Bone morphogenetic protein 15

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the BMP15 is_associated_with::gene. It's mainly involved in is_associated_with::folliculogenesis.

Structure and expression
The is_associated_with::protein encoded by this gene is a member of the TGF-β superfamily. It is a is_associated_with::paracrine signaling molecule involved in is_associated_with::oocyte and follicular development. Using is_associated_with::Northern blot analysis, BMP15 has been shown to be exclusively expressed in the is_associated_with::ovaries. It is thought that this protein may be involved in oocyte maturation and follicular development as a is_associated_with::homodimer or by forming is_associated_with::heterodimers with a related protein, Gdf9.

Functions
The functions of BMP15 include:
 * Promotion of growth and maturation of is_associated_with::ovarian follicles, starting from the primary is_associated_with::gonadotrophin-independent phases of is_associated_with::folliculogenesis.
 * Regulation of the sensitivity of is_associated_with::granulosa cells to is_associated_with::follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) action, contributing to the determination of the number of eggs that are ovulated.
 * Prevention of granulosa cell is_associated_with::apoptosis.
 * Promotion of developmental competence of is_associated_with::oocytes.

Defects in BMP15 are associated with is_associated_with::primary ovarian insufficiency. BMP15may represent a is_associated_with::biomarker of ovarian response to is_associated_with::ovarian stimulation or oocyte quality.