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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Evaluation of Stem Cell Properties in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells Using Multi and Single Cell-based Spheres Assays

Evaluation of Stem Cell Properties in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells Using Multi and Single Cell-based Spheres Assays

Published on: January 3, 2015

Ovarian stem cells and aging.

W Hosni¹, E Bastu

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Climacteric : the Journal of the International Menopause Society

|December 29, 2011

Summary

Ovarian stem cells may rejuvenate the egg supply, but their function declines with age. This age-related decline, not depletion, likely drives menopause, offering potential for clinical intervention.

Area of Science:

Reproductive biology
Stem cell research
Gerontology

Background:

Mammalian ovaries were traditionally thought to have a static reserve of eggs.
Emerging evidence suggests the existence of ovarian stem cells with regenerative potential.

Purpose of the Study:

To review ovarian stem cell research successes.
To discuss evidence for follicular pool rejuvenation by ovarian stem cells.
To explore factors influencing ovarian stem cell competence and the inevitability of menopause.

Main Methods:

Literature review of relevant articles.
PubMed search from inception to July 2010.

Main Results:

Ovarian stem cells are a likely source of germline stem cells in fetal and adult life.

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Orthotopic Ovarian Transplantation Procedures to Investigate the Life- and Health-span Influence of Ovarian Senescence in Female Mice

Orthotopic Ovarian Transplantation Procedures to Investigate the Life- and Health-span Influence of Ovarian Senescence in Female Mice

Published on: February 12, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 26, 2026

Evaluation of Stem Cell Properties in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells Using Multi and Single Cell-based Spheres Assays

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Published on: January 3, 2015

Z-Scores for Assessing Ovarian Reserve in Young Patients Undergoing Fertility Preservation

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Published on: October 25, 2024

Orthotopic Ovarian Transplantation Procedures to Investigate the Life- and Health-span Influence of Ovarian Senescence in Female Mice

Orthotopic Ovarian Transplantation Procedures to Investigate the Life- and Health-span Influence of Ovarian Senescence in Female Mice

Published on: February 12, 2018

These stem cells can differentiate into oocytes in a conducive environment.

This challenges the concept of a static ovarian reserve.

Conclusions:

Ovarian stem cells share properties like pluripotency and self-renewal with other stem cells.
Their regenerative potential diminishes with age.
Menopause is proposed to result from age-related decline in ovarian stem cell function, not follicular depletion.