Abstract
Notch signaling functions to regulate cell-fate decisions by modulating differentiation, proliferation, and survival of cells. Notch receptors and ligands are expressed in embryonic vasculature and are required for the remodeling of the primary embryonic vasculature of mice. Here, we characterize the expression patterns of Notch1, Notch4, and Jagged1 proteins during the process of folliculogenesis and corpus luteum formation in the mouse ovary, an organ with dynamic physiological angiogenic growth. These Notch proteins and ligand are expressed in a subset of ovarian vessels, including both mature ovarian vasculature as well as angiogenic neovessels. Their expression in the ovary was found in both endothelial and vascular associated mural cells. Our data suggest a complex regulatory role for the Notch signaling pathway during mouse oogenesis and ovarian neovascularization.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Calcium-Binding Proteins
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Corpus Luteum / embryology*
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Corpus Luteum / metabolism
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
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Immunohistochemistry
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Jagged-1 Protein
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Ligands
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Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis*
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Mice
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Microscopy, Fluorescence
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Neovascularization, Physiologic
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Ovarian Follicle / embryology*
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Ovary / embryology*
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Ovary / metabolism
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis*
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Receptor, Notch1
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Receptor, Notch4
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Receptors, Cell Surface / biosynthesis*
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Receptors, Notch
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Serrate-Jagged Proteins
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Time Factors
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Transcription Factors / biosynthesis*
Substances
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Calcium-Binding Proteins
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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JAG1 protein, human
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Jag1 protein, mouse
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Jagged-1 Protein
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Ligands
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Membrane Proteins
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NOTCH4 protein, human
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Notch1 protein, mouse
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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Receptor, Notch1
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Receptor, Notch4
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Receptors, Notch
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Serrate-Jagged Proteins
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Transcription Factors