Bone morphogenetic protein-6 stimulates gene expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, inhibin/activin β subunits, and anti-Mullerian hormone in human granulosa cells

Immunohistochemical staining using human normal ovaries showed that bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6) was abundantly present in the granulosa cells (GC) of healthy tertiary follicles but not in atretic follicles. An in vitro study showed that BMP-6 induced gene expression of FSH receptor, inhibin/activin beta subunits, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in human GCs, suggesting that BMP-6 is an important mediator to support healthy follicle growth in the human ovary. (Fertil Steril (R) 2009;92:1794-8. (C)2009 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)