GDF9 Suppresses Follistatin and Follistatin-Like 3 Production in Human Granulosa-Lutein Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Shi Feng-Tao, Cheung Anthony P., Huang He-Feng, Leung Peter C. K.
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
GDF9 decreases FST or FSTL3 expression which allows more activin A to bind to its receptors and enhances activin A-induced inhibin βB-subunit mRNA levels.
Conclusion
GDF9 decreases basal and activin A-induced FST and FSTL3 expression, enhancing activin A-induced inhibin βB-subunit mRNA expression and inhibin B production in human granulosa-lutein cells.
Supporting Evidence
- GDF9 suppressed basal FST and FSTL3 mRNA and protein levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
- GDF9 inhibited activin A-induced FST and FSTL3 mRNA and protein expression.
- After GDF9 siRNA transfection, FST and FSTL3 levels increased, but changes were reversed by adding GDF9.
Takeaway
GDF9 helps the body produce more of a hormone called inhibin B by lowering the levels of two other proteins that usually stop this process.
Methodology
Human granulosa-lutein cells were cultured and treated with GDF9, activin A, FST, and FSTL3, with mRNA and protein levels assessed using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA.
Limitations
The study was conducted in vitro, and results may not fully represent in vivo conditions.
Participant Demographics
Women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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