MicroRNA Regulation in Ovarian Granulosa Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of ovarian granulosa cell function, orchestrating the fine balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, steroidogenesis and programmed cell death. These short noncoding RNAs modulate gene expression by binding target messenger RNAs, thereby influencing key signalling pathways such as PI3K–Akt, TGF-β and FoxO. In the ovarian follicle, miRNAs govern follicular growth and atresia by directing granulosa cell survival or apoptosis, and by shaping the local hormone milieu through control of steroidogenic enzymes. Extracellular carriers such as exosomes facilitate intercellular transfer of miRNAs within the follicular microenvironment, offering a mechanism for coordinated regulation of oocyte maturation. Advances in profiling techniques have highlighted species-specific and stage-dependent miRNA signatures, underlining their diagnostic potential and therapeutic promise in reproductive medicine.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that reduced expression of miR-21 in follicular fluid and cumulus cells correlates with lower numbers of mature oocytes retrieved in women with female-factor infertility, emphasising its role in oocyte maturation rather than subsequent embryo development. Foundational analyses of circulating miRNAs within human follicular fluid have identified panels—including let-7b, miR-29a, miR-30a, miR-140 and miR-320a—that discriminate ovarian reserve status and predict IVF outcomes such as blastocyst formation and clinical pregnancy, illustrating the utility of extracellular miRNA profiles as non-invasive biomarkers for personalised reproductive care.

MicroRNA Regulation in Ovarian Granulosa Cells publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna regulation in ovarian granulosa cells across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

MicroRNA (miRNA): short noncoding RNA molecules of approximately 22 nucleotides that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.

Granulosa cell: somatic cell in the ovarian follicle that supports oocyte development and produces steroid hormones.

Follicular fluid: nutrient-rich fluid contained within the ovarian follicle surrounding the oocyte and granulosa cells.

Exosome: extracellular vesicle of 30–150 nm diameter that mediates intercellular transfer of biomolecules including miRNAs.

Apoptosis: programmed cell death characterised by controlled cellular dismantling and removal.

References

1. Influence of Estrus on Dairy Cow Milk Exosomal miRNAs and Their Role in Hormone Secretion by Granulosa Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
2. Identification of microRNAs implicated in modulating resveratrol-induced apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023).
3. Characterization of MicroRNA expression profiles in the ovarian tissue of goats during the sexual maturity period. Journal of Ovarian Research (2023).
4. Evaluation of the potential of miR-21 as a diagnostic marker for oocyte maturity and embryo quality in women undergoing ICSI. Scientific Reports (2023).
5. MicroRNAs in ovarian follicular atresia and granulosa cell apoptosis. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (2019).
6. The Role of microRNAs in Ovarian Granulosa Cells in Health and Disease. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2019).
7. Circulating microRNAs in follicular fluid, powerful tools to explore in vitro fertilization process. Scientific Reports (2016).