Ovarian folliculogenesis involves the recruitment of primordial follicles into the growing pool, as well as the subsequent growth and maturation of activated follicles. The development of follicles, along with their enclosed oocytes, in the postnatal ovary is controlled by stage-dependent actions of various paracrine/autocrine factors during the ovarian cycle. Well-regulated folliculogenesis is crucial for supporting ovarian endocrine function via steroidogenesis and generating developmentally competent oocytes for fertilization.
Studies have been performed to investigate the roles of intraovarian small molecules and peptides to implement the processes controlling follicular cell viability, proliferation, differentiation, and function. Although progress has been made in the research of particular paracrine/autocrine factors, many remain unsubstantiated in terms of cell-specific production patterns, direct actions, physiological roles, and downstream signaling pathways in the follicle. There are similarities in some aspects of controlling follicular development and function among species, though differences in ovarian physiology are present, including the ovarian structure, estrous/menstrual cycle duration, preovulatory follicle number per cycle, ovulation process, as well as intraovarian factor isoforms and actions. Therefore, studies are needed in both laboratory animal models and clinical settings to further perceive the dynamic process of folliculogenesis and its stage-specific regulation by small molecules and peptides.
Manuscripts considered under this Research Topic include original research articles and reviews. Studies can be conducted using cell/tissue culture systems, vertebrate animal models, or human subjects. The goal is to increase our knowledge of molecular mechanisms, cellular events, and physiological parameters during the process of primordial follicle activation, follicle growth and maturation, ovulation, as well as follicular atresia in the postnatal ovary. Findings will provide valuable insights into understanding the pathology of ovarian-based disorders and diseases, facilitating the diagnose and treatment of ovarian dysfunction due to health conditions, medical treatment, or aging, as well as developing novel approaches in family planning.
Ovarian folliculogenesis involves the recruitment of primordial follicles into the growing pool, as well as the subsequent growth and maturation of activated follicles. The development of follicles, along with their enclosed oocytes, in the postnatal ovary is controlled by stage-dependent actions of various paracrine/autocrine factors during the ovarian cycle. Well-regulated folliculogenesis is crucial for supporting ovarian endocrine function via steroidogenesis and generating developmentally competent oocytes for fertilization.
Studies have been performed to investigate the roles of intraovarian small molecules and peptides to implement the processes controlling follicular cell viability, proliferation, differentiation, and function. Although progress has been made in the research of particular paracrine/autocrine factors, many remain unsubstantiated in terms of cell-specific production patterns, direct actions, physiological roles, and downstream signaling pathways in the follicle. There are similarities in some aspects of controlling follicular development and function among species, though differences in ovarian physiology are present, including the ovarian structure, estrous/menstrual cycle duration, preovulatory follicle number per cycle, ovulation process, as well as intraovarian factor isoforms and actions. Therefore, studies are needed in both laboratory animal models and clinical settings to further perceive the dynamic process of folliculogenesis and its stage-specific regulation by small molecules and peptides.
Manuscripts considered under this Research Topic include original research articles and reviews. Studies can be conducted using cell/tissue culture systems, vertebrate animal models, or human subjects. The goal is to increase our knowledge of molecular mechanisms, cellular events, and physiological parameters during the process of primordial follicle activation, follicle growth and maturation, ovulation, as well as follicular atresia in the postnatal ovary. Findings will provide valuable insights into understanding the pathology of ovarian-based disorders and diseases, facilitating the diagnose and treatment of ovarian dysfunction due to health conditions, medical treatment, or aging, as well as developing novel approaches in family planning.