Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2011, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (33): 6152-6156.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2011.33.018

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Regulation of activin gene expression by epidermal growth factor and its signal pathway in the ovary

Chen Ling-qin1, Tang Zeng-yao2, Jin Xuan1   

  1. 1Center for Reproductive Medicine, 2Department of Cardiovascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
  • Received:2011-03-01 Revised:2011-04-10 Online:2011-08-13 Published:2011-08-13
  • Contact: Jin Xuan, Doctor, Professor, Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China jinxuan725@yahoo.com.cn
  • About author:Chen Ling-qin★, Studying for master’s degree, Center for Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China leachersmile1986@126.com
  • Supported by:

    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30940045*; the  Grant of Education Ministry of Jiangxi province, No. GJJ10322*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: As a regulator in the ovary, activin plays an important role in the development of ovarian follicle.
OBJECTIVE: To explore effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on activin gene expression and the signal pathway participating in regulation.
METHODS: The follicles were separated from ovaries of zebra fish and cultured in vitro for 6 days. After digestion, cells were subcultured for 24 hours. The cells were treated with EGF alone, or combined with pharmacological inhibitor (AG1478, H89, GF109203X) or activator (Forskolin, PMA). Cell RNA was extracted. The expression of activin βA was detected by RT-PCR.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: EGF rapidly increased activin βA expression, and phosphorylation of two mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was enhanced by EGF. A specific pharmacological inhibitor or activator of protein kinase C (PKC) decreased or increased the stimulation of EGF on MAPKs phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that activins working as intraovarian regulatory moleculars modulate the follicular development in ovary, its expression is regulated by EGF, PKC/MAPKs signal pathway involved in the regulation on activin βA expression. Protein kinase A inhibitor can suppress the promoting effect of EGF on activin expression.

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