Investigation of reproductive regulation by BMP and Clock-related factors.

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K08556
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: Okayama University
• Principal Investigator: OTSUKA FUMIO 岡山大学, 医歯薬学域, 教授 (40362967)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 視床下部 / 下垂体 / 生殖内分泌 / ステロイドホルモン / 時計遺伝子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have studied on the endocrine functions on the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which regulate follicular growth and development in the ovary. We have revealed that the BMP system regulates follicular development and steroidogenesis as a regulator for various cellular functions in the ovarian follicles, and as a communicator that broadly controls the endocrine system. The present study focused on the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that occurs in women of reproductive ages, associated with life-style related diseases, and causes irregular menstruation and infertility. By focusing on the pathology of PCOS, we attempted to clarify the complex signal transduction formed by the BMP molecules, and based on the cellular functions of BMPs, we further tried to elucidate the reproductive pathology of PCOS. We will apply these findings to the drug discovery for various reproductive modulators.

Free Research Field

生殖内分泌学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

我々はこれまで卵巣BMPシステムの存在と生理活性について研究を進めてきた。BMPが卵母細胞と顆粒膜細胞のモデュレーターとして、また下垂体・副腎を含む広汎な機能を持つことを示してきた。本研究成果として、PCOS病態からのアプローチにより、PCOSに伴うステロイド分泌や時計遺伝子・リズム因子の変動が、BMPシグナルや卵胞ホルモン合成系へ与える影響が明らかとなり、PCOSの病態を基軸に排卵・月経周期を形成するリズム調節、そして生殖内分泌モデュレーターとしてBMP分子が織りなすSystemic Communicationが新たに示され、BMPの卵胞機能診断や創薬への可能性について拡大したと考えている。