Retinoic Acid Signaling in Ovarian Development
Summary
Retinoic acid (RA) signalling orchestrates multiple stages of ovarian development by acting as a key morphogen and metabolic regulator within the follicular environment. Synthesised locally from vitamin A precursors through a sequence of enzymatic conversions—primarily by alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases—RA engages nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) to modulate gene transcription. In the ovary, RA gradients direct germ cell meiotic initiation during foetal life, activate dormant primordial follicles and guide granulosa cell proliferation, differentiation and steroidogenesis. Crosstalk with gonadotrophin pathways, notably follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH)-driven enhancement of retinol uptake and metabolism, fine-tunes intrafollicular retinoid levels. RA further augments gap junction communication by regulating connexin-43, thereby promoting oocyte competence. Disruption of RA homeostasis can impair folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation, underscoring its fundamental role in female fertility.
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Retinoic Acid Signaling in Ovarian Development publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in retinoic acid signaling in ovarian development across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Retinoic acid (RA): The bioactive derivative of vitamin A that regulates target gene expression through nuclear receptor binding.
Granulosa cells: The ovarian somatic cells that surround the oocyte, secrete hormones and support follicle growth.
Connexin-43 (Cx43): A gap junction protein essential for direct cytoplasmic communication between granulosa cells and the oocyte.
STRA6/CRBP1: STRA6 is the cell-surface receptor for retinol uptake; CRBP1 is its intracellular carrier protein.
Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH): A pituitary glycoprotein hormone that drives follicular development and estradiol production.
In vitro maturation (IVM): The laboratory procedure in which oocytes are matured outside the ovary prior to fertilisation.
References
- Retinoic Acid Action in Cumulus Cells: Implications for Oocyte Development and In Vitro Fertilization. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes retinol uptake and metabolism in the mouse ovary. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (2018).
- The Usefulness of Retinoic Acid Supplementation during in Vitro Oocyte Maturation for the in Vitro Embryo Production of Livestock: A Review. Animals (2019).
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