Scientists Identify and Map Structural Proteins in the Pig Ovary, Advancing Artificial Ovary Development
The Need for Developing a Bio-Prosthetic Ovary
Approximately one in six female cancer survivors experiences early menopause due to the adverse effects of chemotherapy, clinically referred to as premature ovarian insufficiency. This condition is characterized by the ovaries’ failure to release eggs and produce the female sex hormone estrogen. The repercussions of early menopause extend beyond fertility, leading to long-term issues such as osteoporosis, diminished thyroid function, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Pioneering Work Towards Developing an Artificial Ovary
Researchers at Northwestern University in the United States are addressing this challenge by developing a potential solution: an artificial ovary. Dr. Monica Laronda and her team at the Feinberg School of Medicine have made significant strides in this area. In 2017, they successfully implanted a functional 3-D printed artificial ovary in a sterile mouse, which subsequently became pregnant and gave birth to live pups. Building on this pioneering work, Dr. Laronda’s team has made substantial progress toward adapting this technique for human applications. They have identified and mapped proteins in the pig ovary that form the structural scaffold of various compartments, akin to those found in human ovaries. This identification is crucial for creating a “bio-ink” or appropriate biological material for 3-D printing a bioprosthetic ovary for human use. Their findings were recently published in Scientific Reports.
Unique Challenges in Building an Artificial Ovary
A primary hurdle in bioprinting is the creation of suitable biomaterials that can accurately replicate the structure and function of tissues and organs. This challenge is particularly evident in complex organs like the ovaries, which consist of distinct compartments with specific roles. The human ovary is divided into two main compartments: the cortex, which contains immature follicles in a quiescent state, and the medulla, which supports the development of growing follicles. The ovarian follicle reacts to molecular signals, including hormones and physical stress, to mature and eventually release an egg.
Significant Impact of the Study Towards Developing Bio-Ink
The extracellular matrix is believed to play a critical role in maintaining the dormancy or activation of the follicles. For instance, in mouse ovaries, physical compression of primordial follicles in the cortex is essential for keeping them in a quiescent state. Dr. Laronda’s work in identifying and mapping the structural proteins that constitute the extracellular matrix represents a vital step toward creating a functional artificial ovary for human use.
In a recent press release, Dr. Laronda stated, “Our goal is to use the ovarian structural proteins to engineer a biological scaffold capable of supporting a bank of potential eggs and hormone-producing cells. Once implanted, the artificial ovary would respond to natural cues for ovulation, enabling pregnancy.” The techniques developed by the researchers for processing, identifying, and mapping these structural proteins can also be applied to other organs, enhancing bioengineering methods for tissue regeneration and bioprinting.
Dr. Laronda added, “We have developed a pipeline for identifying and mapping scaffold proteins at the organ level. It is the first time that this has been accomplished, and we hope it will spur further research into the microenvironment of other organs.” Although the development of a viable printed ovary for human use remains a long-term goal, the findings in this report represent a significant advancement for young women undergoing fertility-compromising cancer treatments.
References
Henning, N.F., LeDuc, R.D., Even, K.A. et al. Proteomic analyses of decellularized porcine ovaries identified new matrisome proteins and spatial differences across and within ovarian compartments. Sci Rep 9, 20001 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56454-3
Press release retrieved from – https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/arh-st010620.php
Impact of premature ovarian insufficiency – https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/poi/conditioninfo/conditions
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