Regulation of ovarian function by somatic hyaluronidases

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Although female mammals are born with a large number of immature follicles containing the eggs, the vast majority of these follicles will never reach ovulation. Instead they will undergo cell death, under a phenomenon called apoptosis, and will degenerate. Our laboratory is the first one to study the role of enzymes that degrade long polysaccharide molecules (called hyaluronidases) in this process of ovarian follicle development. We have shown that these enzymes are capable of inducing cell death. We also showed that mice lacking this enzyme have healthier follicles and ovulate higher number of eggs. In the present work we will investigate in more detail how these enzymes regulate ovarian function. First, we will verify what molecules are altered in ovarian follicle cells when comparing normal mouse with those lacking hyaluronidase. Second, we will produce hyaluronidases of different sizes and study which one is more effective to induce cell death. Then, we will investigate how feminine hormones control the amount of these enzymes in the ovary. Results obtained in our project will help to better understand the functions of hyaluronidases in the ovary. It is possible that a de-regulation of this enzyme is associated with infertility causes in humans or domestic animals. Furthermore, results herein obtained will advance our knowledge on the process of follicle development and ovulation, trying to understand the suppressive role of hyaluronidases in the ovarian function.