Serine protease and ovarian paracrine factors in regulation of ovulation
Yi-Xun Liu1, Xi-Ming Liu, Liang-Fang Nin
1State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Abstract:
The controlled target extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation generated by serine protease and regulated by serine protease inhibitor and ovarian paracrine/autocrine factors is an event that affects a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes in the ovary. Evidence cumulated in the past decade clearly showed that the hormone-induced coordinated expression of the tissue-type PA (tPA) produced mainly by granulosa cells and oocyte, and its inhibitor PAI-1 secreted by theca cells in the preovulatory follicles may be responsible for a controlled and directed proteolysis leading to the rupture of selected follicles in the rat, monkey and other mammals. In recent years increasing evidence further demonstrated that oocyte maturation and ovulation may also be modulated by other serine protease and inhibitor, as well as endogenously- produced ovarian paracrine/autocrine factors. Thus, it is important to identify the interrelationship between the serine protease system and the multiple factors, and to know how they regulate the ovarian physiological and pathological processes during oocyte maturation and ovulation.
Insights
Ovarian extracellular matrix degradation, regulated by serine proteases and inhibitors, is crucial for ovulation. Understanding these interactions with ovarian factors is key to reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, mediated by serine proteases and regulated by inhibitors, influences ovarian function.
- Ovarian paracrine/autocrine factors also play a role in regulating these processes.
- Previous research highlights the role of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and its inhibitor PAI-1 in follicle rupture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complex interplay between the serine protease system and ovarian factors.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms governing oocyte maturation and ovulation.
- To understand how these interactions impact ovarian physiological and pathological processes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serine protease and inhibitor expression in ovarian tissues.
- Investigation of ovarian paracrine/autocrine factor involvement.
- Correlation of molecular events with oocyte maturation and ovulation stages.
Main Results:
- Hormone-induced expression of tPA and PAI-1 is critical for controlled proteolysis and follicle rupture in mammals.
- Evidence suggests other serine proteases and inhibitors modulate oocyte maturation and ovulation.
- Endogenously produced ovarian factors are increasingly recognized as key regulators.
Conclusions:
- The serine protease system, in conjunction with ovarian paracrine/autocrine factors, orchestrates critical events in oocyte maturation and ovulation.
- Further research is needed to fully delineate these intricate regulatory networks.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for addressing ovarian dysfunction and infertility.
More Related Videos
08:17A Proximal Culture Method to Study Paracrine Signaling Between Cells
Published on: August 28, 2018
07:40Co-transplantation of Human Ovarian Tissue with Engineered Endothelial Cells: A Cell-based Strategy Combining Accelerated Perfusion with Direct Paracrine Delivery
Published on: May 16, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:21Paracrine Signaling
02:04Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
02:16Transcription Factors
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
02:14GTPases and their Regulation
Large G-proteins,...
02:23Master Transcription Regulators