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CD52 is synthesized in cumulus cells and secreted into the cumulus matrix during ovulation

Akiko Hasegawa1, Takashi Takenobu, Hiroyuki Kasumi

  • 1Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Reproduction, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Hyogo College of Medicine, Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Japan. zonapel@hyo-med.ac.jp

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)
|July 24, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

CD52, a molecule previously linked to male infertility, is expressed in human and mouse cumulus cells. This finding suggests CD52 may play a role in female fertility around fertilization.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Antibodies targeting CD52, a male reproductive tissue antigen, are implicated in infertility.
  • The role of CD52 in female reproductive tissues, specifically cumulus cells, remains largely unknown.
  • CD52's unique carbohydrate antigen can induce antibodies that impair sperm function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and localization of CD52 in mature mammalian cumulus masses.
  • To determine if CD52 is present in human cumulus cells, a key component of the female reproductive tract.
  • To explore potential functional roles of CD52 in female reproduction.

Main Methods:

  • Collected mouse cumulus oocyte complexes from superovulated F1 hybrid females.
  • Obtained human cumulus cells from infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.
  • Utilized RT-PCR, quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to detect CD52 mRNA and protein.

Main Results:

  • CD52 mRNA was detected in both human and mouse cumulus cells.
  • In mice, CD52 mRNA was found in cumulus cells but not oocytes, with increased expression post-ovulation.
  • Protein expression of CD52 was confirmed in cumulus cells and the extracellular matrix of the cumulus mass.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first evidence of CD52 expression in human cumulus cells.
  • CD52 appears to have functional significance in female reproductive processes, particularly around fertilization.
  • The findings suggest a potential dual role for CD52 in both male and female fertility.

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