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Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Gene Expression Analyses in Human Follicles
Published on: February 17, 2023
Expression profiling analyses of gonadotropin responses and tumor development in the absence of inhibins
Kathleen H Burns1, Gabe E Owens, Samuel C Ogbonna
1Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Transgenic mice with engineered disruptions in bidirectional endocrine signaling between the pituitary and gonad have shed light on the specific effects of the loss of function of gonadotropins and inhibins. These models are valuable tools for studying ovarian biology because they phenocopy specific pathological states and have variations in ovarian tissue composition that allow us to identify genes expressed in specific cell types. We have used emerging mRNA expression profiling technologies to gain a more comprehensive view of genes that are expressed in the mammalian ovary and adrenal gland in the FSHbeta and inhibin alpha knockout mouse models. Oligonucleotide array hybridization experiments using Affymetrix GeneChip technology and NIA 15K murine cDNA microarray studies identified hundreds of transcripts differentially expressed compared with wild type, over 30 of which were selected for further characterization by Northern blot analyses. Additionally, we performed in situ hybridization studies to localize 10 mRNAs, melanocyte-specific gene 1, amino acid transporter SN2, overexpressed and amplified in teratocarcinoma (Bcat1), Forkhead box protein FOXO1, 24p3, vascular cell adhesion molecule, epiregulin, Bcl2-like10, PC3B, and retinoblastoma binding protein 7. These 10 genes have expression patterns and postulated functions suggesting that they mediate important processes in the physiology and pathology of ovarian and adrenal tissue.
Insights
Transgenic mouse models with disrupted pituitary-gonad signaling reveal key genes in ovarian and adrenal tissue. These findings advance our understanding of reproductive biology and associated pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transgenic mouse models with disrupted pituitary-gonad endocrine signaling offer insights into gonadotropin and inhibin function.
- These models mimic pathological states and exhibit ovarian tissue variations, aiding cell-specific gene identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively profile gene expression in the mammalian ovary and adrenal gland using FSHbeta and inhibin alpha knockout mouse models.
- To identify and characterize novel genes involved in ovarian and adrenal physiology and pathology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mRNA expression profiling technologies, including Affymetrix GeneChip and NIA 15K murine cDNA microarrays.
- Identified differentially expressed transcripts and performed Northern blot analysis for validation.
- Conducted in situ hybridization to localize the expression of 10 specific mRNAs.
Main Results:
- Hundreds of transcripts were found to be differentially expressed compared to wild-type mice.
- Over 30 differentially expressed transcripts were selected for further characterization.
- Expression patterns and potential functions of 10 localized mRNAs (e.g., Bcat1, FOXO1, 24p3) were investigated.
Conclusions:
- The study identified numerous genes with altered expression in knockout mouse models, providing a deeper understanding of ovarian and adrenal function.
- The characterized genes, including melanocyte-specific gene 1, SN2, Bcat1, FOXO1, 24p3, and others, are implicated in critical physiological and pathological processes.
- These findings highlight the utility of genetically engineered mouse models in dissecting complex endocrine signaling pathways and identifying novel molecular players.
