Regulation of cumulus expansion: role of oocyte-secreted factors and transforming growth factor β superfamily signalling

Abstract

Oocyte paracine signalling to cumulus cells is essential for expansion of the mouse cumulus-oocyte complex, which is required for ovulation and hence fertility. Previously in the field, researchers have focused on members of the transforming growth factor β (TFGβ) superfamily in order to identify the oocyte-secreted factors (OSF) that account for the mouse cumulus expansion-enabling factor (CEEF). Currently, growth differentiation factor 9 is the prime candidate molecule for the elusive mouse CEEF. Th work presented in this study provides an insight into the identity of the OSFs that account for the mouse CEEF. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that GDF9 alone does not account for the CEEF and suggests that the CEEF is comprised of multiple TGFβ superfamily members.