Signalling pathways involved in oocyte growth, acquisition of competence and activation

The oocyte's primary function is to be fertilised by a spermatozoon in order to create a viable embryo. Oocyte growth and development are initiated during embryogenesis and occur in parallel to follicular development. Factors produced by the oocyte bind to receptors on follicular cells, ensuring follicular development. Oocytes begin meiosis during foetal development and are arrested in prophase I by elevated levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases triggers degradation of cAMP, allowing oocyte maturation to proceed. The production of progesterone and prostaglandins during the ovulation process ultimately activates proteases, whose action helps to release the oocyte into the Fallopian tube. Oocyte activation depends on fertilisation and is induced by changes in intracellular calcium levels. Dysregulation of these pathways is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases including the syndrome of oocyte maturation failure.