Granulosa cells mature and die as ovarian follicles enlarge and die (undergo atresia) under the influence of hormones and intrafollicular factors. Later in follicular development, a fluid-filled antrum is formed, a process which is accompanied by a high rate of atresia. These small antral follicles (5 mm or less in diameter in the cow) contain granulosa of 2 different phenotypes, rounded or columnar, whereas follicles larger than 5 mm have the rounded phenotype only. Prior to ovulation, in larger follicles greater than 10 mm in size, the granulosa begin to migrate and differentiate in preparation for oocyte release and formation of the corpus luteum.
Transcriptome profiling of granulosa cells from bovine ovarian follicles during atresia.
Specimen part
View SamplesThecal tissue forms a layer around the follicle just prior to antral stage and grows with the follicle (containing an oocyte) as it matures. The innermost component (theca interna) supplies hormones and other factors necessary to the growth and development of the granulosa and oocyte. Most follicles regress and die (become atretic) at the antral stage, and this process as well as development of the follicle are undoubtedly influenced by the theca.
Transcriptome profiling of the theca interna in transition from small to large antral ovarian follicles.
Specimen part
View SamplesThe growth of the mammalian ovarian follicle requires the formation of a fluid filled antrum, and maturation and differentiation of the ovarian granulosa cells, largely under the control of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Many follicles will regress and die by a process called atresia at this early antral stage. We therefore decided to analyse the gene expression profiles of granulosa cells cultured in the presence or absence of FSH and Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF), an apoptotic factor, to simulate the key influences. Different concentratons of FSH and TNFa in granulosa culture were used to determine effective conditions via estradiol and progesterone production, and cell number.
The global effect of follicle-stimulating hormone and tumour necrosis factor α on gene expression in cultured bovine ovarian granulosa cells.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesOvarian follicular granulosa cells surround and nurture oocytes, and produce sex steroid hormones. It is believed that during development the ovarian surface epithelial cells invaginate into the ovary and develop into granulosa cells when associating with oogonia to form follicles. Using bovine fetal ovaries (n = 53) we identified a novel cell type, termed GREL for Gonadal Ridge Epithelial-Like. Using 25 markers for GREL and other cells we conducted immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy and chronologically tracked all somatic cell types during development. Before 70 days of gestation the gonadal ridge/ovarian primordium is formed by proliferation of GREL cells at the surface epithelium of the mesonephros. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate into the ovarian primordium. After 70 days, stroma from the underlying mesonephros begins to penetrate the primordium, partitioning the developing ovary into irregularly-shaped ovigerous cords composed of GREL cells and PGCs/oogonia. Importantly we identified that the cords are separated from the stroma by a basal lamina. Around 130 days of gestation as the stroma expands laterally below the GREL cells on the surface thus establishing a sub-epithelial basal lamina and an epithelial-stromal interface, and it is at this stage that a mature surface epithelium develops from the GREL cells. The stroma continues to partition the ovigerous cords into smaller groups of cells eventually forming follicles containing an oogonium/oocyte surrounded by GREL cells, which become granulosa cells. Thus in contrast to the prevailing theory, the ovarian surface epithelial cells do not invaginate into the ovary to form the granulosa cells of follicles.
A new model of development of the mammalian ovary and follicles.
Specimen part
View SamplesCombining different clinical agents to target multiple pathways in prostate cancer cells, including androgen receptor (AR) signaling, is potentially an effective strategy to improve outcomes for men with metastatic disease. We have previously demonstrated that sub-effective concentrations of an AR antagonist, bicalutamide, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, vorinostat (SAHA), and a hsp90 inhibitor, 17-AAG, act synergistically when combined to cause death of AR-dependent prostate cancer cells. In this study, expression profiling of human prostate cancer cells treated with bicalutamide, vorinostat (SAHA) or 17-AAG, alone or in paired combination, was employed to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying these synergistic interactions.
No associated publication
Cell line
View SamplesZinc is an essential micronutrient in pregnancy and zinc deficiency impairs fetal growth. We used a mouse model of moderate zinc deficiency to determine how zinc is important to placental morphogenesis.
Zinc is a critical regulator of placental morphogenesis and maternal hemodynamics during pregnancy in mice.
Specimen part
View SamplesAnalysis of root gene expression of salt-tolerant genotypes FL478, Pokkali and IR63731, and salt-sensitive genotype IR29 under control and salinity-stressed conditions during vegetative growth. Results provide insight into the genetic basis of salt tolerance in indica rice.
Root-specific transcript profiling of contrasting rice genotypes in response to salinity stress.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesThe effect of transient transfection of a construct designed to over-express the androgen receptor (AR) variant AR-V7 on gene expression in MDA-MB-453 cells was assessed using Affymetrix Gene 2.0 ST arrays. Transfection of an AR-expressing construct or an empty construct served as controls.
Expression of androgen receptor splice variants in clinical breast cancers.
Cell line
View SamplesHere we compare the effects of stimulation on cord blood derived CD4+ CD25+ (Treg) and CD4+ CD25- (Thelper) cells, isolated by MACS protocols & expanded in vitro using dynabeads. Expansion was carried out at a ratio of 3 beads/cell in the presence of 1000units/ml of recombinant human IL2 for 8 days, followed by 3 days of culture without beads.
Genome-wide identification of human FOXP3 target genes in natural regulatory T cells.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesThis study has examined the molecular mechanisms underlying sensitivity of sarcomas to Nutlin-3a, a non-genotoxic activator of the p53 pathway. Human patient material was collected immediately following surgical resection, dissected into small pieces and ex planted onto gelatin sponges immersed in media containing either vehicle control or Nutlin-3a (10uM and/or 50uM) for 48 hours.
Nutlin-3a efficacy in sarcoma predicted by transcriptomic and epigenetic profiling.
No sample metadata fields
View Samples