MicroRNA miR-152 can support ovarian granulosa cell functions and modify apigenin actions

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Molecular Endocrinology
• Cellular Physiology

Background:

• Ovarian granulosa cells are crucial for reproductive function.
• The roles of specific microRNAs, like miR-152, in granulosa cell activity are increasingly recognized.
• Flavonoids, such as apigenin, are being investigated for their potential regulatory effects on cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of apigenin and microRNA-152 (miR-152) in regulating porcine granulosa cell functions.
• To elucidate the interrelationship between apigenin and miR-152 in controlling ovarian cell behavior.
• To analyze the impact of apigenin and miR-152 modulation on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and hormone release.

Main Methods:

• Porcine granulosa cells were treated with varying concentrations of apigenin.
• The effects of miR-152 analogues and inhibitors, alone and in combination with apigenin, were examined.
• Analysis included gene expression (miR-152), cell viability assays, proliferation assays, apoptosis assays, and quantification of steroid hormones (estradiol, progesterone), IGF-I, oxytocin, and prostaglandin E2 release.

Main Results:

• Apigenin treatment significantly increased miR-152 expression, cell proliferation, and estradiol release while decreasing apoptosis, progesterone, and IGF-I output.
• miR-152 analogues promoted cell viability, proliferation, and release of progesterone, IGF-I, oxytocin, and prostaglandin E2, but inhibited apoptosis and estradiol.
• miR-152 inhibitor demonstrated opposite effects. miR-152 analogues also modulated apigenin's effects on apoptosis and estradiol release.

Conclusions:

• Apigenin plays a significant role in regulating fundamental ovarian granulosa cell functions.
• This study provides the first evidence for the critical importance of miR-152 in controlling these ovarian functions.
• Apigenin promotes miR-152 expression, and miR-152, in turn, influences the effects of apigenin on ovarian cells, highlighting a novel regulatory pathway.