YAP signaling in preovulatory granulosa cells is critical for the functioning of the EGF network during ovulation

Failure to ovulate is a major cause of infertility. The critical pathway that induces ovulation involves the EGF and MAPK phosphorylation, but studies in rodents have suggested that the Hippo activator, YAP, is also involved. It is unknown whether YAP-dependent transcriptional activity is important for the LH- or EGF-induced ovulatory cascade in monovulatory species such as the cow. Using a well-defined preovulatory GC culture system, we employed pharmacological inhibitors to demonstrate that YAP signaling is critical for expression of EGFR and downstream target genes EREG, EGR1 and TNFAIP6. Most importantly, by using an ultrasound guided follicle injection system, we also showed that the classic Hippo signaling inhibitor Verteporfin inhibits GnRH-induced ovulation in vivo in cattle. In conclusion, YAP transcriptional activity is critical for EGF-like cascade induced by LH to promote ovulation in a monovulatory species. •YAP and TEAD 1-4 are expressed in bovine preovulatory granulosa cells.•Classic LH-induced preovulatory genes are affected by YAP signaling disruption.•Verteporfin and P17 affect EGF receptor expression in preovulatory granulosa cells.•EGFR-downstream signaling depends, at least partly, on YAP-TEAD interaction.•In vivo intrafollicular administration of Verteporfin decreases ovulation in cattle.