Prokineticin Ligands and Receptors Are Expressed in the Human Fetal Ovary and Regulate Germ Cell Expression ofCOX2

Abstract

Developmental changes in expression and regulation of COX2 and phosphorylated ERK (pERK) by PROK1 suggest that PROK ligands may be novel regulators of germ cell development in the human fetal ovary, interacting within a network of growth and survival factors prior to primordial follicle formation.

Pathogenesis of germ cell neoplasia in testicular dysgenesis and disorders of sex development

“…The number of germ cells in fetal ovaries peaks around 20-22 GW with 5-7 × A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 5 10 6 cells but during the last part of fetal development the number is reduced to around 7 × 10 5 oocytes that are present at birth [50]. Oogonial proliferation, meiotic entry and the formation of primordial follicles (oocytes) depend on the interaction with somatic cells, primarily granulosa cells, and the somatic 'cell streams' surrounding the germ cell clusters [51][52]. An essential factor for granulosa cell differentiation is FOXL2, which is detectable already from 8 GW [27,51].…”

Novel Insights into Prokineticin 1 Role in Pregnancy-related Diseases

“…In an experimentation conducted by Sharon et al , the expression of COX-2 protein was significantly increased after the treatment of PROK1 in a human germ cell tumor line. And it was confirmed that PROK1 signaling via PROKR1 induce the expression of COX-2 protein 23 . Another research showed that PROK1 induced COX-2 expression and prostaglandin synthesis in human endometrial cells and first trimester decidua via a Gq coupled pathway 56 .…”

“…Successful embryo implantation may be predicted by PROK1 concentration in the follicular fluid and fertilization culture media in conventional in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer 22 . Moreover, expression of PROK1 and PROK2 is correlative to the germ cell development in the human fetal ovary 23 . PROK1 increases ERK phosphorylation and COX2 expression 23 .…”

“…Moreover, expression of PROK1 and PROK2 is correlative to the germ cell development in the human fetal ovary [23] . PROK1 increases ERK phosphorylation and COX2 expression [23] .…”

Endocrine Gland-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/Prokineticin-1 in Cancer Development and Tumor Angiogenesis

“…Most of these data are related to human reproduction. Eddie et al described the action of EG-VEGF being highest in the midgestation (17–21 weeks) ovaries by the increase of ERK phosphorylation and elevated COX-2 expression [37]. It seems that EG-VEGF levels in normal ovaries influence the endometrium receptivity during implantation.…”