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Relative expression of genes encoding SMAD signal transduction factors in human granulosa cells is correlated with oocyte quality

  • Gonadal Physiology and Disease
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the expression of SMAD transcripts in human granulosa cells.

Methods

Luteinized mural granulosa cells were harvested from forty women undergoing oocyte retrieval, and RNAs were isolated. SMAD expression levels were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (q-RTPCR).

Results

SMAD1-7 and 9 are expressed in human granulosa cells, with SMAD2, 3 and 4 showing the highest expression levels. Peak estradiol (E2) levels correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved during IVF. Oocyte number showed no correlation with SMAD expression levels or ratios. Fertilization rates also did not correlate with the expression levels of individual SMADs, but did correlate with higher SMAD4:SMAD3 ratios (p = 0.0062) and trended with SMAD4:SMAD2 (p = 0.0698).

Conclusions

SMAD transcripts are differently expressed in human granulosa cells, where they may mediate TGF-beta superfamily signaling during folliculogenesis and ovulation. Further, the relative expression ratios of SMAD2, 3 and 4 may differentially affect fertilization rate.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from the Helping Hands of Los Angeles, Inc. (MP). We would like to acknowledge Catherine Bresee for her statistical expertise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Division of REI, Department of Ob/Gyn, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8635 West Third Street, Suite 160 W, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA

    Fang-Ting Kuo, Kenneth Fan, Gayane Ambartsumyan, Aline Ketefian, Ikuko K. Bentsi-Barnes & Margareta D. Pisarska

  2. David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Gayane Ambartsumyan, Priya Menon & Margareta D. Pisarska

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  1. Fang-Ting Kuo
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  2. Kenneth Fan
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  3. Gayane Ambartsumyan
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  4. Priya Menon
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  5. Aline Ketefian
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  6. Ikuko K. Bentsi-Barnes
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  7. Margareta D. Pisarska
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Correspondence to Margareta D. Pisarska.

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Capsule Relative expression levels of SMAD transcripts in human granulosa cells correlate with fertilization rate.

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Kuo, FT., Fan, K., Ambartsumyan, G. et al. Relative expression of genes encoding SMAD signal transduction factors in human granulosa cells is correlated with oocyte quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 28, 931–938 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9609-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9609-6

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