Screen Readers Skip to Content

The Biological Clock that Governs Female Fertility

Author: University of Gothenburg
Published: 29th Oct 2014 - Updated: 12th Jan 2015
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: LGBT and Pregnancy Publications

Summary: The discovery represents a major contribution to research aimed at finding medical approaches to treating infertility in women.


Main Document

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified the biological clock that governs female fertility.

Some women can have successful pregnancies at the age of 50, whereas other are unable to get pregnant when they are 30. Researchers are not yet able to fully explain such differences. One factor is that the onset of menopause is influenced by the point at which the uterus runs out of eggs to release.

A recent study at the University of Gothenburg sheds light on the mystery of the biological clock that governs fertility.

Just as newborn infants require nurturance in order to survive, eggs in the uterus need nourishment and support from the granulosa cells of the primary follicle. According to the latest discovery by Professor Kui Liu's research team, a signaling pathway in these cells plays a key role in enabling immature eggs to survive.

Pathways that determine the fate of an egg

The mTOR signaling pathway in the granulosa cells is necessary for activating expression of the kit ligand growth factor, which subsequently binds to the c-kit receptors of eggs and determines their fate.

According to Professor Liu, who is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg, "This mechanism permits the granulosa cells to decide when eggs will begin to grow and when they will die. In that sense, they serve as a kind of biological clock that monitors the onset of menopause."

Researchers believe that the discovery will point the way to interventions that stimulate the growth of eggs that have been unable to mature. Their hope is that increased knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that govern development in human eggs can be applied to clinical treatment of female infertility in the years to come. Professor Liu's team is plunging ahead with that goal in mind.

Professor Liu is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg. His team studies genetic and epigenetic regulation of the development of female gametes (sex cells). For the past few years, their efforts have focused on both basic preclinical research and the application of results generated by studies of mouse models to clinical techniques for the treatment of female infertility.

Post to Twitter Add to Facebook

Latest LGBT and Pregnancy Publications

The above information is from our reference library of resources relating to LGBT and Pregnancy that includes:

Sexual Enjoyment After Childbirth Not Altered by Delivery Method thumbnail image.
Study addressed whether caesarean sections maintain sexual wellbeing compared to vaginal delivery, due to reduced risk of tearing and maintenance of vaginal tone.
Publish Date: 22nd Aug 2022 - Updated: 5th Jan 2023
Pregnant Transgender Men - Greater Support Needed thumbnail image.
Many transgender men have capacity to bear children but medicine has not incorporated gender diversity into routine care.
Publish Date: 29th Oct 2015
Pain During or After Intercourse and Mode of Delivery Link thumbnail image.
Operative birth is associated with persisting pain during or after sexual intercourse, known as dyspareunia.
Publish Date: 22nd Jan 2015
Over 22% of Pregnant Women Suffer Intimate Partner Violence thumbnail image.
Study analyses violent behaviours and emotional violence during female pregnancy.
Publish Date: 12th Dec 2014 - Updated: 25th Oct 2022


1Transgender Reporting Guide
How to write about transgender people.

2Am I Gay? Questions to Ask
Think you may be gay or bisexual?

3Glossary of Sexuality Terms
Definitions of sexual terms & acronyms.

4LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Symbols of Identity and Inclusion.

5LGBT Awareness Dates
Important LGBTQ community awareness days, remembrance dates, and coming pride events.

• Submissions: Send us your coming events and LGBTQ related news stories.


• Report Errors: Please report outdated or inaccurate information to us.



• (APA): University of Gothenburg. (2014, October 29). The Biological Clock that Governs Female Fertility. SexualDiversity.org. Retrieved February 19, 2025 from www.sexualdiversity.org/sexuality/health/pregnancy/120.php


• Permalink: <a href="https://www.sexualdiversity.org/sexuality/health/pregnancy/120.php">The Biological Clock that Governs Female Fertility</a>