Analysis of LH receiver acquisition by granulosa cells mediated by extracellular vesicules present in the follicular fluid

• Grant number: 19/21028-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2020
• Effective date (End): June 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Juliano Coelho da Silveira
• Grantee: Luca Angi Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/22887-0 - Cell-secreted vesicles containing miRNAs modulate epigenetic changes during in vitro culture of bovine gametes and embryos, AP.JP

Abstract

The development of in vitro embryo production methodology (IVEP) to maximize genetic gain and animal production at a low cost is a challenge of scientific research community for several years (RUMPF, 2007). Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cells were found in different body fluids containing bioactive material, such as miRNAs and specific mRNAs (RAPOSO; STOORVOGEL, 2013). These vesicles are considered a new class of cellular communication with possible implications in different physiological processes. This intercellular communication could be associated with the effect of these bioactive substances, which have the capacity to intermediate many stimuli to physiological factors. Among these factors, the acquisition of the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in the granulosa cells of the dominant follicle, which is essential for LH-mediated physiological effects in the final stages of follicular growth, final oocyte maturation, ovulation and luteinization of the follicular wall (NOGUEIRA et al., 2010). The objective of the present project is to elucidate one of the mechanisms of action of EVs in relation to the acquisition of the LH receptor in granulosa cells. Extracellular vesicles will be studied as carriers of LHr mRNA, from the follicular fluid to granulosa cells. The results obtained in this project will allow the development of protocols similar to the physiological condition for the in vitro embryo production and the understanding of the biological events with great impact in the assisted reproduction industry for bovines and even in humans.