The importance of ADAMTS proteases in ovulation and fertility.

在卵巢中，卵子在一个被称为卵泡的特殊器官中成熟。女性的生育能力取决于卵泡中卵子的有效释放以及卵子到受精部位的运输。在这些过程中，卵子被包裹在由细胞、蛋白质和复杂碳水化合物组成的粘液状垫子中。这种垫子或基质在卵子的释放、运输和受精过程中发挥着积极的作用。因此，在卵子释放前适当地形成这种缓冲对于有效的雌性生育是至关重要的。这个项目研究了新发现的蛋白质和蛋白水解酶的作用，它们与卵子周围基质垫的形成和功能有关。这对女性不孕症的原因以及提高试管受精技术的疗效具有重要的意义。

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.