Date of Award

Winter 2012

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Animal Science

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

David Townson

Abstract

Granulosa cell apoptosis is associated with follicular atresia; but the cellular mechanisms that drive this process, especially its cell specificity, are relatively unknown. Here, we determined that cultured granulosa cells abundantly express K8/K18 filaments and inhibition of protein synthesis enhances Fas-induced apoptosis. In this context, the roles of cFLIP, ERK1/2 and Akt are minimal but conversely, K8/K18 filaments have a prominent role in granulosa cell resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis. Keratin 8/18 filaments in granulosa cells provide a plausible mechanism to avoid Fas-induced apoptosis and this mechanism potentially involves the synthesis of labile proteins. The existence of K8/K18 filaments in granulosa cells has relevance to follicular atresia and the selection of follicles for ovulation. These insights may have bearing on future therapeutic strategies to improve female fertility.

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