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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Isolation of Small Preantral Follicles from the Bovine Ovary Using a Combination of Fragmentation, Homogenization, and Serial Filtration
Published on: September 27, 2022
Mechanisms of programmed cell death in livestock follicular development and atresia: a review
Shunshun Han1,2, Yimeng Wei1,2, Yuanhang Wei1,2
1Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
Programmed cell death (PCD), including autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis, is a fundamental biological process that plays a critical role in follicular development and atresia in livestock. In ovaries, the vast majority of follicles undergo atresia, while only a small fraction reach ovulation. Emerging evidence suggests that these three forms of PCD are intricately involved in regulating follicular fate through distinct yet interconnected molecular mechanisms. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the roles of autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis in follicular development and atresia, with a focus on their molecular mechanisms and interactions. By elucidating the complex regulatory networks of PCD in ovarian physiology, this review aims to provide new insights into improving reproductive efficiency in livestock through targeted modulation of these pathways.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
01:20Folliculogenesis
01:30Apoptosis