Journal
SEMINARS IN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE
Volume 27, Issue 1, Pages 52-61Publisher
THIEME MEDICAL PUBL INC
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1108010
Keywords
Epidermal growth factor (EGF); EGF-like factors; oocyte; follicular fluid
Categories
Funding
- NIH, Organon [HD 1ROlHDO58939, 5ROlHDO20788, 5ROlGM080527]
- EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT [T32HD007263] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
- EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH &HUMAN DEVELOPMENT [R01HD020788, R01HD052909] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES [R01GM080527] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The growth and maturation of the ovarian follicle requires the coordinate function of somatic cells and the oocyte. Over the past three decades, numerous growth factors involved in the bidirectional signals between the somatic and germ cells have been identified. A possible function of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling at selected stages of follicle maturation had been proposed early on and is supported by many observations of in vitro effects of this growth factor on steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and cumulus expansion. However, attempts to link EGF levels in the follicular fluid with the state of follicle and oocyte maturation have been inconclusive. More recently, data generated using mouse genetic models perturbing ovulation and fertility indicate that EGF-like growth factors, rather than EGF itself, accumulate in the follicle at the time of ovulation. EGF-like growth factor mRNA is regulated by the luteinizing hormone surge, and corresponding proteins are detected in the follicle. The EGF-like growth factors amphiregulin, epiregulin, and betacellulin are potent stimulators of oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion, and perturbation of this EGF network in vivo impairs ovulation. Similar findings in species other than the mouse confirm an important physiological role for this network at the time of ovulation. Whether this network also plays a critical role in humans and whether it can be used as a biological marker of follicle development or for the improvement of fertility remains to be determined. This review summarizes the most recent findings on the EGF network during ovulation and the potential clinical applications of manipulating this intercellular communication pathway in the control of fertility.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available