The CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling promotes oocyte maturation by regulating cumulus expansion in sheep

Gonadotropins and growth factors synergistically regulate folliculogenesis and oocyte development. C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor CXCR4 are expressed in ovaries of sheep, cattle and other species, however, roles of this multifunctional signal axis in oocyte maturation are not defined. Using sheep as a model, we examined the expression patterns and functions of the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis during oocyte maturation. CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA and protein were present in oocytes and granulosa cells. Relative abundance of CXCR4 transcript was controlled by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Transient inhibition of CXCR4 suppressed oocyte nuclear maturation while supplementing recombination CXCL12 significantly increased percent of oocyte undergone metaphase I phase. Inhibition of CXCR4 function decreased cumulus expansion growth rate. Furthermore, granulosa cell migration was impaired and expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) and hyaluronan binding protein tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6) were downregulated by CXCR4 inhibition. These findings revealed a novel role of the CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling in oocyte development in sheep. •CXCL12 and CXCR4 are expressed in both oocytes and granulosa cells of sheep ovary.•CXCR4 expression is regulated by epidermal growth factor signaling.•The CXCL12-CXCR4 axis promotes oocyte nuclear maturation.•Inhibition of CXCR4 function results in decreased growth rate of cumulus expansion.•The CXCR4 signaling promotes granulosa cell migration likely by controlling HAS2 and TNFAIP6 expression.