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GDF-9 and BMP-15 direct the follicle symphony

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics volume 35, pages 1741–1750 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Understanding the physiology underlying the complex dialog between the oocyte and its surrounding somatic cells within the ovarian follicle has been crucial in defining optimal procedures for the development of clinical approaches in ART for women suffering from infertility and ovarian dysfunction. Recent studies have implicated oocyte-secreted factors like growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15), members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily, as potent regulators of folliculogenesis and ovulation. These two factors act as biologically active heterodimers or as homodimers in a synergistic cooperation. Through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, the GDF-9 and BMP-15 system has been shown to regulate growth, differentiation, and function of granulosa and thecal cells during follicular development playing a vital role in oocyte development, ovulation, fertilization, and embryonic competence. The present mini-review provides an overview of recent findings relating GDF-9 and BMP-15 as fundamental factors implicated in the regulation of ovarian function and discusses their potential role as markers of oocyte quality in women.

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Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-023, Lisbon, Portugal

    Alexandra Sanfins

  2. H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, Lisbon School of Health Technology, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096, Lisbon, Portugal

    Alexandra Sanfins

  3. Department of Life Sciences - School of Psychology and Life Sciences, University Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-023, Lisbon, Portugal

    Patrícia Rodrigues

  4. The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    David F. Albertini

Authors
  1. Alexandra Sanfins
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  2. Patrícia Rodrigues
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  3. David F. Albertini
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Correspondence to Alexandra Sanfins.

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Sanfins, A., Rodrigues, P. & Albertini, D.F. GDF-9 and BMP-15 direct the follicle symphony. J Assist Reprod Genet 35, 1741–1750 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1268-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1268-4

Keywords

  • TGFβ
  • GDF-9
  • BMP-15
  • Ovarian function
  • Oocyte quality
  • Folliculogenesis