Abstract

The transformation of germ cells into primordial follicles in the human fetus, then into the follicles of the ovary, represents an important and relatively little understood process. Although microscopic descriptions of the changes in the number of oogonia are available, the actual factors which may regulate cell growth, angiogenesis, apoptosis and pattern formation are unclear. The broad long-term objectives of this proposal are (1) to clarify the role of peptide growth factors as signals/agents for growth and differentiation in human fetal ovaries and (2) to understand how peptide growth factors may contribute to abnormalities in adults ovaries. The research proposed for this application is intended to accomplish these goals: .
Specific Aim 1. Quantitative analysis of mRNA for growth factors and their receptors during the process of human fetal oogenesis. .
Specific Aim 2. Localization by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of growth factors and their receptors in human fetal ovarian development. .
Specific Aim 3. To investigate the gene expression of growth factors and their receptors and to investigate apoptosis in chromosomally abnormal fetal ovaries. .
Specific Aim 4. Morphological analysis of development of oogonia and surrounding cells in fetal ovaries.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
7K08HD001016-02
Application #
3081533
Study Section
Population Research Committee (HDPR)
Project Start
1993-07-01
Project End
1998-06-30
Budget Start
1993-07-01
Budget End
1994-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
071723621
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115