Receptor-mediated mechanisms in ovarian follicle and oocyte development

The normal development of the chicken oocyte within the ovarian follicle depends on the coordinated expression and function of several members of the low density lipoprotein receptor gene family. The human low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is the prototype of the gene family; since its discovery and the elucidation of the medical significance of mutations in the ldlr gene, many additional family members have been discovered and characterized, and some important advances have resulted from studies in the chicken. I describe the analogies as well as the differences that exist between the molecular genetics of the mammalian and avian members of this important gene family, with emphasis on receptor-mediated oocyte growth. Recent progress in the molecular characterization of the chicken genes whose products mediate oocyte growth, follicle development, and accessory pathways is described in detail, and emerging information of preliminary nature is included. As the availability of chicken genome sequence data has enhanced the rate of progress in the field, our understanding of the physiological roles of members of this receptor family in general has already gained from studies in the avian model system.