Tiantong Wang, Zhiwei Zhang, Changduo Qu, Yanbin Shi, Shaobin Chen, Wenzhe Li, Ming Li
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: In cases of impaired fertility, the quality of oocytes and their subsequent embryonic development following fertilization are critical concerns in clinical practice. Core fucosylation, catalyzed by fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8), is a common N-glycosylation modification that plays a key role in cell proliferation and signal transduction. This study examines the role of core fucosylation in follicular regulation during oocyte development.
Methods: Patients were categorized into two groups based on their embryo formation rates. Core fucosylation levels, catalyzed by FUT8, were assessed in serum and follicular fluid (containing granulosa cells). To investigate the molecular effects of FUT8 on oocyte quality, FUT8-knockdown human granulosa cells (KGN-KD), and ovaries from Fut8 gene knockout (Fut8-/-) mice were analyzed.
Results: Core fucosylation levels were lower in patients with reduced blastocyst formation rates. FUT8 depletion led to decreased cAMP production following follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation in both KGN-KD and the ovaries of Fut8-/- mice. Additionally, the expression of FIGLA (folliculogenesis-specific basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor) and other genes associated with embryonic development was downregulated in the ovaries of Fut8-/- mice. Oocytes from Fut8-/- mice exhibited abnormal zona pellucida formation and impaired embryonic development.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that FUT8 ablation may disrupt embryonic development post-fertilization by reducing FSH receptor (FSHR) signaling and downregulating FIGLA expression. The results suggest that core fucosylation is essential for female reproduction and oocyte quality.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics publishes cellular, molecular, genetic, and epigenetic discoveries advancing our understanding of the biology and underlying mechanisms from gametogenesis to offspring health. Special emphasis is placed on the practice and evolution of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) with reference to the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting fertility. Our goal is to educate our readership in the translation of basic and clinical discoveries made from human or relevant animal models to the safe and efficacious practice of human ARTs. The scientific rigor and ethical standards embraced by the JARG editorial team ensures a broad international base of expertise guiding the marriage of contemporary clinical research paradigms with basic science discovery. JARG publishes original papers, minireviews, case reports, and opinion pieces often combined into special topic issues that will educate clinicians and scientists with interests in the mechanisms of human development that bear on the treatment of infertility and emerging innovations in human ARTs. The guiding principles of male and female reproductive health impacting pre- and post-conceptional viability and developmental potential are emphasized within the purview of human reproductive health in current and future generations of our species.
The journal is published in cooperation with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, an organization of more than 8,000 physicians, researchers, nurses, technicians and other professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive biology.