Sequential Expression of Zona Pellucida Protein Genes during the Oogenesis of Domestic Cats(1)

About 1500 preantral follicles can be recovered from a single cat ovary by mechanical dissection. If these ova could be grown in vitro, they would be a potentially rich source of genetic material, especially from members of rare or endangered cat species. However, we still have comparatively little understanding of gamete development within the cat ovary during the growth phase from resting to antral follicles. Better knowledge of oogenesis is necessary for an understanding not only of the cellular and molecular bases of fertility, but for introducing effective long-term culture systems for ‘‘oocyte rescue’’ in order to retain genetic diversity in rare species. buy yasmin online

The comparative biology approach has already been very fruitful in gaining knowledge for oogenesis research, using the mouse as a model species. During oogenesis, mammalian oocytes become more complex in their cytoplasmic organization. They become competent to resume meiosis and are able to undergo fertilization and cleavage division. These changes depend on the production of new gene products and organelles during oogenesis as well as on the modification and redistribution of existing ones.

Category: Genes

Tags: Genes, Oogenesis of Domestic Cats, Protein