| First Author | Dong J | Year | 1996 |
| Journal | Nature | Volume | 383 |
| Issue | 6600 | Pages | 531-5 |
| PubMed ID | 8849725 | Mgi Jnum | J:35782 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:83227 | Doi | 10.1038/383531a0 |
| Citation | Dong J, et al. (1996) Growth differentiation factor-9 is required during early ovarian folliculogenesis [see comments]. Nature 383(6600):531-5 |
| abstractText | Growth factors synthesized by ovarian somatic cells directly affect oocyte growth and function, but it is unclear whether oocyte-secreted factors play a reciprocal role in modulating somatic cell functions in vivo. During the functional analysis of members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily in mouse development, we have uncovered a new family member, growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), which is required for ovarian folliculogenesis. GDF-9 messenger RNA is synthesized only in the oocyte from the primary one-layer follicle stage until after ovulation. Here we analyse ovaries from GDF-9-deficient female mice and demonstrate that primordial and primary one-layer follicles can be formed, but there is a block in follicular development beyond the primary one-layer follicle stage which leads to complete infertility. Oocyte growth and zona pellucida formation proceed normally, but other aspects of oocyte differentiation are compromised. Thus, GDF-9 is the first oocyte-derived growth factor required for somatic cell function in vivo. |
