r e s e a r c h.. f o c u s

Programmed cell death regulators in
oocyte differentiation

Programmed cell death of oocytes occurs at the same time as cyst breakdown but the relationship between these two processes is not known. Females ectopically expressing the programmed cell death regulator, Bcl-2, in germ cells have more oocytes than normal at
PND 8 but cyst breakdown has not been studied in these mice. Our current model is that programmed cell death is required for cysts to break apart.  Supporting our model, cyst breakdown is inhibited in
mice lacking the Bcl-2 family member, bax. What regulates Bcl-2 family activity in oocytes is unknown.  However, cysts do partially break down in bax mutants suggesting that Bcl-2 family independent pathways may also play a role. We are examining Bcl-2 family mediated programmed cell death as well as Bcl-2 independent programmed cell death in neonatal oocyte survival and cyst breakdown.

For more details about my research please select from the following:

• Hormone signaling in regulation of oocyte development
• Programmed cell death regulators in oocyte differentiation
  

Undergraduate students: Please click here for information about research opportunities in my lab.