LH-induced neuregulin 1 (NRG1) type III transcripts control granulosa cell differentiation and oocyte maturation.

ABSTRACT: Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factors [amphiregulin (AREG), betacellulin, and epiregulin] are induced by LH and activate the EGF receptor (ERBB1)/ERK1/2 pathway in granulosa cells and cumulus cells of preovulatory follicles to impact ovulation. However, the expression and roles of other ERBB family members and their ligands have not been explored in detail. Herein, we document that two transcripts of the neuregulin (Nrg1) gene are expressed in granulosa cells, and that the type III Nrg1 is induced during ovulation in an ERK1/2 and C/EBPβ-dependent manner. Western blotting shows that intact (75 kDa) and secreted (45 kDa) forms of neuregulin 1 (NRG1) are present in the ovary. NRG1 likely binds to ERBB3/ERBB2 complexes that are expressed in granulosa cells and cumulus cells. In cultured

SUBMITTER: Noma N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3089030 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature