Aims
The study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ERα-regulated transcriptional dynamics in ovarian cells using ERα knockout (αERKO) mice created via CRISPR/Cas9.
Conclusions
ERα deletion significantly alters the transcriptional landscape of ovarian cells, affecting genes and pathways central to ovarian function and the ovulation process. Implications: The findings provide an in-depth, single-cell view of ERα's role in the reproductive system, offering insights that may lead to novel treatments for ovarian disorders.
Methods
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to compare transcriptomes from individual ovarian cells in both wild type and αERKO mice. Bioinformatics analyses identified distinct cell populations and their transcriptional profiles post ERα deletion. Key
Results
Distinct oocyte and granulosa cell populations were identified, with ERα deletion disrupting the regulation of genes linked to ovarian infertility, the ovulation cycle, and steroidogenesis. Greb1 expression in granulosa cells was found to be ERα-dependent. Conclusions: ERα deletion significantly alters the transcriptional landscape of ovarian cells, affecting genes and pathways central to ovarian function and the ovulation process. Implications: The findings provide an in-depth, single-cell view of ERα's role in the reproductive system, offering insights that may lead to novel treatments for ovarian disorders.