Oocyte secreted factors control genes regulating FSH signaling and the maturation cascade in cumulus cells: the oocyte is not in a hurry.

These findings suggest that oocyte-secreted factors inhibit FSH signaling and the expression of major genes of the maturation cascade in cumulus cells. These may be important actions of the oocyte favoring its communication with cumulus cells and preventing premature activation of the maturation cascade.