OvSpring - Mechanoregulation of ovulation across species

During ovulation a mature egg is released from the ovary, a crucial step that enables fertilization and the start of new life. Although ovulation is central to female fertility, we still know surprisingly little about how ovarian follicles physically rupture to release the egg. While hormonal signals that trigger ovulation are well studied, the contribution of mechanical forces within the follicle remains largely unexplored. Understanding these forces is crucial, as failures in follicle rupture are directly linked to infertility and ovarian disorders. This project aims to uncover how mechanical forces are generated and sensed during ovulation, and how they interact with well-known hormonal pathways. We propose that mechano- signalling pathways are triggered during oocyte maturation that work together with hormonal cues to ensure successful follicle rupture. To address this process, we combine cutting-edge live imaging with quantitative biophysical methods and molecular analyses across species by using both mouse and zebrafish follicles. Through this comparative and interdisciplinary approach, OvSpring aims to identify key mechanical and molecular events that drive the release of an egg during ovulation. Comparing these mechanisms across species will allow us to uncover conserved principles of reproductive biology, and may open new avenues for diagnosing and treating ovarian dysfunction.