Involvement of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) in Ovarian Function and Infertility

摘要

Advances in assisted reproduction techniques and the treatment of diseases known to be correlated with infertilitysuch as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure require a better understanding of ovarian physiology.Despite the enormous quantity of information produced over the last two decades, the mechanisms controlling folliculardevelopment are not fully understood. Ovarian function is regulated by interactions between gonadotropins, folliclestimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and local ovarian factors such as inhibins, activins, bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), all members of the transformation and growth factor-(TGF-) superfamily. There is evidence of a functional ovarian BMP system with countless genes involved in normal folliculardevelopment and in fertility. The present review summarizes the ligands of the TGF- superfamily, their receptorsand signaling pathways and discusses the ovarian functions of the BMPs secreted by the oocytes as critical regulators offertility.