PI3K/PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathways in Germ Cell Development and Their Involvement in Germ Cell Tumors and Ovarian Dysfunctions |
| |
| Authors: | Massimo De Felici Francesca Gioia Klinger |
| |
| Affiliation: | Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy |
| |
| Abstract: | Several studies indicate that the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling pathways are critical regulators of ovarian function including the formation of the germ cell precursors, termed primordial germ cells, and the follicular pool maintenance. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the functional role of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathways during primordial germ cell development and the dynamics of the ovarian primordial follicle reserve and how dysregulation of these signaling pathways may contribute to the development of some types of germ cell tumors and ovarian dysfunctions. |
| |
| Keywords: | primordial germ cells PI3K/PTEN/AKT ovarian follicles ovarian reserve primordial follicles ovarian dysfunction germ cell tumors |
|
