Downregulation of TASK-3 Channel Induces Senescence in Granulosa Cells of Bovine Cystic Ovarian Follicles

oleh: Chang-Woon Kim, Eun-Jin Kim, Min Seok Woo, Dang Long Cao, Asifiwe Clarisse Cirunduzi, Ji Hyeon Ryu, Il-Keun Kong, Dong Kun Lee, Seong-Geun Hong, Jaehee Han, Dawon Kang

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-09-01

Deskripsi

Ovarian cysts are linked to hormone imbalances and altered gene expressions, but the connection between cysts and ion channel expression is understudied. This study explored the role of TWIK-related acid-sensitive K<sup>+</sup> (TASK) channels in bovine ovarian cyst formation. The ovarian follicles were split into small (5 to 10 mm in diameter) and large (>25 mm in diameter) groups. Among the measured K<sup>+</sup>, Na<sup>+</sup>, and Cl<sup>−</sup> concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) obtained from small-sized follicles (SFs) and large-sized follicles (LFs), the K<sup>+</sup> concentration was significantly lower in LFFF. Quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry data revealed that TASK-3 expression levels significantly decreased by approximately 50% in LFs and granulosa cells obtained from LFs (LFGCs) compared to the corresponding controls. The TASK-3 protein was localized to the plasma membranes of GCs. The diameters of LFGCs were larger than those of SFGCs. The cell swelling response to exposure to a hypotonic solution (200 mOsm/L) was highly reduced in TASK-3-overexpressing cells compared to vector-transfected cells. TASK-3-knockdown cells showed arrested growth. Senescence markers were detected in LFGCs and TASK-3-knockdown cells. These findings suggest that reduced TASK-3 expression in LFs is associated with the inhibition of GC growth, leading to senescence and cyst formation.