Cumulus cells (CCs) originating from undifferentiated granulosa cells (GCs) differentiate in
mural granulosa cells (MGCs) and CCs during antrum formation in the follicle by the …

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the prototype of the TGF-β family of growth and
differentiation factors, which is encoded by 33 genes in mammals and comprises homo-and …

Although hormonal regulation of ovarian follicle development has been extensively
investigated, most studies concentrate on the development of early antral follicles to the …

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), also called Müllerian inhibiting substance, was shown to be
synthesized by the ovary in the 1980s. This article reviews the main findings of the past 20 …

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 Initially identified for their capability to induce heterotopic bone formation,
bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional growth factors that belong to the …

An in vitro model of human ovarian follicles would greatly benefit the study of female
reproduction. Ovarian development requires the combination of germ cells and several …

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 …

Innate immunity includes a cellular and a humoral arm. PTX3 is a fluid-phase pattern
recognition molecule conserved in evolution which acts as a key component of humoral …

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 …