Functional study and regional mapping of 44 hormono-regulated genes isolated from a porcine granulosa cell library

cDNA clones from a pig granulosa cell cDNA library were isolated by differe ntial hybridisation for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) regulation in gr anulosa cells in a previous study. The clones that did not match any known sequence were studied for their expression in granulosa cells (treated or n ot by FSH) and in fresh isolated ovarian follicles mainly by comparative RT -PCR analysis. These results give functional data on genes that may be impl icated in follicular growing. These ESTs have been localised on the porcine genome, using a somatic cell hybrid panel, providing new type I markers on the porcine map and information on the comparative map between humans and pigs.