Description
Description: This assay employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate GDF-9 in samples. An antibody specific for GDF-9 has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any GDF-9 present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for GDF-9 is added to the wells. After washing, Streptavidin conjugated Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound avidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of GDF-9 bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.
Overview: Growth factors synthesized by ovarian somatic cells directly affect oocyte growth and function. Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) is expressed in oocytes and is thought to be required for ovarian folliculogenesis. GDF9 is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) superfamily. GDF9 plays an important role in the development of primary follicles in the ovary. It has a critical role in granulosa cell and theca cell growth, as well as in differentiation and maturation of the oocyte. GDF9 has been connected to differences in ovulation rate and in premature cessation of ovary function, therefore has a significant role in fertility. The cell surface receptor through which GDF9 generates a signal is the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPR2)