Regulation of Ovarian Function by the Germ Cell Specific DAZL Gene

The RNA binding protein DAZL (Deleted in Azoospermia) is essential for germ cell survival and subsequent fertility. The transgenic mouse DAZL model has confirmed that knockout (KO) females are infertile as a direct consequence of complete postnatal oocyte ablation. Interestingly, the heterozygous (Het) DAZL females have increased fertility giving rise to significantly more viable offspring, accompanied by significantly reduced plasma FSH and increased inhibin B compared to levels observed in the wildtype (Wt) females. Recent studies to identify putative DAZL mRNA targets suggest that DAZL may have multiple functions and mRNA targets throughout germ cell development. However, how this protein functions within the oocyte and how functional copy number gives rise to increased fertility remains to be fully elucidated.The studies in this thesis sought to identify putative DAZL mRNA targets in addition to molecular mechanisms which may be either affected direct or indirectly as a result of the functional copy number of DAZL (Wt or Het) within the oocyte or follicular unit. Oocytes from Wt and Het were evaluated for their expression of selected oocyte genes and comparative analysis suggests that oocyte gene expression is significantly altered between the genotypes. Genes of interest include Oospl and Hlfoo, both of which are down-regulated in mRNA expression in Het d21 oocytes and dlO ovaries compared to the Wt. Furthermore, an in silico bioinformatics approach was utilised to identify putative DAZL mRNA targets using a consensus DAZL binding sequence. One candidate target, PDCD4, previously identified as a tumour suppressor gene was selected for further investigation. Despite PDCD4 mRNA and protein being highly expressed within the ovary, no difference in mRNA levels between Het and Wt was observed. However, although not ruling out the possibility of being a DAZL target we now have evidence that PDCD4 can function within the steroidogenic cells of the corpus luteum in relation to functional luteolysis. Abstract Indirect actions of DAZL upon local regulation and response of follicle growth in culture were evaluated to investigate follicles at the gonadotrophin dependent stage of growth. Individual follicles from Wt and Het d21 mice were cultured in the presence of FSH at liu, 0.5iu, O.liu and O.Oliu for a six day period. Final follicle size/morphology did not differ between genotypes at liu, 0.5iu and O.liu of FSH, but by d3 at O.Oliu FSH growth o f Wt follicles was significantly (PO.OOl) perturbed compared to the Het. Despite no difference in final size between liu, 0.5iu, O.liu FSH treatments, mRNA analysis of individual follicles demonstrated a significant up-regulation of FSH receptor (P<0.05), aromatase (P<0.05) and inhibin PA (P<0.01) and a significant down-regulation in inhibin PB (P<0.01) expression in the Het follicles compared to the Wt, suggesting an increase in follicle maturity, sensitivity and hence suitability for selection as viable pre-ovulatory follicles. Furthermore, atresia rates from cultured follicles were significantly lower (P<0.05 (liu, O.liu FSH); P