The proto-oncogene c-src is involved in primordial follicle activation through the PI3K, PKC and MAPK signaling pathways.

Background: C-src is an evolutionarily conserved proto-oncogene that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In our previous studies, we have reported that another proto-oncogene, c-erbB2, plays an important role in primordial follicle activation and development. We also found that c-src was expressed in mammalian ovaries, but its functions in primordial follicle activation remain unclear.

[Roles of proto-oncogene c-erbB2 during the initiation growth of rat primordial follicles].

Objective: To study the expression and possible roles of proto-oncogene c-erbB2 during the initiation growth of primordial follicles.

Methods: Ovaries were collected from 2-day-old SD rats and cultured in the Waymouth culture system. In-situ hybridization, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the expressions of c-erbB2 mRNA and protein during the initiation growth of primordial follicles and after the effect of EGF.

Proto-oncogene c-erbB2 initiates rat primordial follicle growth via PKC and MAPK pathways.

Background: c-erbB2, a proto-oncogene coding epidermal growth factor receptor-like receptor, also as a chemosensitivity/prognosis marker for gynecologic cancer, may be involved in initiation of growth of rat primordial follicles. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role and signal pathway of c-erbB2 in onset of rat primordial follicle development.

Methods: The expression of c-erbB2 mRNA and protein in neonatal ovaries cultured 4 and 8 days with/without epidermal growth factor (EGF) were examined by in situ hybridization, RT-PCR and western blot.

[The expression of proto-oncogene c-erbB₂ and its role in the initiation of primordial follicle growth in rat ovary].

Little is known about the factors that control the initiation of growth of primordial follicles. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of c-erbB₂ on the onset of primordial follicle development, and whether c-erbB₂ mediates the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in this process. We synthesized three pairs of siRNAs targeting the c-erbB₂ mRNA and transferred them into the newborn rat ovary cultured in vitro with Metafectene.