The role of oocyte-secreted proteins in primate follicular cell function

Funded Activity Summary

Mammalian eggs grow and develop in fluid filled sacks in the ovary called follicles. These structures nurture the egg for prolonged periods preparing it for ovulation and fertilisation. It has been known for some time that the quality of the follicular environment determines, in part, the developmental potential of the egg. Recent studies in mice have shown that the interaction between the egg and the follicle is in fact a two-way process, and that the egg is able to influence development of the follicle. This project proposes to investigate these processes further in the laboratory mouse using new reagents available to us, and to extend these findings by investigating this communication pathway for the first time in a primate species. Because of the difficulty of undertaking such research using human material, we will use the marmoset monkey as a model. This exciting new development has important implications for women's health because it may help us understand why some women suffer from premature menopause or cystic ovaries, and in the longer term could help in the development of new types of contraceptives.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2002

End Date: 01-01-2002

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $176,320.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Reproduction

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Assisted reproductive technology | Contraception in female | Granulosa cell | Growth factors - growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) | Marmoset monkey | Oocyte maturation, oogenesis | Ovarian function, fertility and sterility | Ovary, reproduction | Polycystic ovarian syndrome | Premature menopause, anovulation

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