Evidence that the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 protease in human ovarian follicular fluid is pregnancy associated plasma protein-A

Cheryl A. Conover, Claus Oxvig, Michael T. Overgaard, Michael Christiansen, Linda C. Giudice

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

99 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ovarian insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) proteolysis is involved in the regulation of follicular development, but until now the identity of the responsible enzyme was unknown. In this study, we identify the IGFBP-4 protease in human follicular fluid as pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) based on distinctive IGFBP-4 cleavage pattern, the same protease inhibitor profile, specific inhibition and immunodepletion of IGFBP-4 protease activity with PAPP-A polyclonal antibodies, and immunorecognition by PAPP-A monoclonal antibodies in ELISA. Furthermore, PAPP-A levels in estrogen-dominant and androgen-dominant follicular fluids reflect their IGFBP-4 proteolytic activity. PAPP-A was also secreted by human granulosa cells, the reputed source of IGFBP-4 protease activity in follicular fluid. We have the molecular and biochemical tools to begin to delineate the regulation and biological function of PAPP-A in normal and dysregulated follicular development and atresia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4742-4745
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume84
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Biochemistry
  • Endocrinology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry, medical

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