The proper development of oocytes is essential for female fertility. The factors that affect oocyte development are still being investigated today. Previously in the Pepling Lab, it has been demonstrated that KIT receptor plays an important role in proper oocyte development. KIT receptor has several downstream signaling molecules, one of which is phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). The purpose of this capstone is to identify the role of PI3K within the oocyte, and determine the effects of KIT-mediated PI3K signaling. This capstone primarily uses organ cultures and immunocytochemistry. The results suggest that PI3K and KIT-mediated PI3K signaling play an important part in oocyte growth and development. Further analysis is also performed to determine the role of insulin in oocytes. Future investigation should consider possible synergistic effects of insulin and KIT signaling on PI3K.

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Additional support provided by: Honors Funding, SOURCE Grant

College of Arts & Sciences 2020, Natural Science & Engineering Projects 2020, 2020