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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Effects of aging on gene expression and mitochondrial DNA in the equine oocyte and follicle cells

Fernando Campos-Chillon A , Todd A. Farmerie B , Gerrit J. Bouma C , Colin M. Clay C and Elaine M. Carnevale C D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA.

B Washington State University, PO Box 647520, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.

C Colorado State University, 1693 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.

D Corresponding author. Email: emc@colostate.edu

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 27(6) 925-933 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD14472
Submitted: 26 November 2014  Accepted: 18 February 2015   Published: 19 March 2015

Abstract

We hypothesised that advanced mare age is associated with follicle and oocyte gene alterations. The aims of the study were to examine quantitative and temporal differences in mRNA for LH receptor (LHR), amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG) in granulosa cells, phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4D in cumulus cells and PDE3A, G-protein-coupled receptor 3 (GPR3), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA in oocytes. Samples were collected from dominant follicles of Young (3–12 years) and Old (≥20 years) mares at 0, 6, 9 and 12 h after administration of equine recombinant LH. LHR mRNA declined after 0 h in Young mares, with no time effect in Old mares. For both ages, gene expression of AREG was elevated at 6 and 9 h and EREG was expression was elevated at 9 h, with higher expression in Old than Young mares. Cumulus cell PDE4D expression increased by 6 h (Old) and 12 h (Young). Oocyte GPR3 expression peaked at 9 and 12 h in Young and Old mares, respectively. Expression of PDE3A increased at 6 h, with the increase greater in oocytes from Old than Young mares at 6 and 9 h. Mean GDF9 and BMP15 transcripts were higher in Young than Old, with a peak at 6 h. Copy numbers of mtDNA did not vary over time in oocytes from Young mares, but a temporal decrease was observed in oocytes from Old mares. The results support an age-associated asynchrony in the expression of genes that are essential for follicular and oocyte maturation before ovulation.

Additional keywords: AREG, BMP15, EREG, follicular aspiration, GDF9, GPR3, PDE3A, PDE4D.


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