The development of ovarian follicles hinges on the timely exposure to the appropriate combination of hormones. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are both produced in the pituitary gland and are transported to the thecal layer surrounding the follicle via the blood circulation. From there both hormones reach the inner parts of the follicle by diffusion. Across the follicle spatio-temporal signaling gradients thus emerge that are important for successful oocyte maturation.
We are developing data-based computational models of the spatio-temporal signaling processes within the follicle. The models integrate the large amount of published data into a consistent framework that can be used to better understand how defects observed in patients translate into failed follicle maturation [1,2]. The modelling also revealed the evolutionary constraint (a diffusion-based limitation on the thickness of the granulosa layer) that results in larger follicles with more follicular fluid in heavier animals [2].
In addition, we analyse a patient database to optimize treatment protocols.
We are developing data-based computational models of the spatio-temporal signaling processes within the follicle. The models integrate the large amount of published data into a consistent framework that can be used to better understand how defects observed in patients translate into failed follicle maturation [1,2]. The modelling also revealed the evolutionary constraint (a diffusion-based limitation on the thickness of the granulosa layer) that results in larger follicles with more follicular fluid in heavier animals [2].
In addition, we analyse a patient database to optimize treatment protocols.
Publications
- Iber D and De Geyter C, Computational Modelling of bovine ovarian follicle development. BMC Syst Biol (2013) 7, 6
- Bächler M*, Menshykau D*, De Geyter C and Iber D (* shared first authors) (2013) Species-specific differences in follicular antral sizes result from diffusion-based limitations on the thickness of the granulosa cell layer. Molecular Human Reproduction, in press