Transcriptional changes of mouse ovary during follicle initial or cyclic recruitment mediated by extra hormone...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Genomics
• Molecular Endocrinology

Background:

• Folliculogenesis, the development of ovarian follicles, involves gonadotropin-independent and -dependent stages.
• Disruptions in folliculogenesis can lead to oocyte retrieval failure in clinical settings.
• The molecular mechanisms regulating folliculogenesis remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the transcriptome dynamics during mouse folliculogenesis.
• To identify molecular components, including transcription factors, that regulate this process.
• To provide insights for improving controlled ovarian stimulation in infertility treatments.

Main Methods:

• Ovaries from mice at different developmental stages (P3, P20) and after exogenous gonadotropin treatment (P22) were collected.
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to analyze transcriptome variance.
• Differential gene expression (DEG) analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted.

Main Results:

• 1883 and 626 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for specific stages.
• Distinct biological processes, including metabolism, gene expression, cell cycle, immune system, and DNA methylation, were enriched.
• Eight master transcription factors (Runx1, Stat3, Sox3, Pou5f1, Gata4, Foxl2, Cebpb, Esr1) were identified as key regulators.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidated temporal transcriptional reprogramming during folliculogenesis.
• Gene expression dynamics, influenced by hormonal treatment, were revealed.
• Findings may inform future strategies for controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technologies.