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GAS1 affects proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone levels by regulating mitochondrial functions and the PI3K/AKT pathway in bovine granulosa cells

  • 0College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China.
Theriogenology +

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July 23, 2025

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July 23, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Growth arrest-specific 1 (GAS1) regulates bovine granulosa cell proliferation, apoptosis, and hormone secretion. Inhibiting GAS1 impacts progesterone and estrogen levels via the PI3K/AKT pathway, offering insights into follicle development.

Area Of Science

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background

  • Growth arrest-specific 1 (GAS1) is implicated in cell regulation, with potential roles in mammalian ovarian function.
  • The specific impact of GAS1 on hormone secretion by granulosa cells remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To elucidate the role of GAS1 in regulating bovine granulosa cell proliferation, apoptosis, steroidogenesis, and mitochondrial function.
  • To investigate the signaling pathways, specifically PI3K/AKT, involved in GAS1's effects on granulosa cells.

Main Methods

  • RNA sequencing, EdU, CCK8 assays, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry were employed to assess cellular processes.
  • Mitochondrial and redox homeostasis markers, hormone levels (P4, E2), and key signaling proteins were analyzed.

Main Results

  • GAS1 inhibition increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis in bovine granulosa cells.
  • GAS1 inhibition altered progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) levels, affecting related gene expression (StAR, HSD3B1, CYP19A1).
  • GAS1 inhibition enhanced mitochondrial function, improved redox homeostasis, and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Conclusions

  • GAS1 plays a crucial role in regulating bovine granulosa cell functions, including proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone production.
  • The PI3K/AKT pathway mediates GAS1's effects on hormone secretion and cellular processes in granulosa cells.
  • Understanding GAS1's mechanism provides a theoretical basis for improving follicle development and female fertility.

Keywords:

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