Where are the theca cells from: the mechanism of theca cells derivation and differentiation

Abstract

Mammalian follicles are composed of oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells. Theca cells form in the secondary follicles, maintaining follicular structural integrity and secreting steroid hormones. Two main sources of theca cells exist: Wilms tumor 1 positive ( Wt1 + ) cells native to the ovary and Gli1 + mesenchymal cells migrated from the mesonephros. Normal folliculogenesis is a process where oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells constantly interact with and support each other through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. The proliferation and differentiation of theca cells are regulated by oocyte-derived factors, including growth development factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15, and granulosa cell-derived factors, including desert hedgehog, Indian hedgehog, kit ligand, insulin-like growth factor 1, as well as hormones such as insulin and growth hormones. Current research on the origin of theca cells is limited. Identifying the origin of theca cells will help us to systematically elaborate the mechanisms of follicular formation and development.

ESR2 regulates indian hedgehog signaling in neonatal rat ovary

“…GCs possess a high level of ESR2 expression (19, 20); thus, it is likely that Ihh expression in GCs is regulated by this ligand activated transcription factor. GCs in the activated ovarian follicles express the Ihh gene, which in turn act on premature TCs for induction of their development and differentiation (12,21). Loss of Ihh expression in neonatal rat ovary was associated with a loss of Hhip expression in a similar fashion that was reported in Ihh KO mouse ovary (13).…”

Exosomes: New regulators of reproductive development

“…The closest layer to the oocyte is the Zona pellucida surrounded by corona radiata granulosa cells, cumulus granulosa cells and mural granulosa cells (GCs) that surround the antrum of a follicle filled with follicular fluid (FF). The outermost layer of the follicular cells is theca cells (TCs) with distinctions for the outer and inner layers [ 49 ]. The FF of follicular cell secretion contains a variety of components, including proteins, hormones and exosomes [ 50 ].…”

Dr Association of bone morphogenetic protein 15 and growth differentiation factor 9 with litter size in livestock: a review study

“…The BMPs system and GDF9 regulate granulosa cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during follicle formation through autocrine/ paracrine action in the ovary (Shimasaki, Moore, Otsuka, & Erickson, 2004) (Figure 2). The oocytes express BMP6, BMP15, and GDF9 (Belli & Shimasaki, 2018), granulosa cells express BMPR-II and ALK3 and ALK6 receptors, and theca cells express the ALK3, and ALK6 receptors (Liu, Qin, Qu, Wang, & Yan, 2020). Whereas theca cells, granulosa cells, and oocytes express BMP3b, BMP4, and BMP7 (Juengel, Smith, Quirke, French, & Edwards, 2018).…”