BACKGROUND Regulated cell death is a fundamental component of numerous
physiological processes; spanning from organogenesis in utero, to normal cell turnover …

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

Loss of fertility is a major concern for female reproductive-age cancer survivors, since a
common side-effect of conventional cytotoxic cancer therapies is permanent damage to the …

Oocyte quality is a key limiting factor in female fertility, yet we have a poor understanding of
what constitutes oocyte quality or the mechanisms governing it. The ovarian follicular …

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 …

BACKGROUND A large number of studies have contributed to understanding the general
mechanisms driving ovarian folliculogenesis in humans and show a complex endocrine …

Our current perspectives on the relationship between the oocyte and its surrounding somatic
cells are changing as we gain a greater understanding of factors regulating folliculogenesis …

Bidirectional communication between oocytes and the companion granulosa cells is
essential for the development and functions of both compartments. Oocytes are deficient in …

Oocyte-derived bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9
(GDF9) are key regulators of follicular development. Here we show that these factors control …

Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is an important reproductive technology that generates
mature oocytes that are capable of supporting preimplantation embryo development and full …