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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:03
A Modified Co-Culture System for Understanding Granulosa-Theca Cell Interactions in the Bovine Ovary
Published on: September 19, 2025
Adropin effects on granulosa cell function and oocyte maturation in pigs
Patrycja Kurowska1, Alicja Łapa1, Jakub Chatys1
1Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
Biology of Reproduction
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Adropin regulates ovarian function by influencing granulosa cells (Gc) and oocyte maturation. This peptide impacts Gc viability, proliferation, and hormone secretion, while enhancing oocyte development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Adropin is a peptide hormone regulating energy homeostasis.
- It exerts its effects through G protein-coupled receptor 19 (GPR19).
- The role of adropin in ovarian function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate adropin and GPR19 expression in porcine ovarian follicles.
- To determine the effects of adropin on granulosa cell (Gc) function.
- To assess adropin's impact on in vitro oocyte maturation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of adropin/GPR19 levels in porcine ovarian follicles and follicular fluid throughout the estrous cycle.
- Culture of Gc with gonadotropins, steroids, or adropin to assess expression, function, and signaling pathways.
- In vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes from prepubertal pigs treated with adropin.
Main Results:
- Adropin expression increased, while GPR19 decreased in ovarian follicles during the estrous cycle.
- Gonadotropin and steroid treatments upregulated adropin and GPR19 expression in Gc.
- Adropin modulated Gc viability, proliferation, steroidogenesis (suppressed estradiol, increased progesterone), apoptosis, and autophagy, and enhanced oocyte maturation.
Conclusions:
- Adropin and GPR19 are present in porcine Gc and theca cells.
- Adropin plays a significant role in regulating porcine follicular development and oocyte maturation.
- Adropin influences key granulosa cell functions and signaling pathways (AKT, ERK1/2, PKA).
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