A network of miRNAs expressed in the ovary are regulated by FSH

The process of folliculogenesis requires a tightly regulated series of gene expression that are a pre-requisite to the development of ovarian follicle. Among these genes, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is notable for its dual role in development of follicles as well as proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells. The post-transcriptional expression of these genes is under the control of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, endogenous RNAs that negatively impact gene expression. This study was carried out to determine the role of several miRNAs including mir-143, let-7a, mir-125b, let-7b, let-7c, mir-21 in follicular development in the mouse. The expression of these RNAs was very low in primordial follicles but these became readily detectable in the granulosa cells of primary, secondary and antral follicles. We show that this expression of some miRNAs (mir-143, let-7a, mir-15b) is under negative control of FSH. Together, these findings suggest that FSH regulates folliculogenesis by a novel pathway of miRNAs.