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MicroRNA Profiles of Human Follicular Fluid Extracellular Vesicles Reveal Stress Response Pathways and Role in Ovarian Aging

ABSTRACT: Advanced maternal age (AMA) patients experience decreased success from assisted reproductive technologies (ART), attributed to quantity and quality of oocytes, which is significantly influenced by the health of surrounding microenvironment. This microenvironment consists of extracellular vesicles in the follicular fluid. Follicular fluid extracellular vesicles (FF-EVs) are important communication mediators between ovarian somatic cells and the oocyte that could be playing a role in the changes of the follicle microenvironment as the ovary ages. To elucidate mechanisms that contribute to the age-related decline of oocyte quality, we characterized EVs and sequenced the small-RNA cargo from young (<32 y.o.) and AMA (>38 y.o.) patients' follicular fluid. We identified 23 differentially expressed microRNAs (DE miRNAs), specifically 12 downregulated and 11 upregulated, in young compared to aged FF-EVs (P value < 0.05, FDR < 0.10, Fold Change > 2). Target gene prediction and pathway analysis indicate up- and downregulated miRNAs target genes associated with oxidative stress response, such as the AGE-RAGE and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Specifically, NFKB1, STAT3, VEGFA, IGF1R, and PIK3R1 targeted by miR-9-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-205-5p, Mir-133a-3p, and miR-222-3p, respectively, and both BCL2 and IGF1 targeted by miR-1-3p. The results of our study reveal EVs and their associated miRNAs could provide a basis for a novel approach to mitigating the negative impacts of oxidative stress during ovarian aging.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE291875 | GEO | 2026/03/12

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:The mammalian follicular development is a well-orchestrated and complex molecular process characterized by sequences of follicular waves that yield the ovulatory follicle. It has been reported that bi-directional communication between the growing oocyte and the surrounding somatic cells is a hallmark of mammalian follicular development, partially mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in the follicular fluid (FF). Bioactive molecules such as the miRNAs encapsulated in the EVs mediate this communication within the follicular environment. Here, we aimed to decipher the dynamics of the miRNAs in the EVs of equine FF aspirated in vivo during different stages of follicular development. Hence, all follicles ≥6 mm were ablated on Days 10–11 of the estrous cycle (ovulation = Day 0) and the new induced wave was ultrasound-monitored daily until the largest growing follicle for at least three consecutive days was randomly allocated to one of the five groups (n = 8 follicles/group) namely: predeviation (preDEV; 18–20 mm), deviation (DEV; 22–25 mm), postdeviation (postDEV; 26–29 mm), preovulatory (preOV; 30–35 mm), and impending ovulation (IMP; ~40 mm). The FF was collected from each target group by ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle aspiration. After removal of cells, cellular debris, and larger particles, EVs were isolated from FF groups (4 biological replicates/group; 0.5 mL FF/replicate) using high-speed ultracentrifugation (120,000xg for 70 min). Isolated EVs were characterized using western blot for EV marker proteins, NanoSight Tracking Analysis, and electron microscopy. MiRNA enriched total RNA was isolated from EVs using an Exosomal RNA Isolation kit and small-RNA library preparation and RNAseq (NextSeq500; Illumina) was performed by Novogene Co, Ltd. Approximately 180 known miRNAs were detected in each group with 148 mutually found in all groups. Among the expressed miRNAs, miR-148a, miR-21, miR-192, and miR-99a were the top highly abundant miRNAs in all groups. Cluster analysis exhibited 15 different expression patterns during follicular development. Among these patterns, a group of 23 miRNAs (including miR-106b, miR-199a-5p, and miR-125a-5p) exhibited a stable expression at the preDev until the postDev stage, a significant increase at the preOV stage, and then a significant decrease at the IMP stage. This miRNA cluster has been found to target genes involved in TGF-signaling and endocytosis pathways. Another interesting pattern with 22 miRNAs (including miR-146b-5p, miR-140, and miR-143) exhibited a sharp reduction in their expression from the preDEV until the preOV stage and was predicted to target genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, cell cycle, and oocyte meiosis pathways. In contrast, a group of 16 miRNAs (including miR-483, miR-128, and miR-192) gradually increased in expression from preDEV to the postDEV and then downregulated at the preOV stage. This miRNA cluster targets several signaling pathways, including ErbB, thyroid, and estrogen signaling. In conclusion, this study provides greater insights into the stage-specific expression dynamics of the FF EV-miRNAs during equine follicular development, which may play a role in folliculogenesis in mares.

Project description:Malignant germ-cell-tumours (GCTs) are characterised by microRNA (miRNA/miR-) dysregulation, with universal over-expression of miR-371~373 and miR-302/367 clusters regardless of patient age, tumour site, or subtype (seminoma/yolk-sac-tumour/embryonal carcinoma). These miRNAs are released into the bloodstream, presumed within extracellular-vesicles (EVs) and represent promising biomarkers. Here, we comprehensively examined the role of EVs, and their miRNA cargo, on (fibroblast/endothelial/macrophage) cells representative of the testicular GCT (TGCT) tumour microenvironment (TME). Small RNA next-generation-sequencing was performed on 34 samples, comprising representative malignant GCT cell lines/EVs and controls (testis fibroblast [Hs1.Tes] cell-line/EVs and testis/ovary samples). TME cells received TGCT co-culture, TGCT-derived EVs, and a miRNA overexpression system (miR-371a-OE) to assess functional relevance. TGCT cells secreted EVs into culture media. MiR-371~373 and miR-302/367 cluster miRNAs were overexpressed in all TGCT cells/subtypes compared with control cells and were highly abundant in TGCT-derived EVs, with miR-371a-3p/miR-371a-5p the most abundant. TGCT co-culture resulted in increased levels of miRNAs from the miR-371~373 and miR-302/367 clusters in TME (fibroblast) cells. Next, fluorescent labelling demonstrated TGCT-derived EVs were internalised by all TME (fibroblast/endothelial/macrophage) cells. TME (fibroblast/endothelial) cell treatment with EVs derived from different TGCT subtypes resulted in increased miR-371~373 and miR-302/367 miRNA levels, and other generic (eg, miR-205-5p/miR-148-3p) and subtype-specific (seminoma, eg, miR-203a-3p; yolk-sac-tumour, eg, miR-375-3p) miRNAs. MiR-371a-OE in TME cells resulted in increased collagen contraction (fibroblasts) and angiogenesis (endothelial cells), via direct mRNA downregulation and alteration of relevant pathways. TGCT cells communicate with nontumour stromal TME cells through release of EVs enriched in oncogenic miRNAs, potentially contributing to tumour progression.

Project description:Ovarian follicular fluid (FF) comprises a dynamic milieu whose composition alters under seasonal variation, influencing follicle development and oocyte developmental competence. Various cell subtypes (e.g. granulosa, theca, and cumulus) produce cell-secreted nanoparticles, coined extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain bioactive regulatory molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs) known to mediate intrafollicular communication through various forms of signaling and information transfer. Markedly, the hallmark feature of EVs transferring cellular knowledge propagates their appealing nature as direct indicators of cellular status, albeit homeostasis, dysfunction, or disease. Photoperiod alterations influencing the regulatory content of FF-EVs as downstream modifiers remain largely unknown, particularly in seasonal breeding animals. Here, we aimed to unpack the impacts of seasonal variation on the miRNA expression profiles of FF-EVs in the mare. Equine pre-ovulatory follicles were monitored and aspirated using ultrasound-guided transvaginal techniques to obtain follicular fluids during non-breeding (spring anovulatory, SAN) and breeding seasons (spring ovulatory, SOV; summer, SUM; and fall ovulatory, FOV). 97 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between groups. Pairwise comparisons revealed specific clusters, including six miRNAs involved in the spring transition (miR-149-200b-206-221-328-615) and many others dysregulated during that of the summer (miR-143-192451- 302b-100, and let 7c), the peak time point for breeding. Bioinformatic analyses led to unveiling significant enrichments in various biological functions, such as transcription factor activity, transcription and transcription regulation, nucleic acid binding, sequence-specific DNA binding, p53 signaling, and post-translational modifications. Ultimately, the miRNA content of seasonally divergent FF-EVs poses as potentially relevant indicators of intrafollicular mechanisms directing seasonal transitions and their functional regulatory roles in the pre-ovulatory stage, governing subsequent ovulation.

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MicroRNA Profiles of Human Follicular Fluid Extracellular Vesicles Reveal Stress Response Pathways and Role in Ovarian Aging

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