Maalouf S W, Liu W S, Pate J L
Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 324 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Cell Tissue Res. 2016 Jan;363(1):7-18. doi: 10.1007/s00441-015-2307-4. Epub 2015 Nov 11.
The mammalian ovary is a dynamic organ. The coordination of follicle recruitment, selection, and ovulation and the timely development and regression of the corpus luteum are essential for a functional ovary and fertility. Deregulation of any of these processes results in ovarian dysfunction and potential infertility. MicroRNA (miRNA) are short noncoding RNA that regulate developmental processes and time-sensitive functions. The expression of miRNA in the ovary varies with cell type, function, and stage of the estrous cycle. miRNA are involved in the formation of primordial follicles, follicular recruitment and selection, follicular atresia, oocyte-cumulus cell interaction, granulosal cell function, and luteinization. miRNA are differentially expressed in luteal cells at the various stages of the estrous cycle and during maternal recognition of pregnancy, suggesting a role in luteal development, maintenance, and regression. An understanding of the patterns of expression and functions of miRNA in the ovary will lead to novel therapeutics to treat ovarian dysfunction and improve fertility and, potentially, to the development of better contraceptives.
哺乳动物的卵巢是一个动态器官。卵泡募集、选择和排卵的协调以及黄体的适时发育和退化对于功能性卵巢和生育能力至关重要。这些过程中任何一个的失调都会导致卵巢功能障碍和潜在的不孕。微小RNA（miRNA）是短的非编码RNA，可调节发育过程和时间敏感功能。miRNA在卵巢中的表达随细胞类型、功能和发情周期阶段而变化。miRNA参与原始卵泡的形成、卵泡募集和选择、卵泡闭锁、卵母细胞-卵丘细胞相互作用、颗粒细胞功能以及黄体化。在发情周期的各个阶段以及母体识别妊娠期间，miRNA在黄体细胞中差异表达，表明其在黄体发育、维持和退化中起作用。了解miRNA在卵巢中的表达模式和功能将带来治疗卵巢功能障碍和提高生育能力的新疗法，并有可能开发出更好的避孕药。
