Functional genomics of follicular growth and ovulation

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This research program aims at the identification and the study of molecular determinants that control the development of the ovarian follicle and oocyte, in relation to follicular selection/dominance and ovulation. The cow is used as the working model since it mimics the physiological pattern of follicular development observed in women, and represents an in vivo model of economic importance. Molecular determinants identified through the application of cDNA subtractive hybridization has allows the establishment of a gene index for granulosa cells at different follicular stages, by comparing non-selected to dominant follicles, and dominant to ovulatory follicles. The expression pattern of genes (known and novel cDNAs) identified, will be investigated by RT-PCR at different stages of follicular development and ovulation. The novel cDNAs identified, will be characterized by cloning and sequencing of their full-length cDNA. The study of the spatio-temporal expression pattern of genes in relation to follicular growth and ovulation will increase our understanding and control of this physiological process: to identify novel genes involved in cellular proliferation and cell signaling (extra and intra cellular) that impact on tissue remodeling, healing, and inflammatory processes; to increase the production of competent oocytes used for in vitro fertilization, nuclear transfer and transgenesis; to increase the efficacy of treatments aiming at follicle synchronization and ovarian super-stimulation programs in domesticated animals of economic importance, and in fertility and contraception programs in humans; and to identify candidate genes associated with fertility that can be used as molecular markers for genetic assisted selection in breeding programs of industries involved in commercializing and distributing male and female gametes.