scholarly journals The role of micro-RNAs in the female reproductive tract

Reproduction ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
pp. 559-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren B Nothnick
Keyword(s):  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Micro Rna ◽  
Proper Function ◽  
Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation ◽  
Micro Rnas ◽  
And Function

Proper development and function of the female reproductive tract are essential for successful reproduction. Regulation of the differentiated functions of the organs that make up the female reproductive tract is well established to occur at multiple levels including transcription, translation, and posttranslational modifications. Micro-RNA (miRNA)-mediated posttranscriptional gene regulation has emerged as a fundamental mechanism controlling normal tissue development and function. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs are expressed within the organs of the female reproductive tract where they function to regulate cellular pathways necessary for proper function of these organs. In this review, the functional significance of miRNAs in the development and function of the organs of the female reproductive tract is discussed. Initial discussion focuses on the role of miRNAs in the development of the organs of the female reproductive tract highlighting recent studies that clearly demonstrate that mice with disrupted Dicer1 expression are sterile, fail to develop uterine glands, and have muted estrogen responsiveness. Next, emphasis moves to discussion on our current knowledge on the characterization of miRNA expression in each of the organs of the female reproductive tract. When possible, information is presented and discussed with respect to regulation, function, and/or functional targets of these miRNA within each specific organ of the female reproductive tract.

scholarly journals Dicer1 Is Essential for Female Fertility and Normal Development of the Female Reproductive System

Endocrinology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 149 (12) ◽  
pp. 6207-6212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoman Hong ◽  
Lacey J. Luense ◽  
Lynda K. McGinnis ◽  
Warren B. Nothnick ◽  
Lane K. Christenson
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Normal Development ◽  
Female Fertility ◽  
Ribonuclease Iii ◽  
Mrna Targets ◽  
Adult Mice ◽  
Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation ◽  
Micro Rnas ◽  
Reproductive Disease ◽  
And Function

The ribonuclease III endonuclease, Dicer1 (also known as Dicer), is essential for the synthesis of the 19–25 nucleotide noncoding RNAs known as micro-RNAs (miRNAs). These miRNAs associate with the RNA-induced silencing complex to regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally by base pairing with 3′untranslated regions of complementary mRNA targets. Although it is established that miRNAs are expressed in the reproductive tract, their functional role and effect on reproductive disease remain unknown. The studies herein establish for the first time the reproductive phenotype of mice with loxP insertions in the Dicer1 gene (Dicer1fl/fl) when crossed with mice expressing Cre-recombinase driven by the anti-müllerian hormone receptor 2 promoter (Amhr2Cre/+). Adult female Dicer1fl/fl;Amhr2Cre/+ mice displayed normal mating behavior but failed to produce offspring when exposed to fertile males during a 5-month breeding trial. Morphological and histological assessments of the reproductive tracts of immature and adult mice indicated that the uterus and oviduct were hypotrophic, and the oviduct was highly disorganized. Natural mating of Dicer1fl/fl;Amhr2Cre/+ females resulted in successful fertilization as evidenced by the recovery of fertilized oocytes on d 1 pregnancy, which developed normally to blastocysts in culture. Developmentally delayed embryos were collected from Dicer1fl/fl; Amhr2Cre/+ mice on d 3 pregnancy when compared with controls. Oviductal transport was disrupted in the Dicer1fl/fl;Amhr2Cre/+ mouse as evidenced by the failure of embryos to enter the uterus on d 4 pregnancy. These studies implicate Dicer1/miRNA mediated posttranscriptional gene regulation in reproductive somatic tissues as critical for the normal development and function of these tissues and for female fertility.

scholarly journals IL-36 Cytokines: Regulators of Inflammatory Responses and Their Emerging Role in Immunology of Reproduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1649 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Murrieta-Coxca ◽  
Sandra Rodríguez-Martínez ◽  
Mario Cancino-Diaz ◽  
Udo Markert ◽  
Rodolfo Favaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Immune Mediators ◽  
Dynamic Expression ◽  
Cellular Recruitment ◽  
Inflammatory Processes

The IL-36 subfamily of cytokines has been recently described as part of the IL-1 superfamily. It comprises three pro-inflammatory agonists (IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ), their receptor (IL-36R), and one antagonist (IL-36Ra). Although expressed in a variety of cells, the biological relevance of IL-36 cytokines is most evident in the communication between epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, which constitute the common triad responsible for the initiation, maintenance, and expansion of inflammation. The immunological role of IL-36 cytokines was initially described in studies of psoriasis, but novel evidence demonstrates their involvement in further immune and inflammatory processes in physiological and pathological situations. Preliminary studies have reported a dynamic expression of IL-36 cytokines in the female reproductive tract throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as their association with the production of immune mediators and cellular recruitment in the vaginal microenvironment contributing to host defense. In pregnancy, alteration of the placental IL-36 axis has been reported upon infection and pre-eclampsia suggesting its pivotal role in the regulation of maternal immune responses. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the regulatory mechanisms and biological actions of IL-36 cytokines, their participation in different inflammatory conditions, and the emerging data on their potential role in normal and complicated pregnancies.

scholarly journals Regulation of porcupine-dependent Wnt signaling is essential for uterine development and function

Reproduction ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Farah ◽  
Steffen Biechele ◽  
Janet Rossant ◽  
Daniel Dufort
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
X Chromosome ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Endometrial Gland ◽  
Gfp Reporter ◽  
And Function

Six members of the Wnt family are expressed in the female reproductive tract. Their collective function ensures proper development of the uterus, preparing it for pregnancy during adulthood. Here, we take advantage of the fact thatPorcn,a prerequisite for all Wnt secretion, is located on the X chromosome, to generate females that were mosaic forPorcnthroughout the reproductive tract.Porcnflox/+females were mated with progesterone receptor (Pgr)-Cre males (PgrCre/+) to generate females that were heterozygous for Porcupine in all tissues of the female reproductive tract, resulting in mosaicism due to random X-inactivation. We demonstrated thatPorcnmosaic females are extremely subfertile and exhibit a large spectrum of phenotypes ranging from morphologically normal uteri to uteri with extremely enlarged cystic glands. Decreased fertility in Porcupine mosaic females was not associated with phenotype severity and was observed regardless of whether or not cystic glands were enlarged. By crossing-in a GFP reporter on the wild-type X chromosome, we were able to correlate endometrial gland hyperplasia with a mostlyPorcupinemutant stroma, demonstrating the role of stromal Wnts in the regulation of endometrial gland proliferation. Finally, we demonstrated that fertility issues within mosaic females were due to a reduced response to estrogen and to abnormal Tcf/Lef signaling across the mesometrial-anti-mesometrial axis during the window of implantation.

scholarly journals Role of Integrins in Sperm Activation and Fertilization

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11809
Author(s):  
Veronika Merc ◽  
Michaela Frolikova ◽  
Katerina Komrskova
Keyword(s):  
Cell Activation ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Maturation ◽  
Integrin Receptors ◽  
Sperm Activation ◽  
Sperm Migration ◽  
Cell Cell

In mammals, integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell–cell, cell–extracellular matrix, and cell–pathogen interactions. Integrin receptors are an important part of signalization pathways and have an ability to transmit signals into and out of cells and participate in cell activation. In addition to somatic cells, integrins have also been detected on germ cells and are known to play a crucial role in complex gamete-specific physiological events, resulting in sperm-oocyte fusion. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on integrins in reproduction and deliver novel perspectives and graphical interpretations presenting integrin subunits localization and their dynamic relocation during sperm maturation in comparison to the oocyte. A significant part of this review is devoted to discussing the existing view of the role of integrins during sperm migration through the female reproductive tract; oviductal reservoir formation; sperm maturation processes ensuing capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and their direct and indirect involvement in gamete membrane adhesion and fusion leading to fertilization.

scholarly journals Putative Role of Micro - RNA s i n Female Reproductive Tract

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Hitit M
Keyword(s):  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Gonadal Hormones ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Micro Rna ◽  
Transcriptional Gene Regulation ◽  
Cyclic Changes

Female reproductive tract is composed of ovarium, oviduct, cervix and uterus. Development and function of reproductive tract is dispens a ble for maintenance and achievement of reproduction. Reproductive tract responses to cyclic changes and ovarium hormones which provide optimum conditions for gam e t e movement and development. While the potential influence of pitu i tary and gonadal hormones on reproductive function is clearly understood, the molecular mechanism regulating reproductive tract remains elusive. Although, post - transcriptional gene regulation has critical role in cell differ e ntiation and proliferation, little information is ava i lable in post - transcriptional gene regulation in reproductive tract. Post - transcriptional g ene regulation includes splicing, processing, transport and translation of mRNA. In addition, role of RNA binding proteins and recently discovered miRNAs were also implicated in reproductive tract.

The Oxford Handbook of the Auditory Brainstem

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Auditory Pathway ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Auditory Midbrain ◽  
Current State ◽  
Neuronal Mechanisms ◽  
Maladaptive Plasticity ◽  
And Function ◽  
Auditory Field

The Oxford Handbook of the Auditory Brainstem provides an in-depth reference to the organization and function of ascending and descending auditory pathways in the mammalian brainstem. Individual chapters are organized along the auditory pathway, beginning with the cochlea and ending with the auditory midbrain. Each chapter provides an introduction to the respective area and summarizes our current knowledge before discussing the disputes and challenges that the field currently faces.The handbook emphasizes the numerous forms of plasticity that are increasingly observed in many areas of the auditory brainstem. Several chapters focus on neuronal modulation of function and plasticity on the synaptic, neuronal, and circuit level, especially during development, aging, and following peripheral hearing loss. In addition, the book addresses the role of trauma-induced maladaptive plasticity with respect to its contribution in generating central hearing dysfunction, such as hyperacusis and tinnitus.The book is intended for students and postdoctoral fellows starting in the auditory field and for researchers of related fields who wish to get an authoritative and up-to-date summary of the current state of auditory brainstem research. For clinical practitioners in audiology, otolaryngology, and neurology, the book is a valuable resource of information about the neuronal mechanisms that are currently discussed as major candidates for the generation of central hearing dysfunction.

scholarly journals Implication of Contactins in Demyelinating Pathologies

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Ilias Kalafatakis ◽  
Maria Savvaki ◽  
Theodora Velona ◽  
Domna Karagogeos
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Cell Adhesion Molecules ◽  
White Matter Lesions ◽  
Myelinated Axon ◽  
Immunoglobulin Superfamily ◽  
Proper Function ◽  
Myelinated Axons ◽  
And Function

Demyelinating pathologies comprise of a variety of conditions where either central or peripheral myelin is attacked, resulting in white matter lesions and neurodegeneration. Myelinated axons are organized into molecularly distinct domains, and this segregation is crucial for their proper function. These defined domains are differentially affected at the different stages of demyelination as well as at the lesion and perilesion sites. Among the main players in myelinated axon organization are proteins of the contactin (CNTN) group of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) of cell adhesion molecules, namely Contactin-1 and Contactin-2 (CNTN1, CNTN2). The two contactins perform their functions through intermolecular interactions, which are crucial for myelinated axon integrity and functionality. In this review, we focus on the implication of these two molecules as well as their interactors in demyelinating pathologies in humans. At first, we describe the organization and function of myelinated axons in the central (CNS) and the peripheral (PNS) nervous system, further analyzing the role of CNTN1 and CNTN2 as well as their interactors in myelination. In the last section, studies showing the correlation of the two contactins with demyelinating pathologies are reviewed, highlighting the importance of these recognition molecules in shaping the function of the nervous system in multiple ways.

scholarly journals Antioxidant and Signaling Role of Plastid-Derived Isoprenoid Quinones and Chromanols

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 2950
Author(s):  
Beatrycze Nowicka ◽  
Agnieszka Trela-Makowej ◽  
Dariusz Latowski ◽  
Kazimierz Strzalka ◽  
Renata Szymańska
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Oxygenic Photosynthesis ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Main Site ◽  
Storage Lipids ◽  
Abiotic Stress Factors ◽  
Cell Components ◽  
And Function

Plant prenyllipids, especially isoprenoid chromanols and quinols, are very efficient low-molecular-weight lipophilic antioxidants, protecting membranes and storage lipids from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are byproducts of aerobic metabolism that can damage cell components, they are also known to play a role in signaling. Plants are particularly prone to oxidative damage because oxygenic photosynthesis results in O2 formation in their green tissues. In addition, the photosynthetic electron transfer chain is an important source of ROS. Therefore, chloroplasts are the main site of ROS generation in plant cells during the light reactions of photosynthesis, and plastidic antioxidants are crucial to prevent oxidative stress, which occurs when plants are exposed to various types of stress factors, both biotic and abiotic. The increase in antioxidant content during stress acclimation is a common phenomenon. In the present review, we describe the mechanisms of ROS (singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical) production in chloroplasts in general and during exposure to abiotic stress factors, such as high light, low temperature, drought and salinity. We highlight the dual role of their presence: negative (i.e., lipid peroxidation, pigment and protein oxidation) and positive (i.e., contribution in redox-based physiological processes). Then we provide a summary of current knowledge concerning plastidic prenyllipid antioxidants belonging to isoprenoid chromanols and quinols, as well as their structure, occurrence, biosynthesis and function both in ROS detoxification and signaling.

scholarly journals Zinc: A Necessary Ion for Mammalian Sperm Fertilization Competency

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 4097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Kerns ◽  
Michal Zigo ◽  
Peter Sutovsky
Keyword(s):  
Male Fertility ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Zinc Supplementation ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Maturation ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Semen Processing ◽  
New Research ◽  
And Function

The importance of zinc for male fertility only emerged recently, being propelled in part by consumer interest in nutritional supplements containing ionic trace minerals. Here, we review the properties, biological roles and cellular mechanisms that are relevant to zinc function in the male reproductive system, survey available peer-reviewed data on nutritional zinc supplementation for fertility improvement in livestock animals and infertility therapy in men, and discuss the recently discovered signaling pathways involving zinc in sperm maturation and fertilization. Emphasis is on the zinc-interacting sperm proteome and its involvement in the regulation of sperm structure and function, from spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation to sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract, capacitation, fertilization, and embryo development. Merits of dietary zinc supplementation and zinc inclusion into semen processing media are considered with livestock artificial insemination (AI) and human assisted reproductive therapy (ART) in mind. Collectively, the currently available data underline the importance of zinc ions for male fertility, which could be harnessed to improve human reproductive health and reproductive efficiency in agriculturally important livestock species. Further research will advance the field of sperm and fertilization biology, provide new research tools, and ultimately optimize semen processing procedures for human infertility therapy and livestock AI.

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