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Chakravarthi VP, Dilower I, Ghosh S, Borosha S, Mohamadi R, Dahiya V, Vo K, Lee EB, Ratri A, Kumar V, Marsh CA, Fields PE, Rumi MAK. ERβ Regulation of Indian Hedgehog Expression in the First Wave of Ovarian Follicles. Cells 2024; 13:644. [PMID: 38607081 PMCID: PMC11011683 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased activation of ovarian primordial follicles in Erβ knockout (ErβKO) rats becomes evident as early as postnatal day 8.5. To identify the ERβ-regulated genes that may control ovarian primordial follicle activation, we analyzed the transcriptome profiles of ErβKO rat ovaries collected on postnatal days 4.5, 6.5, and 8.5. Compared to wildtype ovaries, ErβKO ovaries displayed dramatic downregulation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression. IHH-regulated genes, including Hhip, Gli1, and Ptch1, were also downregulated in ErβKO ovaries. This was associated with a downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, and Hsd17b1. The expression of Ihh remained very low in ErβKO ovaries despite the high levels of Gdf9 and Bmp15, which are known upregulators of Ihh expression in the granulosa cells of activated ovarian follicles. Strikingly, the downregulation of the Ihh gene in ErβKO ovaries began to disappear on postnatal day 16.5 and recovered on postnatal day 21.5. In rat ovaries, the first wave of primordial follicles is rapidly activated after their formation, whereas the second wave of primordial follicles remains dormant in the ovarian cortex and slowly starts activating after postnatal day 12.5. We localized the expression of Ihh mRNA in postnatal day 8.5 wildtype rat ovaries but not in the age-matched ErβKO ovaries. In postnatal day 21.5 ErβKO rat ovaries, we detected Ihh mRNA mainly in the activated follicles in the ovaries' peripheral regions. Our findings indicate that the expression of Ihh in the granulosa cells of the activated first wave of ovarian follicles depends on ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Praveen Chakravarthi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Iman Dilower
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Subhra Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Shaon Borosha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Ryan Mohamadi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Vinesh Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Kevin Vo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Eun B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Anamika Ratri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Vishnu Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Courtney A. Marsh
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Patrick E. Fields
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
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Wang P, Gong Y, Li D, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Geng X, Zhang X, Tian Y, Li W, Sun G, Han R, Kang X, Li Z, Jiang R. Effect of induced molting on ovarian function remodeling in laying hens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102820. [PMID: 37329628 PMCID: PMC10404790 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102820] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced molting (IM) can restore the laying rate of aged laying hens to the peak level of laying and rejuvenate ovarian function for the second laying cycle. To explore the mechanism of ovarian function remodeling during IM in laying hens, in this study, ninety 71-wk-old laying lady hens with 60% laying rate and uniform weight were selected for molting induction by fasting. Samples (serum and fresh ovarian tissue) were collected on the day before fasting (F0), the 3rd and 16th days of fasting (F3, F16), and the 6th, 15th, 32nd days of refeeding (R6, R15, and R32), and the number of follicles in each period was counted. Then, the reproductive hormone levels in serum and antioxidant levels in ovarian tissues were detected at different stages, and the gene expression of the KIT-PI3K-PTEN-AKT pathway and GDF-9 in ovaries was measured by qRT-PCR. The results showed that the laying rate increased rapidly after refeeding and returned to the prefasting level by R32. At F16 and R6, the number of mature follicles significantly decreased; the number of primary and secondary follicles significantly increased; the contents of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) in serum decreased; the relative expression of KIT, PI3K, AKT, and GDF-9 significantly increased; and that of PTEN significantly decreased. At R15 and R32, except for GDF-9, which maintained a high expression state, other indicators showed opposing trends to those observed at F16 and R6. In conclusion, IM activated the KIT-PI3K-PTEN-AKT signaling pathway and promoted the activation of primordial follicles during the fasting period and early resumption of feeding; gonadotropin secretion increased gradually, which promoted the rapid development of primary and secondary follicles to mature follicles and ovulation. This study explained the mechanism of ovarian function remodeling in the process of IM and provided a theoretical basis for improving the ovarian function of laying hens and optimizing the IM program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yujie Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Donghua Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xinlong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiaoqing Geng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiaoran Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yadong Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Wenting Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Guirong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruili Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Zhuanjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruirui Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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Zhang L, Zou J, Wang Z, Li L. A Subpathway and Target Gene Cluster-Based Approach Uncovers lncRNAs Associated with Human Primordial Follicle Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10525. [PMID: 37445702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310525] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a critical regulator in controlling the expression level of genes involved in cell differentiation and development. Primordial follicle activation (PFA) is the first step for follicle maturation, and excessive PFA results in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the correlation between lncRNA and cell differentiation was largely unknown, especially during PFA. In this study, we observed the expression level of lncRNA was more specific than protein-coding genes in both follicles and granulosa cells, suggesting lncRNA might play a crucial role in follicle development. Hence, a systematical framework was needed to infer the functions of lncRNAs during PFA. Additionally, an increasing number of studies indicate that the subpathway is more precise in reflecting biological processes than the entire pathway. Given the complex expression patterns of lncRNA target genes, target genes were further clustered based on their expression similarity and classification performance to reveal the activated/inhibited gene modules, which intuitively illustrated the diversity of lncRNA regulation. Moreover, the knockdown of SBF2-AS1 in the A549 cell line and ZFAS1 in the SK-Hep1 cell line further validated the function of SBF2-AS1 in regulating the Hippo signaling subpathway and ZFAS1 in the cell cycle subpathway. Overall, our findings demonstrated the importance of subpathway analysis in uncovering the functions of lncRNAs during PFA, and paved new avenues for future lncRNA-associated research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiyuan Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Madsen JF, Amoushahi M, Choi CP, Bundgaard S, Heuck A, Lykke-Hartmann K. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase PDE8B reduces activation of primordial follicles in mouse ovaries. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:378-388. [PMID: 37499226 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23699] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In the ovaries, cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger supporting the generation of steroids. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are regulators of intracellular cAMP, and therefore, potential regulators of ovarian function. Interestingly, the family of PDE genes are differentially expressed in human oocytes and granulosa cells from primordial and primary follicles, suggesting diverse roles. In this study, we addressed the functions of PDE3B and PDE8B in primordial follicle regulation using inhibitors of PDE3B and PDE8B in murine ovary primary in vitro cultures. Inhibition of PDE8B in ovarian cultures prevented primordial follicle activation, while inhibition of PDE3B had no effect on follicle distribution in the ovary, under the tested conditions. As cAMP levels may increase steroid levels, we assessed the protein levels of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and aromatase enzymes, and found that inhibition of PDE3B reduced StAR protein levels, whereas inhibition of PDE8 did not alter StAR expression in our murine ovary culture system conditions. Our results showed that ketotifen-induced inhibition of PDE8B can decrease primordial follicle activation, whereas we observed no effect of follicle distribution, when PDE3B was inhibited. Expression of the StaR enzyme was not altered when PDE8B was inhibited, which might reflect not sufficient inhibition by ketotifen to induce StAR alterations, or redundant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stine Bundgaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Heuck
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karin Lykke-Hartmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Han L, Huang Y, Li B, Wang W, Sun YL, Zhang X, Zhang W, Liu S, Zhou W, Xia W, Zhang M. The metallic compound promotes primordial follicle activation and ameliorates fertility deficits in aged mice. Theranostics 2023; 13:3131-3148. [PMID: 37351158 PMCID: PMC10283063 DOI: 10.7150/thno.82553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Aged women and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients have residual dormant primordial follicles that are hard to be activated through a physiological process. However, there are no effective and safe drugs to help them. Methods: We used the in vitro culture model of newborn mouse ovaries to identify the drugs that promote primordial follicle activation and study its mechanisms. It was verified by in vivo injection model of newborn mice and in vitro culture model of human ovarian tissue. In addition, we used the aged mice as a low infertility model to verify the effects of primordial follicle activation, and fertility by drugs. Results: Eleven metallic compounds activated mouse primordial follicles, and the five most effective compounds were selected for further study. Thapsigargin (TG), CrCl3, MnCl2, FeCl3 and ZnSO4 increased the levels of the glycolysis-related proteins (glucose transporter type 4, GLUT4; hexokinase 1, HK1; pyruvate kinase M2, PKM2; phosphofructokinase, liver type, PFKL), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) in cultured mouse ovaries. The compound-promoted p-mTOR levels could be completely blocked by 2-DG (the inhibitor of glycolysis). The compounds also increased the levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt). TG-, CrCl3- and FeCl3-promoted p-Akt levels, but not MnCl2- and ZnSO4- promoted p-Akt levels, could be completely blocked by ISCK03 (the inhibitor of proto-oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase, KIT). The injection of newborn mice with the compounds also activated primordial follicles and increased the levels of the glycolysis-related proteins, p-mTOR, and p-Akt. The oral administration of the compounds in adolescent and aged mice promoted primordial follicle activation, and had no obvious side effect. Importantly, ZnSO4 also increased ovulated oocytes, oocyte quality and offspring in aged mice. Furthermore, the compounds promoted human primordial follicle activation and increased the levels of the glycolysis-related proteins, p-mTOR, and p-Akt. Conclusion: The metallic compounds activate primordial follicles through the glycolysis-dependent mTOR pathway and/or the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the oral administration of ZnSO4 enhances fertility in aged mice. We suggest that these metallic compounds may be oral drugs to ameliorate fertility deficits in aged women and POI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lincheng Han
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yingying Huang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Biao Li
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Weiyong Wang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yan-li Sun
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, China
| | - Meijia Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
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Zhang Y, Wang H, Zhu Y, Hou X, Li X, Zhou X, Ge L, Xu J, Su Y. The novel peptide PFAP1 promotes primordial follicle activation by binding to MCM5. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22931. [PMID: 37086099 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201495rr] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a complication of ovarian dysfunction resulting from the depletion or dysfunction of primordial follicles (PFs) in the ovaries. However, residual follicles that have the potential to be activated are present in POF or aged women. Little is known about the mechanisms by which the remaining dormant PFs in POF patients are activated. Using mass spectrometry, we screened differentially generated peptides extracted from the ovarian cortical tissue biopsies of patients with or without POF, during which we identified PFAP1, a peptide that significantly promoted the activation of PFs in the ovaries of 3 dpp mice in vitro. PFAP1 reversed age-related fertility damage in vivo to a certain extent, promoted estrogen (E2) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) production (p < .05), and decreased the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (p < .05). In newborn mouse ovaries, PFAP1 could bind to the protein minichromosome maintenance protein 5 (MCM5) and inhibit its ubiquitination and degradation. In addition, PFAP1 promoted the proliferation of GCs, probably by regulating the function and production of MCM5. In conclusion, PFAP1 could promote the activation of PFs in the ovaries of newborn mice, partially restore the ovarian function of aged mice, and increase the proliferation of primary granulosa cells (GCs) by regulating the function of MCM5. PFAP1 is a promising novel peptide that may be developed into a new therapeutic agent for POF and other ovarian diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Hanbin Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojing Hou
- Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Ge
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Yiping Su
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
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Grosbois J, Bailie EC, Kelsey TW, Anderson RA, Telfer EE. Spatio-temporal remodelling of the composition and architecture of the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix during in vitro culture. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:444-458. [PMID: 36721914 PMCID: PMC9977129 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead008] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does in vitro culture alter the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix (ECM) network structure? SUMMARY ANSWER The ECM composition and architecture vary in the different layers of the ovarian cortex and are remodelled during in vitro culture. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The ovarian ECM is the scaffold within which follicles and stromal cells are organized. Its composition and structural properties constantly evolve to accommodate follicle development and expansion. Tissue preparation for culture of primordial follicles within the native ECM involves mechanical loosening; this induces undefined modifications in the ECM network and alters cell-cell contact, leading to spontaneous follicle activation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fresh ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from six women aged 28-38 years (mean ± SD: 32.7 ± 4.1 years) at elective caesarean section. Biopsies were cut into fragments of ∼4 × 1 × 1 mm and cultured for 0, 2, 4, or 6 days (D). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Primordial follicle activation, stromal cell density, and ECM-related protein (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, laminin) positive area in the entire cortex were quantified at each time point using histological and immunohistological analysis. Collagen and elastin content, collagen fibre characteristics, and follicle distribution within the tissue were further quantified within each layer of the human ovarian cortex, namely the outer cortex, the mid-cortex, and the cortex-medulla junction regions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Primordial follicle activation occurred concomitantly with a loosening of the ovarian cortex during culture, characterized by an early decrease in stromal cell density from 3.6 ± 0.2 × 106 at day 0 (D0) to 2.8 ± 0.1 × 106 cells/mm3 at D2 (P = 0.033) and a dynamic remodelling of the ECM. Notably, collagen content gradually fell from 55.5 ± 1.7% positive area at D0 to 42.3 ± 1.1% at D6 (P = 0.001), while elastin increased from 1.1 ± 0.2% at D0 to 1.9 ± 0.1% at D6 (P = 0.001). Fibronectin and laminin content remained stable. Moreover, collagen and elastin distribution were uneven throughout the cortex and during culture. Analysis at the sub-region level showed that collagen deposition was maximal in the outer cortex and the lowest in the mid-cortex (69.4 ± 1.2% versus 53.8 ± 0.8% positive area, respectively, P < 0.0001), and cortical collagen staining overall decreased from D0 to D2 (65.2 ± 2.4% versus 60.6 ± 1.8%, P = 0.033) then stabilized. Elastin showed the converse distribution, being most concentrated at the cortex-medulla junction (3.7 ± 0.6% versus 0.9 ± 0.2% in the outer cortex, P < 0.0001), and cortical elastin peaked at D6 compared to D0 (3.1 ± 0.5% versus 1.3 ± 0.2%, P < 0.0001). This was corroborated by a specific signature of the collagen fibre type across the cortex, indicating a distinct phenotype of the ovarian cortical ECM depending on region and culture period that might be responsible for the spatio-temporal and developmental pattern of follicular distribution observed within the cortex. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from women undergoing caesarean sections. As such, the data obtained may not accurately reflect the ECM distribution and structure of non-pregnant women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Clarifying the composition and architecture signature of the human ovarian cortical ECM provides a foundation for further exploration of ovarian microenvironments. It is also critical for understanding the ECM-follicle interactions regulating follicle quiescence and awakening, leading to improvements in both in vitro activation and in vitro growth techniques. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Medical Research Council grant MR/R003246/1 and Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award in Science: 215625/Z/19/Z. The authors have no conflicts to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily C Bailie
- Institute of Cell Biology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tom W Kelsey
- School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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8
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Zhang T, He M, Zhang J, Tong Y, Chen T, Wang C, Pan W, Xiao Z. Mechanisms of primordial follicle activation and new pregnancy opportunity for premature ovarian failure patients. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1113684. [PMID: 36926197 PMCID: PMC10011087 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1113684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Primordial follicles are the starting point of follicular development and the basic functional unit of female reproduction. Primordial follicles are formed around birth, and most of the primordial follicles then enter a dormant state. Since primordial follicles are limited in number and can't be renewed, dormant primordial follicles cannot be reversed once they enter the growing state. Thus, the orderly occurrence of primordial follicles selective activation directly affects the rate of follicle consumption and thus determines the length of female reproductive lifespan. Studies have found that appropriately inhibiting the activation rate of primordial follicles can effectively slow down the rate of follicle consumption, maintain fertility and delay ovarian aging. Based on the known mechanisms of primordial follicle activation, primordial follicle in vitro activation (IVA) technique has been clinically developed. IVA can help patients with premature ovarian failure, middle-aged infertile women, or infertile women due to gynecological surgery treatment to solve infertility problems. The study of the mechanism of selective activation of primordial follicles can contribute to the development of more efficient and safe IVA techniques. In this paper, recent mechanisms of primordial follicle activation and its clinical application are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Meina He
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuntong Tong
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tengxiang Chen
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ziwen Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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9
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Wang Y, Zhang J, Liang J, Jia L, Niu S, Cheng K, Yang C, Lu Z, Mu L, Yang X, Zhang Y, Zhang H. In vivo promotion of primordial follicle activation by stem cell factor treatment in mice with premature ovarian insufficiency and advanced age. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 29:6881085. [PMID: 36477300 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac041] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dormant primordial follicles (PFs) are the most abundant reproductive resource in mammalian ovaries. With advances in the mechanism of study of the regulation of PF activation, PFs have been used to improve fertility in clinical practice. As a central controlling element of follicle activation signaling, the pre-granulosa cell-secreted stem cell factor (SCF; also known as KIT ligand, KITL), which initiates the growth of dormant oocytes, is an ideal natural activator that stimulates follicle activation. However, no systematic study has been conducted to identify the activating effect of SCF in vivo and in vitro. In this study, by combining an in vitro whole ovary culture system and several mouse models, we provide a series of experimental evidence that SCF is an efficient activator for improving PF activation in mouse ovaries. Our in vitro study showed that SCF increased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling and PF activation ratio in neonatal ovaries. In vivo ovarian non-invasive topical administrations of SCF to the ovaries efficiently improved follicle activation and development, oocyte retrieval ratio and fertility in inducible premature ovarian insufficiency mouse models and aged mice. Our study suggests that SCF is an efficient growth factor that can be applied to improve PF activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health (Institute of Nutrition and Health), China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Longzhong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shudong Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaixin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zining Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuebing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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10
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Ataei-Nazari S, Amoushahi M, Madsen JF, Jensen J, Heuck A, Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh A, Lykke-Hartmann K. Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) as a potent regulator of the ovarian primordial-to-primary follicle transition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1036917. [PMID: 36619863 PMCID: PMC9816807 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1036917] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Ovarian follicle development requires tight coordination between several factors to initiate folliculogenesis to generate a mature and fertile egg. Studies have shown that cell cycle factors might contribute to follicle development, hover specific knowledge on individual CDKs and follicle activation has not been investigated. Among cell cycle regulators, CDK6 is a key player through binding to cyclin D resulting DNA synthesis and genome duplication. Interestingly, the CDK6 gene is differentially expressed in oocytes and granulosa cells from human primordial and primary follicles, which suggest a potential role of CDK6 in the primordial-to-primary transition. In this study, we investigated the potential regulatory role of CDK6 in progression of primordial to primary follicle transition using BSJ-03-123 (BSJ), a CDK6-specific degrader. Methods: In mouse ovarian in vitro culture, BSJ reduced the activation of primordial follicles, and reduced follicle development. As a next step, we examined the egg maturation read-out and found that BSJ-treated follicles matured to competent MII eggs with resumption of first meiosis, comparable with the control group. Results: Noteworthy, it appears that inhibition of CDK6 did increase number of apotoptic cells, articular in the granulosa cells, but had no impact on ROS level of cultured ovaries compared to control group, indicating that the cells were not stressed. Oocyte quality thus appeared safe. Discussion: The results of this study indicate that CDK6 plays a role in the primordial-to-primary transition, suggesting that cell cycle regulation is an essential part of ovarian follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Ataei-Nazari
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M. Amoushahi
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - JF. Madsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - J. Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A. Heuck
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - K. Lykke-Hartmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark,*Correspondence: K. Lykke-Hartmann,
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11
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Zhou S, Xi Y, Chen Y, Fu F, Yan W, Li M, Wu Y, Luo A, Li Y, Wang S. Low WIP1 Expression Accelerates Ovarian Aging by Promoting Follicular Atresia and Primordial Follicle Activation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233920. [PMID: 36497179 PMCID: PMC9736686 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233920] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that ovarian wild-type P53-induced phosphatase 1 (WIP1) expression decreased with age. We hypothesized that WIP1 activity was related to ovarian aging. The role of WIP1 in regulating ovarian aging and its mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Adult female mice with or without WIP1 inhibitor (GSK2830371) treatment were divided into three groups (Veh, GSK-7.5, GSK-15) to evaluate the effect of WIP1 on ovarian endocrine and reproductive function and the ovarian reserve. In vitro follicle culture and primary granulosa cell culture were applied to explore the mechanisms of WIP1 in regulating follicular development. This study revealed that WIP1 expression in atretic follicle granulosa cells is significantly lower than that in healthy follicles. Inhibiting WIP1 phosphatase activity in mice induced irregular estrous cycles, caused fertility declines, and decreased the ovarian reserve through triggering excessive follicular atresia and primordial follicle activation. Primordial follicle depletion was accelerated via PI3K-AKT-rpS6 signaling pathway activation. In vitro follicle culture experiments revealed that inhibiting WIP1 activity impaired follicular development and oocyte quality. In vitro granulosa cell experiments further indicated that downregulating WIP1 expression promoted granulosa cell death via WIP1-p53-BAX signaling pathway-mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest that appropriate WIP1 expression is essential for healthy follicular development, and decreased WIP1 expression accelerates ovarian aging by promoting follicular atresia and primordial follicle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ya Li
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (S.W.); Tel.: +86-27-83663078 (Y.L. & S.W.)
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (S.W.); Tel.: +86-27-83663078 (Y.L. & S.W.)
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12
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Xu B, Li Z, Li S, Ke H, Zhang Q, Qin Y, Guo T. Pathogenic variants in TSC2 might cause premature ovarian insufficiency through activated mTOR induced hyperactivation of primordial follicles. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:1139-1149. [PMID: 36229297 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.08.853] [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: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes, including TSC1 and TSC2, in the pathogenesis of human premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN Genetic and functional study. SETTING University-based reproductive medical center. PATIENT(S) Six patients from a cohort of 1,030 cases with idiopathic POI. INTERVENTION(S) Variants in TSC1 and TSC2 were screened through the largest in-house database of whole exome sequencing performed in 1,030 patients with idiopathic POI. The pathogenic effects of the variants were further verified by functional studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) TSC1 or TSC2 variant and functional characteristics. RESULT(S) Five pathogenic heterozygous variants in TSC2 were identified in 6 patients with POI. Functional studies showed these variants impaired the repressive effect of TSC2 on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by disrupting the formation of TSC complex or its GTPase-activating protein activity. Furthermore, in vitro ovarian culture assay showed that TSC2 p.R98Q led to hyperactivation of mTOR pathway thereby triggering primordial follicle activation. CONCLUSION(S) The present study identified pathogenic variants of TSC2 in patients with POI, firstly suggested defective TSC/mTOR pathway mediated hyperactivation of primordial follicle participating in the pathogenesis of POI, giving insights into new targets of genetic counseling and clinical prevention for POI. Considering the pivotal role of TSC2 variants in diagnosis of TSC syndrome, the present study also highlighted the importance of history collection and long-term follow-up for the TSC2 variants carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuqing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Kim J, You YJ. Oocyte Quiescence: From Formation to Awakening. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6572508. [PMID: 35452125 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac049] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Decades of work using various model organisms have resulted in an exciting and emerging field of oocyte maturation. High levels of insulin and active mammalian target of rapamycin signals, indicative of a good nutritional environment, and hormones such as gonadotrophin, indicative of the growth of the organism, work together to control oocyte maturation to ensure that reproduction happens at the right timing under the right conditions. In the wild, animals often face serious challenges to maintain oocyte quiescence under long-term unfavorable conditions in the absence of mates or food. Failure to maintain oocyte quiescence will result in activation of oocytes at the wrong time and thus lead to exhaustion of the oocyte pool and sterility of the organism. In this review, we discuss the shared mechanisms in oocyte quiescence and awakening and a conserved role of noradrenergic signals in maintenance of the quiescent oocyte pool under unfavorable conditions in simple model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongho Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Young-Jai You
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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14
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Maher JY, Islam MS, Yin O, Brennan J, Gough E, Driggers P, Segars J. The role of Hippo pathway signaling and A-kinase anchoring protein 13 in primordial follicle activation and inhibition. F S Sci 2022; 3:118-129. [PMID: 35560009 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the mechanotransduction and pharmacomanipulation of A-kinase anchoring protein 13 (AKAP13) altered Hippo signaling pathway transcription and growth factors in granulosa cells. Primary ovarian insufficiency is the depletion or dysfunction of primordial ovarian follicles. In vitro activation of ovarian tissue in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency alters the Hippo and phosphatase and tensin homolog/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/forkhead box O3 pathways. A-kinase anchoring protein 13 is found in granulosa cells and may regulate the Hippo pathway via F-actin polymerization resulting in altered nuclear yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif coactivators and Tea domain family (TEAD) transcription factors. DESIGN Laboratory studies. SETTING Translational science laboratory. PATIENT(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) COV434 cells, derived from a primary human granulosa tumor cell line, were studied under different cell density and well stiffness conditions. Cells were transfected with a TEAD-luciferase (TEAD-luc) reporter as well as expression constructs for AKAP13 or AKAP13 mutants and then treated with AKAP13 activators, inhibitors, and follicle-stimulating hormone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) TEAD gene activation or inhibition was measured by TEAD-luciferase assays. The messenger ribonucleic acid levels of Hippo pathway signaling molecules, including connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), baculoviral inhibitors of apoptosis repeat-containing 5, Ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 1, YAP1, and TEAD1, were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expressions for AKAP13, CTGF, YAP1, and TEAD1 were measured using Western blot. RESULT(S) Increased TEAD-luciferase activity and expression of markers for cellular growth were associated with decreased cell density, increased well stiffness, and AKAP13 activator (A02) treatment. Additionally, decreased TEAD-luc activity and expression of markers for cellular growth were associated with AKAP13 inhibitor (A13) treatment, including a reduced expression of the BIRC5 and ANKRD1 (YAP-responsive genes) transcript levels and CTGF protein levels. There were no changes in TEAD-luc with follicle-stimulating hormone treatment, supporting Hippo pathway involvement in the gonadotropin-independent portion of folliculogenesis. CONCLUSION(S) These findings suggest that AKAP13 mediates Hippo-regulated changes in granulosa cell growth via mechanotransduction and pharmacomanipulation. The AKAP13 regulation of the Hippo pathway may represent a potential target for regulation of follicle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Yano Maher
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C..
| | | | - Ophelia Yin
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Ethan Gough
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul Driggers
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James Segars
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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15
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Zhang Y, Zhou X, Zhu Y, Wang H, Xu J, Su Y. Current mechanisms of primordial follicle activation and new strategies for fertility preservation. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6128515. [PMID: 33538812 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by symptoms caused by ovarian dysfunction in patients aged <40 years. It is associated with a shortened reproductive lifespan. The only effective treatment for patients who are eager to become pregnant is IVF/Embryo Transfer (ET) using oocytes donated by young women. However, the use of the technique is constrained by the limited supply of oocytes and ethical issues. Some patients with POI still have some residual follicles in the ovarian cortex, which are not regulated by gonadotropin. These follicles are dormant. Therefore, activating dormant primordial follicles (PFs) to obtain high-quality oocytes for assisted reproductive technology may bring new hope for patients with POI. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors related to PF activation, such as the intercellular signaling network, the internal microenvironment of the ovary and the environment of the organism. In addition, we discussed new strategies for fertility preservation, such as in vitro activation and stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Hanbin Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Yiping Su
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
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16
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Abstract
The diagnosis of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) brings with it the loss of fertility, an immediate concern for many affected women, and a future one for many others. While there is a low natural conception rate, for most the choice is between oocyte donation and alternative methods of family building such as adoption. There is, however, a lot of research into novel methods for increasing or restoring the fertility of women with POI, which are discussed in this review. Many approaches involve the use of mesenchymal stem cells, from a variety of sources including bone marrow, placenta and umbilical cord, and menstrual blood. These seem to have efficacy in animal models of POI, although through unclear mechanisms. Activation of remaining primordial follicles is also being explored, through physical or chemical manipulation of key regulatory pathways, notably the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Hippo pathways. Much of the clinical data are uncontrolled, and mostly in women with a reduced ovarian reserve rather than POI, as are the results thus far for administration of platelet-rich plasma. Clinical studies with appropriate controls are needed to substantiate the preliminary claims of effectiveness of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rosario
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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17
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Zhao P, Song Z, Wang Y, Cai H, Du X, Li C, Lv J, Liu X, Guo M, Chen Z. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase/cyclic guanosine monophosphate/protein kinase G pathway activates primordial follicles. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:1096-1119. [PMID: 33291075 PMCID: PMC7835019 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the well-organized activation of quiescent primordial follicles is pivotal for female reproductive reserve. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms underlying primordial follicle activation in mice. We found that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and its downstream effectors, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG), were expressed in pre-granulosa cells and promoted primordial follicle activation, oocyte growth and granulosa cell proliferation in neonatal ovaries. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) colocalized with PKG in pre-granulosa cells and was essential for eNOS/cGMP/PKG pathway-induced primordial follicle activation. The eNOS/cGMP/PKG pathway was found to stabilize mTOR protein. The mRNA levels of F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, correlated negatively with mTOR protein levels in neonatal ovaries. FBXW7 bound to and destabilized mTOR protein in pre-granulosa cells in a ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent manner. However, agonists of the eNOS/cGMP/PKG pathway reduced FBXW7 mRNA levels. FBXW7 overexpression suppressed primordial follicle activation and prevented the eNOS/cGMP/PKG pathway from activating primordial follicles and stabilizing mTOR protein. These findings demonstrate that the eNOS/cGMP/PKG pathway activates primordial follicles by suppressing FBXW7-induced ubiquitination of mTOR in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peikun Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zidai Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoyan Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changlong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyi Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenwen Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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18
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Zhang J, Yan L, Wang Y, Zhang S, Xu X, Dai Y, Zhao S, Li Z, Zhang Y, Xia G, Qin Y, Zhang H. In vivo and in vitro activation of dormant primordial follicles by EGF treatment in mouse and human. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e182. [PMID: 32997412 PMCID: PMC7520080 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian ovaries, dormant primordial follicles represent the reproductive reserve of individual females. Recently, stimulating the activation of primordial follicles in vitro has been practiced, making the utilization of those dormant follicles to treat female infertility possible. However, there are still lacks of effective upstream molecule and strategy to elevate follicle activation in vivo. In the current study, we revealed that growth factor EGF improved a transiently primordial follicle activation in mice by elevating the CDC42-PI3K signaling activity, and EGF treatment also improved the activation and development of human follicles in ovarian cortical pieces. Using a liquid-solid phase transition bio-gel as a carrier, an efficient in vivo activation system was established by ovarian topical EGF administration to living mice. We found that EGF treatment led to an increase of primordial follicle activation in short time but had no effect on long-term fertility in females. By establishing an inducible premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) mouse model through selectively ablating growing follicles in Zp3-Cre;iDTR mice, we further revealed that our in vivo EGF treatment system improved primordial follicle activation and ovulation of POI ovaries significantly. Taken together, our results revealed that in situ ovarian EGF administration could improve the activation of primordial follicles in living animals, and manipulating activation and development of primordial follicles in vivo might be an efficient approach to improve reproductive health in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Lei Yan
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250021China
| | - Yibo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Xueqiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Yanli Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250021China
| | - Zhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250021China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
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19
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Yoon SY, Kim R, Jang H, Shin DH, Lee JI, Seol D, Lee DR, Chang EM, Lee WS. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Modulator Promotes Neonatal Mouse Primordial Follicle Activation In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093120. [PMID: 32354153 PMCID: PMC7247159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is known as a regulator of cellular functions, including adipogenesis and immune cell activation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the expression of PPARγ and identify the mechanism of primordial follicle activation via PPARγ modulators in mouse ovaries. We first measured the gene expression of PPARγ and determined its relationship with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), protein kinase B (AKT1), and forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) expression in neonatal mouse ovaries. We then incubated neonatal mouse ovaries with PPARγ modulators, including rosiglitazone (a synthetic agonist of PPARγ), GW9662 (a synthetic antagonist of PPARγ), and cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA, a physiological inhibitor of PPARγ), followed by transplantation into adult ovariectomized mice. After the maturation of the transplanted ovaries, primordial follicle growth activation, follicle growth, and embryonic development were evaluated. Finally, the delivery of live pups after embryo transfer into recipient mice was assessed. While PPARγ was expressed in ovaries from mice of all ages, its levels were significantly increased in ovaries from 20-day-old mice. In GW9662-treated ovaries in vitro, PTEN levels were decreased, AKT was activated, and FOXO3a was excluded from the nuclei of primordial follicles. After 1 month, cPA-pretreated, transplanted ovaries produced the highest numbers of oocytes and polar bodies, exhibited the most advanced embryonic development, and had the greatest blastocyst formation rate compared to the rosiglitazone- and GW9662-pretreated groups. Additionally, the successful delivery of live pups after embryo transfer into the recipient mice transplanted with cPA-pretreated ovaries was confirmed. Our study demonstrates that PPARγ participates in primordial follicle activation and development, possibly mediated in part by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Although more studies are required, adapting these findings for the activation of human primordial follicles may lead to treatments for infertility that originates from poor ovarian reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook Young Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Ran Kim
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Hyunmee Jang
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Dong Hyuk Shin
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Jin Il Lee
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Dongwon Seol
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Dong Ryul Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Eun Mi Chang
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
- Correspondence: (E.M.C.); (W.S.L.); Tel.: +82-2-3468-3410 (E.M.C.); +82-2-3468-3406 (W.S.L.); Fax: +82-2-558-1119 (E.M.C. & W.S.L.)
| | - Woo Sik Lee
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Korea
- Correspondence: (E.M.C.); (W.S.L.); Tel.: +82-2-3468-3410 (E.M.C.); +82-2-3468-3406 (W.S.L.); Fax: +82-2-558-1119 (E.M.C. & W.S.L.)
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20
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Chakravarthi VP, Ghosh S, Roby KF, Wolfe MW, Rumi MAK. A Gatekeeping Role of ESR2 to Maintain the Primordial Follicle Reserve. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5788411. [PMID: 32141511 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the entire reproductive lifespan in mammals, a fixed number of primordial follicles serve as the source of mature oocytes. Uncontrolled and excessive activation of primordial follicles can lead to depletion of the ovarian reserve. We observed that disruption of estrogen receptor β (ESR2) signaling results in increased activation of primordial follicles in Esr2-null (Esr2-/-) rats. However, follicle assembly was unaffected, and the total number of follicles remained comparable between neonatal wild-type and Esr2-/- ovaries. While the activated follicle counts were increased in Esr2-/- ovary, the number of primordial follicles were markedly decreased. Excessive recruitment of primordial follicles led to premature ovarian senescence in Esr2-/- rats and was associated with reduced levels of serum AMH and estradiol. Disruption of ESR2 signaling through administration of a selective antagonist (PHTPP) increased the number of activated follicles in wildtype rats, whereas a selective agonist (DPN) decreased follicle activation. In contrast, primordial follicle activation was not increased in the absence of ESR1, indicating that the regulation of primordial follicle activation is ESR2 specific. Follicle activation was also increased in Esr2 mutants lacking the DNA binding domain, suggesting a role for the canonical transcriptional activation function. Both primordial and activated follicles express ESR2, suggesting a direct regulatory role for ESR2 within these follicles. We also detected that loss of ESR2 augmented the activation of AKT, ERK, and mTOR pathways. Our results indicate that the lack of ESR2 upregulated both granulosa and oocyte factors, which can facilitate AKT and mTOR activation in Esr2-/- ovaries leading to increased activation of primordial follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Praveen Chakravarthi
- Deprartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Subhra Ghosh
- Deprartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Katherine F Roby
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Michael W Wolfe
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - M A Karim Rumi
- Deprartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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21
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Zhang T, Du X, Zhao L, He M, Lin L, Guo C, Zhang X, Han J, Yan H, Huang K, Sun G, Yan L, Zhou B, Xia G, Qin Y, Wang C. SIRT1 facilitates primordial follicle recruitment independent of deacetylase activity through directly modulating Akt1 and mTOR transcription. FASEB J 2019; 33:14703-14716. [PMID: 31693862 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900782r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In female mammals, the majority of primordial follicles (PFs) are physiologically quiescent, and only a few of them are activated and enter the growing follicle pool. Specific molecules, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the serine/threonine kinase Akt (AKT), have been proven to be important for PF activation. However, how the transcription of these genes is regulated is not clear. Although activators of mTOR or AKT have been successfully used to rescue the fertility of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, the low efficacy and unclear safety profile of these drugs hinder their clinical use in the in vitro activation (IVA) of PFs. Here, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD-dependent deacetylase, was demonstrated to activate mouse PFs independent of its deacetylase activity. SIRT1 was prominently expressed in pregranulosa cells (pGCs) and oocytes, and its expression was increased during PF activation. PF activation was achieved by either up-regulating SIRT1 with a specific activator or overexpressing SIRT1. Moreover, SIRT1 knockdown in oocytes or pGCs could significantly suppress PF activation. Further studies demonstrated that SIRT1 enhanced both Akt1 and mTOR expression by acting more as a transcription cofactor, directly binding to the respective gene promoters, than as a deacetylase. Importantly, we explored the potential clinical applications of targeting SIRT1 in IVA via short-term treatment of cultured ovaries from mice and human ovarian tissues to activate PFs by applying the SIRT1 activator resveratrol. RSV-induced IVA could be a candidate strategy to develop more efficient procedures for future clinical treatment of infertility.-Zhang, T., Du, X., Zhao, L., He, M., Lin, L., Guo, C., Zhang, X., Han, J., Yan, H., Huang, K., Sun, G., Yan, L., Zhou, B., Xia, G., Qin, Y., Wang, C. SIRT1 facilitates primordial follicle recruitment independent of deacetylase activity through directly modulating Akt1 and mTOR transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The 5th Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meina He
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanhui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China; and
| | - Bo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - YingYing Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China; and
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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22
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Liu G, Li Y, Du B, Sun Q, Qi W, Liu Y, Zhang X, Jin M, Zheng Z. Primordial follicle activation is affected by the absence of Sohlh1 in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 86:20-31. [PMID: 30358927 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that only primordial follicles and empty follicles can be found in 7.5 days postparturition (dpp) Sohlh1-/- mouse ovaries and females are infertility. There appears to be a defect in follicle development during the primordial-to-primary follicle transition in Sohlh1-/- mouse ovaries. However, detailed analyses of these phenomena have not been performed. In this study, we used Sohlh1-/- transgenic mice to explore the role of Sohlh1 in folliculogenesis. The results showed that only primordial follicles and empty follicles can be observed in Sohlh1-/- ovaries from 0.5 to 23.5 dpp. The expression of Foxo3 and FOXO3 was downregulated; nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of FOXO3 was normal in 7.5-dpp Sohlh1+/+ but not Sohlh1-/- ovaries; and primordial follicle activation (PFA) was not observed in 7.5-dpp Sohlh1-/- mice. The expression levels of KIT, AKT, and P308-AKT were downregulated (p < 0.05), whereas that of P473-AKT was not significantly changed (p > 0.05). The KIT/PI3K/AKT pathway was inhibited. Furthermore, we conducted a dual luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The results showed that SOHLH1 can upregulate the Kit gene by binding to the -3698 bp E-box motif. The absence of Sohlh1 may affect PFA in mouse ovaries via downregulation of Kit and inhibition of the KIT/PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongqing Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Police Dog Technology, Criminal Investigation Police University of China, Shenyang, China.,Police Dog Technical School of the Ministry of Public Security of P.R. China, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bing Du
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Basic College of Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Wanjing Qi
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meiyu Jin
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhihong Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Transgenic Animal Research, Shenyang, China
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23
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Hu LL, Su T, Luo RC, Zheng YH, Huang J, Zhong ZS, Nie J, Zheng LP. Hippo pathway functions as a downstream effector of AKT signaling to regulate the activation of primordial follicles in mice. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:1578-1587. [PMID: 30078193 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Clarifying the molecular mechanisms by which primordial follicles are initiated is crucial for the prevention and treatment of female infertility and ovarian dysfunction. The Hippo pathway has been proven to have a spatiotemporal correlation with the size of the primordial follicle pool in mice in our previous work. But the role and underlying mechanisms of the Hippo pathway in primordial follicle activation remain unclear. Here, the localization and expression of the core components were examined in primordial follicles before and after activation. And the effects of the Hippo pathway on primordial follicle activation were determined by genetically manipulating yes-associated protein 1 (Yap1), the key transcriptional effector. Furthermore, an AKT specific inhibitor (MK2206) was added to determine the interaction between the Hippo pathway and AKT, an important signaling regulator of ovarian function. Results showed that the core components of the Hippo pathway were localized in both primordial and primary follicles and the expression levels of them changed significantly during the initiation of primordial follicles. Yap1 knockdown suppressed primordial follicle activation, while its overexpression led to the opposite trend. MK2206 downregulated the ratio of P-MST/MST1 and upregulated the ratio of P-YAP1/YAP1 significantly, whereas Yap1-treatment had no influence on AKT. In addition, YAP1 upregulation partially rescued the suppression of the primordial follicle activation induced by MK2206. Our findings revealed that the Hippo-YAP1 regulates primordial follicular activation, which is mediated by AKT signaling in mice, thus providing direct and new evidence to highlight the role of Hippo signaling in regulating ovarian follicles development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liao-Liao Hu
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang, China
| | - Tie Su
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang, China
| | - Rui-Chen Luo
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang, China
| | - Yue-Hui Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhi-Sheng Zhong
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jing Nie
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Ping Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang, China
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24
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Ding L, Yan G, Wang B, Xu L, Gu Y, Ru T, Cui X, Lei L, Liu J, Sheng X, Wang B, Zhang C, Yang Y, Jiang R, Zhou J, Kong N, Lu F, Zhou H, Zhao Y, Chen B, Hu Y, Dai J, Sun H. Transplantation of UC-MSCs on collagen scaffold activates follicles in dormant ovaries of POF patients with long history of infertility. Sci China Life Sci 2018; 61:1554-1565. [PMID: 29546669 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-017-9272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a refractory disease for clinical treatment with the goal of restoring fertility. In this study, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on a collagen scaffold (collagen/UC-MSCs) can activate primordial follicles in vitro via phosphorylation of FOXO3a and FOXO1. Transplantation of collagen/UC-MSCs to the ovaries of POF patients rescued overall ovarian function, evidenced by elevated estradiol concentrations, improved follicular development, and increased number of antral follicles. Successful clinical pregnancy was achieved in women with POF after transplantation of collagen/UC-MSCs or UC-MSCs. In summary, collagen/UC-MSC transplantation may provide an effective treatment for POF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China.,Clinical Center for Stem Cell Research, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Guijun Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Tong Ru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiaoying Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Sheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Clinical Center for Stem Cell Research, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Chunxue Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yanjun Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Ruiwei Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jianjun Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Feifei Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Huaijun Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Zhou S, Yan W, Shen W, Cheng J, Xi Y, Yuan S, Fu F, Ding T, Luo A, Wang S. Low expression of SEMA6C accelerates the primordial follicle activation in the neonatal mouse ovary. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:486-496. [PMID: 28881413 PMCID: PMC5742695 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The primordial follicle assembly, activation and the subsequent development are critical processes for female reproduction. A limited number of primordial follicles are activated to enter the growing follicle pool each wave, and the primordial follicle pool progressively diminishes over a woman's life‐time. The number of remaining primordial follicles represents the ovarian reserve. Identification and functional investigation of the factors involved in follicular initial recruitment will be of great significance to the understanding of the female reproduction process and ovarian ageing. In this study, we aimed to study whether and how semaphorin 6C (Sema6c) regulated the primordial follicle activation in the neonatal mouse ovary. The attenuation of SEMA6C expression by SiRNA accelerated the primordial follicle activation in the in vitro ovary culture system. PI3K‐AKT‐rpS6 pathway was activated when SEMA6C expression was down‐regulated. And the LY294002 could reverse the effect of low SEMA6C expression on primordial follicle activation. Our findings revealed that Sema6c was involved in the activation of primordial follicles, and the down‐regulation of SEMA6C led to massive primordial follicle activation by interacting with the PI3K‐AKT‐rpS6 pathway, which might also provide valuable information for understanding premature ovarian failure and ovarian ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yueyue Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Suzhen Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fangfang Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Aiyue Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Li J, Zheng N, Xu X, Yang J, Xia G, Zhang M. MAPK3/1 participates in the activation of primordial follicles through mTORC1-KITL signaling. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:226-237. [PMID: 28218391 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [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: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The majority of ovarian primordial follicles are preserved in a dormant state to maintain the female reproductive lifespan, and only a few primordial follicles are activated to enter the growing follicle pool in each wave. Recent studies have shown that primordial follicular activation depends on mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-KIT ligand (KITL) signaling in pre-granulosa cells and its receptor (KIT)-phosphoinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) signaling in oocytes. However, the upstream regulator of mTORC1 signaling is unclear. The results of the present study showed that the phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase3/1 (MAPK3/1) protein is expressed in some primordial follicles and all growing follicles. Culture of 3 days post-parturition (dpp) ovaries with the MAPK3/1 signaling inhibitor U0126 significantly reduced the number of activated follicles and was accompanied by dramatically reduced granulosa cell proliferation and increased oocyte apoptosis. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that U0126 significantly decreased the phosphorylation levels of Tsc2, S6K1, and rpS6 and the expression of KITL, indicating that U0126 inhibits mTORC1-KITL signaling. Furthermore, U0126 decreased the phosphorylation levels of Akt, resulting in a decreased number of oocytes with Foxo3 nuclear export. To further investigate MAPK3/1 signaling in primordial follicle activation, we used phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) inhibitor bpV(HOpic) to promote primordial follicle activation. In this model, U0126 also inhibited the activation of primordial follicles and mTORC1 signaling. Thus, these results suggest that MAPK3/1 participates in primordial follicle activation through mTORC1-KITL signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nana Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoting Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Meijia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Bertoldo MJ, Bernard J, Duffard N, Tsikis G, Alves S, Calais L, Uzbekova S, Monniaux D, Mermillod P, Locatelli Y. Inhibitors of c-Jun phosphorylation impede ovine primordial follicle activation. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:338-49. [PMID: 26908644 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Is the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway implicated in primordial follicle activation? STUDY FINDING Culture of ovine ovarian cortex in the presence of two different c-Jun phosphorylation inhibitors impeded pre-antral follicle activation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite its importance for fertility preservation therapies, the mechanisms of primordial follicle activation are poorly understood. Amongst different signalling pathways potentially involved, the JNK pathway has been previously shown to be essential for cell cycle progression and pre-antral follicle development in mice. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Ovine ovarian cortex pieces were cultured with varying concentrations of SP600125, JNK inhibitor VIII or anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the presence of FSH for 9 days. Follicular morphometry and immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), apoptosis and follicle activation (Foxo3a) were assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Inhibition of primordial follicle activation occurred in the presence of SP600125, JNK inhibitor VIII and AMH when compared with controls (all P < 0.05) after 2 days of culture. However, only in the highest concentrations used was the inhibition of activation associated with induction of follicular apoptosis (P < 0.05). In growing follicles, PCNA antigen expression was reduced when the JNK inhibitors or AMH were used (P < 0.05 versus control), indicating reduced proliferation of the somatic compartment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although we evaluated the effects of inhibition of c-Jun phosphorylation on primordial follicle development, we did not determine the cellular targets and mechanism of action of the inhibitors. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These results are the first to implicate the JNK pathway in primordial follicle activation and could have significant consequences for the successful development of fertility preservation strategies and our understanding of primordial follicle activation. LARGE SCALE DATA n/a. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS Dr Michael J. Bertoldo and the laboratories involved in the present study were supported by a grant from 'Région Centre' (CRYOVAIRE, Grant number #320000268). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France School of Women's and Children's Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jérémy Bernard
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France MNHN, Laboratoire de la Réserve de la Haute Touche, Obterre 36290, France
| | - Nicolas Duffard
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France MNHN, Laboratoire de la Réserve de la Haute Touche, Obterre 36290, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly 37380, France Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours 37041, France IFCE, Nouzilly 37380, France
| | - Sabine Alves
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly 37380, France Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours 37041, France IFCE, Nouzilly 37380, France
| | - Laure Calais
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France
| | - Svetlana Uzbekova
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly 37380, France Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours 37041, France IFCE, Nouzilly 37380, France
| | - Danielle Monniaux
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly 37380, France Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours 37041, France IFCE, Nouzilly 37380, France
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly 37380, France Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours 37041, France IFCE, Nouzilly 37380, France
| | - Yann Locatelli
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France MNHN, Laboratoire de la Réserve de la Haute Touche, Obterre 36290, France CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly 37380, France Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours 37041, France IFCE, Nouzilly 37380, France
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Mouttham L, Fortune JE, Comizzoli P. Damage to fetal bovine ovarian tissue caused by cryoprotectant exposure and vitrification is mitigated during tissue culture. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1239-50. [PMID: 26249553 PMCID: PMC4554372 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0543-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study is to characterize the impact of exposure to cryoprotectants followed by vitrification on primordial follicle survival and activation using a fetal bovine model. METHODS In the first study, fetal bovine cortical pieces were exposed to cryoprotectants with or without sucrose and cultured up to 7 days in the presence or absence of insulin. In the second study, cortical pieces were exposed to cryoprotectants with or without sucrose, vitrified, and cultured up to 7 days after warming in the presence or absence of insulin. Viability and morphology of follicles, as well as proliferation and/or DNA repair in ovarian tissue were analyzed. RESULTS When compared to non-exposed controls, normal follicular morphology was affected in groups exposed to cryoprotectants only immediately post-exposure and after 1 day of culture, but improved by day 3 and did not significantly differ by day 7. Similarly, normal follicular morphology was compromised in vitrified groups after warming and on day 1 compared to controls, but improved by days 3 and 7. Proliferation and/or DNA repair in ovarian tissue was not affected by vitrification in this model. Cryoprotectant exposure and vitrification of ovarian tissue did not impair the activation of primordial follicles in response to insulin, although activation was delayed relative to non-exposed controls. Interestingly, sucrose had no noticeable protective effect. CONCLUSION Vitrified fetal bovine ovarian tissue has the intrinsic capacity to mitigate the immediate damage to primordial follicles' morphology and retains the capacity to activate. These findings provide a basis for a successful cryopreservation protocol for ovarian cortical tissue in other species including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Mouttham
- />Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008 USA
- />Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA
| | - Joanne E. Fortune
- />Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- />Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008 USA
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Zhang H, Liu K. Cellular and molecular regulation of the activation of mammalian primordial follicles: somatic cells initiate follicle activation in adulthood. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:779-86. [PMID: 26231759 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [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: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first small follicles to appear in the mammalian ovaries are primordial follicles. The initial pool of primordial follicles serves as the source of developing follicles and oocytes for the entire reproductive lifespan of the animal. Although the selective activation of primordial follicles is critical for female fertility, its underlying mechanisms have remained poorly understood. METHODS A search of PubMed was conducted to identify peer-reviewed literature pertinent to the study of mammalian primordial follicle activation, especially recent reports of the role of primordial follicle granulosa cells (pfGCs) in regulating this process. RESULTS In recent years, molecular mechanisms that regulate the activation of primordial follicles have been elucidated, mostly through the use of genetically modified mouse models. Several molecules and pathways operating in both the somatic pfGCs and oocytes, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathways, have been shown to be important for primordial follicle activation. More importantly, recent studies have provided an updated view of how exactly signaling pathways in pfGCs and in oocytes, such as the KIT ligand (KL) and KIT, coordinate in adult ovaries so that the activation of primordial follicles is achieved. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we have provided an updated picture of how mammalian primordial follicles are activated. The functional roles of pfGCs in governing the activation of primordial follicles in adulthood are highlighted. The in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of primordial follicle activation will hopefully lead to more treatments of female infertility, and the current progress indicates that the use of existing primordial follicles as a source for obtaining fertilizable oocytes as a new treatment for female infertility is just around the corner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-li Luo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the First Affiliated Hospital; Shantou University Medical College; Shantou, PR China
| | - Jin-jie Xu
- Laboratory of Cell Senescence; Shantou University Medical College; Shantou, PR China
| | - Yu-cai Fu
- Laboratory of Cell Senescence; Shantou University Medical College; Shantou, PR China
- Correspondence to: Yu-cai Fu,
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