Investigating the effects of activin A and TGFβ superfamily ligands on the fetal male germline

This thesis addresses how disruptions to signalling pathways within the developing testis can alter fetal germ (sex) cell development. I have demonstrated that altered TGFβ superfamily signalling, particularly the growth factor activin A, can directly affect male fetal germ cells. This research is important in the wider context of declining male fertility and increased testicular cancer rates worldwide. Understanding key developmental processes will aid our understanding of how testicular pathologies may arise.