NCBI Summary:
This gene is a member of a group of genes whose transcript levels are increased following stressful growth arrest conditions and treatment with DNA-damaging agents. The genes in this group respond to environmental stresses by mediating activation of the p38/JNK pathway. This activation is mediated via their proteins binding and activating MTK1/MEKK4 kinase, which is an upstream activator of both p38 and JNK MAPKs. The function of these genes or their protein products is involved in the regulation of growth and apoptosis. These genes are regulated by different mechanisms, but they are often coordinately expressed and can function cooperatively in inhibiting cell growth. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
General function
Cell death/survival, Apoptosis
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Cellular localization
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Ovarian function
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Expression regulated by
Growth Factors/ cytokines
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Differential actions of fibroblast growth factors on intracellular pathways and target gene expression in bovine ovarian granulosa cells. Jiang Z et al. Several fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) alter ovarian granulosa cell function, including FGF1, FGF4 and FGF10. These ligands exhibit different patterns of receptor activation, and their mechanisms of action on granulosa cells remain unknown. The objective of the present study was to identify the major pathways and target genes activated by FGF1, FGF4 and FGF10 in primary oestrogenic granulosa cells cultured under serum-free conditions. FGF1 and FGF4 increased levels of mRNA encoding Sprouty family members, SPRY2 and SPRY4, and the orphan nuclear receptors NR4A1 and NR4A3. Both FGF1 and FGF4 decreased levels of mRNA encoding SPRY3 and the pro-apoptotic factor BAX. FGF1 but not FGF4 stimulated expression of the cell cycle regulator, GADD45B. In contrast, FGF10 altered the expression of none of these genes. Western blot demonstrated that FGF4 activated ERK1/2 and Akt signalling rapidly and transiently, whereas FGF10 elicited a modest and delayed activation of ERK1/2. These data show that FGF1 and FGF4 activate typical FGF signalling pathways in granulosa cells, whereas FGF10 activates atypical pathways.
Ovarian localization
Oocyte
Comment
Differentiation of the bovine dominant follicle from the cohort upregulates mRNA expression for new tissue development genes. Mihm M et al. This study was designed to identify genes that regulate the transition from FSH- to LH-dependent development in the bovine dominant follicle (DF). Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was used to compare the transcriptome of granulosa cells isolated from the most oestrogenic growing cohort follicle (COH), the newly selected DF and its largest subordinate follicle (SF) which is destined for atresia. Follicle diameter, follicular fluid oestradiol (E) and E:progesterone ratio confirmed follicle identity. Results show that there are 93 transcript species differentially expressed in DF granulosa cells, but only 8 of these encode proteins known to be involved in DF development. Most characterised transcripts upregulated in the DF are from tissue development genes that regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, signalling and tissue remodelling. Semiquantitative real-time PCR analysis confirmed seven genes with upregulated (P