HIF1A regulates follicular atresia through O-GlcNAcylation-mediated VEZF1/ET-1/FOXO1/BAX signaling in porcine granulosa cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hypoxic stimuli induce follicular atresia by regulating granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis. Notably, mature follicles can still develop and ovulate under hypoxic conditions, highlighting the importance of the hypoxic adaptation in ovarian follicular selection. To date, the role and mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A)-mediated hypoxic responses in follicular atresia are unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether and how HIF1A regulates follicular atresia via the modulation of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) protein modification (O-GlcNAcylation).

Results

Our findings revealed that HIF1A was highly expressed in pig ovaries. Compared with that in healthy follicles, its expression was significantly downregulated in atretic follicles.

SUBMITTER: Jiang A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12449798 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature