A Dose-Response Study on Functional and Transcriptomic Effects of FSH on Ex Vivo Mouse Folliculogenesis.
Endocrinology
; 165(7)2024 May 27.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38735763
ABSTRACT
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) binds to its membrane receptor (FSHR) in granulosa cells to activate various signal transduction pathways and drive the gonadotropin-dependent phase of folliculogenesis. Both FSH insufficiency (due to genetic or nongenetic factors) and FSH excess (as encountered with ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology [ART]) can cause poor female reproductive outcomes, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we conducted single-follicle and single-oocyte RNA sequencing analysis along with other approaches in an ex vivo mouse folliculogenesis and oogenesis system to investigate the effects of different concentrations of FSH on key follicular events. Our study revealed that a minimum FSH threshold is required for follicle maturation into the high estradiol-secreting preovulatory stage, and such threshold is moderately variable among individual follicles between 5 and 10â
mIU/mL. FSH at 5, 10, 20, and 30â
mIU/mL induced distinct expression patterns of follicle maturation-related genes, follicular transcriptomics, and follicular cAMP levels. RNA sequencing analysis identified FSH-stimulated activation of G proteins and downstream canonical and novel signaling pathways that may critically regulate follicle maturation, including the cAMP/PKA/CREB, PI3K/AKT/FOXO1, and glycolysis pathways. High FSH at 20 and 30â
mIU/mL resulted in noncanonical FSH responses, including premature luteinization, high production of androgen and proinflammatory factors, and reduced expression of energy metabolism-related genes in oocytes. Together, this study improves our understanding of gonadotropin-dependent folliculogenesis and provides crucial insights into how high doses of FSH used in ART may impact follicular health, oocyte quality, pregnancy outcome, and systemic health.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Transcriptome
/
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
/
Ovarian Follicle
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Endocrinology
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Country of publication: