Regulation of ovarian function by the TGF-beta superfamily and follistatin.
The role of follistatin as an activin-binding protein has dominated the study of this molecule for the last 10 years. However, there is emerging evidence that follistatin has a role in modulating the biology of other members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. This review summarizes the current concepts encompassing follistatin biochemistry as well as molecules with which it is functionally associated. Moreover, the importance of the two follistatin isoforms (follistatin-288 and follistatin-315) is discussed with particular emphasis on the regulation of the ovary. In addition to activin, this review discusses the functions of other members of the TGF-beta superfamily, for example growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15), BMP-6, BMP-4 and BMP-7, in the ovary, and the potential interactions between follistatin and these growth factors. The complex network of TGF-beta superfamily growth factor members involved in the modulation of ovarian function and the interactions of follistatin with these proteins is highlighted.
Lin
Shyr-Yeu
SY
Centre for Molecular Reproduction and Endocrinology, Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia.
Morrison
John R
JR
Phillips
David J
DJ
de Kretser
David M
DM
D028341:Activins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D038681:Follistatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000378:metabolism; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology*; D011485:Protein Binding; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D038681:Follistatin; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D028341:Activins; D007265:Inhibins