The signals of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily play a critical role in follicular development in mammals. ACVR1B/TGFBR1/ACVR1C receptors mediate the signaling of several TGF-β superfamily ligands in granulosa cells. Although the requirement for ACVR1B/TGFBR1/ACVR1C receptor signaling in follicular development has been confirmed using mutant mouse models, the detailed roles of the signaling in granulosa cell and oocyte development have not been clearly defined. In the present study, we examined the requirement for ACVR1B/TGFBR1/ACVR1C receptor signaling in granulosa cells using an in vitro growth culture of oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) and SB431542, a potent inhibitor of the receptor signaling. Although cumulus-oocyte complexes isolated from the control OGCs were able to undergo cumulus expansion, those isolated from OGCs grown with the inhibitor were not competent, even in the presence of in vivo-grown oocytes. The diameter of the oocytes in the SB431542-treated OGCs was comparable with that of the control; however, these oocytes were not competent for complete meiotic maturation or preimplantation development. Therefore, ACVR1B/TGFBR1/ACVR1C receptor signaling is not required for oocytes to increase their volume but is essential for the normal development of cumulus cells and oocyte developmental competence.
Keywords: Follicles; Granulosa cells; Mice; Ovary.