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Awakening the oocyte: controlling primordial follicle development

E McLaughlin, Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, Australia
S McIver, Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia

Correspondence: Eileen McLaughlin, Email: Eileen.McLaughlin{at}newcastle.edu.au

Abstract

Oocytes are sequestered in primordial follicles before birth and remain quiescent in the ovary, often for decades, until recruited into the growing pool throughout the reproductive years. Therefore activation of follicle growth is a major biological checkpoint that controls female reproductive potential. However, we are only just beginning to elucidate the cellular mechanisms required, for either maintenance of the quiescent primordial follicle pool, or initiation of follicle growth. Understanding the intracellular signalling systems that control oocyte maintenance and activation has significant implications for improving female reproductive productivity and longevity in mammals, and has application in domestic animal husbandry, feral animal population control and infertility in women.