Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

Oogenesis, the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...

Master Transcription Regulators

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...

Gene Regulation During Sporulation

Gene Regulation During Sporulation

Sporulation is a complex developmental process that allows certain Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium species, to survive extreme environmental conditions. This process is tightly regulated by a series of signaling cascades and transcriptional controls, ensuring the formation of a highly resistant endospore.Sporulation is triggered by unfavorable conditions, such as nutrient depletion, and is governed by a phosphorelay system. One of the sensor kinases, such as...

Pleiotropy

Pleiotropy

Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Membrane proteome analysis identifies key components of sensing in Phytophthora parasitica zoospores.

Scientific reports·2025

Same author

Natural fermentation of fresh Jasmine flowers inspired the development of a biotechnological ingredient with global anti-ageing properties.

International journal of cosmetic science·2024

Same author

Age adjusted D-dimer in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust: A retrospective study.

The Ulster medical journal·2018

Same author

Amplification of R-spondin1 signaling induces granulosa cell fate defects and cancers in mouse adult ovary.

Oncogene·2016

Same author

Improving the treatment of coarse-grain electrostatics: CVCEL.

The Journal of chemical physics·2016

Same author

Extra-cranial giant cell arteritis: a diagnostic challenge.

QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians·2015

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Analysis of Chromosome Segregation, Histone Acetylation, and Spindle Morphology in Horse Oocytes

Analysis of Chromosome Segregation, Histone Acetylation, and Spindle Morphology in Horse Oocytes

Published on: May 11, 2017

Genetics of ovarian differentiation: Rspo1, a major player.

A A Chassot¹, E P Gregoire, M Magliano

¹INSERM, U636, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Laboratoire de Génétique du Développement Normal et Pathologique, Nice, France.

Sexual Development : Genetics, Molecular Biology, Evolution, Endocrinology, Embryology, and Pathology of Sex Determination and Differentiation

|November 7, 2008

Summary

R-spondin 1 (Rspo1) is the earliest known gene controlling female development in mammals. It activates beta-catenin signaling, crucial for ovarian organogenesis and germ cell development.

More Related Videos

Whole Ovary Immunofluorescence, Clearing, and Multiphoton Microscopy for Quantitative 3D Analysis of the Developing Ovarian Reserve in Mouse

Whole Ovary Immunofluorescence, Clearing, and Multiphoton Microscopy for Quantitative 3D Analysis of the Developing Ovarian Reserve in Mouse

Published on: September 3, 2021

Ovarian Tissue Culture to Visualize Phenomena in Mouse Ovary

Ovarian Tissue Culture to Visualize Phenomena in Mouse Ovary

Published on: June 19, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Analysis of Chromosome Segregation, Histone Acetylation, and Spindle Morphology in Horse Oocytes

Analysis of Chromosome Segregation, Histone Acetylation, and Spindle Morphology in Horse Oocytes

Published on: May 11, 2017

Whole Ovary Immunofluorescence, Clearing, and Multiphoton Microscopy for Quantitative 3D Analysis of the Developing Ovarian Reserve in Mouse

Whole Ovary Immunofluorescence, Clearing, and Multiphoton Microscopy for Quantitative 3D Analysis of the Developing Ovarian Reserve in Mouse

Published on: September 3, 2021

Ovarian Tissue Culture to Visualize Phenomena in Mouse Ovary

Ovarian Tissue Culture to Visualize Phenomena in Mouse Ovary

Published on: June 19, 2018

Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Genetics
Reproductive Biology

Background:

Mammalian sex determination involves genetic programs for testicular or ovarian organogenesis.
Key genes like Sry and Sox9 induce male development, but female pathways were less understood.
Mutations in RSPO1 cause female-to-male sex reversal in XX individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the roles of R-spondins (Rspo) in development and disorders.
To highlight Rspo1's critical function in mammalian sex determination using mouse models.

Main Methods:

Analysis of human pathologies involving RSPO1 mutations.
Generation and study of a corresponding mouse model for Rspo1.
Investigation of Rspo1's role in activating canonical beta-catenin signaling.

Main Results:

Rspo1 is identified as the earliest gene regulating the female genetic program.
Rspo1 activation of beta-catenin signaling is essential for female somatic cell differentiation.
This pathway is also critical for germ cell commitment into meiosis.

Conclusions:

Rspo1 plays a crucial, early role in initiating female sex determination.
Understanding Rspo1 function provides insights into ovarian development and related disorders.