Yin-Yang1 Is Required in the Mammalian Oocyte for Follicle Expansion

The multifaceted polycomb group gene Yin-Yang1 (Yy1) has been implicated in a variety of transcriptional regulatory roles both as an activator and silencer of gene expression. Here we examine the role of Yy1 during oocyte growth by conditional deletion of the locus in the growing oocyte. Our results...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biology of reproduction 2011-04, Vol.84 (4), p.654-663
Main Authors: GRIFFITH, Gillian J, TRASK, Mary C, HILLER, Jacob, WALENTUK, Melanie, PAWLAK, John B, TREMBLAY, Kimberly D, MAGER, Jesse
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Base Sequence
Biological and medical sciences
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 - genetics
Cell Communication
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Granulosa Cells - cytology
Granulosa Cells - metabolism
Growth Differentiation Factor 9 - genetics
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice, Knockout
Models, Biological
Oocytes - growth & development
Oocytes - metabolism
Oogenesis - genetics
Oogenesis - physiology
RNA, Messenger - genetics
RNA, Messenger - metabolism
Vertebrates: reproduction
YY1 Transcription Factor - deficiency
YY1 Transcription Factor - genetics
YY1 Transcription Factor - physiology
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Summary:The multifaceted polycomb group gene Yin-Yang1 (Yy1) has been implicated in a variety of transcriptional regulatory roles both as an activator and silencer of gene expression. Here we examine the role of Yy1 during oocyte growth by conditional deletion of the locus in the growing oocyte. Our results indicate that YY1 is required for oocyte maturation and granulosa cell expansion. In mutant oocytes, we observe severely reduced expression of both Gdf9 and Bmp15, suggesting a mechanism underlying the failure of granulosa cell expansion. Consequently, we observe infertility, failure of estrus cycling, and altered reproductive hormone levels in mutant females. Additionally, we find that YY1-deficient oocytes exhibit altered levels of several oocyte-specific factors, including Pou5f1, Figla, Lhx8, Oosp1, and Sohlh2. These results document YY1's involvement in folliculogenesis and ovarian function in the mouse and indicate that YY1 is required specifically in the oocyte for oocyte-granulosa cell communication.
ISSN:0006-3363
1529-7268
DOI:10.1095/biolreprod.110.087213