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 …

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 …

Ovarian follicular development occurs in a hierarchical manner with each follicle having a
unique biochemical composition at any moment in time. It has long been understood that a …

Oocytes regulate follicle growth by secreting paracrine growth factors that act on
neighbouring granulosa cells (GCs). Those factors identified to date are mainly members of …

Sheep preantral follicles (PFs) measuring 250–400 μm in diameter were cultured for six
days in serum-free media supplemented differently with growth factors and hormones …

As early as 1887, it was postulated that the mature oocyte possesses all of the elements
necessary for embryonic development with the exception of an active division centre, and …

In vitro follicle growth in alginate hydrogels is a unique and versatile method for studying
ovarian and follicle biology that may also have implications for fertility preservation. Current …