The structures that underlie normal reproductive function.
The mechanisms and physiology of reproductive function have fascinated scientists throughout time. Recent cellular and molecular level structural studies have provided unprecedented insights into reproductive systems and signaling networks. This 'cutting edge' editorial provides a recent example in each of these areas, namely, the anatomical integrity of the follicle, the molecular structure of activin with its binding partners and the molecular regulation of inhibin. These three examples of structure informing function help explain reproductive health and may provide solutions to reproductive disease.
Lerch
Thomas F
TF
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
Xu
Min
M
Jardetzky
Theodore S
TS
Mayo
Kelly E
KE
Radhakrishnan
Ishwar
I
Kazer
Ralph
R
Shea
Lonnie D
LD
Woodruff
Teresa K
TK
D004703:Endocrine System; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*