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Small nuclear RING finger protein expression during gonad development: regulation by gonadotropins and estrogen in

Sirpa J Hirvonen-Santti1, Venkataraman Sriraman, Mikko Anttonen

  • 1Biomedicum Helsinki, Institute of Biomedicine (Physiology), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland.

Endocrinology
|January 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Small nuclear RING finger protein (SNURF) plays a role in fetal germ cell development and ovarian maturation. Its expression is regulated by estrogen and gonadotropins, suggesting involvement in reproductive processes.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Small nuclear RING finger protein (SNURF/RNF4) is a steroid receptor coregulator.
  • SNURF is notably down-regulated in testicular germ cell cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate SNURF expression during murine fetal gonad development.
  • To examine SNURF's role in postnatal ovarian folliculogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining were employed.
  • Analysis of SNURF expression in fetal and postnatal murine ovaries and testes.
  • Hormonal and antiestrogen treatments in immature female mice and rats.

Main Results:

  • SNURF mRNA and protein were detected in gonads of both sexes from embryonic day 10.5.
  • SNURF expression peaked in oocytes of preantral follicles and was present in granulosa cells and luteal glands.
  • Estrogen significantly increased SNURF mRNA, an effect blocked by antiestrogen; gonadotropins had minimal impact.

Conclusions:

  • SNURF is involved in fetal germ cell development.
  • SNURF plays a role in oocyte and granulosa cell maturation.
  • SNURF expression is regulated by estrogen and gonadotropins during ovarian development.

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