Growth/differentiation factor 9 (GDF9)

Promotes primordial follicle growth. Stimulates granulosa cell proliferation.

Promotes cell transition from G0/G1 to S and G2/M phases, through an increase of CCND1 and CCNE1 expression, and RB1 phosphorylation. It modulates STAR expression and cAMP-dependent progesterone release in granulosa and thecal cells.