Article
Cell Biology
Lanlan Fang, Yanjie Guo, Yiran Li, Qiongqiong Jia, Xiaoyu Han, Boqun Liu, Jiaye Chen, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: EGCG, the most abundant catechins from green tea, has been studied for its health benefits, including its role in ovarian steroidogenesis. In human granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN, EGCG upregulates StAR expression and enhances P4 production, without affecting other steroidogenesis-related enzymes. The effects of EGCG on steroidogenesis require 67LR-mediated activation of the PKA-CREB signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jung-Chien Cheng, Xiaoyu Han, Qingxue Meng, Yanjie Guo, Boqun Liu, Tinglin Song, Yuanyuan Jia, Lanlan Fang, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: This study reveals that HB-EGF can enhance the luteal function in humans by inducing StAR expression and progesterone production through the activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Lanlan Fang, Qiongqiong Jia, Boqun Liu, Yang Yan, Xiaoyu Han, Yanjie Guo, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: BMP-9 is expressed in the human follicular fluid and inhibits steroidogenesis in human granulosa cells by activating the SMAD signaling pathways.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tinglin Song, Jiaye Chen, Sizhu Yang, Boqun Liu, Lingling Zhang, Qian Zhang, Jung-Chien Cheng, Lanlan Fang
Summary: It was found that resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenol, promoted the expression of StAR and progesterone production in human granulosa cells. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and ERK1/2 signaling were involved in this process. Additionally, RSV downregulated the expression of Snail, a transcriptional repressor, which further enhanced the induction of StAR expression and progesterone production.
JOURNAL OF FOOD AND DRUG ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hsun-Ming Chang, Long Bai, Yi-Min Zhu, Peter C. K. Leung
Summary: In this study, we found that BMP2 can promote the production of hyaluronan in human granulosa cells by upregulating the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2). This effect is mediated by the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) through the ALK2/ALK3-mediated SMAD-dependent signaling pathway.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
T. O. Cunha, J. P. N. Martins
Summary: Circulating progesterone concentrations are associated with embryo quality, survival, and pregnancy success. However, using hCG to increase progesterone concentrations has produced inconsistent results and may affect physiological processes involved in ovulation and luteal development.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jung -Chien Cheng, Qingxue Meng, Qian Zhang, Lingling Zhang, Jiaye Chen, Tinglin Song, Lanlan Fang, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: This study reveals that Amphiregulin (AREG) induces cell invasion through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, and WNK1 plays an important role in human EVT cells, regulating MMP9 expression and cell invasion.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hira Sajjad Talpur, Zia Ur Rehman, Mostafa Gouda, Aixing Liang, Iqra Bano, Mir Sajjad Hussain, FarmanUllah FarmanUllah, Liguo Yang
Summary: This study investigated the role of inhibin and FSH on granulosa cells of the ovary at the premature antral stage using gene expression data and network analysis. The results revealed correlated differentially expressed genes in the two groups and identified gene pathways associated with reproduction. These findings may provide new insights into gene therapy for granulosa cell tumors and potential biomarkers for tracking changes in inhibin and FSH hormones.
Article
Cell Biology
Yashar Esmaeilian, Francesko Hela, Gamze Bildik, Ece Iltumur, Sevgi Yusufoglu, Ceren Sultan Yildiz, Kayhan Yakin, Yakup Kordan, Ozgur Oktem
Summary: Autophagy is a conserved process that maintains energy homeostasis by recycling proteins and organelles. This study shows that sex steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced through autophagy in the human ovary. Inhibition of autophagy reduces hormone production, and defects in lipophagy impair progesterone synthesis.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jing Chen, Kui Liu, Weimin Liu, William Shu-Biu Yeung
Summary: This study found that progesterone level was increased in pregnant mice, while let-7 expression was decreased. The study further revealed that let-7 regulates progesterone synthesis by targeting p27Kip1, p21Cip1, and StAR expression, and that hCG suppresses let-7 expression by stimulating the MAPK pathway. These findings have important implications for understanding progesterone synthesis and clinical applications.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mengxue Zheng, Claus Yding Andersen, Frida Roikjer Rasmussen, Jesus Cadenas, Soren Tvorup Christensen, Linn Salto Mamsen
Summary: This study investigates the expression patterns of key enzymes involved in human ovarian steroidogenesis during follicle development. The results show that steroidogenesis-related enzymes have low expression levels during early follicle development, but HSD3B2 is upregulated in granulosa cells (GCs) as follicles progress to the antral/preovulatory stage. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirms the expression of HSD3B2 in GCs and its co-localization with CYP17A1 in a subset of theca cells (TCs) surrounding small antral follicles. Additionally, the expression of CYB5A is significantly upregulated during follicle transition from the antral stage to the pre-ovulatory stage, indicating an enhanced progesterone production. The increased expression of DHCR24, LDLR, and HMGCR suggests an increased substrate availability for ovarian steroidogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yang Liu, Yiping Zhong, Xiaoting Shen, Xi Guo, Rihan Wu, Turui Yang, Minghui Chen
Summary: This study found that LH can stimulate the production of AREG in human theca cells, and the adenylate cyclase/cAMP/PKA cascade plays a role in mediating this process. In polycystic ovarian syndrome, the expression of AREG in theca cells is significantly decreased compared to normal theca cells.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Wenhui Deng, Rui Sun, Jun Du, Xue Wu, Lijie Ma, Min Wang, Qiubo Lv
Summary: The study aimed to predict miscarriage outcome within 12 weeks of gestational age by evaluating serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, and beta-HCG. Results showed that the combination of estradiol and progesterone analysis at 7-9 weeks was more effective in predicting miscarriages, while the combination of beta-HCG or progesterone with estradiol at 5-6 weeks provided additional utility for prediction.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yi-Fan Jiang, Pin-Huan Yu, Yovita Permata Budi, Chih-Hsien Chiu, Chi-Yu Fu
Summary: This study investigated the dynamics of mitochondria in mammalian ovaries during folliculogenesis and luteal formation. The results showed that mitochondrial networks shifted from branched structures in follicles to spherical and tubular mitochondria in large luteal cells. Additionally, mitochondrial diameter and volume increased from folliculogenesis to luteal formation, indicating mitochondrial enlargement as an event during these processes. Modulation of mitochondrial morphology and respiratory enzyme expressions may be related to tissue remodeling during luteal formation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Hui Li, Hsun-Ming Chang, Saijiao Li, Christian Klausen, Zhendan Shi, Peter C. K. Leung
Summary: This study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms by which AREG and TGF-β1 differentially regulate VE-cadherin expression and angiogenesis. AREG promotes microvascular-like formation through the EGFR-ERK1/2 signaling pathway, while TGF-β1 suppresses microvascular-like formation through the ALK5-SMAD2/3/4 signaling pathway.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yuxi Li, Lanlan Fang, Yiping Yu, Hao Shi, Sijia Wang, Yiran Li, Yujia Ma, Yang Yan, Ying-Pu Sun
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Lanlan Fang, Jingyan He, Yang Yan, Qiongqiong Jia, Yiping Yu, Ruizhe Zhang, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yiping Yu, Jia-Huan He, Lin-Li Hu, Lin-Lin Jiang, Lanlan Fang, Gui-Dong Yao, Si-Jia Wang, Qingling Yang, Yanjie Guo, Lin Liu, Trisha Shang, Yorino Sato, Kazuhiro Kawamura, Aaron J. W. Hsueh, Ying-Pu Sun
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lanlan Fang, Yiran Li, Sijia Wang, Yuxi Li, Hsun-Ming Chang, Yuyin Yi, Yang Yan, Avinash Thakur, Peter C. K. Leung, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Yiran Li, Lanlan Fang, Ruizhe Zhang, Sijia Wang, Yuxi Li, Yang Yan, Yiping Yu, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Developmental Biology
Lanlan Fang, Sijia Wang, Yiran Li, Yiping Yu, Yuxi Li, Yang Yan, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jung-Chien Cheng, Lanlan Fang, Yiran Li, Sijia Wang, Yuxi Li, Yang Yan, Qiongqiong Jia, Ze Wu, Zhen Wang, Xiaoyu Han, Ying-Pu Sun
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2020)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yuxi Li, Lanlan Fang, Yang Yan, Zhen Wang, Ze Wu, Qiongqiong Jia, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: The presence of a polymorphism of eight or more SHBG (TAAAA)n may be a predictive factor for the risk of PCOS, as it is associated with PCOS risk and low serum SHBG concentrations in women with PCOS. Other SHBG gene polymorphisms were not significantly associated with either PCOS risk or serum SHBG concentrations.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Yang Yan, Lanlan Fang, Yuxi Li, Yiping Yu, Yiran Li, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: This meta-analysis found that MMP2-735T allele and MMP9-1562T allele are significantly associated with the risk of RSA.
Article
Immunology
Ze Wu, Lanlan Fang, Yuxi Li, Yang Yan, Avinash Thakur, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: The circulating MCP-1 levels are significantly higher in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS, indicating an association between elevated MCP-1 levels and the risk of PCOS. However, there was no significant difference in circulating MCP-1 levels between obese and non-obese PCOS patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jung-Chien Cheng, Lanlan Fang, Yang Yan, Jingyan He, Yanjie Guo, Qiongqiong Jia, Yibo Gao, Xiaoyu Han, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: Estradiol, a main steroid hormone secreted by the ovaries, is crucial for maintaining normal female reproductive function;TGF-beta1 has been shown to stimulate aromatase expression and E2 production in ovarian granulosa cells through the involvement of SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Lanlan Fang, Yanjie Guo, Yiran Li, Qiongqiong Jia, Xiaoyu Han, Boqun Liu, Jiaye Chen, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: EGCG, the most abundant catechins from green tea, has been studied for its health benefits, including its role in ovarian steroidogenesis. In human granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN, EGCG upregulates StAR expression and enhances P4 production, without affecting other steroidogenesis-related enzymes. The effects of EGCG on steroidogenesis require 67LR-mediated activation of the PKA-CREB signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Qiongqiong Jia, Lanlan Fang, Zhen Wang, Ze Wu, Yang Yan, Boqun Liu, Jung-Chien Cheng, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: This study found that patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) undergoing fresh IVF treatments have a higher sex ratio at birth (SSR), which is not associated with elevated serum estradiol and progesterone levels.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Qiongqiong Jia, Boqun Liu, Xuan Dang, Yanjie Guo, Xiaoyu Han, Tinglin Song, Jung-Chien Cheng, Lanlan Fang
Summary: GDF-11, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, regulates ovarian steroidogenesis and may have a potential role in PCOS. The study showed that GDF-11 downregulates StAR expression in hGL cells through ALK5-mediated signaling. Unlike GDF-8, GDF-11 expression levels remain consistent between non-PCOS and PCOS patients.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Sizhu Yang, Yuanyuan Jia, Ze Wu, Bingxin Fu, Shenghui Zhou, Leticia Vicosa Pires, Jung-Chien Cheng, Lanlan Fang
Summary: The placenta-secreted hormone hCG plays a critical role in maintaining normal pregnancy. The expression of hCG-beta, which is encoded by the CGB gene, determines the bioavailability of hCG. In this study, it was found that GPER activation upregulates CGB expression through the PKA-CREB signaling pathway, providing important insights into the molecular mechanisms mediating hCG expression and potential therapeutic approaches for placental diseases.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)