| 1. |
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Adhikari, Deepak, et al.
(författare)
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Disruption of Tsc2 in oocytes leads to overactivation of the entire pool of primordial follicles
- 2009
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press. - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 15:12, s. 765-770
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To maintain the length of reproductive life in a woman, it is essential that most of her ovarian primordial follicles are maintained in a quiescent state to provide a continuous supply of oocytes. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control the quiescence and activation of primordial follicles is still in its infancy. In this study, we provide some genetic evidence to show that the tumor suppressor tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (Tsc2), which negatively regulates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), functions in oocytes to maintain the dormancy of primordial follicles. In mutant mice lacking the Tsc2 gene in oocytes, the pool of primordial follicles is activated prematurely due to elevated mTORC1 activity in oocytes. This results in depletion of follicles in early adulthood, causing premature ovarian failure (POF). Our results suggest that the Tsc1-Tsc2 complex mediated suppression of mTORC1 activity is indispensable for maintenance of the dormancy of primordial follicles, thus preserving the follicular pool, and that mTORC1 activity in oocytes promotes follicular activation. Our results also indicate that deregulation of Tsc/mTOR signaling in oocytes may cause pathological conditions of the ovary such as infertility and POF.
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| 4. |
- Adolfsson, Per, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Changes in β2-adrenoceptor expression and in adenylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase activity in human uterine leiomyomas
- 2000
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 6:9, s. 835-842
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Uterine leiomyoma is a very common benign tumour with unclear pathophysiology in adult women. In the present study we have investigated the expression level of α2- and β2-adrenoceptors, and the adenylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase activity in leiomyoma tissue compared with adjacent myometrium. Our results show that the α2/β2-adrenoceptor ratio is increased in leiomyoma, due to a significant decrease in β2-adrenoceptor expression. These changes were not due to an increased innervation, as the tumour tissue was completely devoid of nerve fibres. Moreover, the adenylyl cyclase activity of leiomyoma membranes was found to be ~50% lower, whereas the phosphodiesterase activity was significantly increased (by ~100%). We found that stimulating an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP, by adenylyl cyclase activity through β2-adrenoceptors (isoprenaline), by direct enzyme activation (forskolin), or by inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity (papaverine), potently blocked both protein and DNA synthesis in cultured leiomyoma smooth muscle cells. Our results imply the adrenoceptors might be involved in, or a consequence of, leiomyoma growth. The results also suggest a new interesting approach for leiomyoma pharmacotherapy.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Altmäe, Signe, et al.
(författare)
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Endometrial gene expression analysis at the time of embryo implantation in women with unexplained infertility
- 2010
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 16:3, s. 178-187
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Successful embryo implantation depends on the quality of the embryo, as well as on the receptivity of the endometrium. The aim of this study was to investigate the endometrial gene expression profile in women with unexplained infertility in comparison with fertile controls at the time of embryo implantation in order to find potential predictive markers of uterine receptivity and to identify the molecular mechanisms of infertility. High-density oligonucleotide gene arrays, comprising 44 000 gene targets, were used to define the endometrial gene expression profile in infertile (n = 4) and fertile (n = 5) women during the mid-secretory phase (day LH +7). Microarray results were validated using real-time PCR. Analyses of expression data were carried out using non-parametric methods. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis showed a clear distinction in endometrial gene expression between infertile and fertile women. In total we identified 145 significantly (>3-fold change) up-regulated and 115 down-regulated genes in infertile women versus controls. Via Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery functional analysis we detected a substantial number of dysregulated genes in the endometria of infertile women, involved in cellular localization (21.1%) and transport (18.8%) and transporter activity (13.1%) and with major localization in extracellular regions (19.2%). Ingenuity Pathways Analysis of the gene list showed dysregulation of gene pathways involved in leukocyte extravasation signalling, lipid metabolism and detoxification in the endometria of infertile women. In conclusion, endometrial gene expression in women with unexplained infertility at the time of embryo implantation is markedly different from that in fertile women. These results provide new information on genes and pathways that may have functional significance as regards to endometrial receptivity and subsequent embryo implantation.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Borgbo, T, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of the FSH receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms (FSHR 307/680) on the follicular fluid hormone profile and the granulosa cell gene expression in human small antral follicles.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Molecular Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407. ; 21:3, s. 255-261
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The most pronounced effects of FSH signaling are potentially displayed in follicle fluid (FF), which acts as a reservoir for FSH induced granulosa cell (GC) secreted hormones. This study investigates the effects of two common polymorphisms of FSHR, FSHR 307 (rs6165) and FSHR 680 (rs6166), by evaluating the hormone and gene expression profiles of human small antral follicles collected under physiological conditions in connection with fertility preservation. In total 69 women at various time during the menstrual cycle was included in this study. The intrafollicular hormone content of 179 FF and the gene expression levels of 85 GC samples were correlated to the genotype of both FSHR polymorphisms. The following parameters were evaluated: follicle diameter, levels of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), progesterone, oestradiol, testosterone and androstenedione, and gene expression levels of FSHR, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), androgen receptor (AR), aromatase cytochrome p450 (CYP19A1,) AMH and AMH receptor II (AMHR2). There was 100 % concordance between the FSHR 307 and the FSHR 680 genotypes: A/A (p.307Thr/Thr and p.680Asn/Asn), A/G (p.307Thr/Ala and p.680Asn/Ser), and G/G (p.307Ala/Ala and p.680Ser/Ser). Considering all follicles, compared to the other genotypes the G/G genotype was associated with significantly elevated gene expression levels for LHR, while AMHR2 gene expression levels were significantly reduced. In follicles 3-6 mm in diameter LHR gene expression was significantly increased, whereas AMH gene expression was significantly reduced for the G/G genotype. In follicles>6 mm, oestradiol and CYP19A1 gene expression levels were significantly higher for the G/G genotype. In conclusion, significant changes were observed between the FSHR 307/680 polymorphisms in human small antral follicles collected under physiological FSH conditions.
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| 10. |
- Bredhult, Carolina, et al.
(författare)
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Gene expression analysis of human endometrial endothelial cells exposed to o,p'-DDT
- 2008
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 14:2, s. 97-106
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The endocrine disrupting chemical o, p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) can affect reproductive organs, tissues and cells in several species. Treatment of human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs) with 50 mu M o, p'0- DDT decreased their proliferation compared with the control. Microarray analyses revealed that o, p'-DDT affected biological processes such as the cell cycle, cell division, defence response and lipid and steroid metabolism, in cellular components such as the plasma membrane and chromosomes, with molecular functions involved in signalling, receptor and cytokine activity, confirming the results of the proliferation assay. Expression of five of the most differentially expressed genes identified in the microarray analysis was verified by real- time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in five HEEC cultures obtained from women in the proliferative phase and in five cultures obtained from women in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle after treatment with o, p'- DDT. The present study supports our previous findings of decreased proliferation and increased cell death in response to o, p'- DDT and may offer important clues to the mechanisms of action of o, p'-DDT.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Casslén, Vera, et al.
(författare)
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Histamine uptake by human endometrial cells expressing the organic cation transporter EMT and the vesicular monoamine transporter-2
- 2006
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Ingår i: Molecular Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407 .- 1360-9947. ; 12:8, s. 483-489
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cellular reuptake of monoamines, which is mediated by cell membrane transporters, is followed by accumulation in vesicles by vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence of functional monoamine transporters with high affinity for histamine in human endometrial tissue, since histamine has been implicated as a paracrine signal during endometrial decidualization and embryo implantation. In situ hybridization with S-35-labelled cRNA probes was used for detection of the organic cationic transporter-2 (OCT-2), the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT), and VMAT-2 in cryosections of normal human endometrial tissue. To identify functional transporters for histamine in endometrial cells, we incubated primary cultures of stromal cells and cultures of attached glands with H-3-labelled histamine. Cultures were pretreated with either corticosterone, a specific inhibitor of EMT, or reserpine, a specific inhibitor of VMAT-2. EMT mRNA was localized in the stroma with peak expression in the secretory phase, whereas OCT-2 mRNA was expressed by few cells in the stroma throughout the cycle. VMAT-2 mRNA was localized in the stroma during the proliferative phase and in the epithelium during the secretory phase. Thus, EMT and VMAT-2, which both have high affinity for histamine, are strongly expressed in endometrial cells. Both corticosterone and reserpine significantly reduced the uptake of H-3-histamine in stromal cells during the proliferative as well as the secretory phase. This indicates the presence of functional EMT and VMAT-2 transporter proteins throughout the cycle, even though their periods of maximal mRNA expression were limited. The results of uptake experiments with glandular epithelial cells confirmed not only the presence of functional VMAT-2 transporter protein in the secretory phase but also the absence of a histamine-specific plasma membrane transporter throughout the cycle. Thus, endometrial tissue contains both plasma membrane and vesicular membrane monoamine transporters with high affinity for histamine. They can potentially influence the reproductive process by the uptake of extracellular histamine and subsequent release on demand.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Corral-Vazquez, C, et al.
(författare)
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The RNA content of human sperm reflects prior events in spermatogenesis and potential post-fertilization effects
- 2021
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407 .- 1360-9947. ; 27:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Transcriptome analyses using high-throughput methodologies allow a deeper understanding of biological functions in different cell types/tissues. The present study provides an RNA-seq profiling of human sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs (messenger and long non-coding RNAs) in a well-characterized population of fertile individuals. Sperm RNA was extracted from twelve ejaculate samples under strict quality controls. Poly(A)-transcripts were sequenced and aligned to the human genome. mRNAs and lncRNAs were classified according to their mean expression values (FPKM: Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads) and integrity. Gene Ontology analysis of the Expressed and Highly Expressed mRNAs showed an involvement in diverse reproduction processes, while the Ubiquitously Expressed and Highly Stable mRNAs were mainly involved in spermatogenesis. Transcription factor enrichment analyses revealed that the Highly Expressed and Ubiquitously Expressed sperm mRNAs were primarily regulated by zinc-fingers and spermatogenesis-related proteins. Regarding the Expressed lncRNAs, only one-third of their potential targets corresponded to Expressed mRNAs and were enriched in cell-cycle regulation processes. The remaining two-thirds were absent in sperm and were enriched in embryogenesis-related processes. A significant amount of post-testicular sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs was also detected. Even though our study is solely directed to the poly-A fraction of sperm transcripts, results indicate that both sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs constitute a footprint of previous spermatogenesis events and are configured to affect the first stages of embryo development.
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| 16. |
- Díaz-García, C, et al.
(författare)
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Uterine transplantation research: laboratory protocols for clinical application.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407 .- 1360-9947. ; 18:2, s. 68-78
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this review is to summarize the state-of the-art methods that are used in clinical organ transplantation today, as well as the major findings of recent experimental UTx research regarding organ donation/retrieval, ischemic preservation, surgical techniques for anastomosis, immunosuppression and pregnancy. Absolute uterine factor infertility lacks treatment despite the major developments in infertility treatment and assisted reproduction. Concerning uterine factor infertile patients, genetic motherhood is only possible through gestational surrogacy. The latter can pose medical, ethical and legal concerns such as lack of control of life habits during surrogate pregnancy, economic motives for women to become surrogate mothers, medical/psychological pregnancy-related risks of the surrogate mother and uncertainties regarding the mother definition.. Thus, surrogacy is non-approved in large parts of the world. Recent advances in the field of solid organ transplantation and experimental uterus transplantation (UTx) provide a favourable and safe background in a scenario in which a human clinical UTx trial can take place. Protocols based on animal research over the last decade are described with a view to providing a scientifically-guided approach to human UTx as an experimental procedure in the future.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Djureinovic, Dijana, et al.
(författare)
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The human testis-specific proteome defined by transcriptomics and antibody-based profiling
- 2014
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 20:6, s. 476-488
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The testis' function is to produce haploid germ cells necessary for reproduction. Here we have combined a genome-wide transcriptomics analysis with immunohistochemistry-based protein profiling to characterize the molecular components of the testis. Deep sequencing (RNA-Seq) of normal human testicular tissue from seven individuals was performed and compared with 26 other normal human tissue types. All 20 050 putative human genes were classified into categories based on expression patterns. The analysis shows that testis is the tissue with the most tissue-specific genes by far. More than 1000 genes show a testis-enriched expression pattern in testis when compared with all other analyzed tissues. Highly testis enriched genes were further characterized with respect to protein localization within the testis, such as spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, sperm, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Here we present an immunohistochemistry-based analysis, showing the localization of corresponding proteins in different cell types and various stages of spermatogenesis, for 62 genes expressed at > 50-fold higher levels in testis when compared with other tissues. A large fraction of these genes were unexpectedly expressed in early stages of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we have applied a genome-wide analysis to identify the human testis-specific proteome using transcriptomics and antibody-based protein profiling, providing lists of genes expressed in a tissue-enriched manner in the testis. The majority of these genes and proteins were previously poorly characterised in terms of localization and function, and our list provides an important starting point to increase our molecular understanding of human reproductive biology and disease.
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| 19. |
- Dubicke, A., et al.
(författare)
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Different secretion patterns of matrix metalloproteinases and IL-8 and effect of corticotropin-releasing hormone in preterm and term cervical fibroblasts
- 2008
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Ingår i: Molecular Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407 .- 1360-9947. ; 14:11, s. 641-647
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aims of the present study were to compare the levels of mRNA and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -3, -8 and -9 in human cervical tissue in preterm and term labor as well as not in labor and to determine if corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has an effect on MMP-1, -3 and interleukin (IL)-8 secretion in both preterm and term cervical fibroblasts. Cervical biopsies were taken from 60 women: 18 at preterm labor, 7 at preterm not in labor, 18 at term labor and 17 at term not in labor. ELISA and Immulite were used for protein and real-time RT-PCR for mRNA analysis. Cervical fibroblast cultures were incubated for 18 h with different CRH concentrations (10(-13)-10(-6) M). The mRNA expression of MMP-1, -3 and -9 was higher in laboring groups compared with term not in labor. Protein levels of MMP-8 and -9 were higher in term in labor group compared with non-laboring groups. There were no significant differences in mRNA and protein expression between the preterm and respective term control groups. CRH significantly increased secretion of IL-8 in preterm and term cervical fibroblasts compared with controls. The secretion of IL-8 and MMP-1 was significantly higher and MMP-3 secretion lower in preterm cervical fibroblasts. In conclusion, cervical ripening at preterm seems to be a similar inflammatory process as at term with CRH involved. However, preterm and term cervical fibroblasts might have different phenotypes based on different secretion patterns of IL-8, MMP-1 and MMP-3.
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Fenstad, M H, et al.
(författare)
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STOX2 but not STOX1 is differentially expressed in decidua from pre-eclamptic women : data from the Second Nord-Trondelag Health Study
- 2010
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 16:12, s. 960-968
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Variation in the Storkhead box-1 (STOX1) gene has previously been associated with pre-eclampsia. In this study, we assess candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in STOX1 in an independent population cohort of pre-eclamptic (n = 1.139) and non-pre-eclamptic (n = 2.269) women (the HUNT2 study). We also compare gene expression levels of STOX1 and its paralogue, Storkhead box-2 (STOX2) in decidual tissue from pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction (FGR) (n = 40) to expression levels in decidual tissue from uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 59). We cannot confirm association of the candidate SNPs to pre-eclampsia (P > 0.05). For STOX1, no differential gene expression was observed in any of the case groups, whereas STOX2 showed significantly lower expression in deciduas from pregnancies complicated by both pre-eclampsia and FGR as compared with controls (P = 0.01). We further report a strong correlation between transcriptional alterations reported previously in choriocarcinoma cells over expressing STOX1A and alterations observed in decidual tissue of pre-eclamptic women with FGR.
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Hansson, Stefan, et al.
(författare)
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Gene expression profiling of human placentas from preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies.
- 2006
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Ingår i: Molecular Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407. ; 12:3, s. 169-179
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate patterns of gene expression in placental samples from patients with preeclampsia (PE), persistent bilateral uterine artery notching (without PE), and normal controls. This study included placental tissue from nine women with PE, seven with uncomplicated pregnancies and five with bilateral uterine artery notching in Doppler velocimetry tracings. Human cDNA microarrays with 6500 transcripts/genes were used and the results verified with real-time PCR and in-situ hybridization. Multidimensional scaling method and random permutation technique demonstrated significant differences among the three groups examined. Within the 6.5K arrays, 6198 elements were unique cDNA clones representing 5952 unique UniGenes and 5695 unique LocusLinks. Multidimensional scaling plots showed 5000 genes that met our quality criteria; among these, 366 genes were significantly different in at least one comparison. Differences in three genes of interest were confirmed with real-time PCR and in-situ hybridization; acid phosphatase 5 was shown to be overexpressed in PE samples and calmodulin 2 and v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA) were downregulated in PE and uterine artery notch placentas. In conclusion downregulation of RELA and calmodulin 2 might represent an attempt by the placenta to compensate for elevations in intracellular calcium, possibly caused by hypoxia and/or apoptosis, in both pregnancies with uterine artery notching and preeclampsia.
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| 31. |
- Henningson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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CYP17 genotype is associated with short menstrual cycles, early oral contraceptive use and BRCA mutation status in young healthy women
- 2007
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Ingår i: Molecular Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407. ; 13:4, s. 231-236
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The CYP17 gene is involved in steroid hormone metabolism and has been proposed as a low penetrance gene for breast cancer. We aimed to investigate the associations between the CYP17 genotype and breast cancer risk factors, such as age at menarche, menstrual cycle length, oral contraceptive (OC) use, and BRCA mutation status among 258 healthy young women, aged <= 40, from 158 breast cancer high-risk families. Questionnaires including questions on reproductive factors and OC use were completed and blood samples were obtained from all women. CYP17 (rs743572) was genotyped with sequencing in 254 women. The main findings were that short menstrual cycles (< 27 days) were significantly more common with increasing number of variant A2 alleles (8%, 17% and 32%; P-trend = 0.002, adjusted for family clustering). Each A2 allele was associated with a 7 months earlier OC start (17.8, 17.0, and 16.6 years; P-trend = 0.014, adjusted for age at menarche, ever-smoking and family clustering). Homozygosity for the A2 allele was more common among known non-carriers from BRCA1/2 families compared with other high-risk women OR 2.92 (95% CI 1.49-5.73; P = 0.002, adjusted for family clustering). We found no association between CYP17 genotype and age at menarche. In conclusion, this study suggests that short menstrual cycles, age at first OC use and BRCA mutation status may need to be considered in studies exploring the relationships between CYP17 and risk factors for early onset breast cancer.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Hosokawa, K, et al.
(författare)
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Dominant expression and distribution of oestrogen receptor beta over oestrogen receptor alpha in the human corpus luteum
- 2001
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 7:2, s. 137-145
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To investigate the potential importance of oestrogen as a local regulator of human corpus luteum function, the mRNA expression pattern and cellular localization of oestrogen receptors (ERs), ER-alpha and ER-beta, were studied in corpora lutea grouped according to age, where days 2-5 post-LH rise were designated as the early luteal phase, days 6-10 as mid-luteal and days 11-14 as the late luteal phase respectively. Northern blot analysis using an ER-beta probe in samples from whole ovarian tissue and isolated corpora lutea, revealed a major band at 7.5 kb and several minor bands between 4-10 kb, while no signals for ER-alpha mRNA were obtained. However, using a semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blotting, ER-beta mRNA levels were found to be 63% lower (P: < 0.05, n = 39) in the mid-luteal phase compared with the early luteal phase, while ER-alpha mRNA expression showed no statistical differences between the different age groups. Using in-situ hybridization, ER-beta mRNA expression was localized to the steroidogenic luteal cells as well as perivascular cells and fibroblasts in the corpus luteum. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the localization of ER-beta protein, but no clear staining of luteal cells was found using antibodies against ER-alpha. Collectively, the findings of low to moderate expression of ER-beta mRNA and protein in the steroidogenic cells, and also in vascular endothelial cells of the corpus luteum, as opposed to diminutive amounts of ER-alpha mRNA, suggest that oestrogen activity is primarily transduced via ER-beta in the human corpus luteum.
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| 34. |
- Hu, Min, et al.
(författare)
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Suppression of uterine and placental ferroptosis by N-acetylcysteine in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. : Ferroptosis and N-acetylcysteine
- 2021
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407 .- 1360-9947. ; 27:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The mechanisms that link hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance to the increased miscarriage rate in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain elusive. Previous studies demonstrate that increased uterine and placental ferroptosis is associated with oxidative stress-induced fetal loss in a pre-clinical PCOS-like rat model. Here, we investigated the efficacy and molecular mechanism of action of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in reversing gravid uterine and placental ferroptosis in pregnant rats exposed to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin. Molecular and histological analyses showed that NAC attenuated DHT and insulin-induced uterine ferroptosis, including dose-dependent increases in anti-ferroptosis gene content. Changes in other molecular factors after NAC treatment were also observed in the placenta exposed to DHT and insulin, such as increased glutathione peroxidase 4 protein level. Further, increased apoptosis inducing factor mitochondria associated 2 mRNA expression was seen in the placenta but not in the uterus. Additionally, NAC was not sufficient to rescue DHT+insulin-induced mitochondria-morphological abnormalities in the uterus, whereas the same treatment partially reversed such abnormalities in the placenta. Finally, we demonstrated that NAC selectively normalized uterine leukemia inhibitory factor, osteopontin/secreted phosphoprotein 1, progesterone receptor, and homeobox A11 mRNA expression and placental estrogen related receptor beta and trophoblast specific protein alpha mRNA expression. Collectively, our data provide insight into how NAC exerts beneficial effects on differentially attenuating gravid uterine and placental ferroptosis in a PCOS-like rat model with fetal loss. These results indicate that exogenous administration of NAC represents a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance-induced uterine and placental dysfunction.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Jiménez, Alberto, et al.
(författare)
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Cloning, expression and characterization of mouse spermatid specific thioredoxin-1 gene and protein
- 2002
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press. - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 8:8, s. 710-718
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Thioredoxins are proteins that participate in different cellular processes via redox-mediated reactions. For humans, we have recently described two novel members of this family that display a male germ cell specific expression pattern, named spermatid specific thioredoxin (Sptrx-1 and Sptrx-2 respectively). We report here the cloning and characterization of the mouse Sptrx-1 gene and protein, which are similar to those described for the human orthologue. The mouse Sptrx-1 open reading frame encodes for a protein of 462 aa composed of an N-terminal repetitive domain of a 15 residue motif followed by a C-terminal domain typical of thioredoxins. The mouse Sptrx-1 gene sequence is interrupted by only one intron of 525 bp located in the 5'-UTR, and using fluorescence in-situ hybridization we have mapped its chromosomal location to 17E1.2-1.3. Northern blot analysis identified the testis as the only tissue expressing mouse Sptrx-1 mRNA, and by in-situ hybridization we found a strong labelling in the testicular seminiferous tubules, mostly in the round spermatids. Affinity purified antibodies against human Sptrx-1 crossreacted well with the mouse protein confirming its expression in seminiferous tubules at the later stages of spermiogenesis. Recombinant mouse Sptrx-1 displayed protein disulphide reducing activity in an enzymatic assay coupled to NADPH and thioredoxin reductase. The availability of the mouse Sptrx-1 gene sequence is the first step towards the generation of knock-out mice, whose characterization will provide significant information regarding the in-vivo function of Sptrx-1 and its possible implication in several sperm anomalies.
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| 40. |
- Johannisson, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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Extracellular cAMP activates molecular signalling pathways associated with sperm capacitation in bovines
- 2017
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Ingår i: Molecular Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 23, s. 521-534
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- STUDY QUESTION: Is extracellular cAMP involved in the regulation of signalling pathways in bovine sperm capacitation?SUMMARY ANSWER: Extracellular cAMP induces sperm capacitation through the activation of different signalling pathways that involve phospholipase C (PLC), PKC/ERK1-2 signalling and an increase in sperm Ca2+ levels, as well as soluble AC and cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signalling.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In order to fertilize the oocyte, ejaculated spermatozoa must undergo a series of changes in the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. This correlates with a number of membrane and metabolic modifications that include an increased influx of bicarbonate and Ca2+, activation of a soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) to produce cAMP, PKA activation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the development of hyperactivated motility. We previously reported that cAMP efflux by Multidrug Resistance Protein 4 (MRP4) occurs during sperm capacitation and the pharmacological blockade of this inhibits the process. Moreover, the supplementation of incubation media with cAMP abolishes the inhibition and leads to sperm capacitation, suggesting that extracellular cAMP regulates crucial signalling cascades involved in this process.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Bovine sperm were selected by the wool glass column method, and washed by centrifugation in BSA-Free Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (sp-TALP). Pellets were resuspended then diluted for each treatment. For in vitro capacitation, 10 to 15 x 10(6) SPZ/ml were incubated in 0.3% BSA sp-TALP at 38.5 degrees C for 45 min under different experimental conditions. To evaluate the role of extracellular cAMP on different events associated with sperm capacitation, 10 nM cAMP was added to the incubation medium as well as different inhibitors of enzymes associated with signalling transduction pathways: U73122 (PLC inhibitor, 10 mu M), Go6983 (PKC inhibitor, 10 mu M), PD98059 (ERK-1/2 inhibitor, 30 mu M), H89 and KT (PKA inhibitors, 50 mu M and 100 nM, respectively), KH7 (sAC inhibitor, 10 mu M), BAPTA-AM (intracellular Ca2+ chelator, 50 mu M), EGTA (10 mu M) and Probenecid (MRPs general inhibitor, 500 mu M). In addition, assays for binding to oviductal epithelial cells and IVF were carried out to test the effect of cAMP compared with other known capacitant agents such as heparin (60 mu g/ml) and bicarbonate (40 mM).PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Straws of frozen bovine semen (20-25 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml) were kindly provided by Las Lilas, CIALE and CIAVT Artificial Insemination Centers. The methods used in this work include western blot, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, computer-assisted semen analysis, live imaging of Ca2+ and fluorescence scanning. At least three independent assays with bull samples of proven fertility were carried.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In the present study, we elucidate the molecular events induced by extracellular cAMP. Our results showed that external cAMP induces sperm capacitation, depending upon the action of PLC. Downstream, this enzyme increased ERK1-2 activation through PKC and elicited a rise in sperm Ca2+ levels (P < 0.01). Moreover, extracellular cAMP-induced capacitation also depended on the activity of sAC and PKA, and increased tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating that the nucleotide exerts a broad range of responses. In addition, extracellular cAMP-induced sperm hyperactivation and concomitantly increased the proportion of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial activity (P < 0.01). Finally, cAMP increased the in vitro fertilization rate compared to control conditions (P < 0.001).LARGE SCALE DATA: None.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This is an in vitro study performed with bovine cryopreserved spermatozoa. Studies in other species and with fresh samples are needed to extrapolate these data.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: These findings strongly suggest an important role of extracellular cAMP in the regulation of the signalling pathways involved in the acquisition of bull sperm fertilizing capability. The data presented here indicate that not only a rise, but also a regulation of cAMP levels is necessary to ensure sperm fertilizing ability. Thus, exclusion of the nucleotide to the extracellular space might be essential to guarantee the achievement of a cAMP tone, needed for all capacitation-associated events to take place. Moreover, the ability of cAMP to trigger such broad and complex signalling events allows us to hypothesize that cAMP is a self-produced autocrine/paracrine factor, and supports the emerging paradigm that spermatozoa do not compete but, in fact, communicate with each other. A precise understanding of the functional competence of mammalian spermatozoa is essential to generate clinical advances in the treatment of infertility and the development of novel contraceptive strategies.
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| 42. |
- Junus, Katja, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Gene expression profiling of placentae from women with early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia : down-regulation of the angiogenesis related genes ACVRL1 and EGFL7 in early-onset disease
- 2012
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 18:3, s. 146-155
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The underlying mechanisms behind the obstetric condition pre-eclampsia (PE) are still unclear. Manifestation of PE is heterogeneous and it has therefore been proposed to be a syndrome with different causes rather than one disease with a specific aetiology. Recently, we showed differences in circulating angiogenic factors between two subgroups - early- and late-onset PE. To further elucidate the differences between the two, we investigated placental gene expression profiles. Whole genome microarray technology and bioinformatic analysis were used to evaluate gene expression profiles in placentae from early- (24-32 gestational weeks, n=8) and late-onset (36-41 gestational weeks, n=7) PE. The results were verified by using quantitative real-time PCR. We found significant differences in the expression of 196 genes in early- compared with late-onset PE, 45 of these genes showing a fold change above 2. Bioinformatic analysis revealed alterations in angiogenesis and regulation of cell motility. Two angiogenesis-associated transcripts (Egfl7 and Acvrl1) showed lower expression in early-onset PE vs. late-onset PE (p=0.037 and p=0.003) and vs. gestational age-matched controls (p=0.007 and p=0.011). We conclude that angiogenesis-associated genes are regulated in a different manner in the two subgroups, and that the gene expression profiles of early- and late-onset PE diverge, supporting the hypothesis of early- and late-onset PE being at least partly two separate entities.
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| 44. |
- Kolkova, Zuzana, et al.
(författare)
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G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER, GPR 30) in normal human endometrium and early pregnancy decidua.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Molecular Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407 .- 1360-9947. ; 16:10, s. 743-751
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The recently identified trans-membrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER, GPR30) has been implicated in rapid non-genomic effects of estrogens. This focusses on expression and localization of GPER mRNA and protein in normal cyclic endometrium and early pregnancy decidua. Real-time PCR, Western blotting, in situ hybridization, and immuno-histochemistry were used. Endometrial expression of GPER mRNA was lower in the secretory phase than in the proliferative phase , and even lower in the decidua. The expression pattern was similar to that of ERalpha mRNA, but different from that of ERss mRNA. Western blot detected GPER protein as a 54 kDa band in all endometrial and decidual samples. In contrast to the mRNA, GPER protein did not show cyclic variations. Apparently, a lower amount of mRNA is sufficient to maintain protein levels in the secretory phase. GPER mRNA was predominantly localized in the epithelium of mid and late proliferative phase endometrium, whereas expression in early proliferative and secretory glands could not be distinguished from the diffuse stromal signal, which was present throughout the cycle. Immuno-staining for GPER was stronger in glandular and luminal epithelium than in the stroma throughout the cycle. The cyclic variations of GPER mRNA obviously relate to strong epithelial expression in the proliferative phase, and the expression pattern suggests regulation by ovarian steroids. GPER protein is present in endometrial tissue throughout the cycle, and the epithelial localization suggests potential functions during sperm migration at midcycle as well as decidualization and blastocyst implantation in the mid-secretory phase.
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| 45. |
- Kristensen, Karl, et al.
(författare)
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Increased cystatin C expression in the pre-eclamptic placenta.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Molecular Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407. ; 13, s. 189-195
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Trophoblast invasion is regulated by proteinases and their inhibitors. Cystatin C inhibits cysteine proteinases. The serum concentration of cystatin C is increased in late pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. We aimed to investigate whether the expression of cystatin C is increased in the pre-eclamptic placenta and to investigate the expression pattern of cystatin C mRNA and protein in placental tissue. Tissue samples from the central part of the placenta from 13 normal and 22 pre-eclamptic pregnancies were included. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization for mRNA expression analysis and immunohistochemistry and Western blotting for protein expression analysis. RT-PCR showed a significantly higher expression of cystatin C mRNA in pre-eclampsia than in normal pregnancy, with the highest expression in cases with severe pre-eclampsia. In situ hybridization revealed a distinct pattern of high expression in the extravillous trophoblast cells of the basal plate and low expression in the syncytiotrophoblast covering villi. The cystatin C protein distribution matched the mRNA expression pattern. Western blot analysis revealed an increased protein expression in cases with severe pre-eclampsia and confirmed the presence of cystatin C in amniotic fluid samples. The high expression of cystatin C mRNA in the extravillous trophoblast cells of the basal plate suggests a role for cystatin C in the regulation of proteases in placentation. Placental expression and secretion of cystatin C could contribute to the elevated maternal plasma levels seen in pre-eclampsia.
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| 46. |
- Leijonhufvud, P, et al.
(författare)
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Structure of sperm activating protein
- 1997
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1360-9947 .- 1460-2407. ; 3:3, s. 249-253
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 47. |
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Lundin, K, et al.
(författare)
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Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cells endogenously expressing follicle-stimulating hormone receptors: modeling the function of an inactivating receptor mutation
- 2022
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Ingår i: Molecular human reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2407 .- 1360-9947. ; 28:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is crucial in the development and regulation of reproductive functions. The actions of human FSH and its receptor (FSHR) and mutations therein have mainly been studied using in vivo models, primary cells, cancer cells and cell lines ectopically expressing the FSHR. To allow studies of endogenous FSHR function in vitro, we differentiated FSHR-expressing cells from human pluripotent stem cells. FSH stimulation of the wild-type (WT), but not the inactivating Finnish founder mutant (A189V) receptor, activated the canonical cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling pathway and downstream mediators. To investigate protein–protein interaction partners of FSHR at resting state and upon FSH stimulation, we expressed FSHR in HEK293 cells followed by affinity purification mass spectrometry analyses. We found 19 specific high-confidence interacting proteins for WT FSHR and 14 for A189V FSHR, several of which have been linked to infertility. Interestingly, while only WT FSHR interacted with FSH, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), for example, interacted with both WT and A189V FSHR upon FSH stimulation. In conclusion, our protocol allows detailed studies of FSH action and disease modeling in human cells endogenously expressing FSHR.
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