Development of oocytes within the ovarian environment

Oocytes do not arise in isolation, but rather surrounded by specialized cells within the ovary. Oocytes communicate biochemically with these surrounding cells, but the extent of these pathways are not fully defined. Unlike mammals, sea stars display a tremendous reproductive longevity, and continue to produce new oocytes throughout their lifespan. This unique biology, along with an in vitro culture system, will allow us to define the cellular organization of the sea star ovary, and the ways in which developing oocytes communicate with surrounding cells. This work will help us to uncover conserved processes in oogenesis important for fertility and the evolution of the ovary.