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MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.

Ovarian Cycle

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay

Published on: June 16, 2021

MicroRNA control of ovarian function.

L K Christenson¹

¹Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160.

Animal Reproduction

|June 14, 2011

Summary

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in ovarian somatic cells, impacting key functions like ovulation. Further research is needed to fully understand their role in ovarian biology.

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Molecular Endocrinology
Gene Regulation

Background:

Post-transcriptional gene regulation is crucial for germ cell function and increasingly recognized in ovarian and testicular somatic cells.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that mediate post-transcriptional gene regulation, influencing mRNA expression.
The discovery of miRNAs has significantly advanced the understanding of gene regulation in reproductive tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the critical role of miRNAs in ovarian function, including folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, ovulation, and luteal function.
To highlight key findings from studies investigating miRNA involvement in ovarian somatic cells, particularly granulosa cells.
To identify specific miRNAs implicated in ovarian responses to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and discuss future research directions.

More Related Videos

Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice

Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice

Published on: January 7, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay

Published on: June 16, 2021

Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice

Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice

Published on: January 7, 2019

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on miRNA function in the ovary.
Analysis of studies involving genetic manipulation, such as Dicer 1 deletion, to assess miRNA impact.
Examination of findings from functional studies and bioinformatic approaches identifying specific miRNAs (e.g., miR-21, -132, -212, -224, -17-5p, let-7b).

Main Results:

Targeted deletion of Dicer 1 confirmed the essential role of miRNA/siRNA in multiple ovarian functions.
Specific miRNAs (miR-21, -132, -212) are transcriptionally induced by the LH surge in granulosa cells.
Bioinformatic and functional studies identified other key miRNAs (miR-224, -17-5p, let-7b) involved in ovarian regulation.
High abundance of numerous miRNAs in ovarian somatic tissues suggests unexplored regulatory roles.

Conclusions:

miRNAs are critical regulators of ovarian somatic cell function, influencing key reproductive processes.
The LH surge significantly impacts the expression of specific miRNAs involved in ovulation.
Further investigation into the diverse roles of miRNAs in ovarian biology is warranted to fully elucidate their regulatory mechanisms.