Activin A upregulates PTGS2 expression and increases PGE2 production in human granulosa-lutein cells.

Activin A is one of the members of transforming growth factor-β superfamily that is expressed in human large luteal cells, and may act in an autocrine/paracrine manner to regulate luteal function. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) enzyme and its derivative, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), play significant roles in the regulation of corpus luteum formation and maintenance. To date, whether activin A can induce the expression of PTGS2 and the production of PGE2 in human granulosa-lutein cells is largely unknown.

Connective tissue growth factor mediates growth differentiation factor 8-induced increase of lysyl oxidase activity in human granulosa-lutein cells.

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an essential enzyme for the stabilization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the subsequent follicle and oocyte maturation. Currently, there is limited information pertaining to the regulation of LOX activity in human ovarian tissue. Growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) is a unique member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily that is expressed in human granulosa cells and has important roles in regulating a variety of ovarian functions.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate induces COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in human granulosa cells through a S1P1/3-mediated YAP signaling.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that can regulate various physiological and pathological processes. The expression of S1P has been detected in human follicular fluid. In addition, two S1P receptors, S1P1 and S1P3, are expressed at a high level in human granulosa cells.