The role of TGF superfamily gene expression in the regulation of folliculogenesis and oogenesis in mammals: a review

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The normal differentiation of follicles from the preantral to the antral stage is regulated by the synthesis and secretion of several important growth factors. Moreover, the proper growth and development of the oocyte and its surrounding somatic granulosa-cumulus cells is accomplished through the activation of paracrine pathways that form a specific cross-talk between the gamete and somatic cells. It has been shown that several growth factors produced by the ovary are responsible for the proper growth and development of follicles. The developmental competence of mammalian oocytes (also termed developmental potency) is defined as the ability of female gametes to reach maturation (the MII stage) and achieve successful monospermic fertilisation. Proper oocyte development during folliculo-and oogenesis also plays a critical role in normal zygote and blastocyst formation, as well as implantation and the birth of healthy offspring. Several molecular markers have been used to determine the developmental potency both of oocytes and follicles. The most important markers include transforming growth factor beta superfamily genes (TGFB), and the genes in this family have been found to play a crucial role in oocyte differentiation during oogenesis and folliculogenesis. In the present review, we summarise several molecular aspects concerning the assessment of mammalian oocyte developmental competence. In addition, we present the molecular mechanisms which activate important growth factors within the TGFB superfamily that have been shown to regulate not only follicle development but also oocyte maturation.

PI3K/PTEN/Akt and TSC/mTOR signaling pathways, ovarian dysfunction, and infertility: an update

“…are crucially involved in follicle development and function (Mani et al 2010, Piotrowska et al 2013. IGF is known to stimulate proliferation of granulosa and theca cells and enhances the ability of gonadotropins to stimulate steroidogenesis in these cell populations.…”

Expression of genes associated with BMP signaling pathway in porcine oocytes before and after IVM – a microarray approach

“…It has been recognized that the TGF superfamily members regulate important stages of folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and embryogenesis in mammals [8]. Additionally, TGFβ is an upstream activator of SMAD signaling pathway via BMPs kinases complexes [9].…”

“…Transforming growth factors beta (TGFβ) are a family of critical proteins that regulate somatic cell proliferation and differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. It has been recognized that the TGF superfamily members regulate important stages of folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and embryogenesis in mammals [ 8 ]. Additionally, TGFβ is an upstream activator of SMAD signaling pathway via BMPs kinases complexes [ 9 ].…”

Expression of integrins and GDF9 mRNAs is associated with ovarian follicle size and donor puberty status in pigs

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The proper development of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) is orchestrated by the normal course of folliculogenesis and oogenesis. It is well accepted that folliculogenesis and oogenesis are associated with many morphological, molecular, and metabolic changes within growing ovarian follicles and COCs (8,11,12,19,20,27,28,30). These modifications involve the secretion of multiple factors, including growth factors and hormones that regulate synchronous nuclear Expression of integrins and GDF9 mRNAs is associated with ovarian follicle size and donor puberty status in pigs 1) Summary Ovarian folliculogenesis and oogenesis has a significant impact on embryo growth and development in preimplantation stages.

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