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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2012 Aug 1.
Published in final edited form as: Reproduction. 2011 May 24;142(2):309–318. doi: 10.1530/REP-10-0481

Gene Expression in Mouse Ovarian Follicle Development In Vivo versus an Ex Vivo Alginate Culture System

Elizabeth M Parrish a,*, Anaar Siletz a,h,i,*, Min Xu b,f,h, Teresa K Woodruff b,c,f,g,h, Lonnie D Shea a,b,c,d,h,**
PMCID: PMC3145246  NIHMSID: NIHMS310063  PMID: 21610168

Abstract

Ovarian follicle maturation results from a complex interplay of endocrine, paracrine, and direct cell-cell interactions. This study compared the dynamic expression of key developmental genes during folliculogenesis in vivo and during in vitro culture in a three-dimensional alginate hydrogel system. Candidate gene expression profiles were measured within mouse two-layered secondary follicles (2LS), multi-layered secondary follicles (MLS), and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). The expression of 20 genes involved in endocrine communication, growth signaling, and oocyte development was investigated by real-time PCR. Gene product levels were compared between i) follicles of similar stage and ii) COCs derived either in vivo or by in vitro culture. For follicles cultured for 4 days, the expression pattern and the expression level of 12 genes was the same in vivo and in vitro. Some endocrine (Cyp19a1, Inhβa) and growth related genes (Bmp15, Kitl, Tgfβr2) were down-regulated relative to in vivo follicles. For COCs obtained from cultured follicles, endocrine related genes (Inhα and Inhβa) had increased expression relative to in vivo counterparts, whereas growth related genes (Bmp15, Gdf9, Kit) and zona pellucida genes were decreased. However, most of the oocyte specific genes (e.g., Figlα, Jag1, Mater) were expressed in vitro at the same level and with the same pattern as in vivo-derived follicles. These studies establish the similarities and differences between in vivo and in vitro cultured follicles, guiding the creation of environments that maximize follicle development and oocyte quality.

Introduction

Ovarian follicle development is a highly complex process that requires coordination between the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary, and the ovary, as well as bidirectional communication between the different cellular compartments within the follicle itself (Albertini, et al. 2001; Erickson & Shimasaki 2001, West, et al. 2007a). While many factors regulating this developmental process have been identified, the explicit role of these factors during early follicle development is enigmatic (Erickson, & Shimasaki 2000, Richards, et al. 2002) Hormones that control follicle development can regulate expression of aromatase, inhibin, activin, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, and luteinizing hormone receptor (McGee & Hsueh 2000). Paracrine and autocrine signals, such as members of the transforming growth factor-β family, insulin-like growth factor, kit ligand, and anti-Mullerian hormone, derived from the follicular somatic cells and the oocyte, communicate bidirectionally between the cellular compartments to direct follicle development (Dong, et al. 1996, Erickson & Shimasaki 2000, Otsuka et al. 2000, Bristol & Woodruff 2004, Juengel & McNatty 2005, Knight & Glister 2006). Finally, oocyte-specific gene products such as the zona pellucida proteins, factor in the germline alpha, and MATER, have varying expression throughout development and impact follicle and oocyte maturation (Dean, 2002). Working together, genes from these diverse categories form a communication network that results in the growth and development of the follicle and the oocyte, and most importantly, the formation of a healthy and fertilizable egg.

Systems for in vitro ovarian follicle maturation have been developed, and can be used to investigate the dynamics of gene expression throughout follicle development, which may aid in investigating the complex interplay of signals needed during follicle development (Kreeger et al. 2005; Xu et al. 2006a; Kreeger et al. 2006). The 3D culture system developed by our group consists of isolation of early mouse follicles followed by culture in alginate beads for the duration of follicle development to the antral stage. The alginate hydrogel allows growth in three dimensions and is thus referred to as a 3D culture system, in contrast to plating directly on a flat surface (2D). 2D culture of preantral mouse ovarian follicles on collagen membranes has resulted in live birth (Eppig and Schroeder, 1989, O’Brien, et al. 2003). However, loss of the physical interactions between the oocyte and granulosa cells that direct healthy follicle development is a concern in 2D (Cortvrindt et al. 1996). Supporting the natural 3D follicular structure may be more important for in vitro development of human ovarian follicles, which are larger than those of the mouse. The goal of our 3D model is to develop and characterize a culture system which can be successfully translated to human follicles for fertility preservation. Our system includes all of the cellular components necessary for follicular tissue development, as well as a chemical and mechanical environment that supports follicle growth and function in mouse ovarian follicles (West, et al. 2007b). Importantly, the follicle does not require vascularization for development in vitro, therefore this tissue can be cultured in isolation. The follicle maturation system supports follicle growth, steroid production, antrum formation, theca cell differentiation, and the development of mature fertilizable eggs that, following in vitro fertilization and subsequent implantation into a host mother, have given rise to live, healthy, and fertile mouse pups (Xu et al. 2006a). Thus, this system enables a molecular-level investigation of in vitro follicle growth, which can be compared with freshly-isolated follicles grown in vivo. This level of analysis provides insight into the similarities and differences in follicular development in the 3D alginate culture system versus the ovary.

In this study, we investigated the steady-state mRNA expression levels by real time PCR of 20 developmental genes in ovarian follicles that were freshly isolated or cultured in vitro. The genes chosen for study are involved in endocrine signaling (Cyp19a1, Fshr, Inhα, Inhβa, and Lhcgr), follicular growth, (Igf1, Kit, Kitl, and Tgfβr2,), and oocyte-specific functions (Bmp15, Gdf9, Fgf8, Figlα, Jag1, Mater, Nobox, Vasa, Zp1, Zp2, and Zp3). This study provides a detailed analysis of the critical molecular events involved in the transition between follicle stages, which can be utilized to improve culture environments and thus maximize oocyte quality. In addition, this study quantifies the extent to which the culture system replicates the physiology and tests the validity of the system for modeling follicular development.

Results

In Vivo and In Vitro Folliculogenesis

The objective of the studies was to investigate the expression of genes associated with endocrine communication, paracrine signaling, and oocyte development during follicle growth. For in vivo studies, expression was analyzed for two-layered secondary (2LS) follicles, multi-layered secondary (MLS) follicles, and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) (Fig. 1A). 2LS follicles, which have two layers of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte and a diameter ranging from 100 to 130 μm, were isolated from day 12 mouse ovaries. MLS follicles were isolated from day 16 mouse ovaries, and have multiple layers of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte and a diameter ranging from 150 to 180 μm. For the in vitro cultures, gene expression was analyzed in follicles that had been cultured within 0.25% alginate hydrogels for 4 days, which have similar diameter and morphology to MLS follicles isolated in vivo from the Day 16 ovary (Fig. 1A). Additionally, gene expression was analyzed in COCs isolated from follicles that had been cultured for 12 days in 0.25% alginate.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Two layered secondary follicle growth in the 0.25% alginate culture system. Schematic illustrating in vivo follicular development versus development in vitro in 0.25% alginate beads, starting from 2LS follicles from 12 dpp mice (A). Freshly isolated follicles had an average diameter of 119.1 ± 1.14 μm, and after 12 days of culture grew to 329.07 ± 13.38 μm in diameter (B).

During the 12-day culture period, the follicles increased in size and developed antral cavities. The alginate culture system maintained the three-dimensional structure of the follicles (Kreeger et al. 2006), and follicles increased in size from an initial diameter of 119.1 ± 1.1 μm to 329.1 ± 13.4 μm after 12 days of culture (Fig. 1B). The size of antral follicles achieved in vitro was smaller than antral follicle diameter in vivo, which is around 424 μm (Griffin, et al. 2006). Antrum formation was also observed in this culture system, with antra developing after 8 to 10 days of culture (Fig. 1A). This growth curve is consistent with the follicle growth and development that has been previously described (Xu et al. 2006b).

Gene Expression Analysis

To compare follicle development in vitro and in vivo, gene expression in vivo in MLS follicles isolated from the Day 16 ovary was compared to in vitro follicles isolated from the Day 12 ovary that had been cultured for 4 days (Fig. 1A). Additionally, gene expression from in vivo COCs was compared to expression within COCs obtained from follicles after 12 days of culture.

Endocrine-Related Genes

The expression of five genes involved in endocrine communication was quantified during in vivo and in vitro development of ovarian follicles. Steady-state mRNA encoding aromatase (Cyp19a1), the FSH receptor (Fshr), inhibin α-subunit (Inhα), inhibin βA subunit (Inhβa), and the LH receptor (Lhcgr) was assessed. In vivo, all endocrine related genes, with the exception of Lhcgr, increased in expression from 2LS to MLS with a fold change of at least 2 (Fig. 2A). Lhcgr did not exhibit a significant change in expression. In vitro, 3 of the 5 endocrine genes had similar patterns of expression as the in vivo isolated follicles. Fshr was expressed in both in vivo and in vitro MLS follicles with at least 2 times the expression level of 2LS follicles, and Inhα expression was 2 times greater in all MLS follicles than in 2LS follicles (Fig. 2A and B). Lhcgr expression levels did not change during in vitro culture or in the in vivo condition. However, expression levels of Inhβa did not change between 2LS and MLS in vitro, in contrast with the in vivo results (Fig. 2C). Also in contrast with in vivo results, Cyp19a1 levels declined between 2LS and MLS follicles in vitro (Fig. 2B). Cyp19a1 and Inhβa had significantly (6.5-fold and 5-fold) reduced expression levels within the MLS follicles in vitro relative to in vivo. Thus, Fshr, Inhα, and Lhcgr had the same pattern of expression in vivo as in vitro, but Cyp19a1 and Inhβa differed between the in vivo and in vitro conditions.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Fold changes in gene expression as measured by real time PCR for genes involved in endocrine signaling. Changes in gene expression are shown as follicles develop from 2LS follicles isolated from 12 dpp ovaries to MLS follicles isolated from 16 dpp ovaries (in vivo-developed) (A); or from 2LS follicles isolated from 12 dpp follicles and cultured to the MLS stage over 4 days (in vitro-developed) (B). Note Lhcgr and Inhβa overlie each other in (B). Fold changes in gene expression relative to 2LS follicles are directly compared between in vivo MLS follicles (black bars) and follicles cultured for 4 days in vitro (grey bars) (C); and between in vivo COCs from antral follicles (black bars) and COCs from follicles cultured for 12 days in vitro (grey bars) (D). Error bars represent the standard error of the mean. * indicates p<0.05 and *** indicates p<0.001. Note log scale for (C) and (D). N = 3 for all experiments.

For COCs, the expression levels varied between the in vitro and in vivo conditions for 3 of the 5 factors. Cyp19a1 and Lhcgr had similar expression levels in vitro as in vivo (Fig. 2D). Inhα and Inhβa were up-regulated in in vitro COCs as compared to in vivo, which contrasts with the MLS studies that indicated no change or down-regulation for in vitro relative to in vivo follicles. Fshr had a 2-fold decline in expression in vitro compared to in vivo (p<0.05).

Growth-Related Genes

We subsequently investigated the expression patterns of four genes involved in growth signaling: insulin like growth factor-1 (Igf1), transforming growth factor-beta receptor 2 (Tgfβr2), kit oncogene (Kit), and kit ligand (Kitl) (Fig. 3). In vivo, Igf1 levels substantially increased (4.5-fold) between the 2LS and MLS stages while in vitro Igf1 levels increased 1.8-fold. Tgfβr2 and Kit levels in vivo increased to a lesser extent (1.4- and 1.8-fold, respectively), and expression levels of KitL did not significantly change. Kit had a similar expression pattern in vitro as in vivo, with levels slightly increased during development to the MLS stage. Kitl and Tgfβr2 had decreased expression after 4 days of culture (2-fold and 4.5-fold respectively, relative to 2LS follicles), which contrasts with the in vivo results (Fig 3B). Relative to in vivo follicles, Kitl and Tgfβr2 were down-regulated in cultured MLS follicles 6-fold and 2.4--fold respectively (Fig. 3C). Igf1 was the only non-oocyte-specific growth-related gene to be expressed at least 2-fold higher in MLS follicles compared to 2LS follicles in vivo. For COCs, only one of the 4 genes had a significantly different expression level between cultured and freshly-isolated follicles. Kit expression differed between in vitro and in vivo conditions, while Igf1, Kitl, and Tgfβr2 were expressed similarly between in vivo and in vitro COCs (Fig. 3D).

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Fold changes in gene expression as measured by real time PCR for genes involved in growth signaling. Changes in gene expression are shown as follicles develop from 2LS follicles isolated from 12 dpp ovaries to MLS follicles isolated from 16 dpp ovaries (in vivo-developed) (A); or from 2LS follicles isolated from 12 dpp follicles and cultured to the MLS stage over 4 days (in vitro-developed) (B). Fold changes in gene expression relative to 2LS follicles are directly compared between in vivo MLS follicles (black bars) and follicles cultured for 4 days in vitro (grey bars) (C); and between in vivo COCs from antral follicles (black bars) and COCs from follicles cultured for 12 days in vitro (grey bars) (D). Error bars represent the standard error of the mean. *indicates p<0.05, ** indicates p<0.01 and *** indicates p<0.001. Note log scale for (C) and (D). N = 3 for all experiments.

Oocyte-Specific Genes

The expression levels of eleven genes that, in the ovarian follicle, are specifically expressed in the oocyte were measured. The designation “oocyte-specific” is used to indicate that these factors are expressed within the oocyte, and does not capture the multi-functional roles of these genes in follicle development and oocyte maturation. In vivo, levels of Bmp15, Nobox, Vasa, and Zp2 increased by factors of 1.7, 1.7, 2.6 and 1.9-fold from the 2LS to MLS stage (Figure 4A and C; figure 5A and C). Levels of Figlα, Gdf9, Jag1, Mater, Zp1, and Zp3 varied by 33% or less between 2LS and MLS. Fgf8 levels were significantly down-regulated in MLS follicles compared to 2LS follicles. For in vitro culture to the MLS stage, the expression of Nobox, Vasa, and Zp2 had significantly increased expression between 2LS and MLS, with Nobox expression having a greater increase in vitro than in vivo (Figure 4A and B; Figure 5B). The expression of Mater, Jag1, Bmp15, Zp1, and Zp3 changed little over the 4-day culture period (Fig. 4B; Fig 5B). Expression of Mater and Jag1 also changed minimally in vivo over the same time period. However, in vitro levels of Bmp15, Zp1 and Zp3 were significantly different between in vivo and in vitro MLS follicles (Fig 5C). Figlα, Fgf8, and Gdf9 had decreasing levels of expression between the 2LS and MLS stages in vitro, which was only observed with Fgf8 in vivo. Four of the 11 genes had significantly different transcript levels between MLS follicles in vitro and in vivo: Bmp15, Figlα, Zp1, and Zp3. Zp3 had an increased level of expression in vitro relative to in vivo, whereas the remainder had decreased expression levels in vitro.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Fold changes in gene expression as measured by real time PCR for genes involved in oocyte development that are expressed in vitro at the same level as in vivo. Changes in gene expression are shown as follicles develop from 2LS follicles isolated from 12 dpp ovaries to MLS follicles isolated from 16 dpp ovaries (in vivo-developed) (A) or from 2LS follicles isolated from 12 dpp follicles and cultured to the MLS stage over 4 days (in vitro-developed) (B). Note Nobox and Vasa overlie each other in (B). Fold changes in gene expression relative to 2LS follicles are directly compared between in vivo MLS follicles (black bars) and follicles cultured for 4 days in vitro (grey bars) (C); and between in vivo COCs from antral follicles (black bars) and COCs from follicles cultured for 12 days in vitro (grey bars) (D). Although Figlα was significantly down-regulated at the MLS stage in vitro, there was no significant difference in vitro versus in vivo by the COC stage. Error bars represent the standard error of the mean. Note log scale for (C) and (D). N = 3 for all experiments.

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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Fold changes in gene expression as measured by real time PCR for genes involved in oocyte development that are expressed differentially between in vivo and in vitro conditions. Changes in gene expression are shown as follicles develop from 2LS follicles isolated from 12 dpp ovaries to MLS follicles isolated from 16 dpp ovaries (in vivo-developed) (A) or from 2LS follicles isolated from 12 dpp follicles and cultured to the MLS stage over 4 days (in vitro-developed) (B). Fold changes in gene expression relative to 2LS follicles are directly compared between in vivo MLS follicles (black bars) and follicles cultured for 4 days in vitro (grey bars) (C); and between in vivo COCs from antral follicles (black bars) and COCs from follicles cultured for 12 days in vitro (grey bars) (D). Error bars represent the standard error of the mean. * indicates p<0.05, ** indicates p<0.01, and *** indicates p<0.001. Note log scale for (C) and (D). N = 3 for all experiments.

The expression of Bmp15, Fgf8, Gdf9, Zp1, Zp2, and Zp3 was significantly different for in vivo and in vitro-derived COCs. Fgf8 had increased expression levels in vitro relative to in vivo, whereas the other 5 factors had expression that was reduced in vitro relative to in vivo (Fig. 5D). The expression levels of Figlα, Mater, Nobox, Vasa, and Jag1 were not significantly different between in vivo COCs and COCs obtained from antral follicles at the end of culture (Fig. 4D).

Discussion

This study investigated expression patterns of genes known to be important in folliculogenesis during in vivo follicle development and during in vitro culture. The expression levels of 20 genes involved in follicle development were quantified in two-layered secondary follicles, late secondary follicles (MLS), and COCs derived from antral follicles. Table 1 shows the gene regulation patterns, categorized as increased, decreased, or unchanged relative to 2LS follicles, for MLS follicles in vivo. For the endocrine-related genes in in vivo isolated follicles, Cyp19a1 expression increased from the 2LS to the MLS state, which is consistent with induction within the granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles (Hickey et al. 1988). Fshr is solely expressed in granulosa cells of developing follicles, with two-fold increased expression in preovulatory follicles (La Polt et al. 1992, Sites et al. 1994) as is consistent with this report. In addition, the expression of both inhibins and activins has been reported to be maximal in ovaries in which secondary follicles dominate (Woodruff et al. 1988, Findlay et al. 2001, Pangas et al. 2002), which is also consistent with our mRNA data. Finally, LH receptor expression is induced in mural cells of preovulatory follicles. For the transition from 2LS to MLS, Lhcgr levels were unchanged, which was expected given the early stage of follicle development (Segaloff et al. 1990, Lei et al. 2001).

Table 1.

Patterns of gene expression as follicles develop in vivo from the two-layered secondary to multi-layered secondary stages. Expression changes of 2-fold or greater at the MLS stage are considered increased or decreased from the 2LS stage, while changes of less than 2-fold are reported here as unchanged.

IN VIVO
INCREASE DECREASE NO CHANGE
Endocrine Cyp19a1 Lhcgr
Fshr
Inhα
Inhβa
Growth Igf1 Bmp15
Gdf9
Kit
Kitl
Tgfβr2
Oocyte Vasa Fgf8 Figlα
Jag1
Mater
Nobox
Zp1
Zp2
Zp3
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Substantial growth of the follicle and development of the oocyte occur during development from the 2LS state to ultimately produce a COC. Thus we investigated the expression of multiple growth factor, as well as oocyte-specific, transcripts. A significant increase in expression of Igf1 at the MLS follicle stage was observed (Table 1), consistent with its role in oocyte maturation (McGee & Hsueh, 2000). For the in vivo isolated follicles, the expression of many growth-related genes reported here (Bmp15, Gdf9, Kit, Kitl, and Tgfβr2) changed less than 2-fold from the 2LS to the MLS follicle stage (Table 1), consistent with the roles of these genes in the regulation of cell fate decisions during the preantral phase of folliculogenesis (Parrot & Skinner 1997; Driancourt et al. 2000, Knight & Glister 2006, Thomas & Vanderhyden, 2006). Patterns of oocyte-specific gene expression observed within the in vivo isolated follicles (Table 1) are also supported by previous reports of gene function. Mater and Jag1 are the only two genes that have steady or increased expression at the COC stage compared to the 2LS follicle stage (Fig 4C), consistent with their roles in oocyte growth (Suzumori et al. 2002, Shimasaki et al. 2004, Knight & Glister 2006). Mater expression reportedly persists into the blastocyst stage of embryonic development (Dean, 2002), and Jag1 is an important factor during all stages of folliculogenesis (Vorontchikhina et al. 2005). The expression patterns of Figlα and the genes encoding the zona pellucida proteins in vivo (Table 1, Fig 4A and C, Fig 5A and C) are also consistent with previous reports that Figlα regulates and is required for zona pellucida gene expression, and that this expression increases and then decreases as the oocyte increases in diameter (Epifano et al. 1995).

In this study, we investigated gene expression that occurs during in vivo and in vitro follicle growth as a means to identify the supportive and limiting components of the alginate culture environment. In comparing the patterns of expression, we determined that 60% of in vitro candidate gene patterns investigated are similar to their corresponding in vivo patterns of expression at the MLS stage (Table 2), whereas 50% of the factors had similar expression patterns in COCs in vitro and in vivo (Table 3). As the culture system supports follicle growth, antrum formation, steroid production, and ultimately the production of fertilizable oocytes, it is expected that many of the gene expression patterns in our culture system are the same as those in vivo. At the MLS stage, Fgf8, Fshr, Gdf9, Igf1, Inhα, Jag1, Kit, Lhcgr, Mater, Nobox, Vasa, and Zp2 were expressed at similar levels in vivo and in vitro. Of these, expression levels of Fgf8, Fshr, Gdf9, Kit, and Zp2 had diverged by the COC stage (Table 3). However, Cyp19a1, Figlα, Kitl, and Tgfβr2 levels were not significantly different between in vivo and in vitro COCs. The oocyte has been described as orchestrating folliculogenesis as well as its own maturation, and the expression of these genes in similar patterns and at comparable levels between in vitro and in vivo is consistent with the generation of healthy, viable, and meiotically competent oocytes obtained from our culture system (Dean, 2002, Eppig et al. 2002, Xu et al. 2006, Xu et al. 2006)

Table 2.

Patterns of gene expression as follicles develop in vitro from the two-layered secondary to multi-layered secondary stages. Bolded genes indicate significant differences relative to the in vivo condition. Expression changes of 2-fold or greater at the MLS stage are considered increased or decreased from the 2LS stage, while changes of less than 2-fold are reported here as unchanged.

IN VITRO
INCREASE DECREASE NO CHANGE
Endocrine Fshr Cyp19a1 Inhβa
Inhα Lhcgr
Growth Kitl
Tgfβr2 Bmp15
Fgf8
Gdf9
Kit
Igf1
Oocyte Nobox Figlα
Vasa Jag1
Mater
Zp1
Zp2
Zp3
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Table 3.

Summary of mRNAs that are higher or lower under in vitro vs. in vivo conditions at the MLS follicle stage or the COC stage.

MLS FOLLICLES COCS
Up In Vitro Down In Vitro Up In Vitro Down In Vitro
Endocrine Cyp19a1 Inhα Fshr
Inhβa Inhβa
Growth Bmp15 Bmp15
Kitl Gdf9
Tgfβr2 Kit
Oocyte Zp3 Figlα Fgf8 Zp1
Zp1 Zp2
Zp3
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While in vitro culture does promote follicle growth and oocyte development, the follicles cultured in vitro do not reach the same final diameter as in vivo-grown follicles and the oocytes do not have the same potential for blastocyst development and production of live births. These observations motivated this study to identify differences between in vitro cultured follicles and in vivo follicles, which was observed primarily as quantitative differences in expression level and not a complete absence of expression. Differences were expected due to isolating follicles from their native environment, which may alter the signals that normally regulate follicle development. For example, signaling through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is disrupted, surrounding follicles and somatic cells are removed, and oxygen concentrations differ. While only 15% of the tested genes were more highly expressed in in vitro COCs compared to in vivo COCs, 35% of the tested genes had lower expression levels in vitro compared to in vivo (Table 3). Of the endocrine-related genes, only Lhcgr was expressed in the same manner and at the same level of expression between in vivo and in vitro cultured follicles and COCs. Inhα and Inhβa were up-regulated in the cultured COCs compared to in vivo COCs, which suggests some disruption of normal endocrine regulation of development. In addition, increased inhibin levels may be required for in vitro follicle development, in order to accommodate the decrease in the external stimuli that normally regulate development.

Substantial differences in transcript levels of oocyte-specific growth factor and zona pellucida genes were observed (Table 3), as well as a difference in overall expression patterns of Fgf8, Kitl, Tgfβr2, and Zp3 (Table 2). Decreased expression of the growth-related genes, such as Bmp15, Gdf9, and Kit, may be a consequence of removing the follicle from growth-inhibitory signals imparted by surrounding follicles and stromal cells. In the absence of this inhibition, the reduced expression of these genes may be sufficient to promote follicle development. However, these variations in expression level between in vitro and in vivo may also underlie the differences in the follicle and oocyte properties that are obtained at the conclusion of culture.

This culture system provides an enabling tool to investigate the differences in order to understand the contributions of the environment to follicle development. Importantly, we note that the in vitro and in vivo environment have significant differences from each other, as well as the normal cycle. PMSG raises the level of FSH above normal in order to induce the development of preovulatory follicles. While this technique is effective, it is not reflective of the normal cycle. For our in vitro culture, FSH levels are constant which is also not reflective of the normal cycling mouse. Although these approaches to obtain mature oocytes differ and may underlie some of the differences in gene expression, a number of similarities are present in the measurements of gene expression.

In this study, the 3D alginate culture system was shown to support follicular gene expression similar in part to that of follicles grown in vivo. These similarities between in vitro and in vivo validate the use of the 3D culture system as a convergent tool for investigating ovarian follicular development and modeling follicle biology. The results of this study suggest the 3D alginate culture system could be a powerful tool for modeling other physiologic processes which depend on a 3D architecture and which are affected by environmental rigidity. For example, culture in 2D versus 3D alters the differentiation potential of embryonic stem cells (Dawson et al. 2008) and matrix rigidity plays a role in the differentiation potential of stem cells and cancer progression. A 3D alginate culture system of varying rigidity, combined with appropriate growth factors, can be used as a synthetic environment to molecularly dissect tissue formation.

There were also many differences in gene expression between follicles grown in the alginate culture system and those grown in vivo. Because follicles in culture are removed from the context of endocrine axes and the paracrine effects of neighboring follicles, gene expression patterns supporting optimized follicle growth may have differed from those in vivo. Thus, it cannot be assumed that all differences seen between in vitro and in vivo follicles are maladaptive. Nevertheless, genes crucial for healthy follicle development which are expressed differently in the alginate culture system are potential targets of, and markers for, improved culture conditions which support a higher frequency of fertilizable oocyte development.

In conclusion, the abundance and changing transcription patterns of gene expression during both in vivo and in vitro folliculogenesis were directly compared within MLS follicles and COCs. For the genes tested, 60% had the same in vitro patterns of gene expression during the first 4 days of culture as follicles isolated in vivo with a similar size and morphology. Additionally, half of the factors had the same expression level within COCs obtained in vivo and following in vitro culture. Interestingly, oocyte-specific genes such as Figlα, Jag1, Mater, Nobox, and Vasa were all expressed in vitro at the same level and with the same pattern as they were in vivo. Despite the many similarities, several differences in expression profile were noted. Endocrine-related genes, such as Cyp19a1 and Inhβa, as well as growth-related genes, such as Bmp15, Kitl, and Tgfβr2 had lower levels of expression in vitro than in vivo after 4 days of culture. At the culmination of culture, COCs obtained in vitro expressed endocrine-related genes (Fshr, Inhα and Inhβa), growth-related genes (Kit and the oocyte-specific genes Bmp15 and Gdf9), and other oocyte-specific genes (Fgf8, Zp1, Zp2, Zp3) at aberrant levels compared to in vivo COCs. These studies provide a set of gene expression profiles indicating the similarities and differences between in vivo and in vitro cultured follicles, providing a basis for investigating follicular development and the creation of environments that promote follicle development and maximize oocyte quality.

Materials and Methods

Animals and Materials

Male CBA and female C57BL/6 mouse breeding pairs were housed in a temperature- and light-controlled environment (12L:12D) and provided with food and water ad libitum. Animals were fed Teklad Global irradiated 2919 chow, free of phyto-estrogens. Animals were treated in accordance with the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Northwestern University.

Alginate Preparation

Sodium alginate (55%-65% glucuronic acid) was provided by FMC BioPolymers (Philadelphia, PA). Charcoal-stripped and sterilized alginate was reconstituted with 1X phosphate-buffered saline to a concentration of 0.25% (w/v).

Follicle Isolation, Encapsulation, and Culture

Two-layered secondary follicles (2LS; follicular diameter of 100-130 μm) and multi-layered secondary follicles (MLS; follicular diameter of 150-180 μm) were mechanically isolated from ovaries of C57BL/6xCBA F1 mice 12 and 16 days post partum (dpp), respectively (Xu et al. 2006a). 2LS and MLS follicles were immediately frozen in clean tubes with minimal media for real-time PCR analysis of in vivo gene expression. For analysis of gene expression in the alginate culture system, 2LS follicles were encapsulated into 0.25% (w/v) alginate beads for culture, as previously described (Xu et al. 2006b). Growth medium was prepared using α-MEM with 10 mIU/ml of recombinant FSH (Organon, Roseland, NJ), 3 mg/ml bovine serum albumin, 1 mg/ml bovine fetuin (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), 5 μg/ml insulin, 5 μg/ml transferrin, and 5 ng/ml selenium. Beads containing follicles were cultured at 37 °C and 5% CO2 in individual wells of a 96-well plate containing 100 μl of growth medium for 4-12 days, with half of the medium replaced with fresh medium every second day. Images of the follicles were taken every four days using a Leica DM IL light microscope (Leica, Wetzlar, Germany) equipped with a heated stage, and a Spot Insight 2 Megapizel Color Mosaic camera with Spot software (Spot Diagnostic Instruments, Sterling Heights, MI). Follicle diameters were measured using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, USA). After the culture period, the medium was replaced with 100 μl of L15 medium containing 10 IU/ml of alginate lyase (Sigma-Aldrich St. Louis, MO) for 30 minutes at 37 °C and 5% CO2 to degrade the alginate bead and release the follicle into the medium. For each RNA sample, an average of 30 follicles were removed from medium and immediately frozen in clean tubes in minimal medium for RNA isolation. For each time point 3 independent samples were collected. Each sample consisted of follicles isolated from multiple mice from the same litter. Separate samples, either for in vivo analysis or for in vitro culture, were isolated on different days from different litters.

COC Isolation

For in vivo COC isolation, C57BL/6xCBA F1 mice 18 dpp were injected intraperitoneally with 5 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). Ovaries were collected 40 hours post-injection, and COCs were mechanically isolated from antral follicles of the stimulated ovaries. COCs were also isolated from antral follicles derived from culturing 2LS follicles from 12 dpp mice for 12 days, as described above; thus these antral follicles were 24 dpp at the time of isolation. Approximately 15-20 antral follicles for RNA isolation were punctured to release the COC for each sample. COCs were pipetted into clean tubes and immediately frozen in minimal media for RNA isolation. 3 independent samples were collected as for 2LS and MLS follicles above.

Real-Time PCR

Total RNA from frozen uncultured or cultured follicles was isolated using the Absolutely RNA Microprep Kit (Stratagene, Cedar Creek, TX), following the manufacturer’s instructions. RNA was reverse transcribed into first-strand cDNA using the SuperScript First Strand Synthesis System (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) with random hexamer primers. Real-Time PCR using Taqman Gene Expression Assays and the Applied Biosystems 7300 System (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) was used to compare steady state mRNA levels. Taqman Gene Expression Assays contain 2 unlabeled primers specific to the gene of interest used at a final concentration of 900 nM each, as well as a FAM™ dye-labeled MGB (minor groove binder) probe used at a final concentration of 250 nM. All assays have an amplification efficiency of 100% within measurement error (+/-10%). All assays used have been optimized for specificity, sensitivity, and efficiency by the manufacturer. Sequences of primers and alignment maps are referenced on the Applied Biosystems website. mRNA transcript levels of the following genes were assayed; gene symbols, followed by the Taqman Assay ID number of each primer/probe set, are in parentheses: bone morphogenetic protein 15 (Bmp15; assay ID Mm00437797_m1), cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (Cyp19a1; Mm00484049_m1), DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 4 (Ddx4; Mm00802445_m1), factor in the germline alpha (Figlα; Mm00488691_m1), fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8; Mm00438922_m1), follicle stimulating hormone receptor (Fshr; Mm00442819_m1), growth differentiation factor-9 (Gdf9; Mm00433565_m1), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1; Mm00439561_m1), inhibin α-subunit (Inhα, Mm00439683_m1), inhibin ßA-subunit (Inhβa; Mm00434338_m1), jagged 1 (Jag1; Mm00496902_m1), kit oncogene (Kit; Mm00445212_m1), kit ligand (Kitl; Mm00442972_m1), LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr; Mm00442931_m1), NLR family, pyrin domain containing 5 (Mater; Mm00488691_m1), nobox oogenesis homeobox (Nobox; Mm00453743_m1), transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (Tgfβr2; Mm00436977_m1), zona pellucida glycoprotein 1 (Zp1; Mm00494367_m1), zona pellucida glycoprotein 2 (Zp2; Mm00442173_m1), and zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (Zp3; Mm00442176_m1). Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh; 4352339E) was used as an endogenous control. Three independent samples were each run in triplicate, with in vivo samples isolated from different mice and in vitro samples isolated from different mice and cultured separately as described above. Reactions run without reverse transcriptase served as negative controls.

Statistical Analysis

Follicle size, survival rate, antral growth rate, and gene expression data were collected for three independent cultures for each time point. Gene expression relative to 2LS follicles was determined using the comparative Ct method. Statistical significance for gene expression was analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc test.

Acknowledgments

Funding This work has been funded by the NIH U54 HD041857 grant.

Footnotes

Declaration of Interest The authors declare we have no conflicts of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the report.

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