Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) increases the expression of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor in human granulosa cells

Objective

To examine the effect of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) on FSH receptor (FSHR) expression in human granulosa cells.

Design

Laboratory study using human samples.

Setting

University hospital.

Patient(s)

Human granulosa cells were obtained from 60 women undergoing oocyte retrieval for IVF.

Intervention(s)

Human granulosa cells (GCs) were cultured with recombinant BMP-7, followed by RNA extraction.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

mRNA levels of GCs were measured by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Result(s)

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 increased FSHR gene expression in human luteinized granulosa cells, whereas it decreased LH receptor gene expression. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 also increased FSH-induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate production in GCs, indicating up-regulation of the cellular response to FSH. Although BMP-7 increased gene expression of activin-βA and -βB in GCs, inhibition of activin function did not affect the BMP-7–induced FSHR gene expression.

Conclusion(s)

These findings provide new insight into the biologic function of BMP-7 in the human ovary and demonstrate its unique mechanism of regulating FSHR action.

Key Words: BMP, FSH receptor, ovary, folliculogenesis, female fertility