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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.07.27.223693

ERβ regulated ovarian kisspeptin plays an important role in oocyte maturation

Chakravarthi, V. P.·Ghosh, S.·Roby, K. F.·Wolfe, M. W.·Rumi, M. A. K.
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Abstract

Kisspeptin (KISS1) signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary (H-P) axis plays essential role in regulating gonadotropin secretion. KISS1 and KISS1 receptor (KISS1R) are also expressed in the ovary; however, the role of intraovarian KISS1 signaling remains largely unclear. Granulosa cell (GC)-specific expression of KISS1, and oocyte-specific expression of KISS1R indicate that GC-derived KISS1 may act on oocytes. Expression of KISS1 in GCs is induced by gonadotropins but it is absent in estrogen receptor {beta} knockout (Er{beta}null) rats. We also observed that gonadotropin stimulation failed to induce maturation of Er{beta}null oocytes. Interestingly, KISS1 treatment of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) isolated from antral follicles promotes in vitro maturation of oocytes. Treatment of oocytes with KISS1 induced intracellular Ca2+ release, and increased activation of MAP kinase ERK1/2. KISS1 treatment also induced the expression of oocyte genes that are crucial for differentiation of GCs, and maturation of oocytes. Our findings suggest that ovarian KISS1-signaling plays an important role in gonadotropin induced follicle development and oocyte maturation.

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Chakravarthi, V. P., Ghosh, S., Roby, K. F., Wolfe, M. W., Rumi, M. A. K.. 2020-07-29. ERβ regulated ovarian kisspeptin plays an important role in oocyte maturation. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.27.223693

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