Oocyte-Secreted Factors Synergize With FSH to Promote Aromatase Expression in Primary Human Cumulus Cells.

Context: The role of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) on aromatase regulation is poorly understood in humans.

Objective: Determine GDF9 and BMP15 effects on FSH stimulation of estradiol production in primary human cumulus granulosa cells (GCs). We hypothesized that the combination of GDF9 and BMP15 potentiates FSH-induced aromatase expression.