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30 June 2010 ADAMTS1 Cleavage of Versican Mediates Essential Structural Remodeling of the Ovarian Follicle and Cumulus-Oocyte Matrix During Ovulation in Mice
Hannah M. Brown, Kylie R. Dunning, Rebecca L. Robker, Derek Boerboom, Melanie Pritchard, Michelle Lane, Darryl L. Russell
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Abstract

Remodeling of ovarian follicle extracellular matrix is essential for ovulation and vascularization of the corpus luteum (CL). Formation of the cumulus matrix around oocytes also plays an important role in ovulation and subsequent fertilization of oocytes. ADAMTS1 is an extracellular metalloprotease induced in ovarian follicles by ovulatory hormones and is required for fertility. In this study, we identified ADAMTS1-mediated structural and morphological changes in remodeling of the follicle and cumulus oocyte complex (COC). In Adamts1−/− mice, the ovulation rate was 77% reduced and fertilization of ovulated oocytes was reduced a further 63%, resulting in a reduced number of litters and pups per litter. Morphological assessment of peri-ovulatory ovaries revealed abnormal morphogenesis with a lack of thecal/vascular invagination in the basal region of follicles. Cleavage of the ADAMTS1 substrate, versican, at these invaginating regions was abundant in Adamts1 /− but undetectable in Adamts1−/− ovaries, indicating that processing of versican by ADAMTS1 is involved in ovulating follicle remodeling. Versican and hyaluronan localization was abnormal during COC matrix expansion, and versican persisted beyond the expected time of fertilization in Adamts1−/− but was catabolized and cleared from control COC. The results demonstrate that ADAMTS1 is critical in both ovulation and fertilization processes in vivo. The protease activity of ADAMTS1 mediates neomorphogenesis of the ovulating follicle wall and COC matrix necessary for successful ovulation and fertilization, as well as subsequent catabolism of versican required for degradation of COC matrix after fertilization.

Hannah M. Brown, Kylie R. Dunning, Rebecca L. Robker, Derek Boerboom, Melanie Pritchard, Michelle Lane, and Darryl L. Russell "ADAMTS1 Cleavage of Versican Mediates Essential Structural Remodeling of the Ovarian Follicle and Cumulus-Oocyte Matrix During Ovulation in Mice," Biology of Reproduction 83(4), 549-557, (30 June 2010). https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.110.084434
Received: 24 February 2010; Accepted: 1 June 2010; Published: 30 June 2010
KEYWORDS
fertilization
follicle
ovary
ovulation
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