We review the evolution and structure of members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-
β) family, antagonistic or agonistic modulators, and receptors that regulate TGF-β signaling …

BACKGROUND The LH surge induces great physiological changes within the preovulatory
follicle, which culminate in the ovulation of a mature oocyte that is capable of supporting …

Background Oocyte growth is accompanied by follicular development in mammalian
ovaries. Since the discovery of two oocyte‐derived factors, growth differentiation factor 9 …

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 …

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor-β
family (TGFβ), which signal through hetero-tetrameric complexes of type I and type II …

Cumulus cell–oocyte communication is an essential feature of mammalian reproduction.
Established mechanisms involve the bidirectional transfer of ions and small molecules …

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) together with the Growth and Differentiation Factors
(GDFs) form the largest subgroup of the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) β family and …

Prior to ovulation, the mammalian oocyte undergoes a process of differentiation within the
ovarian follicle that confers on it the ability to give rise to an embryo. Differentiation …

In humans and domestic mammals, pivotal processes in ovary development, including
primordial follicle assembly, occur prenatally. These events are essential for determining …

Growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are
oocyte-secreted factors with a leading role in the control of ovarian function in female …