Androgens have recently been recognized to play a major role in female fertility, both under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Traditionally, androgens are considered detrimental to ovarian function and are often associated with infertility. However, through generation of global and granulosa cell (GC)-specific androgen receptor (AR) knockout (ARKO) mouse models, others and we have pioneered a new concept that critical androgen actions through ARs are absolutely essential for normal ovarian function and female fertility. Our studies indicate that ARs expressed in GCs control pre-antral follicle growth and development to antral follicles, while preventing follicular atresia. However, to date, the underlying mechanism of AR actions in the ovary is poorly understood. Androgen functions are mediated by both ?genomic/nuclear? and ?non- genomic/extra-nuclear? actions of ARs. This RO1 proposal will study the physiological role and underlying mechanisms of membrane-initiated androgen actions during follicular development. Our studies show that androgen signaling via extra-nuclear ARs is critical for genomic intra-nuclear signaling and thus, the physiological effects of androgens in GCs involve a synergistic action between these two AR signaling pathways. We find that androgens promote follicular development and attenuate follicular atresia through both nuclear and extra-nuclear signaling pathways. The first portion of this grant focuses on further elucidating this ?outside-inside? cross talk between ARs, and its role in ovarian physiology. We have found that androgens through membrane-initiated AR signaling promote epigenetic changes in the genome by modifying histone methylation in GCs. Interestingly, epigenetic changes are now proposed to be a possible underlying cause of certain hyper-androgenic pathophysiological conditions in women, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Therefore, we propose to determine the mechanism(s) by which androgens cause histone modifications, identify genes that are epigenetically regulated by androgens in GCs and determine its physiological significance with respect to follicular development and female fertility. In the second portion of this grant we concentrate our efforts on understanding the underlying mechanism of non-genomic, transcription independent effects of androgens in regulating follicular development. We have found two proteins; follicle stimulating hormone receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha that are regulated by androgens by a translation dependent pathway in GCs. We propose to use these two biologically relevant proteins as endpoints to elucidate how androgens promote translation in GCs. These proposed studies will provide novel insights about androgen signaling in general, with a specific focus on androgen actions in female reproduction. We believe that these studies will help us develop unique ways to control follicular development and thus female fertility, as well as identify potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic options for hyper-androgenic conditions in women.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed studies will shed novel insights into androgen receptor-induced signaling pathways and how androgens regulate follicle function. Knowledge obtained will help to understand the role of androgens in regulating normal female fertility and pathophysiological conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD086062-05
Application #
9701026
Study Section
Cellular, Molecular and Integrative Reproduction Study Section (CMIR)
Program Officer
Taymans, Susan
Project Start
2016-09-13
Project End
2021-05-31
Budget Start
2019-06-01
Budget End
2020-05-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Michigan State University
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Earth Sciences/Resources
DUNS #
193247145
City
East Lansing
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48824
Roy, Sambit; Gandra, Divya; Seger, Christina et al. (2018) Oocyte-Derived Factors (GDF9 and BMP15) and FSH Regulate AMH Expression Via Modulation of H3K27AC in Granulosa Cells. Endocrinology 159:3433-3445
Ma, Xiaoting; Hayes, Emily; Biswas, Anindita et al. (2017) Androgens Regulate Ovarian Gene Expression Through Modulation of Ezh2 Expression and Activity. Endocrinology 158:2944-2954
Sellix, Michael T; Sen, Aritro (2017) Finding the Right Balance: Androgens at the Tipping Point of Fertility and Metabolism in Women. Endocrinology 158:467-469