Regulation of Follicular Development in Ovarian Systems
Summary
Follicular development is a finely tuned process by which quiescent primordial follicles progress through primary, secondary and antral stages to reach a preovulatory state. This sequence is orchestrated by endocrine cues—principally follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and oestrogens—and by intraovarian regulators such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibins, activins and growth factors of the TGF-β family. Granulosa and theca cells communicate bidirectionally with the oocyte, supplying steroids, metabolites and paracrine signals that govern follicle growth, selection and atresia. The size of the primordial pool, the sensitivity to gonadotrophins and the balance of survival versus apoptotic pathways determine reproductive lifespan. Disruption of this network underlies diminished ovarian reserve, infertility and the impact of gonadotoxic treatments. Advances in transcriptomics, vector delivery systems and in vitro culture models have elucidated mechanisms of follicle activation, dominance and quiescence with broad implications for fertility preservation, contraception and assisted reproduction.
Research from Nature Portfolio
A viral-vectored anti-Müllerian hormone transgene delivered by a single intramuscular injection achieved durable contraception in the domestic cat without perturbing sex steroid concentrations or estrous cycling. Longitudinal monitoring over two years confirmed sustained transgene expression and prevention of breeding-induced ovulation, while mating behaviour and reproductive hormone profiles remained within physiological ranges. This approach exemplifies how targeted modulation of AMH signalling can selectively suppress follicle maturation and ovulation, offering a potential blueprint for long-term non-surgical contraceptive strategies.
Regulation of Follicular Development in Ovarian Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in regulation of follicular development in ovarian systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Folliculogenesis: The sequential maturation of ovarian follicles from primordial to preovulatory stages.
Primordial follicle: A dormant oocyte enveloped by a single layer of pregranulosa cells, constituting the ovarian reserve.
Antral follicle: A follicle containing a fluid-filled cavity (antrum) in which steroid production and selection of the dominant follicle occur.
Granulosa cells: Ovarian somatic cells that surround the oocyte, support its growth and produce estrogens and paracrine factors.
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): A TGF-β family glycoprotein secreted by granulosa cells that inhibits primordial recruitment and modulates FSH sensitivity.
Cumulus-oocyte complex (COC): The oocyte and its closely associated granulosa cells, critical for nutrient exchange and maturation signals.
Paracrine signalling: Local intercellular communication mediated by factors released into the extracellular environment.
References
- Durable contraception in the female domestic cat using viral-vectored delivery of a feline anti-Müllerian hormone transgene. Nature Communications (2023).
- Reduced anti-Müllerian hormone action in cumulus-oocyte complexes is beneficial for oocyte maturation without affecting oocyte competence. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2024).
- Hallmarks of Human Small Antral Follicle Development: Implications for Regulation of Ovarian Steroidogenesis and Selection of the Dominant Follicle. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2018).
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