1. Academic Validation
  2. GDF-9 and BMP-15 direct the follicle symphony

GDF-9 and BMP-15 direct the follicle symphony

  • J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018 Oct;35(10):1741-1750. doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1268-4.
Alexandra Sanfins 1 2 Patrícia Rodrigues 3 David F Albertini 4
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-023, Lisbon, Portugal. alexandra.sanfins@ulusofona.pt.
  • 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@ulusofona.pt.
  • 3 Department of Life Sciences - School of Psychology and Life Sciences, University Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-023, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • 4 The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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.

Keywords

BMP-15; Folliculogenesis; GDF-9; Oocyte quality; Ovarian function; TGFβ.

Figures