Growth differentiation factor-9
Encyclopedia
Growth/differentiation factor 9 is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the GDF9 gene
.
GDF9 plays an important role in the development of primary follicles
in the ovary
. It has a critical role in granulosa cell
and theca cell growth, as well as in differentiation and maturation of the oocyte.
GDF9 has been connected to differences in ovulation
rate and in premature cessation of ovary function, therefore has a significant role in fertility
.
The cell surface receptor through which GDF9 generates a signal is the bone morphogenetic protein
type II receptor (BMPR2
).
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the GDF9 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
GDF9 plays an important role in the development of primary follicles
Ovarian follicle
Ovarian follicles are the basic units of female reproductive biology, each of which is composed of roughly spherical aggregations of cells found in the ovary. They contain a single oocyte . These structures are periodically initiated to grow and develop, culminating in ovulation of usually a single...
in the ovary
Ovary
The ovary is an ovum-producing reproductive organ, often found in pairs as part of the vertebrate female reproductive system. Ovaries in anatomically female individuals are analogous to testes in anatomically male individuals, in that they are both gonads and endocrine glands.-Human anatomy:Ovaries...
. It has a critical role in granulosa cell
Granulosa cell
A granulosa cell or follicular cell is a somatic cell of the sex cord that is closely associated with the developing female gamete in the ovary of mammals.-Anatomy and function:...
and theca cell growth, as well as in differentiation and maturation of the oocyte.
GDF9 has been connected to differences in ovulation
Ovulation
Ovulation is the process in a female's menstrual cycle by which a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and discharges an ovum . Ovulation also occurs in the estrous cycle of other female mammals, which differs in many fundamental ways from the menstrual cycle...
rate and in premature cessation of ovary function, therefore has a significant role in fertility
Fertility
Fertility is the natural capability of producing offsprings. As a measure, "fertility rate" is the number of children born per couple, person or population. Fertility differs from fecundity, which is defined as the potential for reproduction...
.
The cell surface receptor through which GDF9 generates a signal is the bone morphogenetic protein
Bone morphogenetic protein
Bone morphogenetic proteins are a group of growth factors also known as cytokines and as metabologens . Originally discovered by their ability to induce the formation of bone and cartilage, BMPs are now considered to constitute a group of pivotal morphogenetic signals, orchestrating tissue...
type II receptor (BMPR2
BMPR2
Bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II or BMPR2 is a serine/threonine receptor kinase. It binds Bone morphogenetic proteins, members of the TGF beta superfamily of ligands. BMPs are involved in a host of cellular functions including osteogenesis, cell growth and cell differentiation. Signaling...
).