Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
05:56
Demonstrating a Linear Relationship Between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Luteinizing Hormone in Kidney Cortex Extracts
Published on: January 22, 2020
4.6K
Molecular mechanisms of luteinization
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science
|March 29, 2014
Summary
Epigenetic mechanisms regulate rapid gene expression changes in ovarian granulosa cells during ovulation. This study provides in vivo evidence linking histone modifications and DNA methylation to steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and aromatase (Cyp19a1) gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Ovulation involves dynamic changes in ovarian granulosa cell steroidogenesis following the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge.
- The LH surge rapidly alters the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and aromatase (Cyp19a1), crucial for progesterone production and luteinization.
- Epigenetic regulation, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, is increasingly recognized for its role in controlling gene expression via chromatin remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the rapid changes of StAR and Cyp19a1 gene expression in granulosa cells during ovulation.
- To provide in vivo evidence for the role of histone modifications, DNA methylation, and chromatin remodeling in ovulatory gene regulation.
Main Methods:
- In vivo analysis of epigenetic modifications in ovarian granulosa cells during the ovulatory period.
- Assessment of histone modifications (e.g., acetylation, methylation) at the StAR and Cyp19a1 gene promoter regions.
- Analysis of DNA methylation patterns in the regulatory regions of StAR and Cyp19a1.
- Evaluation of chromatin accessibility and remodeling associated with gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated dynamic changes in histone modifications at the StAR and Cyp19a1 promoters correlating with their rapid expression shifts post-LH surge.
- Identified specific DNA methylation patterns associated with the down-regulation of Cyp19a1 and up-regulation of StAR.
- Provided in vivo evidence that chromatin remodeling events accompany the observed epigenetic alterations and gene expression dynamics.
- Confirmed the direct involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating the LH surge-induced changes in granulosa cell steroidogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, are critical regulators of the rapid changes in StAR and Cyp19a1 gene expression during ovulation.
- These epigenetic changes facilitate the progesterone production necessary for ovulation and subsequent luteinization.
- The findings highlight the importance of epigenetic regulation in the dynamic processes of ovarian cell function and reproduction.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
2.9K
Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
2.9K
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
8.5K
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
8.5K
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
3.4K
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
3.4K
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
2.4K
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...
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...
2.4K
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
5.1K
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...
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...
5.1K
01:51Lampbrush Chromosomes
7.1K
In 1882, Flemming observed lampbrush chromosomes (LBC) in salamander eggs. Later in 1892, Rückert observed LBCs in shark egg cells and coined the term "lampbrush chromosomes" because they looked like brushes used to clean kerosene lamps.
LBCs are made up of two pairs of conjugating homologous chromatids. Each chromatid consists of alternatively positioned regions of condensed-inactive chromatin and loosely placed-active side loops, which can be contracted and extended. The loops...
LBCs are made up of two pairs of conjugating homologous chromatids. Each chromatid consists of alternatively positioned regions of condensed-inactive chromatin and loosely placed-active side loops, which can be contracted and extended. The loops...
7.1K