Signal Transduction Pathways in Oocyte Maturation*

Oocyte maturation is a critical step with respect to female fertility since it includes all the final preparation for fertilization of the oocyte by the spermatozoon. This chapter addresses the role and the contribution of several enzymes and molecules to the process of oocyte maturation, including oocyte nuclear maturation and cumulus cell expansion. It reviews the impact of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during in vitro maturation (IVM). The chapter discusses the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the contribution of phosphodiesterase (PDE) to the promotion of intracellular cAMP action into the cells. It focuses on the recently proposed inhibitory role of natriuretic peptides. The chapter also discusses the contribution of gap junction communication (GJC) and the involvement of the metabolic switch, adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in oocyte maturation. It presents various elements of the signaling occurring during oocyte maturation.