Hormone signaling in regulation of oocyte development
Our objective is to understand the role of steroid hormone signaling in cyst breakdown and oocyte survival. Although the mechanisms that control breakdown of cysts into individual oocytes and selection of some oocytes for survival are currently unknown, some evidence suggests a role for steroid hormones. Treatment of neonatal mice with natural estrogens such as estradiol (E2), or the phytoestrogen genistein or synthetic estrogens results in abnormal multiple oocyte follicles (MOFs). For genistein, this effect is mediated through Estrogen Receptor-b (ER-b). Recent data demonstrates that genistein treatment promotes oocyte survival and inhibits cyst breakdown leading to MOFs. However, the primary estrogen present in the maternal circulation is E2. Although neonatal E2 treatment is known to cause MOFs in the adult ovary, its effects on cyst breakdown have not been studied. We are now investigating effects of E2 treatment on cyst breakdown and oocyte survival.
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hormone signaling in cyst breakdown and oocyte survival. Although the mechanisms that control breakdown of cysts into individual oocytes and selection of some oocytes for survival are currently unknown, some evidence suggests a role for steroid hormones. Treatment of neonatal mice with natural estrogens such as estradiol (E2), or the phytoestrogen genistein or synthetic estrogens results in abnormal multiple oocyte follicles (MOFs). For genistein, this effect is mediated through Estrogen Receptor-b (ER-b). Recent data demonstrates that genistein treatment promotes oocyte survival and inhibits cyst breakdown leading to MOFs. However, the primary estrogen present in the maternal circulation is E2. Although neonatal E2 treatment is known to cause MOFs in the adult ovary, its effects on cyst breakdown have not been studied. We are now investigating effects of E2 treatment on cyst breakdown and oocyte survival. 
