Progesterone receptor mediates ovulatory transcription through RUNX transcription factor interactions and chromatin remodelling

Progesterone receptor (PGR) plays diverse roles in reproductive tissues and thus coordinates mammalian fertility. In the ovary, rapid acute induction of PGR is the key determinant of ovulation through transcriptional control of a unique set of genes that culminates in follicle rupture. However, the molecular mechanisms for this specialized PGR function in ovulation is poorly understood. We have assembled a detailed genomic profile of PGR action through combined ATAC-seq, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis in wildtype and isoform-specific PGR null mice. We demonstrate that stimulating ovulation rapidly reprograms chromatin accessibility in two-thirds of sites, correlating with altered gene expression. An ovary-specific PGR action involving interaction with RUNX transcription factors was observed with 70% of PGR-bound regions also bound by RUNX1. These transcriptional complexes direct PGR binding to proximal promoter regions. Additionally, direct PGR binding to the canonical NR3C motif enable chromatin accessibility. Together these PGR actions mediate induction of essential ovulatory genes. Our findings highlight a novel PGR transcriptional mechanism specific to ovulation, providing new targets for infertility treatments or new contraceptives that block ovulation.