Menopause is the final step in the process referred to as ovarian ageing. The age related
decrease in follicle numbers dictates the onset of cycle irregularity and the final cessation of …

Two major functions of the mammalian ovary are the production of germ cells (oocytes),
which allow continuation of the species, and the generation of bioactive molecules, primarily …

Physiological reproductive aging occurs as a result of a decrease in the number and quality
of oocytes in ovarian cortex follicles. Although the reason for the decrease in the quality of …

Various morphological and cytological traits of oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells
may be used to select oocytes for assisted reproduction. However, even with careful …

Coordinated interactions between ovarian granulosa and theca cells are required for female
endocrine function and fertility. To elucidate these interactions the regulation of the …

The oocyte is the only cell of the body that can reprogram transplanted somatic nuclei and
sets the gold standard for all reprogramming methods. Therefore, an in-depth …

Contraceptives that are readily available and acceptable are required in many poorer
countries to reduce population growth and in all countries to prevent maternal morbidity and …

Development of the germline requires consecutive differentiation events. Regulation of
these has been associated with germ cell-specific and pluripotency-associated transcription …

Nuclear proteins such as transcription and chromatin remodeling factors are required for
initiation of transcription in early embryos before embryonic genome activation. The nuclear …

Abstract Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth and differentiation factor 9
(GDF9) are secreted by the mammalian oocyte and are essential for ovarian follicular …