BACKGROUND A large number of studies have contributed to understanding the general
mechanisms driving ovarian folliculogenesis in humans and show a complex endocrine …

In vertebrate species that ovulate one or a limited number of ovarian follicles per
reproductive cycle, the cellular processes by which follicle selection (cyclic recruitment) is …

There is now overwhelming evidence that the avian ovary is a site of production and action
of several growth factors that have also been implicated in the functioning of the mammalian …

Contents Follicle development in the highly efficient laying hen is characterized by a well‐
organized follicular hierarchy. This is not the case in other chickens such as the broiler …

The development and function of vertebrate ovary are primarily controlled by the
gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), from the …

Abstract Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a member of the transforming growth factor
beta (TGFB) superfamily. As an oocyte-specific growth factor, GDF9 plays critical roles in …

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) was the first oocyte-specific growth factor identified;
however, most information about GDF9 functions comes from studies in the mouse model. In …

The function of oocyte-derived growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in ovarian follicles has
thus far been poorly defined in avian species compared with the defined function in …

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are∼ 22 nt RNAs that direct post-transcriptional repression of mRNA
targets in diverse eukaryotic lineages. Granulosa cells (GCs) are the earliest differentiated …

Female reproductive efficiency is influenced by the outcomes of various processes,
including folliculogenesis, apoptosis, response to gonadotropin signaling, oocyte …