CDC25 protein expression and interaction with DAZL in human corpus luteum

Objective: To determine whether the human corpus luteum exhibits CDC25 protein expression and its expression pattern, and identify the interaction with DAZL (deleted in azoospermia-like) in human luteal cells. Design: Experimental Study. Setting: Medical research laboratory in a university hospital. Patient(s): Twelve human corpus luteum (CL), four in the early stage, four in the midstage, and four in the late stage of the luteal phase, respectively, and 10 granulosa-lutein cells from IVF patients. Intervention(s): Immunohistochemical stain and Western blot were used to characterize the expression of CDC25 protein, and protein immunoprecipitation was used to identify the interaction of CDC25 with DAZL in human luteal cells. Main Outcome Measure(s): CDC25 protein expression pattern in different stages of luteal phase and interaction with DAZL. Result(s): In this study, we show evidence that CDC25 protein is express in granulosa-lutein cells from different stages of CL, and identified only the CDC25A interaction with DAZL in luteal cells. Conclusion(s): The CL is the final form of a developing follicle and is the major endocrine component of the ovary in maintaining early successful pregnancy. Expression of CDC25 protein throughout different stages of the ovarian cycles implies important functional roles in the regulation of female reproduction. (Fertil Steril(R) 2009;92:1997-2003. (C)2009 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)