Follicle Selection and Differentation in the Avian Ovary

在所有鸟类中，生殖（卵巢产生卵子的能力）取决于一组小的未分化卵泡的初始发育。正是从这个队列中选择一个卵泡，通常每天进行，以在排卵前开始生长。测试的新概念是，卵泡选择，随后立即快速生长和最终分化，取决于卵泡刺激激素（FSH）和血管活性肠肽（VIP）受体反应性的获得。初步研究使用国内母鸡作为主要的研究模型，将建立细胞机制，阻止受体信号传导和维持卵泡在未分化状态之前卵泡选择。该项目的一个目的是检验鸟类卵泡选择代表一个过程的假设，在这个过程中，每天有一个未分化的卵泡逃脱抑制机制，并在排卵前开始快速生长和最终成熟。第二个目标将集中在细胞机制，调节卵泡生长和分化后立即选择，包括启动和夹带的昼夜节律在卵巢内。从这些研究中产生的数据预计将：1）能够初步预测非鸟类脊椎动物中卵泡选择的调节机制（例如，爬行动物和哺乳动物物种）; 2）描述决定鸟类生殖潜力的细胞机制，并可能确定哺乳动物（包括人类异卵双胞胎）多次排卵的机制; 3）对提高受威胁/濒危物种和食用动物的繁殖力具有实际意义。研究结果将定期在专业学会会议上发表，所有完成的研究将及时发表在高质量的研究期刊上。所提供的资金将支持本科生和研究生的研究项目。主要调查员积极征聘和鼓励代表性不足的妇女和学生参与。

In all birds, reproduction (ability of the ovary to produce eggs) is dependent upon the initial development of a group of small, undifferentiated ovarian follicles. It is from this cohort that a single follicle is selected, often on a daily basis, to initiate growth prior to ovulation. The novel concept tested is that follicle selection, followed immediately by rapid growth and final differentiation, is dependent upon the acquisition of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) receptor responsiveness. Initial studies using the domestic hen as the primary research model will establish the cellular mechanisms that prevent receptor signaling and maintain follicles in an undifferentiated state prior to follicle selection. One objective of the project is to test the hypothesis that ovarian follicle selection in birds represents a process in which a single undifferentiated follicle per day escapes inhibitory mechanisms and begins rapid growth and final maturation prior to ovulation. A second objective will focus on cellular mechanisms that regulate follicle growth and differentiation immediately subsequent to selection, including the initiation and entrainment of circadian rhythms within the ovary. The data generated from these studies are expected to: 1) enable initial predictions about mechanisms regulating follicle selection in non-avian vertebrates (e.g., reptiles and mammalian species); 2) describe cellular mechanisms that determine a bird's reproductive potential, and possibly identify mechanisms that enable multiple ovulations in mammals (including fraternal twins in humans); and 3) have practical implications to enhancing fecundity in both threatened/endangered species and food-producing animals. Research results will be regularly presented at professional society meetings, and all completed studies will be published in high quality research journals in a timely fashion. The funding provided will support both undergraduate and graduate student research projects. The Principal Investigator actively recruits and encourages the participation of women and students from underrepresented populations.