Immunohistochemical analysis of tyrosine phosphorylation and AP-1 transcription factors c-Jun, Jun D, and Fos family during early ovarian follicle development in the mouse.
The growth control mechanism of early-stage ovarian follicles is unknown. Tyrosine phosphorylation of signaling molecules and changes in expression and activation of AP-1 transcription factors have been implicated in growth regulation of numerous cell types. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze tyrosine phosphorylation patterns and expression and activation of selected AP-1 transcription factors in mouse ovarian follicles. The ovaries were collected from B62F1/J mice in estrus. Representative sections were immunostained for phosphotyrosine, phospho-c-Jun, Jun D, and c-Fos. Phosphotyrosine staining was perioocytic from the transitional stage until approximately 5 to 7 layers of granulosa cells had formed. Perioocytic staining was then replaced by scattered stippled staining in granulosa cells of larger follicles. Phospho c-Jun was exclusively expressed in mitotic granulosa cells of follicles from transitional to antral stages. Jun D was expressed in the oocytes of primordial, primary, or transitional follicles and disappeared at the 2-layer preantral stage. Fos was present in corpora lutea and theca cells but not in granulosa cells. Collectively, these data indicate that phosphotyrosine signaling and AP-1 transcription factors are intimately involved in early stages of ovarian follicle growth.
Oktay
Kutluk H
KH
Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA. kuo9001@med.cornell.edu
Oktay
Maja H
MH
D000818:Animals; D045163:Antibodies, Phospho-Specific / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D010766:Phosphorylation; D019000:Phosphotyrosine / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000378:metabolism
D045163:Antibodies, Phospho-Specific; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1; D019000:Phosphotyrosine; D014443:Tyrosine