Human Growth Differentiation Factor 9, GDF9 ELI

Required for ovarian folliculogenesis.

Promotes primordial follicle development.

Stimulates granulosa cell proliferation.

Promotes cell transition from G0/G1 to S and G2/M phases, through an increase of CCND1 and CCNE1 expression, and RB1 phosphorylation.

It regulates STAR expression and cAMP-dependent progesterone release in granulosa and thecal cells.

Attenuates the suppressive effects of activin A on STAR expression and progesterone production by increasing the expression of inhibin B.

It suppresses FST and FSTL3 production in granulosa-lutein cells.