Ovarian follicular cells - living in the shadow of stemness cellular competence

Abstract

Granulosa cells (GCs) are a major component found in ovarian follicular fluid among oocytes, theca cells, and ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells. GCs are steroidogenic and have morphological functions that are important for the development of the follicular follicle. The follicle protects the developing female egg. GCs are also essential for the maturation of the female germ cell. Stem cell properties have been found in luteinised GCs and in vivo cultures have the potential to differentiate to become cells found outside of the ovary. Both three-dimensional (3D) culturing and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) medium have been used to help improve the culturing lifespan of GCs so that their profound proliferation and differentiation capabilities can be studied. Small RNAs called MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are released from exosomes originating from GCs, and they are involved in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling, follicle-stimulating hormone, hormone-related miRNAs, and apoptosis-related pathway. Finding the miRNAs involved in these pathways, and the mechanisms controlling GCs are important to treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and creating new drug therapies. Besides GCs, ovarian stem cells (OSCs) were discovered in the OSE, and they are believed to be derived from very small embryonic stem cells (VSELs). Transplanting blood mononuclear cells, cell Hormone Therapy (cHT) with bone marrow stem cell supplement and increasing vitamin C levels are all therapies currently being researched into that involve GCs to combat the effects of aging and infertility.Running title: Stemness of ovarian follicular cells

Cortical Granule Distribution and Expression Pattern of Genes Regulating Cellular Component Size, Morphogenesis, and Potential to Differentiation are Related to Oocyte Developmental Competence and Maturational Capacity In Vivo and In Vitro

“…DAB2 is involved in regulation processes such as cellular adhesion [54], which is important in cell culture. The expression of this gene was recorded in granulosa cells and theca cells in bovine, during comparative studies of these two groups of ovarian follicle cells [42,55]. The work of Stefańska et al [56] observed a high increase in DAB2 expression in oviduct epithelial cells (OECs) in primary culture, which indicated high participation of this gene in morphogenesis.…”

Transcriptomic profile of genes encoding proteins responsible for regulation of cells differentiation and neurogenesis in vivo and in vitro – an oocyte model approach

“…The essential processes for the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicle, called oogenesis and folliculogenesis, are controlled by granulosa cell and theca cell function [10]. GCs and CCs are waste material from IVF and are therefore accessible cells for studies [11].…”

The Making of a Competent Oocyte – A Review of Oocyte Development and Its Regulation

“…The ovary is made up of several cell types, but the main cells that are involved in ovarian function and oocyte production are the theca and granulosa cells (Richards et al, 2018;Moncrieff et al, 2019). Both cells work together to make up the physical structure of ovarian follicles and are essential in steroidogenesis (Richards et al, 2018;Moncrieff et al, 2019). The interaction between the two cells is the foundation for the two-cell theory.…”