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Circadian clock function in the mammalian ovary.

Michael T Sellix1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA Michael_Sellix@urmc.rochester.edu.

Journal of Biological Rhythms
|November 5, 2014
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Female reproductive rhythms rely on synchronized neuroendocrine tissues. The ovarian molecular clock, influenced by circadian rhythms, plays a critical role in fertility and may offer new chronobiotic treatments for disorders.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Chronobiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Female reproductive function relies on synchronized neuroendocrine and endocrine tissues.
  • The hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis coordinates reproductive events through timed gene expression.
  • The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) acts as the central circadian pacemaker, regulating gonadotropin release and ovulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of molecular clocks within the ovary.
  • To explore the impact of circadian disruption on reproductive function and fertility.
  • To identify potential chronobiotic therapeutic targets for fertility disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on the HPO axis and circadian rhythms.
  • Analysis of molecular clock mechanisms in ovarian cells (theca, granulosa, oocytes).
  • Examination of the effects of chronodisruption on reproductive health.

Main Results:

  • Peripheral oscillators, including the ovary, possess molecular clocks influencing follicular growth, steroidogenesis, and ovulation.
  • Disruption of the ovarian clock correlates with reproductive cycle perturbations and follicular growth issues.
  • Chronodisruption negatively impacts reproductive function and fertility in animal models and humans.

Conclusions:

  • The ovarian molecular clock is integral to female reproductive health.
  • Circadian disruption poses a significant threat to fertility.
  • Targeting clock function in the HPO axis with chronobiotics presents a promising therapeutic strategy for fertility disorders.