BCL-2 modifying factor promotes germ cell loss during murine oogenesis

Vaithiyanathan, K; Liew, SH; Zerafa, N; Gamage, T; Cook, M; O&#39;Reilly, LA; Bouillet, P; Scott, CL; Strasser, A; Findlay, JK; Hutt, KJ

Author(s): Vaithiyanathan, K; Liew, SH; Zerafa, N; Gamage, T; Cook, M; O'Reilly, LA; Bouillet, P; Scott, CL; Strasser, A; Findlay, JK; Hutt, KJ;
Details: Publication Year 2016-05,Volume 151,Issue #5,Page 553-62
Journal Title: Reproduction
Publication Type: Journal Article
Abstract: Apoptosis plays a prominent role during ovarian development by eliminating large numbers of germ cells from the female germ line. However, the precise mechanisms and regulatory proteins involved in germ cell death are yet to be determined. In this study we characterised the role of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein, BCL-2 modifying factor (BMF), in germ cell apoptosis in embryonic and neonatal mouse ovaries. BMF protein was immunohistochemically localised to germ cells at embryonic days (E) 15.5, 17.5 and postnatal day (PN) 1, coincident with entry into the meiotic prophase, but was undetectable at E13.5, and only present at low levels at PN3 and PN5. Consistent with this expression pattern, loss of BMF in female mice was associated with a decrease in apoptosis at E15.5 and E17.5. Furthermore, increased numbers of germ cells were found in ovaries from Bmf-/- mice compared to wild-type (WT) animals at (E) 15.5 and PN1. However, germ cell numbers were comparable between Bmf-/- and WT ovaries at PN3, PN5 and PN10. Collectively, these data indicate that BMF mediates fetal oocyte loss and its action limits the maximal number of germ cells attained in the developing ovary, but does not influence the number of primordial follicles initially established in ovarian reserve.
Publisher: Society for Reproduction and Fertility
Research Division(s): Stem Cells And Cancer; Molecular Genetics Of Cancer
PubMed ID: 26917450
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-15-0561
NHMRC Grants: NHMRC/461299, NHMRC/406675, NHMRC/1062702, NHMRC/1042629,
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2016-03-15 03:47:47

Last Modified: 2018-07-04 03:15:53