways, such as glycolysis, TCA cycle, and lipogenesis, uncovered cellular metabolic routes required for LH-stimulated steroidogenesis. Furthermore, LH via the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway triggered post- translational modification of acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA) and ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), enzymes involved in de novo synthesis of fatty acids. Inhibition of ACLY and fatty acid transport into mitochondria reduced LH-stimulated ATP, cAMP production, PKA activation, and progesterone synthesis. Taken together, these findings reveal novel hormone-sensitive metabolic pathways essential for maintaining LHCGR/PKA signaling and steroidogenesis in ovarian luteal cells. Significance The establishment and maintenance of pregnancy require a well-developed corpus luteum, an endocrine gland within the ovary that produces progesterone. Although there is increased awareness of intracellular signaling events initiating the massive production of progesterone during the reproductive cycle and pregnancy, there are critical gaps in our knowledge of the metabolic and lipidomic pathways required for initiating and maintaining luteal progesterone synthesis. Here, we describe rapid, hormonally triggered metabolic pathways, and define metabolic targets crucial for progesterone synthesis by ovarian steroidogenic cells. Understanding hormonal control of metabolic pathways may help elucidate approaches for improving ovarian function and successful reproduction or identifying metabolic targets for developing nonhormonal contraceptives.
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Snider AP, Gomes RS, Summers AF, Tenley SC, Abedal-Majed MA, McFee RM, Wood JR, Davis JS, Cupp AS. Identification of Lipids and Cytokines in Plasma and Follicular Fluid before and after Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Stimulation as Potential Markers for Follicular Maturation in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3289. [PMID: 37894013 PMCID: PMC10603728 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of follicle maturation leading to ovulation is a key milestone in female fertility. It is known that circulating lipids and cytokines play a role in the follicle's ability to go through follicular maturation and the ovulatory processes. However, the specific mechanisms are not well understood. We posit that dysregulation of granulosa cells influences the ovarian environment, which tries to adapt by changing released lipids and cytokines to achieve follicular maturation. Eleven non-lactating adult females underwent estrus synchronization with two injections of PGF2α 14 days apart. Daily blood samples were collected for 28 days to monitor steroid hormone production after the second injection. To understand the potential impacts of lipids and cytokines during ovulation, a low-dose FSH stimulation (FSHLow) was performed after resynchronization of cows, and daily blood samples were collected for 14 days to monitor steroid hormone production until ovariectomies. The lipidomic analysis demonstrated increased circulating diacylglycerides and triacylglycerides during the mid-luteal phase and after FSHLow treatment. Cholesteryl esters decreased in circulation but increased in follicular fluid (FF) after FSHLow. Increased circulating concentrations of TNFα and reduced CXCL9 were observed in response to FSHLow. Therefore, specific circulating lipids and cytokines may serve as markers of normal follicle maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria P. Snider
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA;
| | - Renata S. Gomes
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (R.S.G.); (J.R.W.)
| | | | - Sarah C. Tenley
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (R.S.G.); (J.R.W.)
| | - Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Renee M. McFee
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA;
| | - Jennifer R. Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (R.S.G.); (J.R.W.)
| | - John S. Davis
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Andrea S. Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (R.S.G.); (J.R.W.)
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3
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Prezotto LD, Keane JA, Cupp AS, Thorson JF. Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Has a Diverse Role in Energetic and Reproductive Physiological Functions of Female Beef Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3185. [PMID: 37893910 PMCID: PMC10603626 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified in multiple mammalian species as a molecular marker of energy metabolism while also providing negative feedback to the gonads. However, the role of FGF21 in regulating the energetic and reproductive physiology of beef heifers and cows has yet to be characterized. Herein, we investigated the temporal concentrations of FGF21 in female beef cattle from the prepubertal period to early lactation. Circulating concentrations of FGF21, non-esterified fatty acids, plasma urea nitrogen, glucose, and progesterone were assessed. Ultrasonography was employed to determine the onset of puberty and resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity as well as to measure backfat thickness. Finally, cows and calves underwent the weigh-suckle-weigh technique to estimate rate of milk production. We have revealed that FGF21 has an expansive role in the physiology of female beef cattle, including pubertal onset, adaptation to nutritional transition, rate of body weight gain, circulating markers of metabolism, and rate of milk production. In conclusion, FGF21 plays a role in physiological functions in beef cattle that can be applied to advance the understanding of basic scientific processes governing the nutritional regulation of reproductive function but also provides a novel means for beef cattle producers to select parameters of financial interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia D. Prezotto
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA; (L.D.P.); (J.A.K.); (A.S.C.)
| | - Jessica A. Keane
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA; (L.D.P.); (J.A.K.); (A.S.C.)
| | - Andrea S. Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA; (L.D.P.); (J.A.K.); (A.S.C.)
| | - Jennifer F. Thorson
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA
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Monaco CF, Plewes MR, Przygrodzka E, George JW, Qiu F, Xiao P, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Basic fibroblast growth factor induces proliferation and collagen production by fibroblasts derived from the bovine corpus luteum†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:367-380. [PMID: 37283496 PMCID: PMC10502575 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic regression of the ovarian corpus luteum, the endocrine gland responsible for progesterone production, involves rapid matrix remodeling. Despite fibroblasts in other systems being known for producing and maintaining extracellular matrix, little is known about fibroblasts in the functional or regressing corpus luteum. Vast transcriptomic changes occur in the regressing corpus luteum, among which are reduced levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) after 4 and 12 h of induced regression, when progesterone is declining and the microvasculature is destabilizing. We hypothesized that FGF2 activates luteal fibroblasts. Analysis of transcriptomic changes during induced luteal regression revealed elevations in markers of fibroblast activation and fibrosis, including fibroblast activation protein (FAP), serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1), and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1). To test our hypothesis, we treated bovine luteal fibroblasts with FGF2 to measure downstream signaling, type 1 collagen production, and proliferation. We observed rapid and robust phosphorylation of various signaling pathways involved in proliferation, such as ERK, AKT, and STAT1. From our longer-term treatments, we determined that FGF2 has a concentration-dependent collagen-inducing effect, and that FGF2 acts as a mitogen for luteal fibroblasts. FGF2-induced proliferation was greatly blunted by inhibition of AKT or STAT1 signaling. Our results suggest that luteal fibroblasts are responsive to factors that are released by the regressing bovine corpus luteum, an insight into the contribution of fibroblasts to the microenvironment in the regressing corpus luteum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrine F Monaco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs-Nebraska Western Iowa Healthcare System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Emilia Przygrodzka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jitu W George
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs-Nebraska Western Iowa Healthcare System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Fang Qiu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Peng Xiao
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs-Nebraska Western Iowa Healthcare System, Omaha, NE, USA
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5
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Plewes MR, Przygrodzka E, Monaco CF, Snider AP, Keane JA, Burns PD, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Prostaglandin F2α regulates mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in the bovine corpus luteum. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301968. [PMID: 37188480 PMCID: PMC10185813 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandins are arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. PGF2α analogues are therapeutically used for regulating mammalian reproductive cycles and blood pressure, inducing term labor, and treating ocular disorders. PGF2α exerts effects via activation of calcium and PKC signaling, however, little is known about the cellular events imposed by PGF2α signaling. Here, we explored the early effects of PGF2α on mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in the bovine corpus luteum employing relevant and well characterized in vivo and in vitro approaches. We identified PKC/ERK and AMPK as critical protein kinases essential for activation of mitochondrial fission proteins, DRP1 and MFF. Furthermore, we report that PGF2α elicits increased intracellular reactive oxygen species and promotes receptor-mediated activation of PINK-Parkin mitophagy. These findings place the mitochondrium as a novel target in response to luteolytic mediator, PGF2α. Understanding intracellular processes occurring during early luteolysis may serve as a target for improving fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele R Plewes
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Emilia Przygrodzka
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Corrine F Monaco
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Alexandria P Snider
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Jessica A Keane
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Patrick D Burns
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
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6
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Abedal-Majed MA, Abuajamieh M, Al-Qaisi M, Sargent KM, Titi HH, Alnimer MA, Abdelqader A, Shamoun AI, Cupp AS. Sheep with ovarian androgen excess have fibrosis and follicular arrest with increased mRNA abundance for steroidogenic enzymes and gonadotropin receptors. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad082. [PMID: 37061806 PMCID: PMC10184696 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
An androgen excess ovarian micro-environment may limit follicle progression in sheep. Two populations of ewes with divergent follicular fluid androstenedione (A4) were identified in a flock in Jordan: High A4; (A4) ≥ 30 ng/mL, (N = 12) or Control A4 (Control); A4 ≤ 15 ng/mL; (N = 12). We hypothesized High A4 ewes would have increased steroidogenic enzyme mRNA abundance, inflammation, and follicular arrest. Messenger RNA abundance for steroidogenic enzymes StAR, CYP17A1, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1 were increased in theca cells while CYP17A1, CYP19A1, and HSD3B1 were increased in granulosa cells in High A4 ewes compared to Control. Gonadotropin receptor mRNA expression for LHCGR was increased in theca and FSHR in granulosa in High A4 ewes. Messenger RNA expression of FOS when reduced, increases expression of CYP17A1 which was observed in High A4 granulosa cells compared to Control. Furthermore, High A4 ewes had greater numbers of primordial follicles (P < 0.001) and fewer developing follicles compared to Control before, and after 7 d of culture, indicating follicular arrest was not alleviated by cortex culture. Increased fibrosis in the ovarian cortex was detected in High A4 ewes relative to Control (P < 0.001) suggesting increased inflammation and altered extracellular matrix deposition. Thus, this High A4 ewes population has similar characteristics to High A4 cows and women with polycystic ovary syndrome suggesting that naturally occurring androgen excess occurs in multiple species and may be a causative factor in follicular arrest and subsequent female sub- or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mohannad Abuajamieh
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mohmmad Al-Qaisi
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Agriculture, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA
| | - Hosam H Titi
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mufeed A Alnimer
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Anas Abdelqader
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Ahmad I Shamoun
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln (UNL), Nebraska 68583, USA
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7
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Rowell JE, Blake JE, Roth KM, Sutton CM, Sachse CC, Cupp AS, Geary TW, Zezeski AL, Alexander BM, Ziegler RL, Shipka MP. Medroxyprogesterone acetate in reindeer bulls: testes histology, cfos activity in the brain, breeding success, and semen quality. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6596687. [PMID: 35648129 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study reported that a 400-mg dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) reduced male reindeer aggression and blocked development of secondary sexual characteristics but did not completely impair fertility. Here we have repeated that protocol in two separate trials. In 2017, tissues and blood samples, collected from MPA and control (CTL) reindeer bulls, euthanized at 30 and 60 d post-treatment were used to evaluate testes histology and morphometrics, cfos activity in the brain and androgen levels. While testes weight tended to decline from August to September in both groups, indices of spermatogenesis remained high. By September, indices of spermatogenesis were declining in both groups with sperm density lower (P = 0.05) in MPA compared to CTL bulls. Aug CTL bulls had the highest concentrations of androstenedione (A4) (P = 0.009) and testosterone (T) (P = 0.08), whereas these androgens were baseline in Aug MPA bulls. By September, A4 and T levels in CTL bulls declined to levels measured in MPA bulls. Cfos activity had a greater number (P = 0.02) of cfos positive neurons in the central amygdala in MPA compared to CTL bulls, suggesting a heightened fear response among the MPA bulls. In the second trial (2019), MPA-treated bulls, with (E, n = 4) and without (IE, n = 4) breeding experience, were blood sampled at key points from July through September when they were put in individual harems with estrous-synchronized cows. Concentrations of T were greatest (P < 0.001) among E bulls prior to MPA treatment but 1 mo after treatment, both T and A4 were baseline in all eight reindeer. Semen collected by electroejaculation at 60 d post-MPA treatment revealed only minor differences in sperm abnormalities between E and IE bulls using both fresh and frozen/thawed semen. Only three bulls (2 E and 1 IE) sired offspring. Breeding success was not related to previous breeding experience, body weight, or bull age. The failure of some MPA bulls to breed appears to be a behavioral, not a physiological, limitation. Limited application of MPA is clearly a useful tool for managing rut-aggression in non-breeding reindeer. However, the possibility that semen could be collected from MPA-treated bulls using restraint and mild sedation rather than general anesthesia should be investigated. This could improve the quality of semen collection while enhancing the safety of both handlers and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice E Rowell
- Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - John E Blake
- Animal Resources Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Kathleen M Roth
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Courtney M Sutton
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Colleen C Sachse
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Thomas W Geary
- Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Fort Keogh, Miles City, MT 59301, USA
| | - Abigail L Zezeski
- Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Fort Keogh, Miles City, MT 59301, USA
| | - Brenda M Alexander
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Robert L Ziegler
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Milan P Shipka
- Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
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Abedal-Majed MA, Springman SA, Jafar HD, Bell BE, Kurz SG, Wilson KE, Cupp AS. Naturally occurring androgen excess cows are present in dairy and beef herds and have similar characteristics to women with PCOS. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6596684. [PMID: 35648128 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Beef cows with excess androstenedione (A4; High A4) in follicular fluid (FF) and secreted by the ovarian cortex have been reported from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln physiology herd displaying characteristics reminiscent of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Thus, we hypothesized that naturally occurring High A4 cows were present in other dairy and beef herds. Fourteen Jordan (Amman, Jordon) dairy heifers and 16 U.S. Meat Animal Research Center beef heifers were classified by FF (High A4: A4 > 40 ng/mL and Control: A4 < 20 ng/mL) and/or cortex culture media (High A4 > 1 ng/mL/d or Control < 1 ng/mL/d). High A4 dairy heifers (n = 6) had greater A4 concentrations (7.6-fold) in FF and (98-fold) greater in ovarian cortex culture media with greater numbers of primordial and fewer later-stage follicles than Controls (n = 8) even after 7 d of culture. Also, the ovarian cortex had greater staining for Picro Sirius red in High A4 dairy heifers compared with Controls indicating increased fibrosis. Thecal cells from High A4 dairy heifers had greater STAR, LHCGR, CYP17A, CD68, and PECAM mRNA expression with increased mRNA abundance of CYP17A1 and CD68 in the ovarian cortex cultures compared with Control dairy heifers. Similarly, cortex culture media from High A4 beef heifers (n = 10) had increased A4 (290-fold; P ≤ 0.001), testosterone (1,427-fold; P ≤ 0.001), and progesterone (9-fold; P ≤ 0.01) compared with Control heifers with increased primordial follicles and decreased later-stage follicles even after 7 d of culture, indicating abnormal follicular development. High A4 ovarian cortex cultures from beef heifers also had increased fibrosis markers and greater expression of PECAM (P = 0.01) with a tendency for increased vascular endothelial cadherin compared with Controls (n = 6). These two trials support our hypothesis that naturally occurring androgen excess cows are present in other dairy and beef herds. The ability to identify these females that have excess A4 ovarian microenvironments may allow for their use in understanding factors causing abnormal follicle development linked to androgen excess and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Shelby A Springman
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Hanan D Jafar
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.,Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Brooke E Bell
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Kyle E Wilson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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9
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Abedal-Majed MA, Springman SA, Sutton CM, Snider AP, Bell BE, Hart M, Kurz SG, Bergman J, Summers AF, McFee RM, Davis JS, Wood JR, Cupp AS. VEGFA165 can rescue excess steroid secretion, inflammatory markers, and follicle arrest in the ovarian cortex of High A4 cows†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:118-131. [PMID: 34726240 PMCID: PMC9630404 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A population of cows with excess androstenedione (A4; High A4) in follicular fluid, with follicular arrest, granulosa cell dysfunction, and a 17% reduction in calving rate was previously identified. We hypothesized that excess A4 in the ovarian microenvironment caused the follicular arrest in High A4 cows and that vascular endothelial growth factor A would rescue the High A4 phenotype. In trial 1, prior to culture, High A4 ovarian cortex (n = 9) had greater numbers of early stage follicles (primordial) and fewer later-stage follicles compared to controls (n = 11). Culture for 7 days did not relieve this follicular arrest; instead, High A4 ovarian cortex had increased indicators of inflammation, anti-Mullerian hormone, and A4 secretion compared to controls. In trial 2, we tested if vascular endothelial growth factor A isoforms could rescue the High A4 phenotype. High A4 (n = 5) and control (n = 5) ovarian cortex was cultured with (1) PBS, (2) VEGFA165 (50 ng/mL), (3) VEGFA165B (50 ng/mL), or (4) VEGFA165 + VEGFA165B (50 ng/mL each) for 7 days. Follicular progression increased with VEGFA165 in High A4 cows with greater early primary, primary, and secondary follicles than controls. Similar to trial 1, High A4 ovarian cortex secreted greater concentrations of A4 and other steroids and had greater indicators of inflammation compared to controls. However, VEGFA165 rescued steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. The VEGFA165 and VEGFA165b both reduced IL-13, INFα, and INFβ secretion in High A4 cows to control levels. Thus, VEGFA165 may be a potential therapeutic to restore the ovarian steroidogenic microenvironment and may promote folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman-Jordan, Jordan
| | - Shelby A Springman
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Courtney M Sutton
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Alexandria P Snider
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Brooke E Bell
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | | | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Jeff Bergman
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Adam F Summers
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Renee M McFee
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Hall (VBS), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
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10
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Przygrodzka E, Monaco CF, Plewes MR, Li G, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Protein Kinase A and 5' AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways Exert Opposite Effects on Induction of Autophagy in Luteal Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:723563. [PMID: 34820368 PMCID: PMC8607825 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.723563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of pregnancy the ovarian corpus luteum undergoes regression, a process characterized by decreased production of progesterone and structural luteolysis involving apoptosis. Autophagy has been observed in the corpus luteum during luteal regression. Autophagy is a self-degradative process important for balancing sources of cellular energy at critical times in development and in response to nutrient stress, but it can also lead to apoptosis. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) and 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), key players in autophagy, are known to inhibit or activate autophagy, respectively. Here, we analyzed the signaling pathways regulating the initiation of autophagy in bovine luteal cells. In vivo studies showed increased activating phosphorylation of AMPKα (Thr172) and elevated content of LC3B, a known marker of autophagy, in luteal tissue during PGF2α-induced luteolysis. In vitro, AMPK activators 1) stimulated phosphorylation of regulatory associated protein of MTOR (RPTOR) leading to decreased activity of MTOR, 2) increased phosphorylation of Unc-51-Like Kinase 1 (ULK1) and Beclin 1 (BECN1), at sites specific for AMPK and required for autophagy initiation, 3) increased levels of LC3B, and 4) enhanced colocalization of autophagosomes with lysosomes indicating elevated autophagy. In contrast, LH/PKA signaling in luteal cells 1) reduced activation of AMPKα and phosphorylation of RPTOR, 2) elevated MTOR activity, 3) stimulated phosphorylation of ULK1 at site required for ULK1 inactivation, and 4) inhibited autophagosome formation as reflected by reduced content of LC3B-II. Pretreatment with AICAR, a pharmacological activator of AMPK, inhibited LH-mediated effects on RPTOR, ULK1 and BECN1. Our results indicate that luteotrophic signaling via LH/PKA/MTOR inhibits, while luteolytic signaling via PGF2α/Ca2+/AMPK activates key signaling pathways involved in luteal cell autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Przygrodzka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Corrine F Monaco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Guojuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
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11
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Snider AP, Romereim SM, McFee RM, Summers AF, Pohlmeier WE, Kurz SG, Davis JS, Wood JR, Cupp AS. Transcriptomic data of bovine ovarian granulosa cells of control and High A4 cows. Data Brief 2021; 37:107217. [PMID: 34189206 PMCID: PMC8220326 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microarray analysis using Affymetrix Bovine GeneChip 1.0 ST Array to determine RNA expression analysis was performed on somatic granulosa cells from two different groups of cows classified based on androstenedione concentration within the follicular fluid (Control vs High A4) of estrogen-active dominant follicles. The normalized linear microarray data was deposited to the NCBI GEO repository (GSE97017 - RNA Expression Data from Bovine Ovarian Granulosa Cells from High or Low Androgen-Content Follicles). Subsequent ANOVA determined genes that were enriched (≥ 1.5 fold more) or decreased (≤ 1.5 fold less) in the High A4 granulosa cells compared to Control granulosa cells and analyzed filtered datasets of these differentially expressed genes are presented as tables. MicroRNAs that are differentially expressed in Control and High A4 granulosa cells are also reported in tables. The standard deviation of the analyzed array data in relation to the log of the expression values are shown as a figure. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis determined upstream regulators of differently expressed genes as presented in a table. These data have been further analyzed and interpreted in the companion article "A High-Androgen Microenvironment Inhibits Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Alters Cell Identity" (McFee et. al., 2021 [1].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria P. Snider
- Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Knox Hall Room 202; MSC 3-I Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Sarah M. Romereim
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P.O. Box 830905, Lincoln, NE 68583-0905, USA
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Knox Hall Room 202; MSC 3-I Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Renee M. McFee
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P.O. Box 830905, Lincoln, NE 68583-0905, USA
- Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Adam F. Summers
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Knox Hall Room 202; MSC 3-I Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - William E. Pohlmeier
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Knox Hall Room 202; MSC 3-I Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Scott G. Kurz
- Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Knox Hall Room 202; MSC 3-I Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - John S. Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Wood
- Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Knox Hall Room 202; MSC 3-I Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Andrea S. Cupp
- Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Knox Hall Room 202; MSC 3-I Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
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12
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McFee RM, Romereim SM, Snider AP, Summers AF, Pohlmeier WE, Kurz SG, Cushman RA, Davis JS, Wood JR, Cupp AS. A high-androgen microenvironment inhibits granulosa cell proliferation and alters cell identity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 531:111288. [PMID: 33905753 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A naturally occurring bovine model with excess follicular fluid androstenedione (High A4), reduced fertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like characteristics has been identified. We hypothesized High A4 granulosa cells (GCs) would exhibit altered cell proliferation and/or steroidogenesis. Microarrays of Control and High A4 GCs combined with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis indicated that High A4 GCs had cell cycle inhibition and increased expression of microRNAs that inhibit cell cycle genes. Granulosa cell culture confirmed that A4 treatment decreased GC proliferation, increased anti-Müllerian hormone, and increased mRNA for CTNNBIP1. Increased CTNNBIP1 prevents CTNNB1 from interacting with members of the WNT signaling pathway thereby inhibiting the cell cycle. Expression of CYP17A1 was upregulated in High A4 GCs presumably due to reduced FOS mRNA expression compared to Control granulosa cells. Furthermore, comparisons of High A4 GC with thecal and luteal cell transcriptomes indicated an altered cellular identity and function contributing to a PCOS-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee M McFee
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, P.O. Box 830905, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0905, USA
| | - Sarah M Romereim
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| | - Alexandria P Snider
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| | - Adam F Summers
- New Mexico State University, Animal and Range Sciences, Knox Hall Room 202, MSC 3-I Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - William E Pohlmeier
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| | - Scott G Kurz
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| | - Robert A Cushman
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, P.O. Box 166, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
| | - John S Davis
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Olson Center for Women's Health, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-3255, USA; VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA.
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13
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Nafziger SR, Tenley SC, Summers AF, Abedal-Majed MA, Hart M, Bergman JW, Kurz SG, Davis JS, Wood JR, Cupp AS. Attainment and maintenance of pubertal cyclicity may predict reproductive longevity in beef heifers†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1360-1372. [PMID: 33709137 PMCID: PMC9630398 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized the manner that heifers achieve puberty may indicate their future reproductive longevity. Heifers with discontinued or delayed cyclicity during puberty attainment may have irregular reproductive cycles, anovulation, and infertility in their first breeding season contributing to a shorter reproductive lifespan. Therefore, plasma progesterone (P4) was measured from weaning to breeding on 611 heifers born 2012-2017 and four pubertal classifications were identified: (1) Early; P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml < March 12 with continued cyclicity, (2) Typical; P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml ≥ March 12 with continued cyclicity, (3) Start-Stop; P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml but discontinued cyclicity, and (4) Non-Cycling; no P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml. Historical herd records indicated that 25% of heifers achieved puberty prior to March 12th in the 10 years prior to the study. Start-Stop and Non-Cycling yearling heifers were lighter indicating reduced growth and reproductive maturity traits compared with Early/Typical heifers. In addition, Non-Cycling/Start-Stop heifers were less responsive to prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) to initiate estrous behavior and ovulation to be artificially inseminated. Non-Cycling heifers had fewer reproductive tract score-5 and reduced numbers of calves born in the first 21-days-of-calving during their first breeding season. Within the Start-Stop classification, 50% of heifers reinitiated cyclicity with growth traits and reproductive parameters that were similar to heifers in the Early/Typical classification while those that remained non-cyclic were more similar to heifers in the Non-Cycling group. Thus, heifers with discontinued cyclicity or no cyclicity during puberty attainment had delayed reproductive maturity resulting in subfertility and potentially a shorter reproductive lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Nafziger
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Sarah C Tenley
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Adam F Summers
- Department of Animal Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mariah Hart
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Bergman
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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14
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Abstract
Follicle development from the primordial to antral stage is a dynamic process within the ovarian cortex, which includes endocrine and paracrine factors from somatic cells and cumulus cell-oocyte communication. Little is known about the ovarian microenvironment and how the cytokines and steroids produced in the surrounding milieu affect follicle progression or arrest. In vitro culture of ovarian cortex enables follicles to develop in a normalized environment that remains supported by adjacent stroma. Our objective was to determine the effect of nutritional Stair-Step diet on the ovarian microenvironment (follicle development, steroid, and cytokine production) through in vitro culture of bovine ovarian cortex. To accomplish this, ovarian cortical pieces were removed from heifers undergoing two different nutritionally developed schemes prior to puberty: Control (traditional nutrition development) and Stair-Step (feeding and restriction during development) that were cut into approximately 0.5-1 mm3 pieces. These pieces were subsequently passed through a series of washes and positioned on a tissue culture insert that is set into a well containing Waymouth's culture medium. Ovarian cortex was cultured for 7 days with daily culture media changes. Histological sectioning was performed to determine follicle stage changes before and after the culture to determine effects of nutrition and impact of culture without additional treatment. Cortex culture medium was pooled over days to measure steroids, steroid metabolites, and cytokines. There were tendencies for increased steroid hormones in ovarian microenvironment that allowed for follicle progression in the Stair-Step versus Control ovarian cortex cultures. The ovarian cortex culture technique allows for a better understanding of the ovarian microenvironment, and how alterations in endocrine secretion may affect follicle progression and growth from both in vivo and in vitro treatments. This culture method may also prove beneficial for testing potential therapeutics that may improve follicle progression in women to promote fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln;
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15
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Swanson RM, Gibbs RL, Cadaret CN, Erickson GE, Schmidt TB, Cupp AS, Yates DT. Beef cows with atypical estrous cyclicity at puberty produced calves with deficits in preweaning muscling, metabolic indicators, and myoblast function but not in feedlot performance1. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:S127-S131. [PMID: 33381735 PMCID: PMC7754216 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel L Gibbs
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
| | | | - Galen E Erickson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
| | - Ty B Schmidt
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
| | - Dustin T Yates
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
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16
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Swanson RM, Gibbs RL, Cadaret CN, Erickson GE, Schmidt TB, Cupp AS, Yates DT. 257 Beef cows with atypical estrous cyclicity at puberty produced calves with deficits in pre-weaning muscling, metabolic indicators, and myoblast function but not in feedlot performance. J Anim Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa278.365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Economic beef production requires efficient growth. In our herd, cows were identified that exhibited irregular (start-stop) or absent (non-cyclic) pubertal estrous cyclicity prior to their 1st breeding season. These cows were sub-fertile but weaned heavier calves. Here, we determined if these calves possessed enhanced muscling and metabolic efficiency. Early muscle growth and metabolic indicators, feedlot performance, and carcass traits were evaluated in steer calves from cows that had exhibited normal (typical), start-stop, or non-cyclic pubertal estrous patterns. Start-stop and non-cyclic cows calved later (P < 0.05) than typical cows, but calf birthweights did not differ among groups. Weaning weights tended to be decreased (P = 0.09) in calves from start-stop and non-cyclic cows, but 205-d adjusted weaning weights did not differ. At 3 mo, body composition estimated by bioelectrical impedance revealed a tendency for reduced (P = 0.10) muscle mass in calves from non-cyclic and start-stop compared to typical cows. Plasma cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride concentrations were reduced (P < 0.05) and glucose/insulin tended to be increased (P = 0.09) in calves from non-cyclic cows. Plasma urea nitrogen did not differ among groups. Ex vivo proliferation was greater (P < 0.05) for myoblasts isolated from calves of start-stop and non-cyclic compared to typical cows. Total oxidative metabolism did not differ but glycolysis was decreased (P < 0.05) in myoblasts from calves of non-cyclic cows. Feedlot average daily gain and dry matter intake did not differ during growing or finishing. Feed efficiency tended to be increased (P = 0.09) in calves from non-cyclic cows but not when normalized to dressing percentage. Hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, ribeye area, fat thickness, and marbling did not differ among groups. These findings indicate that atypical maternal estrous cyclicity at puberty reduced early muscle growth and metabolism in offspring but not feedlot growth or carcass merit. We speculate that early growth deficits are influenced by inflammatory changes.
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17
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Plewes MR, Krause C, Talbott HA, Przygrodzka E, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Trafficking of cholesterol from lipid droplets to mitochondria in bovine luteal cells: Acute control of progesterone synthesis. FASEB J 2020; 34:10731-10750. [PMID: 32614098 PMCID: PMC7868007 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000671r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The corpus luteum is a transient endocrine gland that synthesizes and secretes the steroid hormone, progesterone, which is vital for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Luteinizing hormone (LH) via activation of protein kinase A (PKA) acutely stimulates luteal progesterone synthesis via a complex process, converting cholesterol via a series of enzymatic reactions, into progesterone. Lipid droplets in steroidogenic luteal cells store cholesterol in the form of cholesterol esters, which are postulated to provide substrate for steroidogenesis. Early enzymatic studies showed that hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) hydrolyzes luteal cholesterol esters. In this study, we tested whether HSL is a critical mediator of the acute actions of LH on luteal progesterone production. Using LH-responsive bovine small luteal cells our results reveal that LH, forskolin, and 8-Br cAMP-induced PKA-dependent phosphorylation of HSL at Ser563 and Ser660, events known to promote HSL activity. Small molecule inhibition of HSL activity and siRNA-mediated knock down of HSL abrogated LH-induced progesterone production. Moreover, western blotting and confocal microscopy revealed that LH stimulates phosphorylation and translocation of HSL to lipid droplets. Furthermore, LH increased trafficking of cholesterol from the lipid droplets to the mitochondria, which was dependent on both PKA and HSL activation. Taken together, these findings identify a PKA/HSL signaling pathway in luteal cells in response to LH and demonstrate the dynamic relationship between PKA, HSL, and lipid droplets in luteal progesterone synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele R. Plewes
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Crystal Krause
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Heather A. Talbott
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Emilia Przygrodzka
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Wood
- Department of Animal Sciences, ANSC A224k, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S. Cupp
- Department of Animal Sciences, ANSC A224k, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - John S. Davis
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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18
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Talbott HA, Plewes MR, Krause C, Hou X, Zhang P, Rizzo WB, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Formation and characterization of lipid droplets of the bovine corpus luteum. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11287. [PMID: 32647143 PMCID: PMC7347867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68091-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishment and maintenance of pregnancy depends on progesterone synthesized by luteal tissue in the ovary. Our objective was to identify the characteristics of lipid droplets (LDs) in ovarian steroidogenic cells. We hypothesized that LDs are a major feature of steroidogenic luteal cells and store cholesteryl esters. Whole bovine tissues, isolated ovarian steroidogenic cells (granulosa, theca, small luteal, and large luteal), and isolated luteal LDs were assessed for LD content, LD-associated proteins and lipid analyses. Bovine luteal tissue contained abundant lipid droplets, LD-associated perilipins 2/3/5, hormone-sensitive lipase, and 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase ABHD5. Luteal tissue was enriched in triglycerides (TGs) compared to other tissues, except for adipose tissue. Luteal cells were distinguishable from follicular cells by the presence of LDs, LD-associated proteins, and increased TGs. Furthermore, LDs from large luteal cells were numerous and small; whereas, LDs from small luteal cells were large and less numerous. Isolated LDs contained nearly all of the TGs and cholesteryl esters present in luteal tissue. Isolated luteal LDs were composed primarily of TG, with lesser amounts of cholesteryl esters, diglyceride and other phospholipids. Bovine luteal LDs are distinct from LDs in other bovine tissues, including follicular steroidogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Talbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-9450, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.,Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon Health Sciences University/Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-9450, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
| | - Crystal Krause
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-9450, USA.,Surgery Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-3280, USA
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-9450, USA
| | - Pan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-9450, USA
| | - William B Rizzo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5940, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-9450, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA. .,Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA.
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19
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Plewes MR, Hou X, Talbott HA, Zhang P, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Luteinizing hormone regulates the phosphorylation and localization of the mitochondrial effector dynamin-related protein-1 (DRP1) and steroidogenesis in the bovine corpus luteum. FASEB J 2020; 34:5299-5316. [PMID: 32077149 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902958r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The corpus luteum is an endocrine gland that synthesizes and secretes progesterone. Luteinizing hormone (LH) activates protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in luteal cells, increasing delivery of substrate to mitochondria for progesterone production. Mitochondria maintain a highly regulated equilibrium between fusion and fission in order to sustain biological function. Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), is a key mediator of mitochondrial fission. The mechanism by which DRP1 is regulated in the ovary is largely unknown. We hypothesize that LH via PKA differentially regulates the phosphorylation of DRP1 on Ser616 and Ser637 in bovine luteal cells. In primary cultures of steroidogenic small luteal cells (SLCs), LH, and forskolin stimulated phosphorylation of DRP1 (Ser 637), and inhibited phosphorylation of DRP1 (Ser 616). Overexpression of a PKA inhibitor blocked the effects of LH and forskolin on DRP1 phosphorylation. In addition, LH decreased the association of DRP1 with the mitochondria. Genetic knockdown of the DRP1 mitochondria receptor, and a small molecule inhibitor of DRP1 increased basal and LH-induced progesterone production. Studies with a general Dynamin inhibitor and siRNA knockdown of DRP1 showed that DRP1 is required for optimal LH-induced progesterone biosynthesis. Taken together, the findings place DRP1 as an important target downstream of PKA in steroidogenic luteal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele R Plewes
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 68198-3255, NE, USA.,Nebraska Western Iowa Veterans Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 68198-3255, NE, USA
| | - Heather A Talbott
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 68198-3255, NE, USA
| | - Pan Zhang
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 68198-3255, NE, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 68198-3255, NE, USA.,Nebraska Western Iowa Veterans Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
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20
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Plewes MR, Hou X, Zhang P, Liang A, Hua G, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Lv X, Wang C, Davis JS. Yes-associated protein 1 is required for proliferation and function of bovine granulosa cells in vitro†. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:1001-1017. [PMID: 31350850 PMCID: PMC6877782 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a major component of the Hippo signaling pathway. Although the exact extracellular signals that control the Hippo pathway are currently unknown, increasing evidence supports a critical role for the Hippo pathway in embryonic development, regulation of organ size, and carcinogenesis. Granulosa cells (GCs) within the ovarian follicle proliferate and produce steroids and growth factors, which facilitate the growth of follicle and maturation of the oocyte. We hypothesize that YAP1 plays a role in proliferation and estrogen secretion of GCs. In the current study, we examined the expression of the Hippo signaling pathway in bovine ovaries and determined whether it was important for GC proliferation and estrogen production. Mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1 (MST1) and large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) were identified as prominent upstream components of the Hippo pathway expressed in granulosa and theca cells of the follicle and large and small cells of the corpus luteum. Immunohistochemistry revealed that YAP1 was localized to the nucleus of growing follicles. In vitro, nuclear localization of the downstream Hippo signaling effector proteins YAP1 and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) was inversely correlated with GC density, with greater nuclear localization under conditions of low cell density. Treatment with verteporfin and siRNA targeting YAP1 or TAZ revealed a critical role for these transcriptional co-activators in GC proliferation. Furthermore, knockdown of YAP1 in GCs inhibited follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced estradiol biosynthesis. The data indicate that Hippo pathway transcription co-activators YAP1/TAZ play an important role in GC proliferation and estradiol synthesis, two processes necessary for maintaining normal follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele R Plewes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Aixin Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guohua Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Xiangmin Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
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Abedal-Majed MA, Kurz SG, Springman SA, McNeel AK, Freetly HC, Largen V, Magamage M, Sargent KM, Wood JR, Cushman RA, Cupp AS. Vascular endothelial growth factor A isoforms modulate follicle development in peripubertal heifers independent of diet through diverse signal transduction pathways. Biol Reprod 2019; 102:680-692. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Follicular progression during peripuberty is affected by diet. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) induces follicle progression in many species; however, there are limited studies to determine if diet may alter the effects of angiogenic VEGFA165-stimulated follicle progression or antiangiogenic VEGFA165b follicle arrest. We hypothesized that diet affects the magnitude of angiogenic and antiangiogenic VEGFA isoform actions on follicular development through diverse signal transduction pathways. To test this hypothesis, beef heifers in our first trial received Stair-Step (restricted and refeeding) or control diets from 8 to 13 months of age. Ovaries were collected to determine follicle stages, measure vascular gene expression and conduct ovarian cortical cultures. Ovarian cortical cultures were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (control), 50 ng/ml VEGFA165, VEGFA165b, or VEGFA165 + VEGFA165b. The Stair-Step heifers had more primordial follicles (P < 0.0001), greater messenger RNA abundance of vascular markers VE-cadherin (P < 0.0001) and NRP-1 (P < 0.0051) than controls at 13 months of age prior to culture. After culture, VEGFA isoforms had similar effects, independent of diet, where VEGFA165 stimulated and VEGFA165b inhibited VEGFA165-stimulated follicle progression from early primary to antral follicle stages. In vitro cultures were treated with VEGFA isoforms and signal transduction array plates were evaluated. VEGFA165 stimulated expression of genes related to cell cycle, cell proliferation, and growth while VEGFA165b inhibited expression of those genes. Thus, VEGFA isoforms can act independently of diet to alter follicle progression or arrest. Furthermore, follicle progression can be stimulated by VEGFA165 and inhibited by VEGFA165b through diverse signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The Universityof Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Shelby A Springman
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Anthony K McNeel
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Harvey C Freetly
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Valerie Largen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Manjula Magamage
- Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Agriculture, College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Robert A Cushman
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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Cupp AS, Nafziger S, Abedal-Majed M, Tenley S, Hart M, Snider A, Bergman J, Kurz S, Davis J, Wood J, Summers A. 206 Attainment and maintenance of pubertal cyclicity may predict high A4 cows with reduced fertility. J Anim Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz122.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The UNL physiology herd has a population of cows that secrete excess androstenedione (A4) in follicular fluid. These High A4 cows are less fertile, have irregular cycles, are often anovulatory, and have similar characteristics to women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Ovarian cortex cultures of High A4 cows secrete more A4 than controls. High A4 cows reached puberty 45 d earlier than control cows. Thus, we hypothesized that heifers reaching puberty earlier were predisposed to become High A4 cows. To test this hypothesis, we collected blood plasma from weaning to breeding (2012–2017) in 611 heifers. A custom SAS program was developed using progesterone >1ng/ml to identify four distinct puberty groups: 1) Early Puberty- 317.0 ± 3.6 days of age (doa) with continued cyclicity (n = 143); 2) Typical Puberty- 378.4 ± 2.1 doa with continued cyclicity (n = 279); 3) Start-Stop Puberty- 265.3 ± 4.1 doa with discontinued cyclicity (n = 91); and 4) Non-Cycling- no P4≥1ng/ml (n = 98). The pattern of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) was increased prior to puberty in Early and Typical and reduced in Start-Stop and Non-Cycling heifers. Early heifers (4.9) had greater prebreeding reproductive tract scores, followed by Typical (4.7), Start-Stop (4.5), and Non-Cycling (4.0) heifers. At breeding, all heifers that showed estrus in response to PGF2a were artificially inseminated. Typical (78.9%), Early (79.5%) and Start-Stop heifers (50.3%) had a greater response compared to Non-Cycling heifers (12.6%). All heifers were exposed to bulls, and overall pregnancy rate was not different. However, a greater percentage of Typical (57.9%), Early (51.0%), and Start-Stop (45.2%) heifers calved in the first 21 d of the calving season compared to Non-Cycling (20.9%). Start-Stop (3.0ng/ml) and Non-Cycling (4.2ng/ml) heifers had increased A4 in ovarian cortex culture media compared to Typical (0.062ng/ml) or Early (0.091ng/ml) puberty heifers. Greater A4 produced by ovarian cortex of Start-Stop and Non-Cycling heifers, irregular cycles and reduced calves in the first 21 d indicates these females may be predisposed to becoming High A4 cows with decreased fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
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Abedel-Majed MA, Romereim SM, Davis JS, Cupp AS. Perturbations in Lineage Specification of Granulosa and Theca Cells May Alter Corpus Luteum Formation and Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:832. [PMID: 31849844 PMCID: PMC6895843 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Anovulation is a major cause of infertility, and it is the major leading reproductive disorder in mammalian females. Without ovulation, an oocyte is not released from the ovarian follicle to be fertilized and a corpus luteum is not formed. The corpus luteum formed from the luteinized somatic follicular cells following ovulation, vasculature cells, and immune cells is critical for progesterone production and maintenance of pregnancy. Follicular theca cells differentiate into small luteal cells (SLCs) that produce progesterone in response to luteinizing hormone (LH), and granulosa cells luteinize to become large luteal cells (LLCs) that have a high rate of basal production of progesterone. The formation and function of the corpus luteum rely on the appropriate proliferation and differentiation of both granulosa and theca cells. If any aspect of granulosa or theca cell luteinization is perturbed, then the resulting luteal cell populations (SLC, LLC, vascular, and immune cells) may be reduced and compromise progesterone production. Thus, many factors that affect the differentiation/lineage of the somatic cells and their gene expression profiles can alter the ability of a corpus luteum to produce the progesterone critical for pregnancy. Our laboratory has identified genes that are enriched in somatic follicular cells and luteal cells through gene expression microarray. This work was the first to compare the gene expression profiles of the four somatic cell types involved in the follicle-to-luteal transition and to support previous immunofluorescence data indicating theca cells differentiate into SLCs while granulosa cells become LLCs. Using these data and incorporating knowledge about the ways in which luteinization can go awry, we can extrapolate the impact that alterations in the theca and granulosa cell gene expression profiles and lineages could have on the formation and function of the corpus luteum. While interactions with other cell types such as vascular and immune cells are critical for appropriate corpus luteum function, we are restricting this review to focus on granulosa, theca, and luteal cells and how perturbations such as androgen excess and inflammation may affect their function and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah M. Romereim
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - John S. Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Andrea S. Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
- *Correspondence: Andrea S. Cupp
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25
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Ziegler RL, Austin KJ, Blake JE, Rowell JE, Cupp AS, Shipka MP, Alexander BM. Depo-Provera increases neural activity in the central amygdala of reindeer bulls. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 2:S94. [PMID: 32704745 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txy075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reindeer bulls are difficult to manage and dangerous to handlers during the rutting period. Progesterone agonists have been used anecdotally in the field to favorably influence behavior, but effects on reproductive signaling have not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) on neural activity in the amygdala of reindeer bulls in the early (n = 4) and full (n = 4) rut. Treated bulls (n = 4) were injected with a single injection of Depo-Provera (400 mg i.m.) approximately 2 wk before rut was initiated. Control bulls were untreated. Bulls were exsanguinated and brains collected. Neural activity in the amygdala was determined using c-fos immunohistochemistry. Neural activity did not differ by treatment (P ≥ 0.5), collection period (P ≥ 0.5), or their interaction (P ≥ 0.3) in the medial and cortical amygdala nuclei. A treatment × time interaction (P = 0.009) was observed in the central amygdala. The amygdala nuclei are interconnected allowing for integration of sensory stimuli with a direct connection between the medial amygdala and the olfactory bulb. The central amygdala is responsible for alerting, fear, and initiating a state of arousal towards nonspecific stimuli in the surrounding environment. In wildlife, the central amygdala has a role in recognizing threats in the environment such as predators. During the rut, bulls normally have a decreased sense of fear and elevated aggressive behavior with Depo-Provera treatment seemly able to diminish that aggression. Although it is unlikely that this observed change in neural activity fully explains the decreased aggressive behavior noted in bulls treated with Depo-Provera, neural networks of aggression include the amygdala. It is possible that further changes in c-fos activity will be noted in other areas of the brain known to be necessary for processing social cues. Bulls treated with Depo-Provera maintain sexual interest and have offspring. Depo-Prevera increases the neural activity within the central amygdala and may partially account for their altered aggressive behavior during the rut.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Ziegler
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
| | - K J Austin
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
| | - J E Blake
- School of Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
| | - J E Rowell
- School of Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
| | - A S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
| | - M P Shipka
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
| | - B M Alexander
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
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26
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Barnes TL, Beede KA, Merrick EM, Cadaret CN, Cupp AS, Yates DT. Impaired muscle stem cell function in cows with high concentrations of androstenedione in their follicular fluid. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 2:S27-S30. [PMID: 30627703 PMCID: PMC6310365 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txy050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor L Barnes
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
| | - Kristin A Beede
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
| | - Elena M Merrick
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
| | | | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
| | - Dustin T Yates
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
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27
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Hamernik DL, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Triennial Reproduction Symposium: Looking back and moving forward-how reproductive physiology has evolved. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:2949-2951. [PMID: 29718286 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deb L Hamernik
- Agricultural Research Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE
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McFee RM, Cupp AS, Wood JR. Use of case-based or hands-on laboratory exercises with physiology lectures improves knowledge retention, but veterinary medicine students prefer case-based activities. Adv Physiol Educ 2018; 42:182-191. [PMID: 29616580 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00084.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Didactic lectures are prevalent in physiology courses within veterinary medicine programs, but more active learning methods have also been utilized. Our goal was to identify the most appropriate learning method to augment the lecture component of our physiology course. We hypothesized that case-based learning would be well received by students and would be more effective at helping them learn physiological concepts compared with more traditional laboratory exercises. In this study, approximately one-half of the laboratory sessions for the two-semester course were dedicated to traditional hands-on laboratory exercises, whereas the remaining one-half of the sessions were dedicated to case-based exercises. The lecture portion of the course was not altered. Student attitudes were evaluated after each session and at the end of each semester via quantitative and qualitative survey questions. Student performance was evaluated using section exams and end-of-semester posttests. The vast majority of survey responses received were positive for both cased-based activities and traditional hands-on laboratories. In addition, participation in both types of active learning activities, but not lecture, was associated with retention of conceptual knowledge based on student performance between the section exams and posttests ( P < 0.002). These results indicate that both case-based learning and laboratory exercises are beneficial learning activities to incorporate into a lecture-based physiology course. However, positive survey responses were significantly greater following case-based activities vs. traditional hands-on laboratories, and only participation in case-based activities resulted in greater student performance on the posttest ( P < 0.04). Therefore, case-based activities may be the preferred supplemental learning activity for veterinary medical physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee M McFee
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
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29
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Talbott H, Hou X, Qiu F, Zhang P, Guda C, Yu F, Cushman RA, Wood JR, Wang C, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Early transcriptome responses of the bovine midcycle corpus luteum to prostaglandin F2α includes cytokine signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 452:93-109. [PMID: 28549990 PMCID: PMC7388008 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In ruminants, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2α)-mediated luteolysis is essential prior to estrous cycle resumption, and is a target for improving fertility. To deduce early PGF2α-provoked changes in the corpus luteum a short time-course (0.5-4 h) was performed on cows at midcycle. A microarray-determined transcriptome was established and examined by bioinformatic pathway analysis. Classic PGF2α effects were evident by changes in early response genes (FOS, JUN, ATF3) and prediction of active pathways (PKC, MAPK). Several cytokine transcripts were elevated and NF-κB and STAT activation were predicted by pathway analysis. Self-organizing map analysis grouped differentially expressed transcripts into ten mRNA expression patterns indicative of temporal signaling cascades. Comparison with two analogous datasets revealed a conserved group of 124 transcripts similarly altered by PGF2α treatment, which both, directly and indirectly, indicated cytokine activation. Elevated levels of cytokine transcripts after PGF2α and predicted activation of cytokine pathways implicate inflammatory reactions early in PGF2α-mediated luteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Talbott
- Olson Center for Women's Health/Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 989450 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-9450, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- Olson Center for Women's Health/Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 989450 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-9450, USA.
| | - Fang Qiu
- Biostatistics Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984375 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4375, USA.
| | - Pan Zhang
- Olson Center for Women's Health/Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 989450 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-9450, USA.
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Core, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5805, USA.
| | - Fang Yu
- Biostatistics Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984375 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4375, USA.
| | - Robert A Cushman
- Nutrition and Environmental Management Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 166 (State Spur 18D)/USDA-ARS-PA-USMARC, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA.
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA.
| | - Cheng Wang
- Olson Center for Women's Health/Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 989450 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-9450, USA.
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA.
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health/Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 989450 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-9450, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
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30
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Romereim SM, Summers AF, Pohlmeier WE, Zhang P, Hou X, Talbott HA, Cushman RA, Wood JR, Davis JS, Cupp AS. Gene expression profiling of bovine ovarian follicular and luteal cells provides insight into cellular identities and functions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 439:379-394. [PMID: 27693538 PMCID: PMC6711749 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
After ovulation, somatic cells of the ovarian follicle (theca and granulosa cells) become the small and large luteal cells of the corpus luteum. Aside from known cell type-specific receptors and steroidogenic enzymes, little is known about the differences in the gene expression profiles of these four cell types. Analysis of the RNA present in each bovine cell type using Affymetrix microarrays yielded new cell-specific genetic markers, functional insight into the behavior of each cell type via Gene Ontology Annotations and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and evidence of small and large luteal cell lineages using Principle Component Analysis. Enriched expression of select genes for each cell type was validated by qPCR. This expression analysis offers insight into cell-specific behaviors and the differentiation process that transforms somatic follicular cells into luteal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Romereim
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA(2)
| | - Adam F Summers
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA(2).
| | - William E Pohlmeier
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA(2)
| | - Pan Zhang
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Olson Center for Women's Health, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Olson Center for Women's Health, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Heather A Talbott
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Olson Center for Women's Health, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Robert A Cushman
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Nutrition and Environmental Management Research, Spur 18D, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA.
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA(2)
| | - John S Davis
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Olson Center for Women's Health, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA(2).
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Romereim SM, Summers AF, Pohlmeier WE, Zhang P, Hou X, Talbott HA, Cushman RA, Wood JR, Davis JS, Cupp AS. Transcriptomes of bovine ovarian follicular and luteal cells. Data Brief 2016; 10:335-339. [PMID: 28004024 PMCID: PMC5157705 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2016.11.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Affymetrix Bovine GeneChip® Gene 1.0 ST Array RNA expression analysis was performed on four somatic ovarian cell types: the granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) of the dominant follicle and the large luteal cells (LLCs) and small luteal cells (SLCs) of the corpus luteum. The normalized linear microarray data was deposited to the NCBI GEO repository (GSE83524). Subsequent ANOVA determined genes that were enriched (≥2 fold more) or decreased (≤−2 fold less) in one cell type compared to all three other cell types, and these analyzed and filtered datasets are presented as tables. Genes that were shared in enriched expression in both follicular cell types (GCs and TCs) or in both luteal cells types (LLCs and SLCs) are also reported in tables. The standard deviation of the analyzed array data in relation to the log of the expression values is shown as a figure. These data have been further analyzed and interpreted in the companion article “Gene expression profiling of ovarian follicular and luteal cells provides insight into cellular identities and functions” (Romereim et al., 2017) [1].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Romereim
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Adam F. Summers
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - William E. Pohlmeier
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Pan Zhang
- University of Nebraska Medical Center; 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- University of Nebraska Medical Center; 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Heather A. Talbott
- University of Nebraska Medical Center; 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
| | - Robert A. Cushman
- USDA, ARS, US Meat Animal Research Center, Nutrition and Environmental Management Research, Spur 18D, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Wood
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - John S. Davis
- University of Nebraska Medical Center; 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Andrea S. Cupp
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
- Corresponding author.
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Abstract
Testis morphogenesis requires the integration and reorganization of multiple cell types from several sources, one of the more notable being the mesonephric-derived cell population. One of the earliest sex-specific morphogenetic events in the gonad is a wave of endothelial cell migration from the mesonephros that is crucial for (1) partitioning the gonad into domains for testis cords, (2) providing the vasculature of the testis, and (3) signaling to cells both within the gonad and beyond it to coordinately regulate testis development. In addition to endothelial cell migration, there is evidence that precursors of peritubular myoid cells migrate from the mesonephros, an event which is also important for testis cord architecture. Investigation of the mesonephric cell migration event has utilized histology, lineage tracing with mouse genetic markers, and many studies of the signaling molecules/pathways involved. Some of the more well-studied signaling molecules involved include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and neurotrophins. In this chapter, the morphogenetic events, relevant signaling pathways, mechanisms underlying the migration, and the role of the migratory cells within the testis will be discussed. Overall, the migration of mesonephric cells into the early testis is indispensable for its development and future functionality.
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Sutovsky P, Cupp AS, Thompson W, Baker M. Reproductive systems biology tackles global issues of population growth, food safety and reproductive health. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:1-5. [PMID: 26578088 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, S141 ASRC, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211-5300, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Missouri, S141 ASRC, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211-5300, USA.
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| | - Winston Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.,Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Mark Baker
- Reproductive Proteomics, Discipline of Biological, Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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Sargent KM, Clopton DT, Lu N, Pohlmeier WE, Cupp AS. VEGFA splicing: divergent isoforms regulate spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:31-45. [PMID: 26553653 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite being well-known for regulating angiogenesis in both normal and tumorigenic environments, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) has been recently implicated in male fertility, namely in the maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC). The VEGFA gene can be spliced into multiple distinct isoforms that are either angiogenic or antiangiogenic in nature. Although studies have demonstrated the alternative splicing of VEGFA, including the divergent roles of the two isoform family types, many investigations do not differentiate between them. Data concerning VEGFA in the mammalian testis are limited, but the various angiogenic isoforms appear to promote seminiferous cord formation and to form a gradient across which cells may migrate. Treatment with either antiangiogenic isoforms of VEGFA or with inhibitors to angiogenic signaling impair these processes. Serendipitously, expression of KDR, the primary receptor for both types of VEGFA isoforms, was observed on male germ cells. These findings led to further investigation of the way that VEGFA elicits avascular functions within testes. Following treatment of donor perinatal male mice with either antiangiogenic VEGFA165b or angiogenic VEGFA164 isoforms, seminiferous tubules were less colonized following transplantation with cells from VEGFA165b-treated donors. Thus, VEGFA165b and possibly other antiangiogenic isoforms of VEGFA reduce SSC number either by promoting premature differentiation, inducing cell death, or by preventing SSC formation. Thus, angiogenic isoforms of VEGFA are hypothesized to promote SSC self-renewal, and the divergent isoforms are thought to balance one another to maintain SSC homeostasis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Debra T Clopton
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Ningxia Lu
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - William E Pohlmeier
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA.
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Sargent KM, McFee RM, Spuri Gomes R, Cupp AS. Vascular endothelial growth factor A: just one of multiple mechanisms for sex-specific vascular development within the testis? J Endocrinol 2015; 227:R31-50. [PMID: 26562337 PMCID: PMC4646736 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Testis development from an indifferent gonad is a critical step in embryogenesis. A hallmark of testis differentiation is sex-specific vascularization that occurs as endothelial cells migrate from the adjacent mesonephros into the testis to surround Sertoli-germ cell aggregates and induce seminiferous cord formation. Many in vitro experiments have demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a critical regulator of this process. Both inhibitors to VEGFA signal transduction and excess VEGFA isoforms in testis organ cultures impaired vascular development and seminiferous cord formation. However, in vivo models using mice which selectively eliminated all VEGFA isoforms: in Sertoli and germ cells (pDmrt1-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)); Sertoli and Leydig cells (Amhr2-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)) or Sertoli cells (Amh-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) and Sry-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)) displayed testes with observably normal cords and vasculature at postnatal day 0 and onwards. Embryonic testis development may be delayed in these mice; however, the postnatal data indicate that VEGFA isoforms secreted from Sertoli, Leydig or germ cells are not required for testis morphogenesis within the mouse. A Vegfa signal transduction array was employed on postnatal testes from Sry-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) versus controls. Ptgs1 (Cox1) was the only upregulated gene (fivefold). COX1 stimulates angiogenesis and upregulates, VEGFA, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGD2. Thus, other gene pathways may compensate for VEGFA loss, similar to multiple independent mechanisms to maintain SOX9 expression. Multiple independent mechanism that induce vascular development in the testis may contribute to and safeguard the sex-specific vasculature development responsible for inducing seminiferous cord formation, thus ensuring appropriate testis morphogenesis in the male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Renee M McFee
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Renata Spuri Gomes
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
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Summers AF, Pohlmeier WE, Sargent KM, Cole BD, Vinton RJ, Kurz SG, McFee RM, Cushman RA, Cupp AS, Wood JR. Altered theca and cumulus oocyte complex gene expression, follicular arrest and reduced fertility in cows with dominant follicle follicular fluid androgen excess. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110683. [PMID: 25330369 PMCID: PMC4199720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspiration of bovine follicles 12-36 hours after induced corpus luteum lysis serendipitously identified two populations of cows, one with High androstenedione (A4; >40 ng/ml; mean = 102) and another with Low A4 (<20 ng/ml; mean = 9) in follicular fluid. We hypothesized that the steroid excess in follicular fluid of dominant follicles in High A4 cows would result in reduced fertility through altered follicle development and oocyte maternal RNA abundance. To test this hypothesis, estrous cycles of cows were synchronized and ovariectomy was performed 36 hours later. HPLC MS/MS analysis of follicular fluid showed increased dehydroepiandrosterone (6-fold), A4 (158-fold) and testosterone (31-fold) in the dominant follicle of High A4 cows. However, estrone (3-fold) and estradiol (2-fold) concentrations were only slightly elevated, suggesting a possible inefficiency in androgen to estrogen conversion in High A4 cows. Theca cell mRNA expression of LHCGR, GATA6, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1 was greater in High A4 cows. Furthermore, abundance of ZAR1 was decreased 10-fold in cumulus oocyte complexes from High A4 cows, whereas NLRP5 abundance tended to be 19.8-fold greater (P = 0.07). There was a tendency for reduction in stage 4 follicles in ovarian cortex samples from High A4 cows suggesting that progression to antral stages were impaired. High A4 cows tended (P<0.07) to have a 17% reduction in calving rate compared with Low A4 cows suggesting reduced fertility in the High A4 population. These data suggest that the dominant follicle environment of High A4 cows including reduced estrogen conversion and androgen excess contributes to infertility in part through altered follicular and oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam F. Summers
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - William E. Pohlmeier
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Kevin M. Sargent
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Brizett D. Cole
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J. Vinton
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Scott G. Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Renee M. McFee
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Cushman
- USDA-ARS Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Andrea S. Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jennifer R. Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Talbott H, Delaney A, Zhang P, Yu Y, Cushman RA, Cupp AS, Hou X, Davis JS. Effects of IL8 and immune cells on the regulation of luteal progesterone secretion. Reproduction 2014; 148:21-31. [PMID: 24686456 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that chemokines may mediate the luteolytic action of prostaglandin F2α (PGF). Our objective was to identify chemokines induced by PGF in vivo and to determine the effects of interleukin 8 (IL8) on specific luteal cell types in vitro. Mid-cycle cows were injected with saline or PGF, ovaries were removed after 0.5-4 h, and expression of chemokine was analyzed by qPCR. In vitro expression of IL8 was analyzed after PGF administration and with cell signaling inhibitors to determine the mechanism of PGF-induced chemokine expression. Purified neutrophils were analyzed for migration and activation in response to IL8 and PGF. Purified luteal cell types (steroidogenic, endothelial, and fibroblast cells) were used to identify which cells respond to chemokines. Neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cocultured with steroidogenic cells to determine their effect on progesterone production. IL8, CXCL2, CCL2, and CCL8 transcripts were rapidly increased following PGF treatment in vivo. The stimulatory action of PGF on IL8 mRNA expression in vitro was prevented by inhibition of p38 and JNK signaling. IL8, but not PGF, TNF, or TGFB1, stimulated neutrophil migration. IL8 had no apparent action in purified luteal steroidogenic, endothelial, or fibroblast cells, but stimulated ERK phosphorylation in neutrophils. In coculture experiments neither IL8 nor activated neutrophils altered basal or LH-stimulated luteal cell progesterone synthesis. In contrast, activated PBMCs inhibited LH-stimulated progesterone synthesis from cultured luteal cells. These data implicate a complex cascade of events during luteolysis, involving chemokine signaling, neutrophil recruitment, and immune cell action within the corpus luteum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Talbott
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USA
| | - Abigail Delaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USA
| | - Pan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USA
| | - Yangsheng Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USA
| | - Robert A Cushman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USA
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USADepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyOlson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USADepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture-U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USADepartment of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USAVA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983255 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3255, USA
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Kurz SG, Dennison KL, Samanas NB, Hickman MP, Eckert QA, Walker TL, Cupp AS, Shull JD. Ept7 influences estrogen action in the pituitary gland and body weight of rats. Mamm Genome 2014; 25:244-52. [PMID: 24448715 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-014-9504-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens control many aspects of pituitary gland biology, including regulation of lactotroph homeostasis and synthesis and secretion of prolactin. In rat models, these actions are strain specific and heritable, and multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been mapped that impact the responsiveness of the lactotroph to estrogens. One such QTL, Ept7, was mapped to RNO7 in female progeny generated in an intercross between BN rats, in which the lactotroph population is insensitive to estrogens, and ACI rats, which develop lactotroph hyperplasia/adenoma and associated hyperprolactinemia in response to estrogen treatment. The primary objective of this study was to confirm the existence of Ept7 and to quantify the impact of this QTL on responsiveness of the pituitary gland of female and male rats to 17β-estradiol (E2) and diethylstilbestrol (DES), respectively. Secondary objectives were to determine if Ept7 influences the responsiveness of the male reproductive tract to DES and to identify other discernible phenotypes influenced by Ept7. To achieve these objectives, a congenic rat strain that harbors BN alleles across the Ept7 interval on the genetic background of the ACI strain was generated and characterized to define the effect of administered estrogens on the anterior pituitary gland and male reproductive tissues. Data presented herein indicate Ept7 exerts a marked effect on development of lactotroph hyperplasia in response to estrogen treatment, but does not affect atrophy of the male reproductive tissues in response to hormone treatment. Ept7 was also observed to exert gender specific effects on body weight in young adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Kurz
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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Lu N, Sargent KM, Clopton DT, Pohlmeier WE, Brauer VM, McFee RM, Weber JS, Ferrara N, Silversides DW, Cupp AS. Loss of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoforms in the testes of male mice causes subfertility, reduces sperm numbers, and alters expression of genes that regulate undifferentiated spermatogonia. Endocrinology 2013; 154:4790-802. [PMID: 24169552 PMCID: PMC3836063 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoform treatment has been demonstrated to alter spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis. Therefore, we generated pDmrt1-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) (knockout, KO) mice by crossing pDmrt1-Cre mice to floxed Vegfa mice to test whether loss of all VEGFA isoforms in Sertoli and germ cells would impair spermatogenesis. When first mated, KO males took 14 days longer to get control females pregnant (P < .02) and tended to take longer for all subsequent parturition intervals (9 days; P < .07). Heterozygous males sired fewer pups per litter (P < .03) and after the first litter took 10 days longer (P < .05) to impregnate females, suggesting a more progressive loss of fertility. Reproductive organs were collected from 6-month-old male mice. There were fewer sperm per tubule in the corpus epididymides (P < .001) and fewer ZBTB16-stained undifferentiated spermatogonia (P < .003) in the testes of KO males. Testicular mRNA abundance for Bcl2 (P < .02), Bcl2:Bax (P < .02), Neurog3 (P < .007), and Ret was greater (P = .0005), tended to be greater for Sin3a and tended to be reduced for total Foxo1 (P < .07) in KO males. Immunofluorescence for CD31 and VE-Cadherin showed no differences in testis vasculature; however, CD31-positive staining was evident in undifferentiated spermatogonia only in KO testes. Therefore, loss of VEGFA isoforms in Sertoli and germ cells alters genes necessary for long-term maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, ultimately reducing sperm numbers and resulting in subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxia Lu
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908.
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McFee RM, Cupp AS. Vascular contributions to early ovarian development: potential roles of VEGFA isoforms. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:333-42. [PMID: 23021322 DOI: 10.1071/rd12134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascularisation is an essential component of ovarian morphogenesis; however, little is known regarding factors regulating the establishment of vasculature in the ovary. Angiogenesis involving extensive endothelial cell migration is a critical component of vessel formation in the embryonic testis but vasculogenic mechanisms appear to play a prominent role in ovarian vascularisation. Vasculature has a strong influence on the formation of ovarian structures, and the early developmental processes of ovigerous cord formation, primordial follicle assembly and follicle activation are all initiated in regions of the ovary that are in close association with the highly vascular medulla. The principal angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), has an important role in both endothelial cell differentiation and vascular pattern development. Expression of VEGFA has been localised to ovigerous cords and follicles in developing ovaries and an increased expression of pro-angiogenic Vegfa isoform mRNA in relation to anti-angiogenic isoform mRNA occurs at the same time-point as the peak of primordial follicle assembly in perinatal rats. Elucidation of specific genes that affect vascular development within the ovary may be critical for determining not only the normal mechanisms of ovarian morphogenesis, but also for understanding certain ovarian reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee M McFee
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NB 68583-0908, USA
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Sargent KM, Bremer ML, Pohlmeier WE, Brauer VM, Cupp AS. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) Loss in Sertoli Cells Increases Testis Weight and Alters Expression of Genes Necessary for Undifferentiated Spermatogonia Self-Renewal, Differentiation, and Cell Survival. Biol Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/87.s1.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Summers AF, Pohlmeier WE, McFee RM, Brauer VM, Kurz S, Cushman RA, Wood JR, Cupp AS. VEGFA164_B mRNA Abundance Has a Positive Relationship to AMH, BCL2 and the Ratio of E2:A4 in Mural Granulosa Cells of Estrogen Active and Inactive Follicles Prior to Ovulation. Biol Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/87.s1.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoform regulation of cell fate decisions of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) in vivo. The expression pattern and cell-specific distribution of VEGF isoforms, receptors, and coreceptors during testis development postnatal d 1-180 suggest a nonvascular function for VEGF regulation of early germ cell homeostasis. Populations of undifferentiated spermatogonia present shortly after birth were positive for VEGF receptor activation as demonstrated by immunohistochemical analysis. Thus, we hypothesized that proangiogenic isoforms of VEGF (VEGFA(164)) stimulate SSC self-renewal, whereas antiangiogenic isoforms of VEGF (VEGFA(165)b) induce differentiation of SSC. To test this hypothesis, we used transplantation to assay the stem cell activity of SSC obtained from neonatal mice treated daily from postnatal d 3-5 with 1) vehicle, 2) VEGFA(164), 3) VEGFA(165)b, 4) IgG control, 5) anti-VEGFA(164), and 6) anti-VEGFA(165)b. SSC transplantation analysis demonstrated that VEGFA(164) supports self-renewal, whereas VEGFA(165)b stimulates differentiation of mouse SSC in vivo. Gene expression analysis of SSC-associated factors and morphometric analysis of germ cell populations confirmed the effects of treatment on modulating the biological activity of SSC. These findings indicate a nonvascular role for VEGF in testis development and suggest that a delicate balance between VEGFA(164) and VEGFA(165)b isoforms orchestrates the cell fate decisions of SSC. Future in vivo and in vitro experimentation will focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which VEGFA isoforms regulate SSC homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle C Caires
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
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Davis JS, Hou X, Maroni D, Talbott H, Fan J, Guda C(B, Yu F, Cushman RA, Cupp AS. Rapid Induction of Gene Expression in the Corpus Luteum Following In Vivo Treatment with Prostaglandin F2 Alpha. Biol Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/85.s1.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Pohlmeier WE, Sargent KM, Wolfe M, Brauer VM, Bates DO, Cupp AS. hVEGFA165b Over-expression Leads to Reduced Ovarian Size and Primordial Follicle Number in Mice. Biol Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/85.s1.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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McLean DJ, Caires KC, de Avila J, Cupp AS. VEGFA Isoforms Regulate the Biological Activity of Spermatogonial Stem Cells In Vivo. Biol Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/85.s1.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Brauer V, Lu N, Clopton DT, Pohlmeier WE, Ferrara N, Cupp AS. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) Isoform Loss Reduces Ovarian Size, Estrogen Concentrations, mRNA Abundance of Genes Critical to Follicular Development and Oocyte Growth Resulting in Subfertility. Biol Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/85.s1.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Summers A, Cushman R, Smith JE, Lammers B, McFee R, Pohlmeier W, Brauer V, Sargent K, Lu N, Cupp AS, Wood JR. Females with Reduced Fertility Have Excess Androstenedione in Follicular Fluid, Altered Theca Gene Expression and Increased VEGFA164b, Maternal Effect, and microRNA Processing mRNA Levels in Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes. Biol Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/85.s1.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Lu N, Clopton DT, Pohlmeier W, Brauer V, Silversides D, Ferrara N, Cupp AS. Sertoli and Granulosa Cell-Specific Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Loss Using pDMRT-1 Cre Alters Gonadal Morphogenesis and Function. Biol Reprod 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/83.s1.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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