Gene expression in rhesus macaque ovarian preantral follicles without and with anti-Mullerian hormone treatment

Monkey ovarian preantral follicles can be cultured individually in a matrix-free system. Follicles maintain the three-dimensional architecture and grow to perform similar function, e.g. regulatory factor production and metabolic activity, to that of preantral follicles developed in vivo. The goal of this study is to compare global gene expression in preantral follicles without and with exposure to anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), a transforming growth factor beta family member. The study will determine AMH-regulated genes during follicular development at the preantral stage and the molecular mechanisms through which AMH promotes preantral follicle growth in primate species. AMH treatment may contribute to the improvement of ovarian stimulation protocol during the in vitro fertilization cycle for women seeking infertility treatment via assisted reproductive technology.