Role In Ovarian Development Research Articles

Activin A Accelerates the Progression of Fetal Oocytes Throughout Meiosis and Early Oogenesis in the Mouse

Activins can exert several roles in ovary development. However, little is known about their involvement in early mammalian oogenesis. In this study, we reported that activin receptors (including ActRIA, ActRIB, ActRIIA, and ActRIIB) are expressed throughout the development of the mouse ovaries from 12.5 days postcoitum (dpc) to 21 days postparturition (dpp). Moreover, we found that in vitro, the addition of activin A (ActA) to the culture medium of 12.5 dpc ovarian tissues accelerated the progression of oocytes throughout meiotic prophase I stages. This result was reproduced in vivo following administration of ActA to pregnant mice. The in vitro effect of ActA was associated with increased expression of premeiotic and meiotic genes (including Dazl, Spo11, Stra8, Scp3, and Rec8) in the ovarian tissues. Mechanistically, ActA-dependent SMAD3 signaling modulated the expression of members of the retinoic acid (RA) system, including the RA degradation CYP26B1 enzyme and the RA receptors. Finally, ActA promoted the survival and growth of fetal and early postnatal oocytes and primordial follicle assembly both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the present study identifies new roles of ActA in early oogenesis and suggested that ActA and RA might cooperate in promoting meiosis in female germ cells.

Identification of miRNAs during mouse postnatal ovarian development and superovulation.

BackgroundMicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that play critical roles in regulation of gene expression in wide array of tissues including the ovary through sequence complementarity at post-transcriptional level. Tight regulation of multitude of genes involved in ovarian development and folliculogenesis could be regulated at transcription level by these miRNAs. Therefore, tissue specific miRNAs identification is considered a key step towards understanding the role of miRNAs in biological processes.MethodsTo investigate the role of microRNAs during ovarian development and folliculogenesis we sequenced eight different libraries using Illumina deep sequencing technology. Different developmental stages were selected to explore miRNAs expression pattern at different stages of gonadal maturation with/without treatment of PMSG/hCG for superovulation.ResultsFrom massive sequencing reads, clean reads of 16–26 bp were selected for further analysis of differential expression analysis and novel microRNA annotation. Expression analysis of all miRNAs at different developmental stages showed that some miRNAs were present ubiquitously while others were differentially expressed at different stages. Among differentially expressed miRNAs we reported 61 miRNAs with a fold change of more than 2 at different developmental stages among all libraries. Among the up-regulated miRNAs, mmu-mir-1298 had the highest fold change with 4.025 while mmu-mir-150 was down-regulated more than 3 fold. Furthermore, we found 2659 target genes for 20 differentially expressed microRNAs using seven different target predictions programs (DIANA-mT, miRanda, miRDB, miRWalk, RNAhybrid, PICTAR5, TargetScan). Analysis of the predicted targets showed certain ovary specific genes targeted by single or multiple microRNAs. Furthermore, pathway annotation and Gene ontology showed involvement of these microRNAs in basic cellular process.ConclusionsThese results suggest the presence of different miRNAs at different stages of ovarian development and superovulation. Potential role of these microRNAs was elucidated using bioinformatics tools in regulation of different pathways, biological functions and cellular components underlying ovarian development and superovulation. These results provide a framework for extended analysis of miRNAs and their roles during ovarian development and superovulation. Furthermore, this study provides a base for characterization of individual miRNAs to discover their role in ovarian development and female fertility.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13048-015-0170-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Molecular cloning of the insulin-like growth factor 3 and difference in the expression of igf genes in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides).

Insulin-like growth factor (Igf) is the key regulator for development, growth, and reproduction. In most vertebrate species, the Igf family has two forms: Igf1 and Igf2. A novel form of Igf, termed Igf3, was recently discovered in fish. In the present study, we isolated igf3 from the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). The orange-spotted grouper igf3 consisted of a full-length cDNA of 1014 nucleotides with an open reading frame (ORF) of 597 bp, encoding for proteins of 199 amino acid residues in length. Tissue distribution analysis showed that igf1 widely expressed with the highest expression in the pituitary and liver. igf2 was expressed highly in all the tissues except the olfactory bulb, while igf3 showed the highest expression in the ovary, and moderate expression in brain areas. The expression profiles of three igf genes during the ovarian development and growth hormone (Gh) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment were also investigated. Three igf genes exhibited different expression patterns during the ovarian development, and showed different responses to the Gh and hCG treatments, appearing to play distinct roles in ovarian development. The present study provides further evidence for the existence of an intraovarian Igf system in orange-spotted grouper.

Polymorphism of the CTNNB1 and FOXL2 Genes is not Associated with Canine XX Testicular/Ovotesticular Disorder of Sex Development.

78,XX testicular or ovotesticular disorder of sex development (DSD) is the most common sex anomaly in dogs, but its molecular background remains unknown. It was hypothesized that the causative mutation may reside in canine chromosome 23 (CFA23), where two genes playing a pivotal role in ovarian development (CTNNB1 and FOXL2) are located. The aim of our study was to search for polymorphism in both candidate genes in 15 DSD dogs (78,XX and a lack of the SRYgene) and 29 normal females. Altogether, 7 novel polymorphic variants were identified: 5 SNPs in CTNNB1 and 2 indels in the FOXL2 gene. The distribution of the identified variants was similar in the DSD and control dogs. Therefore, we concluded that the conducted research did not prove an association between these polymorphisms and canine testicular or ovotesticular XX DSD.

Identification of the genes regulated by Wnt-4, a critical signal for commitment of the ovary

The indifferent mammalian embryonic gonad generates an ovary or testis, but the factors involved are still poorly known. The Wnt-4 signal represents one critical female determinant, since its absence leads to partial female-to-male sex reversal in mouse, but its signalling is as well implicated in the testis development. We used the Wnt-4 deficient mouse as a model to identify candidate gonadogenesis genes, and found that the Notum, Phlda2, Runx-1 and Msx1 genes are typical of the wild-type ovary and the Osr2, Dach2, Pitx2 and Tacr3 genes of the testis. Strikingly, the expression of these latter genes becomes reversed in the Wnt-4 knock-out ovary, suggesting a role in ovarian development. We identified the transcription factor Runx-1 as a Wnt-4 signalling target gene, since it is expressed in the ovary and is reduced upon Wnt-4 knock-out. Consistent with this, introduction of the Wnt-4 signal into early ovary cells ex vivo induces Runx-1 expression, while conversely Wnt-4 expression is down-regulated in the absence of Runx-1. We conclude that the Runx-1 gene can be a Wnt-4 signalling target, and that Runx-1 and Wnt-4 are mutually interdependent in their expression. The changes in gene expression due to the absence of Wnt-4 in gonads reflect the sexually dimorphic role of this signal and its complex gene network in mammalian gonad development.

Wnt4 in protogynous hermaphroditic orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides): identification and expression.

Wnt4 (Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 4) has been demonstrated to play critical roles in ovarian development in mammals, but its function in fish reproduction is still unclear. In the present study, two full-length wnt4 cDNA sequences (named wnt4a and wnt4b) were cloned from the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Amino acid alignment analysis showed that both orange-spotted grouper Wnt4s proteins had the typical characteristics of the Wnt family. RT-PCR revealed that both wnt4a and wnt4b were highly expressed in the ovaries of the orange-spotted grouper. Temporal expression profiles of both wnt4 genes during embryonic and ovarian development were examined. The expressions of wnt4a and wnt4b genes were first detected at the embryonic morula stage, but the gens showed different expression patterns. During ovarian development, high expression of wnt4a was observed in the ovarian lumen formation and gonium proliferation stage, while wnt4b exhibited strong expression in the early developmental stage of oocytes. Taken together, the present study indicates that the two wnt4 genes are involved in the regulation of ovarian development in the orange-spotted grouper.

Alterations in the levels and distribution of octopamine in the central nervous system and ovary of the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, and its possible role in ovarian development

Octopamine (OA) is a major neurotransmitter that has not been studied in the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Therefore, we investigated changes in OA levels, its distribution in regions of the central nervous system (CNS) and ovary during the ovarian maturation cycle, as well as its possible role in regulating ovarian maturation. OA exhibited the highest concentration in the brain and thoracic ganglia at ovarian stage II, and then declined to the lowest concentration at ovarian stages III and IV. In the cerebral ganglia, OA-immunoreactivity (OA-ir) was present in neurons of clusters 6, 17, the anterior and posterior medial protocerebral, olfactory, antenna II, and tegumentary neuropils. In the circumesophageal, subesophageal, thoracic ganglia and abdominal ganglia, OA-ir was detected in several neuropils, neurons and fibers. The high level of intensity in OA immunostaining was observed in early developmental stage of oocyte by comparison with low level of OA-ir in late stages of oocyte development. Functionally, OA-injected female shrimps at doses of 2.5×10−7 and 2.5×10−6mol/shrimp, showed significantly decreased gonado-somatic indices, oocyte diameters, and hemolymph vitellogenin levels, compared with control groups. This study showed changes of OA in the CNS and ovary reaching the highest level in early ovarian stages and declining in late stages, and it decreased hemolymph vitellogenin levels, suggesting significant involvement of OA in female reproduction in this species.

Aedes aegypti juvenile hormone acid methyl transferase, the ultimate enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of juvenile hormone III, exhibits substrate control

We report on the cloning, sequencing, characterization, 3D modeling and docking of Aedes aegypti juvenile hormone acid methyl transferase (AeaJHAMT), the enzyme that converts juvenile hormone acid (JHA) into juvenile hormone (JH). Purified recombinant AeaJHAMT was extensively characterized for enzymatic activity and the Michaelis Menten kinetic parameters Km, Vmax, kcat (turn over number) and kcat/Km (catalytic efficiency) using JHA and its analogues as substrates. AeaJHAMT methylates JHA III 5-fold faster than farnesoic acid (FA). Significant differences in lower methyl transferase (MT) activities towards the cis/trans/trans, cis/trans/cis and the trans/cis/cis isomers of JHA I (1.32, 4.71 and 156-fold, respectively) indicate that substrate chirality is important for proper alignment at the catalytic cavity and for efficient methyl transfer by S-adenosyl methionine (SAM). Our 3D model shows a potential binding site below the main catalytic cavity for JHA analogues causing conformational change and steric hindrance in the transfer of the methyl group to JHA III. These, in silico, observations were corroborated by, in vitro, studies showing that several JHA analogues are potent inhibitors of AeaJHAMT. In vitro, and in vivo studies using [3H-methyl]SAM show that the enzyme is present and active throughout the adult life stage of A. aegypti. Tissue specific expressions of the JHAMT gene of A. aegypti (jmtA) transcript during the life cycle of A. aegypti show that AeaJHAMT is a constitutive enzyme and jmtA transcript is expressed in the corpora allata (CA), and the ovary before and after the blood meal. These results indicate that JH III can be synthesized from JHA III by the mosquito ovary, suggesting that ovarian JH III may play an important physiological role in ovarian development and reproduction. Incubating AeaJHAMT with highly pure synthetic substrates indicates that JHA III is the enzyme’s preferred substrate, suggesting that AeaJHAMT is the ultimate enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of JH III.

Germline Mutations of Inhibins in Early‐Onset Ovarian Epithelial Tumors

To identify novel genetic bases of early-onset epithelial ovarian tumors, we used the trio exome sequencing strategy in a patient without familial history of cancer who presented metastatic serous ovarian adenocarcinomas at 21 years of age. We identified a single de novo mutation (c.1157A>G/p.Asn386Ser) within the INHBA gene encoding the βA-subunit of inhibins/activins, which play a key role in ovarian development. In vitro, this mutation alters the ratio of secreted activins and inhibins. In a second patient with early-onset serous borderline papillary cystadenoma, we identified an unreported germline mutation (c.179G>T/p.Arg60Leu) of the INHA gene encoding the α-subunit, the partner of the βA-subunit. This mutation also alters the secreted activin/inhibin ratio, by disrupting both inhibin A and inhibin B biosynthesis. In a cohort of 62 cases, we detected an additional unreported germline mutation of the INHBA gene (c.839G>A/p.Gly280Glu). Our results strongly suggest that inhibin mutations contribute to the genetic determinism of epithelial ovarian tumors.

Expression pattern of the <I>foxl2</I> gene in the scallop <I>Chlamys farreri</I> during development

Foxl2 is a female related gene that plays a role in ovarian development and maintenance of function in mammals.However,little is know about the expression and function of foxl2 during early embryonic development. We investigated the pattern of foxl2(Cf-foxl2) expression during development in the scallop,Chlamys farreri, using qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization.The expression of Cf-foxl2 mRNA was low in the fertilized egg,but increased during development.The level of expression was highest in D-shaped larvae,after which levels declined significantly.In situ hybridization revealed that Cf-foxl2 mRNA was evenly distributed in the embryos up to the trochophore stage,at which point we observed a strong positive signal concentrated in the ventral surface near the concave region of the mouth.The intensity of the signal increased significantly in D-shaped larvae,was strongest in the dorsal part of the visceral mass and the margin of mantle,and was distributed symmetrically.Thereafter,the signal disappeared until sex differentiation,at which time the signal was only detected in the ovary.Our results suggest that the foxl2 gene participates in the regulation of ovarian development.Furthermore,given the persistent expression during the early development stages,we hypothesize that this gene plays a role in the development of C. farreri.

Gene Expression Profiles of LH, Prolactin and Their Receptors in Female Zi Geese (Anser cygnoides) during Development

The objective of this work was to elucidate the gene expression profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL) and their receptors during the developmental and egg laying stage. The expression of genes encoding pituitary LH and PRL, as well as those for the ovarian LH receptor (LHR) and PRL receptor (PRLR), was determined by quantitative real-time PCR in Zi geese on day 1 and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 months of age, respectively. The expression of LH and LHR fluctuated and increased as the geese aged. The expression of LH was significantly higher at 5 to 8 months of age than in 1 day old geese (P < 0.05). The expression of LHR was higher at 8 months than at 1 day, at 1 to 4 months and at 6 months (P < 0.05). The expression of PRL decreased from day 1, followed by an increase from 3 months, and reached the highest values at 8 months of age in the study. The difference in PRL expression between 7 and 8 months of age was significant (P < 0.05). The expression of PRLR decreased initially and this was followed by a fluctuating increase from 5 months until 8 months of age. The expression of PRLR in 1 to 8 month old geese was significantly lower than at day 1 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that LH and PRLR may play an important role in ovarian development and the egg-laying process in Zi geese.

Hes1 in the somatic cells of the murine ovary is necessary for oocyte survival and maturation

The Notch pathway plays an important role in ovary development in invertebrates like Drosophila. However its role for the mammalian ovary is unclear. Mammalian Hes genes encode transcriptional factors that mediate many of the activities of the Notch pathway. Here, we have studied the function of Hes1 during embryonic development of the mouse ovary. We find that Hes1 protein is present in somatic cells and oocyte cytoplasm and decreases between E15.5 and P0. Conventional Hes1 knock-out (KO), Hes1 conditional KO in the ovarian somatic, and chemical inhibition of Notch signaling decrease the total number, size and maturation of oocytes and increase the number of pregranulosa cells at P0. These defects correlate with abnormal proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Expression of the proapoptotic gene Inhbb is increased, while the levels of the antiapoptotic and oocyte maturation marker Kit are decreased in the Hes1 KO ovaries. Conversely, overactivation of the Notch pathway in ovarian somatic cells increases the number of mature oocytes and decreases the number of pregranulosa cells. Fertility is also reduced by either Hes1 deletion or Notch pathway overactivation. In conclusion, our data suggest that the Notch–Hes1 pathway regulates ovarian somatic cell development, which is necessary for oocyte survival and maturation.

Mutational screening of SF1 and WNT4 in Tunisian women with premature ovarian failure

BackgroundWNT4 and SF1 genes play an important role in ovarian development. They constitute coherent candidate genes associated with premature ovarian failure (POF) pathogenesis. MethodsWe sequenced the coding region of WNT4 and SF1 in 55 Tunisian women with POF and 100 healthy controls. ResultsWe identified a synonymous variation in WNT4 (c.99G>A, p.Ser33Ser) and a substitution (c.G437C) in SF1 gene inducing G146 to Ala (GGG–GCG) missense mutation. WNT4 (c.99G>A, p.Ser33Ser) was not associated with POF pathology. However, a positive association of SF1 Gly146Ala polymorphism was noted. Gly146Ala minor allele frequency was significantly higher (p=0.029) in POF patients versus controls and Ala allele containing genotypes (p=0.005) were positively associated with POF pathology. The carriage of 146Ala allele was also associated with a significant reduction in estradiol plasma levels. ConclusionsSF1 Gly146Ala polymorphism seems to be associated with POF pathology in the Tunisian population likely by reducing estradiol levels.

Expression patterns of cytochrome P450 aromatase genes during ovary development and their responses to temperature stress in female yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

Cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) plays a pivotal role in ovary development. In this study, we used semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to analyze spatiotemporal expressions of two P450arom genes (CYP19A and CYP19B) and their responses to temperature stress in female yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Tissue distribution pattern of CYP19 showed that CYP19B was abundantly expressed in fish brain and ovary (brain > ovary), but weakly in intestines, whereas CYP19A was exclusively expressed in ovary. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed high transcript abundance of both CYP19A and CYP19B in the ovarian reproductive cycle, corresponding with serum estradiol-17β (E2) levels. Increases in aromatases, serum E2 and testosterone (T) levels in fish exposed to higher temperature indicated stimulation of ovarian maturation and recrudescence by heat stress in stages II and V during the ovarian cycle, whereas associated decreases in stage III suggested vitellogenesis inhibition by heat stress. Gene expression of CYP19 was closely related to levels of serum E2. Results demonstrated CYP19 played a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of female yellow catfish. Different temperature stress affected CYP19 gene expression in the fish ovarian reproductive cycle. Associated P450arom genes could be useful for studying physiological aspects of yellow catfish.

Molecular analysis of a ras-like nuclear (Ran) gene from Penaeus monodon and its expression at the different ovarian stages of development

In the present study, a ras-like nuclear (Ran) gene was obtained from the ovary and neurosecretory organ in eyestalk cDNA library of black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). The full-length black tiger prawn Ran (PmRan) cDNA consisted of 1140 nucleotides including an open reading frame (ORF) 648bp, a 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of 117bp and a 3'UTR of 375bp with a polyadenylation signal sequence "aataaa" and a poly (A) tail. The ORF encoded a peptide of 215 amino acids with molecular mass 24.6kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 7.39. ScanProsite analysis indicated that PmRan protein sequence contained a small GTPase Ran family motif. Homology analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of the PmRan with other known Ran sequences by MatGAT software revealed that the PmRan show very high homology with the sequences of other animals (92.1-98.6% similarity, 85.6-98.1% identity). Analysis of the tissue expression pattern of the PmRan gene showed that the PmRan mRNA was expressed in all tested tissues, including hepatopancreas, ovary, muscle, intestine, neurosecretory organ in eyestalk, neurosecretory organ in brain, stomach, and heart, with the highest levels in ovary. Furthermore, the PmRan expression was found to be high level in the six ovarian stages of development. The results indicated PmRan might play an important role in ovarian development.

Dimorphic Expression of Various Transcription Factor and Steroidogenic Enzyme Genes during Gonadal Ontogeny in the Air-Breathing Catfish, Clarias gariepinus

In the present study the expression of 13 genes known to be involved in sex differentiation and steroidogenesis in catfish was analyzed during gonadal ontogeny by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Dmrt1 and sox9a showed exclusive expression in male gonads while ovarian aromatase (cyp19a1) and foxl2 were abundant in differentiating female gonads. Most of the genes related to steroidogenesis were expressed only after gonadal differentiation. However, genes coding for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-hsd), 17α-hydroxylase/C17–20 lyase type 1 (cyp17) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star) were barely detectable during gonadal differentiation. Ovarian aromatase, cyp19a1, which is responsible for estradiol-17β biosynthesis in females, was expressed very early in the undifferentiated gonads of catfish, around 30–40 days post hatch (dph). The steroidogenic enzyme, 11β-hydroxylase (cyp11b1) required for the production of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) was expressed only after differentiation of testis. These results suggest that estradiol-17β has a critical role in ovarian differentiation, while the role of 11-KT in testicular differentiation is doubtful. In conclusion, dimorphic expression of dmrt1 and sox9a in gonads during early development is required for testicular differentiation, and sex-specific expression of cyp19a1 and foxl2 in females plays a critical role in ovarian development. Our study reveals that the critical period of gonadal differentiation in catfish starts around 30–40 dph when sex-specific genes showed differential expression.

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of thrombospondin gene from Penaeus monodon

In present study, a thrombospondin gene was obtained from the ovary and neurosecretory organ in eyestalk cDNA library of black tiger prawn ( Penaeus monodon). The full-length P. monodon thrombospondin (PmTSP) cDNA contained a 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of 9 bp, an open reading frame (ORF) of 2778 bp encoding a polypeptide of 925 amino acids with molecular mass 100.57 kDa, and a 3′UTR of 99 bp. ScanProsite analysis indicated that PmTSP contained four chitin-binding type-II domains, an EGF-like domain, eight thrombospondin type-III repeats and one thrombospondin C-terminal domain. Homology analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of the PmTSP with other known TSP sequences by MatGAT software revealed that the PmTSP shows very high homology with the sequences of Fennerpenaeus chinensis (89.9% similarity, 83.8% identity). Analysis of the tissue expression pattern of the PmTSP gene showed that the PmTSP mRNA was expressed in all tested tissues, including hepatopancreas, ovary, muscle, intestine, neurosecretory organ in eyestalk, neurosecretory organ in brain, stomach, and heart, with highest level in the ovary. Furthermore, the PmTSP expression was found to be of high level in six development stages of the ovary. The results indicated that PmTSP might play an important role in ovarian development.

Identification and expression analysis of the Broad-Complex core protein isoform 6 (BR-C Z6) gene in the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Penaeidae: Decapoda)

Broad-Complex (BR-C) is an early ecdysone-responsive gene encoding a family of zinc-finger transcription factors that function during metamorphosis in insects. We identified two full-length cDNAs of BR-C Z6 in the giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). They were 2422 and 2060 bp in length, containing open reading frames of 1440 and 1443 bp, corresponding to polypeptides of 479 and 480 amino acids, respectively. Tissue distribution analysis indicated that PmBR-C Z6 was abundantly expressed in hemocytes and ovaries in juveniles. In broodstock, PmBR-C Z6 was constitutively expressed in all tissues examined, and the highest expression was observed in ovaries. The expression of PmBR-C Z6 in ovaries was significantly greater than in testes in both juveniles and broodstock of P. monodon. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the expression level of PmBR-C Z6 was significantly down-regulated in stages II and III of ovaries in intact wild broodstock and returned to the basal level in stage IV ovaries and after spawning. In eyestalk-ablated broodstock, PmBR-C Z6 was significantly up-regulated in stage IV (mature) ovaries. Moreover, the expression level of PmBR-C Z6 in vitellogenic, early cortical rod and mature (stages II-IV) ovaries of eyestalk-ablated broodstock was greater than that of the same ovarian stages in intact broodstock. In situ hybridization revealed that PmBR-C Z6 transcripts were localized in oogonia and cytoplasm of previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes of both wild intact and eyestalk-abated broodstock. The effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone on expression of PmBR-C Z6 were examined. The expression level of PmBR-C Z6 in ovaries of juvenile P. monodon was significantly increased at 168 h post-injection. Taken together, these findings indicate that PmBR-C Z6 plays an important role in ovarian development of P. monodon.

Molecular analysis of the QM gene from Penaeus monodon and its expression on the different ovarian stages of development

In present study, a QM gene was obtained from the ovary and neurosecretory organ in eyestalk cDNA library of black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). The full-length black tiger prawn QM (PmQM) cDNA contained a 5'-UTR of 41 bp, an ORF of 663 bp encoding a polypeptide of 220 amino acids with molecular weight 25.5 kDa, and a 3'-UTR of 54 bp. Homology analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of the PmQM with other known QM sequences by MatGAT software revealed that the PmQM was high homology with other invertebrates. A conserved signature sequence of the QM family was found in the PmQM deduced amino acid sequence. Analysis of the tissue expression pattern of the PmQM gene showed that the PmQM mRNA was expressed in all tissues tested, with highest levels in ovary. Furthermore, the PmQM expression was found to be different in three important ovarian stages of development. The results indicated PmQM might play an important role in ovarian development.

Inhibitory SMAD7 expression is upregulated by treatment with TGFβ in granulosa cells

OBJECTIVE: The TGFβ growth factor family has long been known to play a role in ovarian development and folliculogenesis. The critical role of the signal transduction family of SMADs is beginning to be explicated. The activating Smad, Smad3 regulates follicle growth and FSH receptor expression. Yet little is known about the ovarian role of Smad7, a direct regulator of Smad3 in many tissues. These studies investigate the expression of of Smad7 and the activation of a Smad7 promoter reporter construct.