Mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor signaling in the ovarian follicle

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have been shown to alter growth and differentiation of reproductive tissues in a variety of species. Within the female reproductive tract, the effects of FGFs have been focused on the ovary, and the most studied one is FGF2, which stimulates granulosa cell proliferation and decreases differentiation (decreased steroidogenesis). Other FGFs have also been implicated in ovarian function, and this review summarizes the effects of members of two subfamilies on ovarian function; the FGF7 subfamily that also contains FGF10, and the FGF8 subfamily that also contains FGF18. There are data to suggest that FGF8 and FGF18 have distinct actions on granulosa cells, despite their apparent similar receptor binding properties. Studies of non-reproductive developmental biology also indicate that FGF8 is distinct from FGF18, and that FGF7 is also distinct from FGF10 despite similar receptor binding properties. In this review, the potential mechanisms of differential action of FGF7/FGF10 and FGF8/FGF18 during organogenesis will be reviewed and placed in the context of follicle development. A model is proposed in which FGF8 and FGF18 differentially activate receptors depending on the properties of the extracellular matrix in the follicle.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is present in human spermatozoa and is related with sperm motility. The use of recombinant FGF2 to improve motile sperm recovery

“…The presence of FGFs and FGFRs has been reported in both female and male reproductive tissues, where they contribute to regulate the reproductive function (Cotton et al ., ; Chaves et al ., ; Jiang et al ., ; Price, ). However, the expression and role of FGFs/FGFRs in the gametes have not been completely described.…”

The fibroblast growth factor 8 family in the female reproductive tract

“…In general, the 'b' splice variants are expressed in mesenchymal cells and the 'c' splice forms are expressed in epithelial cells, allowing for precise paracrine signalling between ligand-receptor pairs. The role of mesenchymal-epithelial signalling by FGFs in the ovarian follicle has previously been discussed (Price 2016).…”

Bovine in vitro embryo production: the effects of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10)

“…Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in various cellular processes, including chemotaxis, cell migration, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, embryonic development, and angiogenesis [2,3]. In addition, they have been reported as having critical involvement in the regulation of folliculogenesis and oogenesis [4][5][6][7][8]. Therefore, FGFs are potential factors to improve in vitro embryo production.…”