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Content archived on 2024-05-29

Growth factors and ovarian function in cattle. The IGF system and the oestrogen receptor

Objective

Studies performed at the universities of Nottingham, Edinburgh and Aberdeen have identified the insulin/IGF systems as a major putative mediator of nutritional influences on reproduction as this system exerts both endocrine and locally mediated effects on ovarian folliculogenesis, oogenesis and embryogenesis. However, little is known about the down-stream mechanisms that allow this regulation. Bioavailability of IGF-I at the ovary could be a key factor through effects on follicular and oocyte growth in addition to positive effects on embryo development. Preliminary results obtained by the applicant during the tenure of the previous Marie Cure action would suggest that IGF-I stimulates numerous cellular activities on follicular cells, including ligand-independent activation of the beta-oestrogen receptor, which could be used as an indirect marker of fertility. The continuing decline in fertility over the last years has a major impact on sustainability of dairy production, and therefore has considerable social consequences. This project will continue the previous experiments performed by the applicant at the University of Nottingham under the supervision of Prof. Webb and Prof. Flint aiming to identify a key step by which dietary inputs, in direct relation to the IGF system, affect dairy cow fertility.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

FP6-2002-MOBILITY-11
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

ERG - Marie Curie actions-European Re-integration Grants

Coordinator

UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA
EU contribution
No data
Address
Campus Universitari
BELLATERRA (CERDANYOLA DEL VALLES)
Spain
Total cost
No data