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Mouse GDF9 decreases KITL gene expression in human granulosa cells

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Abstract

Kit ligand (KITL) is an important granulosa cell-derived growth factor in ovarian folliculogenesis, but its expression and function in human granulosa cells are currently poorly understood. Based on studies performed in animal models, it was hypothesised that KITL gene expression in human granulosa cells is regulated by androgens and/or growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9). We utilised two models of human granulosa cells, the KGN granulosa tumour cell line and cumulus granulosa cells obtained from preovulatory follicles of women undergoing assisted reproduction. Cells were treated with combinations of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), recombinant mouse GDF9, and the ALK4/5/7 inhibitor SB431542. KITL mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. No change in KITL mRNA expression was observed after DHT treatment under any experimental conditions, but GDF9 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in KITL mRNA levels in both KGN and cumulus cells. The effect of GDF9 was abolished by the addition of SB431542. These results indicate that KITL is not directly regulated by androgen signalling in human granulosa cells. Moreover, this study provides the first evidence that GDF9 negatively regulates KITL gene expression in human granulosa cells providing new information on the regulation of these important growth factors in the human ovary.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Dr Hamish Hamilton, Dr Marcin Stankiewicz, the nurses and embryology staff, and consenting patients at Flinders Reproductive Medicine for reviewing patient information, assistance in consenting patients and collecting tissues, or donating tissue for the purposes of this study. We acknowledge Professors Hajime Nawata and Toshihiko Yanase of Kyushu University and Professor Yoshihiro Nishi of Kurume University for creating and allowing us to use the KGN cell line. This work was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council Project Grant (Grant Number 453628) to R.J.N., T.E.H. and W.D.T.; National Health and Medical Research Council Peter Doherty Fellowship to T.E.H.; University of Adelaide Faculty of Health Sciences Divisional Scholarship to A.R.T.

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The authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia

    Astrud R. Tuck, David G. Mottershead, Robert J. Norman, Rebecca L. Robker & Theresa E. Hickey

  2. Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, School of Medicine, Hanson Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia

    Astrud R. Tuck, Wayne D. Tilley & Theresa E. Hickey

  3. Flinders Fertility, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia

    Herman A. Fernandes

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  1. Astrud R. Tuck
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Correspondence to Astrud R. Tuck.

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Tuck, A.R., Mottershead, D.G., Fernandes, H.A. et al. Mouse GDF9 decreases KITL gene expression in human granulosa cells. Endocrine 48, 686–695 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-014-0335-6

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