Lgr4 gene regulates corpus luteum maturation through modulation of the WNT-mediated EGFR-ERK signaling pathway

Endocrinology. 2014 Sep;155(9):3624-37. doi: 10.1210/en.2013-2183. Epub 2014 May 30.

Abstract

Luteal-phase insufficiency is one of the major causes of female infertility, but the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Here we found that disruption of Lgr4/Gpr48, the newly identified receptor for R-spondins, greatly reduced female fertility in mice. The expression of Lgr4 was induced specifically in granulosa-lutein cells during luteinization. In Lgr4-deficient female mice, the estrous cycle was prolonged and serum progesterone levels were dramatically downregulated. In Lgr4(-/-) corpora lutea, the expression of key enzymes for steroidogenesis as well as common luteal marker genes was significantly decreased. Additionally, the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-ERK signaling was attenuated in Lgr4(-/-) granulosa-lutein cells. We found that the maturation of Lgr4(-/-) cells was impaired in cultured primary granulosa cells, but the defect was partially rescued by reactivation of EGFR signaling by heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor treatment. We found that the expression of wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT)/catenin (cadherin associated protein), beta 1 (CTNNB1) downstream targets, including matrix metalloproteinase 9, which is a critical matrix metalloproteinase for activation of EGF-like factors, was significantly downregulated in Lgr4(-/-) ovaries. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 inhibitor treatment attenuated human chorionic gonadotropin- but not heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor-induced ERK activation and luteinization in primary granulosa cells. Together, we report that Lgr4 modulates WNT-mediated EGFR-ERK signaling to facilitate corpus luteum maturation and ovarian steroidogenesis to maintain female reproduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Corpus Luteum / growth & development*
  • Corpus Luteum / metabolism*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Granulosa Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Luteinization / genetics
  • Luteinization / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • LGR4 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • EGFR protein, mouse
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9