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Updated: May 15, 2026
Ovarian Tissue Culture to Visualize Phenomena in Mouse Ovary
Published on: June 19, 2018
miR-143 is critical for the formation of primordial follicles in mice
Jianfang Zhang1, Xiaowen Ji, Doudou Zhou
1State Key Laboratory for Agro-biotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in fine-tuning gene networks, the roles of mmu-mir-143 (miR-143) in mammalian ovary development have not been studied in vitro. We investigated the expression and function of miR-143 in the mouse ovary during primordial follicle formation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that miR-143 expression increased during primordial follicle formation from 15.5 days post-coitus to 4 days post-partum. miR-143 was located in pregranulosa cells by in situ hybridization. To study the function of miR-143 in primordial follicle formation we established an electroporation transfection model in vitro that allowed miR-143 expression to be efficiently upregulated and inhibited in cultured ovaries. Further studies showed that miR-143 inhibited the formation of primordial follicles by suppressing pregranulosa cell proliferation and downregulating the expression of genes related to the cell cycle. These findings suggest that miR-143 is critical for the formation of primordial follicles and regulates ovarian development and function.
Insights
MicroRNA-143 (miR-143) plays a key role in mouse ovary development. This study found miR-143 suppresses primordial follicle formation by inhibiting pregranulosa cell proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression.
- The specific role of microRNA-143 (miR-143) in mammalian ovary development, particularly during primordial follicle formation, remains largely uncharacterized in vitro.
- Understanding these roles is vital for comprehending ovarian biology and potential reproductive health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of miR-143 during mouse primordial follicle formation.
- To elucidate the functional role of miR-143 in regulating primordial follicle development in vitro.
- To identify the cellular mechanisms through which miR-143 influences ovarian development.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to assess miR-143 expression levels.
- In situ hybridization to determine the cellular localization of miR-143 within the developing ovary.
- Establishment of an in vitro electroporation transfection model for efficient upregulation and inhibition of miR-143 in cultured mouse ovaries.
- Analysis of pregranulosa cell proliferation and expression of cell cycle-related genes.
Main Results:
- miR-143 expression significantly increased during primordial follicle formation (15.5 days post-coitus to 4 days post-partum).
- In situ hybridization confirmed miR-143 localization within pregranulosa cells.
- In vitro manipulation demonstrated that miR-143 suppresses primordial follicle formation by inhibiting pregranulosa cell proliferation.
- miR-143 was found to downregulate the expression of key cell cycle-related genes.
Conclusions:
- miR-143 is a critical regulator of primordial follicle formation in the mouse ovary.
- The study highlights miR-143's function in controlling pregranulosa cell proliferation and cell cycle progression.
- These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing ovarian development and function, mediated by miR-143.
