Role of focal adhesion kinase in oocyte-follicle communication.

ABSTRACT: Germ cells require communication with associated somatic cells for normal gametogenesis, as exemplified by an oocyte that interacts with granulosa cells via paracrine factors as well as gap junctions located at sites of contact between these two cell types. The objective of the present study was to define the mechanisms by which cell-cell contact with the oocyte is controlled and to determine the extent that the oocyte actively participates in this association. Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2), a focal adhesion kinase, was found to be activated at sites of contact between the oocyte and trans-zonal cell processes from the surrounding granulosa cells. In order to determine the functional significance of oocyte-derived PTK2 signaling in oocyte-follicle communication, an oocyte-specific

SUBMITTER: McGinnis LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4324459 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature