Expression of TGF-beta superfamily growth factors, their receptors, the associated SMADs and antagonists in five isolated size-matched populations of pre-antral follicles from normal human ovaries.

In mammals, members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily are known to have key roles in the regulation of follicular growth and development. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of TGF-β superfamily growth factors, their receptors, downstream SMAD signalling molecules and TGF-β/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists during early human folliculogenesis. Human pre-antral follicles were enzymatically isolated from surplus ovarian tissue obtained from women having ovarian cortical tissue frozen for fertility preservation.

TGF-β signaling is associated with endocytosis at the pocket region of the primary cilium.

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is regulated by clathrin-dependent endocytosis (CDE) for the control of cellular processes during development and in tissue homeostasis. The primary cilium coordinates several signaling pathways, and the pocket surrounding the base and proximal part of the cilium is a site for CDE. We report here that TGF-β receptors localize to the ciliary tip and endocytic vesicles at the ciliary base in fibroblasts and that TGF-β stimulation increases receptor localization and activation of SMAD2/3 and ERK1/2 at the ciliary base.

Expression and localization of the progesterone receptor in mouse and human reproductive organs.

The effects of gonadotropins on progesterone receptor (PR) expression and localization in the mouse oviduct, uterus, and ovary was examined. In the oviduct ciliated epithelial cells of adult mice and human revealed a unique PR localization to the lower half of the motile cilia whereas the nuclei were unstained or faintly stained. Pubertal female mice were further studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy and western blotting before and after injection with FSH and LH followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection after a 48-h period.