Influence of granulosa cells and of different somatic cell types on mammalian oocyte development in vitro

Zygote ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 4 (04) ◽  
pp. 305-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadra Cecconi ◽  
Rosella Colonna
Keyword(s):  
Gap Junctions ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Paracrine Factors ◽  
Oocyte Growth ◽  
Major Route ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Development In Vitro

In mammals the ability of an oocyte to become fertilised is the result of a complex process occurring within the ovarian follicle which depends on the stagespecific expression of oocyte genes and the presence of granulosa cells (for a review see Buccioneet al., 1990a). The coordinated development of germinal and somatic components of the follicle is regulated by two principal systems of interaction, based on the presence of gap junctions and on the production of paracrine factors. Gap junctions link granulosa cells to each other and to the oocyte (Anderson & Albertini, 1976), and represent a major route for the transfer of small molecules involved in oocyte metabolism (for a review see Mangiaet al., 1992) and regulation of the arrest and resumption of meiosis (for a review see Eppig, 1993). The production of paracrine factors by granulosa cells has been suggested by the findings that these cells express the production of theSteellocus, the Steel factor (SLF) or kit ligand (KL; Motroet al., 1991; Manovaet al., 1993), and that this factor promotes oocyte growthin vitrowhen used at high concentrations (Packeret al., 1994). Since KL is too large to be transmitted through gap junctions, it must necessarily be released in the extracellular environment before binding to the c-kitreceptor present on oocyte membrane (Manovaet al., 1990; Horieet al., 1991).

Conversion of 5(10)-oestrene-3β,17β-diol to 19-nor-4-ene-3-ketosteroids by luteal cells in vitro: possible involvement of the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase

1991 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. H. Lee ◽  
F. R. Tekpetey ◽  
D. T. Armstrong ◽  
M. W. Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Porcine Granulosa Cells ◽  
Porcine Luteal Cells

ABSTRACT We have previously suggested that in porcine granulosa cells, a putative intermediate, 5(10)-oestrene-3,17-dione is involved in 4-oestrene-3,17-dione (19-norandrostenedione; 19-norA) and 4-oestren-17β-ol-3-one (19-nortestosterone: 19-norT) formation from C19 aromatizable androgens. In this study, luteal cells prepared from porcine, bovine and rat corpora lutea by centrifugal elutriation were used as a source of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase in order to investigate the role of this enzyme in the biosynthesis of 19-norsteroids. Small porcine luteal cells made mainly 19-norT and large porcine luteal cells 19-norA from 5(10)-oestrene-3β,17β-diol, the reduced product of the putative intermediate 5(10)-oestrene-3,17-dione. However, neither small nor large cells metabolized androstenedione to 19-norsteroids. Serum and serum plus LH significantly stimulated formation of both 19-norA and 19-norT from 5(10)-oestrene-3β,17β-diol, compared with controls. Inhibitors of the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (trilostane and cyanoketone) significantly reduced formation of 19-norT in small porcine luteal cells and 19-norA in large porcine luteal cells, although they were effective at different concentrations in each cell type. In parallel incubations, formation of [4-14C]androstenedione from added [4-14C]dehydroepiandrosterone was also inhibited by cyanoketone in both small and large porcine luteal cells in a dose-dependent manner; however, trilostane (up to 100 μmol/l) did not inhibit androstenedione formation in large porcine luteal cells. In addition, the decrease in progesterone synthesis induced by trilostane and cyanoketone (100 μmol/l each) was accompanied by a parallel accumulation of pregnenolone in both cell types. These results suggest that 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase, or a closely related enzyme, present in small and large porcine luteal cells can convert added 5(10)-3β-hydroxysteroids into 19-nor-4(5)-3-kestosteroids in vitro. In the porcine ovarian follicle, therefore, formation of 19-norA from androstenedione can be envisaged as a two-step enzymatic process: 19-demethylation of androstenedione to produce the putative intermediate 5(10)-oestrene-3,17-dione, and subsequent isomerization to 19-norA. In contrast to granulosa cells, porcine luteal cells synthesized 19-norA or 19-norT only when provided with the appropriate substrate. Unfractionated rat luteal cells also metabolized 5(10)-oestrene-3β,17β-diol to a mixture of 19-norA and 19-norT; conversion was inhibited by trilostane. In addition, small bovine luteal cells synthesized mainly 19-norT and formation was also inhibited by trilostane and cyanoketone. In addition to 19-norA, an unknown metabolite, formed in low amounts by large porcine luteal cells, appears to be related to another steroid which accumulated at high inhibitor concentrations; it may represent 5(10)-oestrene-3,17-dione postulated as a putative intermediate formed during 19-norsteroid biosynthesis. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 129, 233–243

scholarly journals Alterations in ovarian function of mice with reduced amounts of KIT receptor

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Reynaud ◽  
R Cortvrindt ◽  
J Smitz ◽  
F Bernex ◽  
JJ Panthier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Oocyte Growth ◽  
Preantral Follicles ◽  
Kit Ligand ◽  
Kit Receptor

The KIT receptor, present on oocyte and theca cells in ovarian follicles, and its ligand, KIT LIGAND, produced by granulosa cells, are encoded at the Kit gene and the Mgf gene, respectively. Both Kit and Mgf mutations affect oogenesis and folliculogenesis. In this study, the ovarian function of heterozygous mice with a mutation Kit(W-lacZ) was examined. Firstly, the amounts of KIT and KIT LIGAND proteins in the ovaries of mice at different ages were determined. Secondly, in vivo and in vitro folliculogenesis of wild type and heterozygous mice were compared. Western blotting showed that the amounts of both KIT and KIT LIGAND proteins were decreased in mutant mice. Ovarian follicle populations were counted and more type 5a follicles and fewer type 5b (preantral follicles) were present in ovaries from Kit(W-lacZ/+) ovaries. Furthermore, the relationships between oocyte size and follicle size differed between wild type and heterozygous mice. This finding may be a consequence of altered proliferation of granulosa cells or of altered oocyte growth in mutant mice. Other features of folliculogenesis, such as initiation of follicular growth, total follicle population and follicular atresia, were not affected by the mutation. Analysis of in vitro folliculogenesis did not reveal other differences between wild type and mutant mice. It is concluded that the Kit(W-lacZ) mutation affects the expression of KIT and KIT LIGAND proteins, resulting in alterations in granulosa cell proliferation and/or oocyte growth in preantral follicles.

scholarly journals OVARIAN GRANULOSA CELLS FROM WOMEN WITH PCOS EXPRESS LOW LEVELS OF SARS-COV-2 RECEPTORS AND CO-FACTORS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aalaap Anand Naigaonkar ◽  
Krutika Madhukar Patil ◽  
Shaini Joseph ◽  
Indira Hinduja ◽  
Srabani Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Ovarian Granulosa Cells ◽  
Lower Expression

Purpose: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is global pandemic with more than 3 million deaths so far. Female reproductive tract organs express coronavirus-associated receptors and factors (SCARFs); suggesting they may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection however the susceptibility of ovary/follicle/oocyte to the same is still elusive. Co-morbidities like obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease etc. increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These features are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), warranting further scope to study SCARFs expression in ovary of these women. Materials and methods: SCARFs expression in ovary and ovarian tissues of women with PCOS and healthy women was explored by analyzing publically available microarray datasets. Transcript expression of SCARFs were investigated in mural and cumulus granulosa cells (MGCs and CGCs) from control and PCOS women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results: Microarray data revealed that ovary expresses all genes necessary for SARS-CoV-2 infection. PCOS women mostly showed down-regulated/unchanged levels of SCARFs. MGCs and CGCs from PCOS women showed lower expression of receptors ACE2, BSG and DPP4 and protease CTSB than in controls. MGCs showed lower expression of protease CTSL in PCOS than in controls. Expression of TMPRSS2 was not detected in both cell types. Conclusions: Human ovarian follicle may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lower expression of SCARFs in PCOS indicate that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the ovary may be lesser in these women than controls. This knowledge may help in safe practices at IVF settings in the current pandemic. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Ovarian granulosa cells, Oocyte, PCOS, IVF

scholarly journals Transcriptomic profile of genes encoding proteins responsible for regulation of cells differentiation and neurogenesis in vivo and in vitro – an oocyte model approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Lisa Moncrieff ◽  
Ievgeniia Kocherova ◽  
Artur Bryja ◽  
Wiesława Kranc ◽  
Joanna Perek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Paracrine Factors ◽  
Gene Markers ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Porcine Oocyte ◽  
Micro Analysis

AbstractThe growth and development of the oocyte is essential for the ovarian follicle. Cumulus cells (CCs) - a population of granulosa cells - exchange metabolites, proteins and oocyte-derived paracrine factors with the oocyte through gap junctions, to contribute to the competency and health of the oocyte. This bi-directional communication of the cumulus-oocyte complex could be better understood through the micro-analysis of a porcine oocyte gene expression before in vitro maturation (IVM) and after. Additionally, the study of the somatic and gamete cells differentiation capability into neuronal lineage would be promising for future stem cell research as granulosa cells are easily accessible waste material from in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Therefore, in this study, the oocytes of 45 pubertal Landrace gilts were isolated and the protein expression of the COCs were analyzed through micro-analysis techniques. Genes belonging to two ontological groups: neuron differentiation and negative regulation of cell differentiation have been identified which have roles in proliferation, migration and differentiation. Twenty identified porcine oocyte genes (VEGFA, BTG2, MCOLN3, EGR2, TGFBR3, GJA1, FST, CTNNA2, RTN4, MDGA1, KIT, RYK, NOTCH2, RORA, SMAD4, ITGB1, SEMA5A, SMARCA1, WWTR1 and APP) were found to be down-regulated after the transition of IVM compared to in vitro. These results could be applied as gene markers for the proliferation, migration and differentiation occurring in the bi-directional communication between the oocyte and CCs.Running title: Differentiation and neurogenesis in oocyte cells

P–458 A computational biology approach to improve in-vitro folliculogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C D Berardino ◽  
N Bernabò ◽  
G Capacchietti ◽  
A Peserico ◽  
G Buoncuore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Control ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Paracrine Factors ◽  
Oocyte Growth ◽  
Topological Parameters

Abstract Study question Considering the complexity of mechanisms involved in mammalian ovarian folliculogenesis, how about improving the current in-vitro folliculogenesis (ivF) protocols to prolong individual reproductive chance? Summary answer Computational modelling approach based on network theory was used to manage complexity, improve ivF knowledge and discover new molecules to be targeted for innovating assisted-reproductive-technologies. What is known already: Over the past decades, based on the large ovarian-pool of immature-gametes availability, ivF systems were developed in several mammalian species to support oocyte growth in order to preserve human-fertility and contrast endangered species extinction. Only mouse live-births were obtained when primordial/primary follicles were cultured in-vitro, instead the oocyte differentiation is extremely slow in medium-sized mammals. Moreover, the degree of meiotic-competence is quite incomplete if compared to mice, because oocytes must proceed until late antral-follicle stage to acquire a complete developmental competence. These observations denote the importance to adopt further investigations for establishing a complete ivF protocol in translational mammal model. Study design, size, duration Two researchers expert on reproductive biology generated the Web of Science-Mammals-Made in-vitro folliculogenesis (WoS_MMivF) database including 1111 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed international papers indexed selected in Advanced Search of WoS “Core-collection” by carrying out an independent analysis. Two additional researchers verified the correctness of the records. Participants/materials, setting, methods WoS_MMivF network was built up using Cytoscape 2.6.3 software. The network was analyzed for topological parameters (closeness-centrality, betweenness-centrality and edge count) and to identify key controllers (Hub.BN). Bidimensional-kernel-density-estimation (2D KDE) identifies Hub.BN controllers; Search-Tool-for-the-Retrieval-of-Interacting-Genes/Proteins (STRING) were used to enrich the network with new proteins. Main results and the role of chance The analysis of topological parameters demonstrated that the network is scale-free according to Barabási-Albert-model with a high-degree of robustness-against-random-damage, great controllability and navigability. The network reproduces a coherent framework identifying cross-talking molecules playing a key role in the inter-follicular/intra (somatic and germinal compartment) dialogue. The network allows to organize signalling transduction events/molecules by stratifying them in three layers: input-layer recognizes molecules generating the information flux working as systemic endocrine (pituitary/chorion/enteric-related endocrine hormones) and local paracrine-factors (TGFbeta-superfamily-members and growth-factors) exerting either intrafollicular control or remote feedback on reproductive-cycle. Processing-layer presents molecules able to elaborate/amplify the endocrine/paracrine controllers of ovarian functions, including components of codified intracellular-signaling-pathways like PI3K, KIT and MAPK and second messengers cAMP and Ca2+. These cascades are necessary to promote in-vitro reproducible follicular functions and modulate steroidogenesis, representing molecular events stratified in the output-layer. STRING analysis allowed to extend the regulatory flow of information towards two major biological action contexts: metabolic-control (paracrine-factors and signal-transduction) and angiogenesis. Metabolic-control mediated by mTOR and its interactor cognates FOXO1, FOXO3/SIRT1 plays a key role for ivF, representing the energy sensors of the reproductive cells in hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-axis first regulating the status of follicle quiescence/activation and then fate of the structure (specialization or apoptosis). Limitations, reasons for caution - Wider implications of the findings: STRING identified mTOR as key pathway of folliculogenesis, which might act as a molecular-switch to be pharmacologically targeted for potential new in-vitro strategies modulating follicular fate. These results suggest that computational approach in biology might offer perspective in identifying unknown signals, implementing research questions and innovative protocols to face female-fertility. Trial registration number Not applicable

scholarly journals Serum deprivation affects secretory activity of cultured porcine ovarian follicles and granulosa cells and their response to hormones

2009 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 455-460
Author(s):  
A.V. Sirotkin
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Ovarian Follicles ◽  
Serum Deprivation ◽  
Ovarian Cells ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Granulose Cells ◽  
Vitro Model

The aim of the present study is to understand the hormonal mechanisms of the effect of malnutrition on ovarian follicle functions. For this purpose, we examined the effect of malnutrition/serum deprivation, addition of metabolic hormones and gonadotropin (IGF-I, leptin and FSH) and their combination on the release of progesterone (P<sub>4</sub>), testosterone (T), estradiol (E<sub>2</sub>) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) by cultured whole ovarian follicles and on P<sub>4</sub> and IGF-I output by cultured granulosa cells isolated from porcine ovaries. It was observed that in ovarian follicles cultured with nutrients/serum addition of IGF-I reduced release of P<sub>4</sub>, but not of T or E<sub>2</sub>. Exogenous leptin reduced output of E<sub>2</sub>, but not of P<sub>4</sub> or T, and increased IGF-I output. No significant effect of FSH on release of steroid hormones by isolated follicles was found. Serum deprivation did not affect release of P<sub>4</sub>, but reduced output of T and E<sub>2</sub>, and promoted IGF-I release by cultured ovarian follicles. Addition of hormones failed to prevent the effect of malnutrition on the secretory activity of cultured ovarian follicles. In cultured granulose cells, all the tested hormones promoted release of both P<sub>4</sub> and IGF-I. Food restriction/serum deprivation reduced both P<sub>4</sub> and IGF-I output. Additions of either IGF-I, leptin and FSH prevented the inhibitory action of malnutrition on both P<sub>4</sub> and IGF-I release. The present observations (1) confirm the involvement of the hormones IGF-I, leptin and FSH in the control of secretory activity of ovarian cells, (2) demonstrate, that both isolated ovarian granulosa cells and whole follicles cultured in the absence of serum nutrients could be an adequate in-vitro model for studying the effect of malnutrition on ovarian secretory functions, and (3) suggest, that malnutrition could affect ovarian functions through changes in the release of ovarian hormones.

scholarly journals Inhibition of oocyte growth factors in vivo modulates ovarian folliculogenesis in neonatal and immature mice

Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
pp. 587-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samu Myllymaa ◽  
Arja Pasternack ◽  
David G Mottershead ◽  
Matti Poutanen ◽  
Minna M Pulkki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Oocyte Growth ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Ovarian Folliculogenesis

Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) are among the key regulators transmitting the signaling between the oocyte and the surrounding granulosa cells. Previously, it has been shown that a recombinant BMP type II receptor ectodomain–Fc fusion protein (BMPR2ecd–Fc) is able to inhibit the actions of GDF9 and BMP15 in vitro. Here, we have produced bioactive BMPR2ecd–Fc, which was injected i.p. into neonatal mice. Early folliculogenesis was first studied by injecting mice five times with various doses of BMPR2ecd–Fc during the postnatal days 4–12. Folliculogenesis was affected dose dependently, as evidenced by a decreased mitogenesis of granulosa cells of the growing follicles. Furthermore, we also noticed a decrease in the number of secondary and tertiary follicles as well as an increase in the oocyte size. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that the ultrastructure of the granulosa cells of the primary follicles was not affected by the BMPR2ecd–Fc treatment. A second study was conducted to investigate whether a longer treatment with 12 injections during postnatal days 4–28 would inhibit folliculogenesis. Similar effects were observed in the two studies on the early follicular developmental stages. However, in the long-term study, later stages of folliculogenesis were not blocked but rather increased numbers of antral follicles, preovulatory follicles, and corpora lutea were found. We conclude that BMPR2ecd–Fc is a potent modulator of ovarian folliculogenesis in vivo, and thus, is a valuable tool for studying the physiology and downstream effects of oocyte-derived growth factors in vivo.

scholarly journals Effects of oocyte‐derived paracrine factors on release of extracellular vesicles by murine mural granulosa cells in vitro

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuta Matsuno ◽  
Natsumi Maruyama ◽  
Wataru Fujii ◽  
Kunihiko Naito ◽  
Koji Sugiura
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Paracrine Factors

scholarly journals Expanded equine cumulus–oocyte complexes exhibit higher meiotic competence and lower glucose consumption than compact cumulus–oocyte complexes

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 297 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. González-Fernández ◽  
M. J. Sánchez-Calabuig ◽  
M. G. Alves ◽  
P. F. Oliveira ◽  
S. Macedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Glucose Consumption ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Solute Carrier Family ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Maturation Rate ◽  
Solute Carrier ◽  
Meiotic Competence

Equine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) are classified as compact (cCOC) or expanded (eCOC) and vary in their meiotic competence. This difference could be related to divergent glucose metabolism. To test this hypothesis in the present study, eCOCs, cCOCs and expanded or compact mural granulosa cells (EC and CC respectively) were matured in vitro for 30 h, at which time maturation rate, glucose metabolism and the expression of genes involved in glucose transport, glycolysis, apoptosis and meiotic competence were determined. There were significant differences between eCOCs and cCOCs in maturation rate (50% vs 21.7% (n = 192 and 46) respectively; P < 0.001), as well as mean (± s.e.m.) glucose consumption (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 27.9 ± 5.9 nmol per COC respectively) and pyruvate (0.09 ± 0.01 vs 2.4 ± 0.8 nmol per COC respectively) and lactate (4.7 ± 1.3 vs 64.1 ± 20.6 nmol per COC respectively; P < 0.05 for all) production. Glucose consumption in EC and CC did not differ significantly. Expression of hyaluronan-binding protein (tumour necrosis factor alpha induced protein 6; TNFAIP6) was increased in eCOCs and EC, and solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1) expression was increased in eCOCs, but there were no differences in the expression of glycolysis-related enzymes and solute carrier family 2 member 3 (SLC2A3) between the COC or mural granulosa cell types. The findings of the present study demonstrate that metabolic and genomic differences exist between eCOCs and cCOCs and mural granulosa cells in the horse.

scholarly journals Involvement of miRNAs in equine follicle development

Reproduction ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 146 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
S N Schauer ◽  
S D Sontakke ◽  
E D Watson ◽  
C L Esteves ◽  
F X Donadeu
Keyword(s):  
Cell Survival ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Follicle Development ◽  
Previous Evidence ◽  
Ovarian Follicle Development ◽  
Fluid Levels ◽  
Follicle Selection

Previous evidence fromin vitrostudies suggests specific roles for a subset of miRNAs, including miR-21, miR-23a, miR-145, miR-503, miR-224, miR-383, miR-378, miR-132, and miR-212, in regulating ovarian follicle development. The objective of this study was to determine changes in the levels of these miRNAs in relation to follicle selection, maturation, and ovulation in the monovular equine ovary. In Experiment 1, follicular fluid was aspirated during ovulatory cycles from the dominant (DO) and largest subordinate (S) follicles of an ovulatory wave and the dominant (DA) follicle of a mid-cycle anovulatory wave (n=6 mares). Follicular fluid levels of progesterone and estradiol were lower (P<0.01) in S follicles than in DO follicles, whereas mean levels of IGF1 were lower (P<0.01) in S and DA follicles than in DO follicles. Relative to DO and DA follicles, S follicles had higher (P≤0.01) follicular fluid levels of miR-145 and miR-378. In Experiment 2, follicular fluid and granulosa cells were aspirated from dominant follicles before (DO) and 24 h after (L) administration of an ovulatory dose of hCG (n=5 mares/group). Relative to DO follicles, L follicles had higher follicular fluid levels of progesterone (P=0.05) and lower granulosa cell levels ofCYP19A1andLHCGR(P<0.005). Levels of miR-21, miR-132, miR-212, and miR-224 were increased (P<0.05) in L follicles; this was associated with reduced expression of the putative miRNA targets,PTEN,RASA1, andSMAD4. These novel results may indicate a physiological involvement of miR-21, miR-145, miR-224, miR-378, miR-132, and miR-212 in the regulation of cell survival, steroidogenesis, and differentiation during follicle selection and ovulation in the monovular ovary.

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