Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology

ea0021p318 | Reproduction | SFEBES2009

Expression of adhesion molecules in preantral mouse follicles

Mora Jocelyn , Fenwick Mark , Franks Stephen , Hardy Kate

Initial follicle growth results in a number of distinct morphological changes, such as cuboidalisation and proliferation of the granulosa cells (GC) as well as an increase in oocyte size.Cell adhesion molecules and intercellular junctions play a pivotal role in changes in cell shape. We hypothesize that change in GC shape is key, and that increased understanding of changes in cell adhesion and associated junctions will provide insight into the regulation...

ea0021p319 | Reproduction | SFEBES2009

Establishment of an in vitro model to study oocyte regulation of gene expression in granulosa cells of preantral follicles

Fenwick Mark , Mora Jocelyn , Franks Stephen , Hardy Kate

In rodents and other mammals, it is well established that the production of certain TGF-β members including Gdf9 and Bmp15 by oocytes is important for follicle development to proceed. It is believed that these growth factors form part of a short loop paracrine system to regulate gene expression in neighbouring follicle cells. We propose that one aspect of this feedback loop may involve the genomic modulation of TGF-β antagonists in granulosa cells by oocyte-secreted ...