Follicle-stimulating hormone regulation of microRNA expression on progesterone production in cultured rat granulosa cells

Endocrine. 2010 Oct;38(2):158-66. doi: 10.1007/s12020-010-9345-1. Epub 2010 Aug 24.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by interacting with the 3' untranslated regions of their target mRNAs. Previously, miRNAs have been shown to regulate genes involved in cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation, but their role in ovarian granulosa cell follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-stimulated steroidogenesis is unclear. Here we show that expression of 31 miRNAs is altered during FSH-mediated progesterone secretion of cultured granulosa cells. Specifically, 12 h after FSH treatment, miRNAs mir-29a and mir-30d were significantly down-regulated. However, their expression increased after 48 h. Bioinformatic analysis used to predict potential targets of mir-29a and mir-30d revealed a wide array of potential mRNA target genes, including those encoding genes involved in multiple signaling pathways. Taken together, our results pointed to a novel mechanism for the pleiotropic effects of FSH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cell Division / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Computational Biology
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Granulosa Cells / cytology
  • Granulosa Cells / drug effects*
  • Granulosa Cells / physiology*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pregnancy
  • Progesterone / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • MIRN29 microRNA, rat
  • MIRN30 microRNA, rat
  • MicroRNAs
  • Progesterone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone