title: The role of the extracellular matrix in ovarian follicle development.
abstract: Regulation of ovarian follicle development depends on endocrine- and paracrine-acting hormones, the 3-dimensional architecture of the follicle, and the physical rigidity of the surrounding tissue. These 3 forces are integrated throughout the life cycle of the follicle to ensure appropriate hormone secretion, differentiation of the somatic cells, and maturation of the oocyte. The process of in-follicle maturation provides a new tool for understanding ovarian follicle development under the influence of these factors.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA. tkw@northwestern.edu
authors: Teresa K
authors: TK
authors: Woodruff
authors: Lonnie D
authors: LD
authors: Shea
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002449:Cell Aggregation; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D048430:Cell Shape; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D019899:Paracrine Communication; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol