Research in the Francisco Diaz laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular and functional interactions between oocytes and granulosa cells that promote production of a fertile oocyte.
Female germ cell development occurs in the context of an ovarian follicle, which contains a germ cell (oocyte or egg) and somatic granulosa and theca cells. Intercommunication between oocytes and granulosa cells is necessary for proper oocyte and follicular development. This knowledge can then be used to:
- develop better therapeutic interventions for infertility or species preservation
- develop better reproductive management tools for animal agriculture
