Conference Description:

The development of functional gonads and the production of mature gametes requires precise control of cellular development, often over many months. Growth factor signals are critical regulators of every stage of gametogenesis and gonadogenesis, yet our understanding of how these signals exert their effects and how different signalling pathways converge within these tissues remains limited. Elucidating these processes will provide insight into the biology of gonadal development and function, identify novel targets for contraceptive development, and lead to the development of new treatment strategies for infertility and gonadal pathologies.

The aim of this Society for Endocrinology themed scientific meeting is to bring together experts working on different aspects of growth factor signalling in the formation, development and function of the mammalian gonads. This includes (i) sex determination and early gonadal development, (ii) the activation and maintenance of gametogenesis and (iii) how dysregulation of signalling can result in gonadal pathologies and fertility challenges.