In vitro effects of PPAR gamma ligands on gene expression in corpus luteum explants in non-pregnant pigs - Transcriptome analysis

• Published in: Theriogenology 2023-06, Vol.203, p.69-81
• Main Authors: Mierzejewski, Karol, Gerwel, Zuzanna, Kurzyńska, Aleksandra, Golubska, Monika, Bogacka, Iwona
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: agonists; Animals; antagonists; apoptosis; cell differentiation; Corpus luteum; Corpus Luteum - physiology; Estrous cycle; Female; females; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Profiling - veterinary; gene expression regulation; Late-luteal phase; ligands; luteinization; Mid-luteal phase; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma; Pig; Pioglitazone; Pioglitazone - metabolism; PPAR gamma - genetics; PPAR gamma - metabolism; sequence analysis; steroidogenesis; Swine; transcriptomics
• ISSN: 0093-691X; 1879-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.003

The corpus luteum (CL) is a temporary endocrine structure in the female ovaries that develops cyclically in mature females during luteinization. This study aimed to determine the in vitro effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligands on the transcriptomic profile of the porcine CL in the mid- and late-luteal phase of the estrous cycle using RNA-seq technology. The CL slices were incubated in the presence of PPARγ agonist – pioglitazone or antagonist – T0070907. We identified 40 differentially expressed genes after treatment with pioglitazone and 40 after treatment with T0070907 in the mid-luteal phase as well as 26 after pioglitazone and 29 after T0070907 treatment in the late-luteal phase of the estrous cycle. In addition, we detected differences in gene expression between the mid- and late-luteal phase without treatment (409 differentially expressed genes). This study revealed a number of novel candidate genes that may play a role in controlling the function of CL by regulating signaling pathways related to ovarian steroidogenesis, metabolic processes, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses. These findings become a basis for further studies to explain the mechanism of PPARγ action in the reproductive system. •PPAR gamma ligands may be involved in the control of the CL function.•Pioglitazone may support the maintenance of the CL activity in the mid-luteal phase.•Pioglitazone may support the facilitate regression of the CL in the late-luteal phase.