Transcriptome datasets of ESR2-regulated genes in rat granulosa cells during gonadotropin-induced follicle maturation

Disruption of estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) dysregulates granulosa cell genes essential for follicle maturation and ovulation. The datasets presented in this article depict gonadotropin-induced genes, which are differentially expressed in Esr2-null rat granulosa cells. Synchronized follicle development was initiated in four-week-old wildtype and Esr2-null female rats by administration of PMSG. Forty-eight hours after PMSG injection, further maturation of ovarian follicles was induced by hCG treatment. Granulosa cells were collected from the ovaries before gonadotropin administration, 48 h after PMSG treatment, and 4 h after hCG injection to the PMSG-treated rats. Total RNA was purified from granulosa cells and whole transcriptome was assessed by RNA-sequencing on an Illumina HiSeq X platform. RNA-seq data of wildtype and Esr2-null granulosa cells were analyzed and differentially expressed genes were identified by CLC Genomics Workbench. Gonadotropin-induced genes were identified by comparing the transcriptome data of PMSG- or hCG-induced wildtype granulosa cells with those without gonadotropin treatment. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes in Esr2-null granulosa cells were determined by comparing the transcriptome data with that of wildtype granulosa cells. These datasets can be used to recognize the gonadotropin-induced genes in granulosa cells that are Esr2-regulated and important for ovarian follicle maturation.