Meat and Livestock Association Plenary Lecture 2005. Oocyte signalling molecules and their effects on reproduction in ruminants

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth P. McNatty ◽  
Stephen Lawrence ◽  
Nigel P. Groome ◽  
Mohammed F. Meerasahib ◽  
Norma L. Hudson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Active Immunisation ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Stage Of Development

Sheep (Ovis aries) are a highly diverse species, with more than 900 different breeds that vary significantly in their physiological characteristics, including ovulation rate and fecundity. From examination of inherited patterns of ovulation rate, several breeds have been identified with point mutations in two growth factor genes that are expressed in oocytes. Currently, five different point mutations have been identified in the BMP15 (GDF9b) gene and one in GDF9. Animals heterozygous for the GDF9 and/or the BMP15 mutations have higher ovulation rates than their wild-type counterparts. In contrast, those homozygous for any of the aforementioned BMP15 or GDF9 mutations are sterile owing to arrested follicular development. In bovine and ovine ovaries, GDF9 was expressed exclusively in oocytes throughout follicular growth from the primordial stage of development, whereas in sheep BMP15 was expressed exclusively in oocytes from the primary stage: no data for the ontogeny of BMP15 expression are currently available for cattle. In vitro, ovine growth differentiation factor 9 (oGDF9) has no effect on 3H-thymidine incorporation by either bovine or ovine granulosa cells, whereas ovine bone morphogenetic protein 15 (oBMP15) has modest (1.2- to 1.6-fold; P < 0.05) stimulatory effects. Ovine GDF9 or oBMP15 alone inhibited progesterone production by bovine granulosa cells, whereas in ovine cells only oGDF9 was inhibitory. The effects of oGDF9 and oBMP15 together were often cooperative and not always the same as those observed for each factor alone. Active immunisation of ewes with BMP15 and/or GDF9 peptides affected ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate. Depending on the GDF9 and/or BMP15 vaccine formulation, ovulation rate was either increased or suppressed. A primary and single booster immunisation of ewes with a BMP15 peptide in a water-based adjuvant has led to 19–40% increases in lambs born per ewe lambing. Collectively, the evidence suggests that oocyte signalling molecules have profound effects on reproduction in mammals, including rodents, humans and ruminants. Moreover, in vivo manipulation of these oocyte signalling molecules provides new opportunities for the management of the fertility of ruminants.

020. Oocyte signalling molecules and their effects on reproduction in ruminants

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
K. P. McNatty
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Active Immunisation ◽  
Primary Stage ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Stage Of Development

Sheep (Ovis aries) are a highly diverse species with more than 900 different breeds that vary significantly in their physiological characteristics including ovulation rate and fecundity. From examination of inherited patterns of ovulation rate in sheep, several breeds have been identified with point mutations in two growth factor genes that are expressed in oocytes. Currently, five different point mutations have been identified in the BMP15 (GDF9b) gene and one in GDF9. Animals heterozygous for the GDF9 and/or the BMP15 mutations have higher ovulation rates (i.e. +0.6 to +5.0) than their wild-type contemporaries. In contrast, those homozygous for any of the aforementioned BMP15 or GDF9 mutations are sterile due to abnormal follicular development from the primary stage of growth. In bovine and ovine ovaries, GDF9 is expressed exclusively in oocytes throughout follicular growth from the primordial stage of development, whereas in sheep BMP15 is expressed exclusively in oocytes from the primary stage: no data for BMP15 are available for the cow. In vitro, ovine GDF9 (oGDF9) has no effect on 3H-thymidine incorporation by either bovine or ovine granulosa cells, whereas oBMP15 has modest (1.2 to 1.6-fold; P < 0.05) stimulatory effects. GDF9 or BMP15 alone inhibited progesterone production by bovine granulosa cells, whereas with ovine cells only GDF9 was inhibitory. The effects of GDF9 and BMP15 together were often cooperative and not always the same as those observed for each factor alone. Active immunisation of ewes with BMP15 and/or GDF9 peptides affected ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate. Depending on the GDF9 and/or BMP15 vaccine formulation, ovulation rate was either increased or suppressed. For example, immunisation of ewes with a BMP15 peptide in a water based adjuvant has led to a 25% increase in lambs born per ewe lambing. Collectively the evidence suggests that oocyte signalling molecules have profound effects on reproduction in mammals including rodents, humans and ruminants. Moreover, that in vivo manipulation of these oocyte signalling molecules provides a new approach to managing the fertility of ruminants.

scholarly journals The oocyte and its role in regulating ovulation rate: a new paradigm in reproductive biology

Reproduction ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
K P McNatty ◽  
L G Moore ◽  
N L Hudson ◽  
L D Quirke ◽  
S B Lawrence ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Protein Conjugates ◽  
Preovulatory Follicles

Ovulation rate in mammals is determined by a complex exchange of hormonal signals between the pituitary gland and the ovary and by a localised exchange of hormones within ovarian follicles between the oocyte and its adjacent somatic cells. From examination of inherited patterns of ovulation rate in sheep, point mutations have been identified in two oocyte-expressed genes, BMP15 (GDF9B) and GDF9. Animals heterozygous for any of these mutations have higher ovulation rates (that is, + 0.8–3) than wild-type contemporaries, whereas those homozygous for each of these mutations are sterile with ovarian follicular development disrupted during the preantral growth stages. Both GDF9 and BMP15 proteins are present in follicular fluid, indicating that they are secreted products. In vitro studies show that granulosa and/or cumulus cells are an important target for both growth factors. Multiple immunisations of sheep with BMP15 or GDF9 peptide protein conjugates show that both growth factors are essential for normal follicular growth and the maturation of preovulatory follicles. Short-term (that is, primary and booster) immunisation with a GDF9 or BMP15 peptide-protein conjugate has been shown to enhance ovulation rate and lamb production. In summary, recent studies of genetic mutations in sheep highlight the importance of oocyte-secreted factors in regulating ovulation rate, and these discoveries may help to explain why some mammals have a predisposition to produce two or more offspring rather than one.

scholarly journals HIF-1α Protects Granulosa Cells From Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis During Follicular Development by Inducing Autophagy

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zonghao Tang ◽  
Renfeng Xu ◽  
Zhenghong Zhang ◽  
Congjian Shi ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Underlying Mechanism

Owing to the avascular structure of the ovarian follicle, proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) and development of follicles occur under hypoxia, which is obviously different from the cell survival requirements of most mammalian cells. We hypothesized that autophagy may exert an inhibitory effect on GC apoptosis. To decipher the underlying mechanism, we constructed a rat follicular development model using pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and a cell culture experiment in hypoxic conditions (3% O2). The present results showed that the autophagy level was obviously increased and was accompanied by the concomitant elevation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and BNIP3 (Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19kDa-interacting protein 3) in GCs during follicular development. The levels of Bax (Bcl2-associated X) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) were increased, while the activation of caspase-3 exhibited no obvious changes during follicular development. However, inhibition of HIF-1α attenuated the increase in Bcl-2 and promoted the increase in Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Furthermore, we observed the downregulation of BNIP3 and the decrease in autophagy after treatment with a specific HIF-1α activity inhibitor (echinomycin), indicating that HIF-1α/BNIP3 was involved in autophagy regulation in GCs in vivo. In an in vitro study, we also found that hypoxia did not obviously promote GC apoptosis, while it significantly enhanced the activation of HIF-1α/BNIP3 and the induction of autophagy. Expectedly, this effect could be reversed by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that hypoxia drives the activation of HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling, which induces an increase in autophagy, protecting GC from apoptosis during follicular development.

scholarly journals The conflict between hierarchical ovarian follicular development and superovulation treatment

Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 140 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth P McNatty ◽  
Derek A Heath ◽  
Norma L Hudson ◽  
Karen L Reader ◽  
Laurel Quirke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cell ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Cell Populations ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Functional States ◽  
Ovarian Follicular Development

In mammals with a low ovulation rate phenotype, ovarian follicular development is thought to be hierarchical with few, if any, antral follicles at similar stages of development. The hypothesis being tested herein was that if most follicles are in a functionally different state, then the application of exogenous hormones to increase ovulation rate will not overcome the hierarchical nature of follicular development. Using sheep as the experimental model, the functional states of all non-atretic antral follicles ≥2 mm diameter were assessed in individual ewes (N=10/group) during anoestrus with or without pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) treatment, or after a standard superovulation regimen, or during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. The functional states of these follicles were assessed by measuring the FSH- or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)-induced cAMP responses of granulosa cellsin vitro. There were significant overall effects across the treatment groups on the responses of granulosa cells to either FSH or LH (bothP<0.001). It was concluded that for anoestrous ewes with or without PMSG treatment, and ewes during the follicular phase, granulosa cell populations of many follicles (≥2 mm diameter) did not share a similar cAMP response to FSH (∼50% of follicles) or hCG (>90% of follicles) either on a per cell or total cell basis. After superovulation, ≤30 and 10% respectively of the granulosa cell populations shared similar responses to FSH and LH with regard to follicular diameter and cAMP output. Thus, exogenous hormone treatments used routinely for increasing oocyte yield do not effectively override the hierarchical pattern of ovarian follicular development during the follicular phase.

The role of intraovarian regulators in the aetiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome

1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghanim Almahbobi ◽  
Alan O Trounson
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Lh Receptor ◽  
Follicular Maturation ◽  
Developmental Capacity ◽  
Follicle Selection

The present review demonstrates that the availability of bioactive FSH and LH in PCOS is normal and that granulosa cells of PCO are not apoptotic and instead hyperexpress functional FSH receptors and may possess intact aromatase activity. Consequently, these cells respond excessively to exogenous FSH stimulation and produce high amounts of oestradiol both in vivo and in vitro. The altered developmental capacity of follicles from PCO in vivo is most likely due to the abnormal follicular milieu of PCO and the culminating effects of intrafollicular inhibitors and stimulators. The failure of ovarian oestradiol production and follicular maturation to dominance in vivo may be due to a mechanism that interferes with the function of FSH, such as intraovarian steroids and growth factors. It has previously been shown that EGF and TGFα have inhibitory actions on follicular development, aromatization and LH receptor formation. In contrast, EGF enhances early follicular recruitment and growth. Therefore, it is hypothesized that EGF/TGFα may have a causal relationship in the mechanisms of anovulatory infertility in women with PCOS. Thus, an aberration in the regulation of follicular fluid EGF and/or TGFα may result in reduced numbers of granulosa cells, cessation of follicle selection and ultimately in the creation and maintenance of PCOS. The exact mechanism by which the hyperfunction of EGF/TGFα occurs and the trigger for this hyperactivity in the ovary remain to be determined. An experimental animal model may be required to assist such investigations in the future.

scholarly journals FOXO1 mediates hypoxia-induced G0/G1 arrest in ovarian somatic granulosa cells via activating the TP53INP1-p53-CDKN1A pathway

Development ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengyu Li ◽  
Zhaojun Liu ◽  
Gang Wu ◽  
Ziyu Zang ◽  
Jia-Qing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
G1 Phase ◽  
G1 Arrest ◽  
Female Reproduction

The development of ovarian follicles constitutes the foundation of female reproduction. The proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) is a basic process required to ensure normal follicular development. However, the mechanisms involved in controlling GC cell cycle are not fully understood. Here, by performing gene expression profiling, we showed that cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase is highly correlated with pathways associated with hypoxic stress and FOXO signalling. Specifically, the elevated proportion of GCs at the arrested G0/G1 phase was accompanied by increased nuclear translocation of FOXO1 under conditions of hypoxia both in vivo and in vitro. Actually, phosphorylation of 14-3-3 by the JNK kinase is required for hypoxia-mediated FOXO1 activation and the resultant G0/G1 arrest. Notably, FOXO1 mutant without DNA-binding activity failed to induce G0/G1 arrest of GCs during hypoxia. Importantly, we identified a new target gene of FOXO1, namely TP53INP1, which contributed to the suppression of the G1-S cell cycle transition in response to hypoxia. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of the FOXO1-TP53INP1 axis on GC cell cycle is mediated through a p53-CDKN1A-dependent mechanism. These findings might provide avenues for the clinical treatment of human infertility caused by impaired follicular development.

scholarly journals The Absence of ER-β Results in Altered Gene Expression in Ovarian Granulosa Cells Isolated From In Vivo Preovulatory Follicles

Endocrinology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 154 (6) ◽  
pp. 2174-2187 ◽  
Author(s):  
April K. Binder ◽  
Karina F. Rodriguez ◽  
Katherine J. Hamilton ◽  
Patricia S. Stockton ◽  
Casey E. Reed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Estrogen Receptor ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Ovarian Granulosa Cells ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Serum Gonadotropin

Abstract Determining the spatial and temporal expression of genes involved in the ovulatory pathway is critical for the understanding of the role of each estrogen receptor in the modulation of folliculogenesis and ovulation. Estrogen receptor (ER)-β is highly expressed in ovarian granulosa cells, and mice lacking ER-β are subfertile due to inefficient ovulation. Previous work has focused on isolated granulosa cells or cultured follicles and, although informative, provides confounding results due to the heterogeneous cell types present including granulosa and theca cells and oocytes and exposure to in vitro conditions. Herein we isolated preovulatory granulosa cells from wild-type (WT) and ERβ-null mice using laser capture microdissection to examine the genomic transcriptional response downstream of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (mimicking FSH) and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin (mimicking LH) stimulation. This allows for a direct comparison of in vivo granulosa cells at the same stage of development from both WT and ERβ-null ovaries. ERβ-null granulosa cells showed altered expression of genes known to be regulated by FSH (Akap12 and Runx2) as well as not previously reported (Arnt2 and Pou5f1) in WT granulosa cells. Our analysis also identified 304 genes not previously associated with ERβ in granulosa cells. LH-responsive genes including Abcb1b and Fam110c show reduced expression in ERβ-null granulosa cells; however, novel genes including Rassf2 and Megf10 were also identified as being downstream of LH signaling in granulosa cells. Collectively, our data suggest that granulosa cells from ERβ-null ovaries may not be appropriately differentiated and are unable to respond properly to gonadotropin stimulation.

scholarly journals β-Catenin (CTNNB1) Promotes Preovulatory Follicular Development but Represses LH-Mediated Ovulation and Luteinization

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1529-1542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heng-Yu Fan ◽  
Annalouise O'Connor ◽  
Manami Shitanaka ◽  
Masayuki Shimada ◽  
Zhilin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Integration Site ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Female Fertility ◽  
Female Gonad ◽  
Tumor Virus

Abstract Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family (WNT)/β-catenin (CTNNB1) pathway components are expressed in ovarian granulosa cells, direct female gonad development, and are regulated by the pituitary gonadotropins. However, the in vivo functions of CTNNB1 during preovulatory follicular development, ovulation, and luteinization remain unclear. Using a mouse model Ctnnb1(Ex3)fl/fl;Cyp19-Cre (Ctnnb1(Ex3)gc−/−), expressing dominant stable CTNNB1 in granulosa cells of small antral and preovulatory follicles, we show that CTNNB1 facilitates FSH-induced follicular growth and decreases the follicle atresia (granulosa cell apoptosis). At the molecular level, WNT signaling and FSH synergistically promote the expression of genes required for cell proliferation and estrogen biosynthesis, but decrease FOXO1, which negatively regulates proliferation and steroidogenesis. Conversely, dominant stable CTNNB1 represses LH-induced oocyte maturation, ovulation, luteinization, and progesterone biosynthesis. Specifically, granulosa cells in the Ctnnb1(Ex3)gc−/− mice showed compromised responses to the LH surge and decreased levels of the epidermal growth factor-like factors (Areg and Ereg) that in vivo and in vitro mediate LH action. One underlying mechanism by which CTNNB1 prevents LH responses is by reducing phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein, which is essential for the expression of Areg and Ereg. By contrast, depletion of Ctnnb1 using the Ctnnb1fl/fl;Cyp19-Cre mice did not alter FSH regulation of preovulatory follicular development or female fertility but dramatically enhanced LH induction of genes in granulosa cells in culture. Thus, CTNNB1 can enhance FSH and LH actions in antral follicles but overactivation of CTNNB1 negatively effects LH-induced ovulation and luteinization, highlighting the cell context-dependent and developmental stage-specific interactions of WNT/CTNNB1 pathway and G protein-coupled gonadotropin receptors in female fertility.

ALTERATIONS IN GRANULOSA CELL AROMATASE ACTIVITY ACCOMPANYING PREOVULATORY FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT IN THE RAT OVARY WITH EVIDENCE THAT 5α-REDUCED C19 STEROIDS INHIBIT THE AROMATASE REACTION IN VITRO

1980 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. G. HILLIER ◽  
AGNES M. J. VAN DEN BOOGAARD ◽  
L. E. REICHERT ◽  
E. V. VAN HALL
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cell ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Oestradiol Production

Locally produced androgens and oestrogens are thought to be important factors in the hormonal regulation of follicular development. In the present study the relationship between follicular maturity and granulosa cell aromatase activity has been examined in vitro. Granulosa cells harvested from the largest antral follicles in adult rat ovaries produced negligible amounts of immunoreactive oestradiol when incubated for 3 h in vitro irrespective of the day of the oestrous cycle upon which they were obtained. However, the addition of aromatizable C19 steroid substrate (testosterone, androstenedione or 19-hydroxyandrostenedione) to the incubation medium resulted in time- and concentration-dependent increases in oestradiol production which were related to the level of follicular maturity attained in vivo. By measuring oestradiol production using testosterone (10−7 mol/l) as substrate, the aromatase activity of granulosa cells obtained on the first day of vaginal dioestrus was shown to be only a fraction (less than 5%) of that observed for cells obtained on the morning of pro-oestrus. Cells obtained on the second day of dioestrus displayed an intermediate level of activity which remained approximately five times lower than that of granulosa cells at pro-oestrus. These observations, therefore, establish the induction or activation of granulosa cell aromatase activity as a correlate of normal preovulatory follicular development. However, intrafollicular androgen/oestrogen ratios may also be influenced by quantitative and/or qualitative alterations in the C19 steroidal substrate available for the aromatase reaction. Thus, the naturally occurring non-aromatizable 5α-reduced androgen metabolites, 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 5α-androstanedione, proved to be potent competitive inhibitors of the granulosa cell aromatase reaction in vitro. In this respect each of these biologically active androgens was more effective than 1-enetestololactone, an established C19 steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Since C19 steroid 5α-reductase is known to be an ovarian enzyme, it is suggested that by affecting the androgenic/oestrogenic composition of the hormonal milieu, local alterations in the activity of this enzyme may be an additional determinant of preovulatory follicular development and function.

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