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Principal Investigator: Dr. Wanzirai Muruvi
Mentor: Dr. Joanne Fortune
Contact Information: E-mail: jf11@cornell.edu - Phone: 607-253-3466
Sponsor: The Lalor Foundation, Inc.
Grant Number: N/A
Title: The Role of Kit Ligand in Activation of Bovine Primordial Follicles
Annual Direct Cost: $35,000
Project Period: 04/16/06-04/15/07
In the mammalian ovary the pool of resting, primordial follicles constitutes the follicular reserve. From the time of follicle formation, and throughout female reproductive life, primordial follicles are continually recruited to activate and enter the growth phase. Very little is known about how this activation of primordial follicles is regulated, especially in humans and domestic animals. Several growth factors stimulate follicle activation in newborn rodent ovaries in vitro, but the evidence for a role for kit ligand (KL) seems the most compelling. Our laboratory developed an in-vitro model for bovine and baboon ovarian cortex in which wholesale, spontaneous activation occurs. In contrast activation is completely inhibited in our other experimental model, the grafting of bovine or baboon cortical pieces beneath the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos ("in ovo" culture). We propose to use these two models to examine the potential role of KL in bovine follicle activation. Hence, in Specific Aim #1 the CAM-graft model will be used to test the hypothesis that KL stimulates activation of primordial follicles in cattle. The role of KL will be further examined in Specific Aim #2 by testing if ACK2, a function-blocking antibody to the KL receptor, will inhibit primordial follicle activation in cortical pieces cultured in vitro. These experiments will help identify mechanisms that regulate the initiation of follicle growth in cattle, an excellent animal model for human ovarian function, and may generate ideas that lead to the development of alternative methods to control female reproduction.
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