Ovarian follicle populations of the rat express TGF-beta signalling pathways.
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily comprises more than 40 members, classified on the basis of structural similarity. These factors elicit a diverse range of cellular responses in insects, nematodes and vertebrates, via serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular Smad proteins, which when activated mediate gene transcription. Some members of the superfamily, notably activin, TGF-beta, GDF-9 and the bone morphogenetic proteins have been shown to influence ovarian function. Despite these actions, TGF-beta superfamily signalling pathways and specifically those within follicle population subtypes, have been poorly characterised in the ovary. We have shown that the ovary contains type I and II receptors and Smads, which enable it to transduce signals in response to TGF-beta superfamily members. It remains to be established however, as to which follicle subtypes these pathways are active in.
Drummond
Ann E
AE
Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box 5152, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia. ann.drummond@med.monash.edu.au
Dyson
Mitzi
M
Le
Minh Tan
MT
Ethier
Jean-Francois
JF
Findlay
Jock K
JK
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta