Reproductive development and function are complex processes requiring both extragonadal factors (e.g., FSH and LH) and intragonadal factors (e.g., steroids and peptide growth factors). Female fertility depends on the regulated allocation, growth, and maturation of oocytes, which must be coordinated with granulose and theca cell proliferation and differentiation within the ovarian follicular unit. During this process, there are several transitions as follows: 1) Recruitment of quiescent primordial follicles to primary (one layer) follicles by an unknown mechanism; 2) Growth of the granulose cells of the primary follicle to form two-layered and multi-layered secondary follicles; 3) Formation of antral follicles and further growth of the cells, a process which required FSH; and 4) Transition of the antral follicle to a preovulatory follicle, in which mural granulose cells and cumulus granulose cells take on unique functions, a process induced by LH. Our currently funded competitive renewal (1996-present) hypothesized that the transforming growth factor beta superfamily member, growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), is a key oocyte-secreted factor required for transitions 2 and 4. GDF-9 mRNA and protein are specifically expressed within the oocyte beginning at the type 3a primary follicle stage and expressed through ovulation. Using GDF-9 knockout mice and recombinant mouse GDF-9, we have confirmed the above hypothesis. GDF-9 knockout mice are infertile due to a block in folliculogenesis at the primary follicle stage, and recombinant GDF-9 can substitute for the oocyte to regulate genes which are spatiotemporally expressed in the preovulatory ovarian follicle. Thus, GDF-9 is the first oocyte-secreted growth factor identified which plays multifunctional roles renewal proposal will continue to use these key reagents (i.e., the GDF-9 knockout mice and recombinant GDF-9) and generate additional transgenic mouse models and reagents to further define the functions of GDF-9 and other essential regulators in granulose cell and theca cell growth and differentiation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37HD033438-09
Application #
6729118
Study Section
Reproductive Biology Study Section (REB)
Program Officer
Taymans, Susan
Project Start
1996-05-01
Project End
2006-04-30
Budget Start
2004-05-01
Budget End
2005-04-30
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$302,738
Indirect Cost
Name
Baylor College of Medicine
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
051113330
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
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