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

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 25; no. 18; p. 10199
• Main Authors: Kim, Chang-Woon, Kim, Eun-Jin, Woo, Min Seok, Cao, Dang Long, Cirunduzi, Asifiwe Clarisse, Ryu, Ji Hyeon, Kong, Il-Keun, Lee, Dong Kun, Hong, Seong-Geun, Han, Jaehee, Kang, Dawon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 23.09.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Animals; Apoptosis; Cattle; Cellular Senescence; Cysts; Down-Regulation; Estrogens; Female; Follicles; Follicular Fluid - metabolism; Gene expression; Genetic aspects; granulosa cell; Granulosa Cells - metabolism; Infertility; ovarian cyst; Ovarian Cysts - metabolism; Ovarian Cysts - pathology; Ovarian Follicle - metabolism; Ovaries; Physiological aspects; Potassium - metabolism; Potassium channels; Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain - genetics; Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain - metabolism; potassium ion; Protein expression; Proteins; Senescence; TASK-3 channel; South Korea; Japan; TASK-3 channel; granulosa cell; ovarian cyst; potassium ion
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810199

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 (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 , Na , and Cl concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) obtained from small-sized follicles (SFs) and large-sized follicles (LFs), the K 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.