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Apoptosis and ovarian function
1Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Abstract:
For decades, the mechanisms responsible for germ cell depletion from the ovary, either directly during the perinatal period or indirectly via follicular atresia during postnatal life, have remained relatively obscure. The recent application of sensitive biochemical techniques for the study of cell death to the analysis of ovarian function has revealed that these two events, as well as a third instance of ovarian cell degeneration (luteolysis), are dependent upon the activation of physiological cell death mechanisms. It is therefore hypothesized that the controlled deletion of ovarian cell populations is accomplished via activation of a 'universal' pathway of cellular suicide involving altered expression of a conserved cohort of genes. The identity of the hormonal and intracellular effectors responsible for the coordination of life and death decisions made by ovarian cells during development as well as the biological and clinical implications of gene-directed cell death in the ovary are explored in this review.
Insights
Ovarian germ cell depletion and follicular atresia are linked to physiological cell death mechanisms. This review explores the gene-directed cellular suicide pathways controlling ovarian cell populations.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mechanisms of ovarian germ cell depletion and follicular atresia were poorly understood.
- Ovarian cell degeneration, including luteolysis, was not clearly linked to cell death pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of ovarian germ cell depletion and follicular atresia.
- To explore the role of physiological cell death in ovarian function.
- To hypothesize a universal pathway for controlled ovarian cell deletion.
Main Methods:
- Application of sensitive biochemical techniques to study cell death in ovarian function.
- Review of existing literature on ovarian cell degeneration and gene expression.
Main Results:
- Germ cell depletion, follicular atresia, and luteolysis are dependent on physiological cell death mechanisms.
- A conserved cohort of genes is likely involved in a universal pathway of cellular suicide in the ovary.
Conclusions:
- Controlled deletion of ovarian cell populations occurs via gene-directed cell death.
- Understanding these pathways has significant biological and clinical implications for ovarian function and development.