File:Oocyte and cumulus granulosa signaling 01.jpg

Oocyte and Cumulus Granulosa Signaling cartoon

Models for BMP15 and GDF9 homodimers and GDF9:BMP15 heterodimers in regulating cumulus granulosa cell functions.

(A) In human (and sheep), the GDF9:GDF9 homodimer has extremely low activity. Active BMP15:BMP15 homodimer binds to BMPR2 and ALK6 to up-regulate ECM genes minimally via a SMAD1/5/8 pathway, whereas the potent GDF9:BMP15 heterodimer likely binds to a BMPR2-ALK4-ALK6 receptor complex to transmit a signal through phosphorylation of SMAD2/3.

(B) In mouse (and rat), BMP15:BMP15 is inactive, whereas the GDF9:GDF9 homodimer cooperates with the GDF9:BMP15 heterodimer to regulate granulosa cell function via a SMAD2/3 pathway starting from secondary follicles. The GDF9:GDF9 homodimer is likely the dominant (active) ligand in primary follicles.

Reference

<pubmed>23382188</pubmed>

Copyright

Proceedings National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) Liberalization of PNAS copyright policy: Noncommercial use freely allowed Note original Author should be contacted for permission to reuse for Educational purposes. See also PNAS Author Rights and Permission FAQs

Cozzarelli NR, Fulton KR, Sullenberger DM. Liberalization of PNAS copyright policy: noncommercial use freely allowed. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Aug 24;101(34):12399. PMID15314225 "Our guiding principle is that, while PNAS retains copyright, anyone can make noncommercial use of work in PNAS without asking our permission, provided that the original source is cited."

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