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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Functional Cloning Using a Xenopus Oocyte Expression System
Published on: January 30, 2016
Ovulation-selective genes: the generation and characterization of an ovulatory-selective cDNA library
A Hourvitz1, E Gershon, J D Hennebold
1Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.
Abstract:
Ovulation-selective/specific genes, that is, genes preferentially or exclusively expressed during the ovulatory process, have been the subject of growing interest. We report herein studies on the use of suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to construct a 'forward' ovulation-selective/specific cDNA library. In toto, 485 clones were sequenced and analyzed for homology to known genes with the basic local alignment tool (BLAST). Of those, 252 were determined to be nonredundant. Of these 252 nonredundant clones, 98 were analyzed by probing mouse preovulatory and postovulatory ovarian cDNA. Twenty-five clones (26%) failed to show any signal, and 43 cDNAs tested thus far display a true ovulation-selective/specific expression pattern. In this communication, we focus on one such ovulation-selective gene, the fatty acid elongase 1 (FAE-1) homolog, found to be localized to the inner periantral granulosa and to the cumulus granulosa cells of antral follicles. The FAE-1 gene is a beta-ketoacyl-CoA synthase belonging to the fatty acid elongase (ELO) family, which catalyzes the initial step of very long-chain fatty acid synthesis. All in all, the present study accomplished systematic identification of those hormonally regulated genes that are expressed in the ovary in an ovulation-selective/specific manner. These ovulation-selective/specific genes may have significant implications for the understanding of ovarian function in molecular terms and for the development of innovative strategies for both the promotion of fertility and its control.
Insights
Researchers identified ovulation-selective genes using suppression subtractive hybridization. One key gene, fatty acid elongase 1 (FAE-1), is crucial for very long-chain fatty acid synthesis and may impact fertility control.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Ovulation-selective genes, expressed during the ovulatory process, are of increasing research interest.
- Understanding these genes is vital for insights into ovarian function and reproductive technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and analyze a 'forward' ovulation-selective/specific complementary DNA (cDNA) library.
- To systematically identify hormonally regulated genes with ovulation-selective expression patterns in the ovary.
Main Methods:
- Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was employed to create the cDNA library.
- Sequencing and Basic Local Alignment Tool (BLAST) analysis were used to identify gene homology.
- Ovarian cDNA probing was performed to validate ovulation-selective expression patterns.
Main Results:
- Out of 485 sequenced clones, 252 were nonredundant.
- 43 cDNAs (26%) demonstrated a true ovulation-selective/specific expression pattern.
- The fatty acid elongase 1 (FAE-1) homolog was identified and localized to granulosa cells.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified ovulation-selective genes, including FAE-1, involved in ovarian function.
- These genes offer potential for developing novel strategies for fertility promotion and control.
- FAE-1's role in very long-chain fatty acid synthesis highlights its importance in the ovulatory process.
