Glutathione S-transferase class mu regulation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 protein during VCD-induced ovotoxicity in neonatal rat ovaries

4-Vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) destroys ovarian primordial and small primary follicles via apoptosis. In mice, VCD exposure induces ovarian mRNA expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) family members, including isoform mu (Gstm). Extra-ovarian GSTM negatively regulates pro-apoptotic apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) through protein complex formation, which dissociates during stress, thereby initiating ASK1-induced apoptosis. The present study investigated the ovarian response of Gstm mRNA and protein to VCD. Induction of Ask1 mRNA at VCD-induced follicle loss onset was determined. Ovarian GSTM:ASK1 protein complex formation was investigated and VCD exposure effects thereon evaluated. Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) regulation of GSTM protein was also studied. Postnatal day (PND) 4 rat ovaries were cultured in control media ± 1) VCD (30 μM) for 2–8 days; 2) VCD (30 μM) for 2 days, followed by incubation in control media for 4 days (acute VCD exposure); or 3) LY294002 (20 μM) for 6 days. VCD exposure did not alter Gstm mRNA expression, however, GSTM protein increased (P < 0.05) after 6 days of both the acute and chronic treatments. Ask1 mRNA increased (0.33-fold; P < 0.05) relative to control after 6 days of VCD exposure. Ovarian GSTM:ASK1 protein complex formation was confirmed and, relative to control, the amount of GSTM bound to ASK1 increased 33% (P < 0.05) by chronic but with no effect of acute VCD exposure. PI3K inhibition increased (P < 0.05) GSTM protein by 40% and 71% on d4 and d6, respectively. These findings support involvement of GSTM in the ovarian response to VCD exposure, through regulation of pro-apoptotic ASK1.

► GSTM protein increases in response to ovarian VCD exposure.
► VCD increases Ask1 mRNA at the onset of follicle loss.
► Ovarian GSTM binds more ASK1 protein during VCD-induced ovotoxicity.
► PI3K regulates ovarian GSTM protein.