Downregulation of core clock gene Bmal1 attenuates expression of progesterone and prostaglandin biosynthesis-related genes in rat luteinizing granulosa cells

Bmal1 small interfering RNA treatment significantly decreased both the amplitude of Per2-dLuc oscillations and Bmal1 mRNA levels in luteinizing granulosa cells.

• Granulosa cells exposed to luteinizing hormone exhibited clear Per2-dLuc oscillations and rhythmic expression of clock genes.
• Rhythmic expression was observed in ovarian genes such as Star, Cyp19a1, and Lhcgr, suggesting they may be clock-controlled genes (CCGs).
• Depletion of Bmal1 led to decreased transcript levels of multiple clock and ovarian genes.
• Knockdown of Bmal1 also inhibited the synthesis of progesterone and prostaglandin E2, important for reproductive processes.
• Ovarian circadian oscillators may regulate the synthesis of steroid hormones and prostaglandins in response to luteinizing hormone stimuli.

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