scholarly journals Dynamic expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 in reproductive organs of female mice

Reproduction ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 142 (4) ◽  
pp. 573-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep S Tanwar ◽  
James R McFarlane
Keyword(s):  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Specific Staining ◽  
Primordial Follicles ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein

Various members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family have been shown to regulate mammalian follicular development by affecting granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis.In situhybridization studies have shown expression of BMPR1A, BMPR1B, and BMPR2 in the granulosa cells and oocyte of most of the follicles in the ovary, suggesting that these cells have the capacity to respond to BMP signaling. Although much is known about BMP4 signaling, its expression pattern in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is still unclear. The objective of the current study was to characterize the expression of BMP4 and its downstream target proteins (pSMAD1/5/8) in the FRT. In the ovary, BMP4 protein was detected in all the stages of follicular development. Staining for pSMAD1/5/8 was observed in granulosa cells and oocytes of all the stages of follicular development including primordial follicles, suggesting that these follicles are responsive to autocrine/paracrine BMP signaling. In the uterus, BMP4 and pSMAD1/5/8 staining was observed in all three compartments and strongest expression was observed during the estrus phase. BMP4- and pSMAD1/5/8-specific staining was also observed in oviductal epithelium. Different forms (apparent MW: 50, 35, and 15 kDa) of BMP4 were detected in mouse ovary by western blot analysis. In conclusion, these results have defined BMP4 and pSMAD1/5/8 protein expression in the mouse FRT and highlighted the importance of BMP4 in folliculogenesis.

scholarly journals BMP-regulated exosomes from Drosophila male reproductive glands reprogram female behavior

2014 ◽  
Vol 206 (5) ◽  
pp. 671-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Corrigan ◽  
Siamak Redhai ◽  
Aaron Leiblich ◽  
Shih-Jung Fan ◽  
Sumeth M.W. Perera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Behavior ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Downstream Effectors ◽  
Membrane Bound

Male reproductive glands secrete signals into seminal fluid to facilitate reproductive success. In Drosophila melanogaster, these signals are generated by a variety of seminal peptides, many produced by the accessory glands (AGs). One epithelial cell type in the adult male AGs, the secondary cell (SC), grows selectively in response to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. This signaling is involved in blocking the rapid remating of mated females, which contributes to the reproductive advantage of the first male to mate. In this paper, we show that SCs secrete exosomes, membrane-bound vesicles generated inside late endosomal multivesicular bodies (MVBs). After mating, exosomes fuse with sperm (as also seen in vitro for human prostate-derived exosomes and sperm) and interact with female reproductive tract epithelia. Exosome release was required to inhibit female remating behavior, suggesting that exosomes are downstream effectors of BMP signaling. Indeed, when BMP signaling was reduced in SCs, vesicles were still formed in MVBs but not secreted as exosomes. These results demonstrate a new function for the MVB–exosome pathway in the reproductive tract that appears to be conserved across evolution.

scholarly journals Vitamin D3 Action Within the Ovary – an Updated Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 371-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
M GRZESIAK
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Reproductive Processes ◽  
Vitamin D3 Deficiency

Vitamin D3 is well-known as a major regulator of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. A growing body of evidence highlights its crucial role in the regulation of reproductive processes in females. The role of vitamin D3 in the female reproductive tract has been extensively investigated because its receptor is abundant in reproductive organs, including ovary. Importantly, besides expression of vitamin D3 receptor, the ovary is an extrarenal site of vitamin D3 metabolism. The influence of vitamin D3 on follicular development and ovarian steroidogenesis has been investigated. Furthermore, vitamin D3 deficiency has also been associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure and ovarian cancer. The objective of this review is to summarize our knowledge about the contribution of vitamin D3 to physiological and pathological processes within the ovary.

Extracellular regulation of BMP signaling: welcome to the matrix

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georg Sedlmeier ◽  
Jonathan P. Sleeman
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Intracellular Level ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Mechanical Barrier

Given its importance in development and homeostasis, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is tightly regulated at the extra- and intracellular level. The extracellular matrix (ECM) was initially thought to act as a passive mechanical barrier that sequesters BMPs. However, a new understanding about how the ECM plays an instructive role in regulating BMP signaling is emerging. In this mini-review, we discuss various ways in which the biochemical and physical properties of the ECM regulate BMP signaling.

Abstract 17763: Inhibition of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Reduces Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification Associated with Matrix Gla Protein Deficiency

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan F Burke ◽  
Caitlin O’Rourke ◽  
Trejeeve Martyn ◽  
Hannah R Shakartzi ◽  
Timothy E Thayer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Matrix Gla Protein ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Endothelial Mesenchymal Transition

Background: Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is an extracellular matrix protein that inhibits bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in vitro. MGP deficiency induces vascular calcification associated with osteogenic transdifferentiation of endothelial cells (via endothelial-mesenchymal transition, EndMT) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We previously reported that treatment with two pharmacologic inhibitors of BMP signaling reduced aortic calcification in MGP-/- mice. We hypothesized that BMP signaling is essential for EndMT and VSMC osteogenic transdifferentiation induced by MGP deficiency. Methods and Results: Aortic levels of mRNAs encoding markers of osteogenesis (Runx2 and osteopontin) and EndMT (nanog, Sox2, and Oct3/4) were greater in MGP-/- than in wild-type mice (P<0.01 for all). Aortic expression of markers of VSMC differentiation (α-smooth muscle actin, transgelin, and calponin) was less in MGP-/- than in wild-type mice (P<0.001 for all). Treatment of MGP-/- mice with the BMP signaling inhibitor, LDN-193189, reduced expression of both osteogenic and EndMT markers (P<0.05 for all) but did not prevent VSMC de-differentiation. Depletion of MGP in cultured wild-type VSMCs with siRNA specific for MGP (siMGP) was associated with a 30-40% reduction in levels of mRNAs encoding markers of VSMC differentiation (P<0.05 for all), an effect that was not prevented by LDN-193189. Incubation in phosphate-containing media induced greater calcification in siMGP-treated VSMCs than in cells treated with control siRNA (P<0.0001). Treatment with LDN-193189 reduced calcification in siMGP-treated VSMCs (50%, P=0.0003). Conversely, infection of MGP-/- VSMCs with adenovirus specifying MGP increased expression of markers of VSMC differentiation by 60-80% (P<0.01 for all) and decreased calcification by 74% (P=0.03). Conclusions: Inhibition of BMP signaling suppresses osteogenic and EndMT gene programs in MGP-/- mice and reduces calcification of siMGP-treated VSMCs. However, MGP deficiency induces VSMC de-differentiation via a BMP-independent mechanism. These findings suggest that the processes underlying vascular calcification in MGP deficiency are mediated by both BMP signaling-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

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