The oocyte is a large energy-demanding cell which produces growth factors that act in a paracrine manner on surrounding, specialised somatic cells (granulosa or cumulus cells). In response, these somatic cells then provide to the oocyte, the correct nutrients and energy for its specific stage of development. These cell-to-cell communications are facilitated through the action of gap junctions, and play a large role in the health of the oocyte.
Additionally, recently it has been shown that loss of oocytes from the ovary results in complete ovarian disorganisation and subsequently, the progressive development of heterogeneous ovarian tumours. This provides evidence that the oocyte itself may orchestrate the structural integrity and function of the ovary proper.
The current focus of my research is on
1) gene regulation of the formation and function of gap junctions between the oocyte and its surrounding somatic cells,
2) activity of specific genes in cumulus cells that surround the maturing oocyte, and
3) gene regulation of the progressive degeneration of ovarian integrity and of development of tumours in ovaries following oocyte loss
