Expression of the apoptosis-related genes, caspase-1, caspase-3, DNA fragmentation factor, and apoptotic protease activating factor-1, in human granulosa cells.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate protein and messenger RNA expression products for a subset of apoptosis-related genes in human granulosa cells.


METHODS
In vitro experiment.


METHODS
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.


METHODS
Women undergoing oocyte retrieval for IVF after ovulation induction with gonadotropins.


METHODS
Granulosa cells were isolated from follicular aspirates after oocyte removal.


METHODS
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting for apoptosis-related gene products.


RESULTS
The expression of caspase-1, caspase-3, DNA fragmentation factor, and apoptotic protease activating factor-1, which are intermediate molecules in phylogenetically conserved apoptotic pathways, was demonstrated in granulosa cells from patients undergoing IVF. Moreover, proforms, but not activated enzymes, for both caspase-1 and caspase-3 were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Granulosa cells from patients undergoing IVF have intrinsic apoptotic machinery that could be activated for tissue remodeling.
Izawa
M
M
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Nguyen
P H
PH
Kim
H H
HH
Yeh
J
J
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics*; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D053477:Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1; D020170:Caspase 1; D053148:Caspase 3; D020169:Caspases; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D004792:Enzyme Precursors / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics
C506592:APAF1 protein, human; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D053477:Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1; D004792:Enzyme Precursors; D011506:Proteins; C109664:caspase-activated DNase inhibitor; C505407:CASP3 protein, human; D053148:Caspase 3; D020169:Caspases; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; D020170:Caspase 1