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Reproductive endocrinology, steroidogenesis, signal transductionDuring each wave of ovarian follicular maturation, granulosa cells and theca cells within the growing cohort of ovarian follicles differentiate into estradiol-17b (E2)- and androgen-producing cells, respectively. This dynamic process is regulated by the pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH) as well as a host of growth factors and cytokines. Ovarian steroidogenesis is critical for maintaining female fertility; thus, any factors which affect steroidogenesis can impact reproductive viability. The main emphasis of our research program is to better understand the effect of select cytokines, growth factors, and environmental agents on ovarian steroidogenesis. Present areas of emphasis include the role of hepatocyte growth factor, ghrelin, and HPTE on granulosa cell and theca cell steroidogenic differentiation. Selected PublicationsZachow R, Uzumcu M. (2007) The hepatocyte growth factor system as a regulator of female and male gonadal function. J Endocrinol. 195(3):359-71. Uzumcu M, Zachow R. (2007) Developmental exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors: Consequences within the ovary and on female reproductive function. Reprod Toxicol. 23(3):337-52. Uzumcu M, Pan Z, Chu Y, Kuhn PE, Zachow R. (2006) Immunolocalization of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) system in the rat ovary and the anti-apoptotic effect of HGF in rat ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. Reproduction. 132(2):291-9. Zachow R, Uzumcu M. (2006) The methoxychlor metabolite, 2,2-bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane, inhibits steroidogenesis in rat ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. Reprod Toxicol. 22(4):659-65. Zachow RJ, Woolery JK. (2002) Effects of hepatocyte growth factor on cyclic nucleotide-dependent signaling and steroidogenesis in rat ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. |
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