The importance of ADAMTS proteases in ovulation and fertility.

在卵巢中，卵子在一个称为卵泡的专门器官中成熟。女性生育力取决于卵子从卵泡中有效释放以及卵子运输到受精部位。在这些过程中，鸡蛋被包裹在一个由细胞、蛋白质和复合碳水化合物组成的粘液状垫子中。这种垫或基质在卵子释放、运输和受精中起着积极的作用。因此，在卵子释放之前适当形成这种缓冲对于有效的女性生育力至关重要。该项目研究了新发现的蛋白质和蛋白酶的作用，这些蛋白质和蛋白酶参与了鸡蛋周围基质垫的形成和功能。这对女性不孕症的原因以及提高IVF技术的疗效具有重要意义。

In the ovary eggs are matured within a specialised organ called a follicle. Female fertility is dependent on the efficient release of eggs from the follicle as well as transport of the egg to the site of fertilization. During these processes the egg is encased within a mucous-like cushion made of cells, proteins and complex carbohydrates. This cushion or matrix plays an active role in egg release, transport and fertilization. Proper formation of this cushion just before egg release is therefore essential for efficient female fertility. This project examines the role of newly identified proteins and protease enzymes that are involved in the formation and function of the matrix cushion around eggs. This has important implications for the causes of infertility in women as well as improving the efficacy of IVF techniques.