HCG Regulation of PGRMC1 Expression in the Oocyte of Half-Smooth Tongue Sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

Abstract:

In this study we investigated the characteristics and mechanisms of the expression of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) during oocyte maturation of the half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Expression of PGRMC1 mRNA in the oogenesis of the ovarian development stages Ⅳ and Ⅴ were monitored with qRT-PCR technique. The results showed that the highest level of PGRMC1 mRNA appeared in Phase Ⅴ oocytes of the mature C. semilaevis. In general, the transcription of PGRMC1 peaked in different developmental phases of oocyte. This suggested that PGRMC1 participated in ovarian development and maturation of C. semilaevis. Next we tested whether HCG treatment affected PGRMC1 expression in different stages of oogenesis using qRT-PCR and western blotting analysis. It was shown that HCG could up-regulate the expression of PGRMC1 mRNA and protein, and that 20 IU/ml HCG was more powerful than 10 IU/ml (P<0.05). The effect of HCG varied in different phases of oocyte and was the most obvious in Phase Ⅴ, indicating that PGRMC1 played an important role in the mature stage. The results above suggested that PGRMC1 could regulate the maturation of C. semilaevis oocytes. Our findings may shed light on future exploration of the role of PGRMC1 in the reproductive function of C. semilaevis.