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Updated: Aug 26, 2025
06:36
Extraction, Labeling, and Purification of Lineage-Specific Cells from Human Antral Follicles
Published on: November 30, 2022
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Perivascular cells support folliculogenesis in the developing ovary
Shu-Yun Li1, Bidur Bhandary1, Xiaowei Gu1
1Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229.
Summary
Perivascular cells in the fetal ovary are multipotent progenitors that develop into granulosa cells, crucial for ovarian development. Their depletion disrupts follicle formation and impacts female fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Granulosa cells are vital for ovarian differentiation and oogenesis.
- The cellular origins of granulosa cells, particularly mesenchymal contributions, remain unclear.
- Understanding these origins is key to addressing female infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the cellular source of ovarian granulosa cells and their progenitors.
- To investigate the role of perivascular cells in ovarian development.
- To explore the link between ovarian vasculature and granulosa cell specification.
Main Methods:
- Identification of Nestin-expressing perivascular cells in the fetal ovary.
- Lineage tracing and ex vivo organ culture to track cell differentiation.
- Experimental depletion of Nestin-positive progenitors to assess functional impact.
Main Results:
- Perivascular cells are multipotent progenitors contributing to granulosa, thecal, and pericyte lineages.
- Ovarian vasculature and endothelial-mesenchymal Notch signaling are critical for progenitor maintenance.
- Depletion of Nestin+ progenitors disrupts granulosa cell specification and leads to polyovular follicles.
Conclusions:
- Nestin-expressing perivascular cells are a key progenitor source for ovarian somatic lineages.
- Ovarian vasculature plays a crucial role in ovarian differentiation and follicle development.
- These findings offer insights into the etiology of female gonad dysgenesis and infertility.
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