Physiology of GDF9 and BMP15 signalling molecules

Two related oocyte-derived members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, namely growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15, also known as GDF9B), have recently been shown to be essential for ovarian follicular growth. In addition, both proteins have been shown to regulate ovulation rate in sheep, and although it is evident that these growth factors interact both with one another and with other intra- and extra-ovarian factors, the precise mechanisms by which they influence follicular growth and ovulation rate have not been thoroughly elucidated.