High impact information on INSL3

• Dynamic changes in the expression of relaxin-like factor (INSL3), cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome p450, and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in bovine ovarian follicles during growth and atresia [1].
• Not all follicles expressed pro-RLF in the theca interna, so the results are presented as the proportion of follicles expressing pro-RLF [1].
• 3beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was colocalized with pro-RLF (n = 86 follicles), and cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 was localized in another section of many of the same follicles (n = 66) [1].
• As in the Leydig cells of the testis, the pattern of RLF gene expression appears to reflect the differentiation state of the ovarian theca-luteal cell lineage, and should prove useful for mapping the fate of these cells under differing stimulation regimes [2].
• Addition of fetal calf serum to cultures caused a rapid and irreversible down-regulation of the RLF gene [2].

Biological context of INSL3

• Under conditions inducing luteal differentiation of theca cells, CYP11A1 and STAR (Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) were up-regulated by the action of luteinizing hormone (LH), whereas the differentiation-specific up-regulation of INSL3 was suppressed by LH in luteinizing theca cells [3].
• There is only one RLF gene in the deer genome [4].

Anatomical context of INSL3

• CONCLUSION: The regulation of the three NR5A1-controlled genes CYPA11, STAR, and INSL3 in luteinizing theca cells apparently is not dependent on NR5A1 activating functions AF-1 or AF-2 [3].
• Nonradioactive in situ hybridization revealed the Leydig cells to be the sole source for RLF mRNA in the deer testis [4].
• In the non-pregnant uterus, RLF transcripts were located in the luminal and glandular epithelium of the endometrium [4].
• In uteroplacental tissues, luminal and glandular epithelium, fetal uninucleate and binucleate trophoblast cells (BNC) of the basic villous trophoblast layer expressed RLF mRNA [4].

Associations of INSL3 with chemical compounds

• The RLF gene was also transcribed to a high level in the theca cells of estrogen-rich, large antral follicles [2].
• Some phthalate esters alter gubernacular differentiation by reducing insulin-like 3 (insl3) mRNA levels [5].

References