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Local roles of free inhibin alpha subunit and multiple follistatin isoforms in bovine ovarian follicles

ReferenceS14995
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Philip Knight
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of Reading
DepartmentAnimal and Microbial Sciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 209,720
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/10/2001
End date 30/09/2004
Duration36 months

Abstract

Multiple isoforms of free inhibin alpha subunit (free-alpha) and follistatin (FS) are secreted by granulosa cells but their intrafollicular roles are ill-defined. We will isolate native isoforms of free alpha , FS and activin (A and AB) from bovine follicles and (a) seek evidence that free alpha behaves as an inhibin antagonist/activin agonist; (b) study the interaction of FS isoforms with activins A and AB, with cell surface proteoglycans and with activin-induced biological responses (androgen production by bovine theca cells, haemoglobin synthesis by K562 cells); (c) determine if trophic factors (i.e. FSH, IGF-1) modulate granulosa cell expression of different free alpha and FS isoforms; and (d) determine if intrafollicular free alpha and FS isoform distribution patterns vary during follicle development, reflecting differing roles in emergence, selection, dominance and atresia.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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