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Semin Reprod Med 2007; 25(4): 225-234
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-980216
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Growth Factors in Ovarian Development

Stephanie A. Pangas1
  • 1Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
26 June 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Folliculogenesis in the adult ovary proceeds from quiescent primordial follicles through several developmental stages that culminate in the release of oocytes for fertilization and terminal differentiation of follicles into corpora lutea. Multiple developmental pathways control growth of oocytes and differentiation of somatic cells of the follicle. Growth factors of the transforming growth factor beta family play prominent roles during follicle development. Recent studies have begun to examine the role of additional developmentally important growth factor families, such as the Hedgehog, Wnt, and Notch families. This review summarizes recent developments on these signaling pathways in the adult mammalian ovary.

KEYWORDS

Fertility - reproduction - signal transduction

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Stephanie A PangasPh.D. 

Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine

One Baylor Plaza S230, Houston, TX 77030

Email: spangas@bcm.edu