Ovarian Matrisome Dynamics and αvβ3-Mediated Regulation in Early Follicular Development

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Extracellular Matrix Biology
• Ovarian Physiology

Background:

• Early follicular development (EFD) is critical for ovarian function, but the matrisome's role is unclear.
• The extracellular matrix (matrisome) provides structural and signaling cues during folliculogenesis.
• Understanding matrisome dynamics is key to addressing ovarian dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the matrisome's role and dynamics during early follicular development (EFD).
• To identify key mediators of matrisome-follicle interactions.
• To investigate the impact of matrisome signaling on follicle growth and oocyte maturation.

Main Methods:

• Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of mouse ovaries.
• Instrumental nanoindentation and Raman spectroscopy for mechanical and biochemical characterization.
• Functional inhibition of integrin αvβ3 and assessment of follicular parameters.

Main Results:

• Matrisome components are significantly enriched across species during EFD.
• Integrin αvβ3 acts as a critical receptor mediating matrisome signals.
• αvβ3 inhibition has dual effects: promoting primordial follicle activation but causing atresia.
• Matrisome disruption impairs granulosa cell function, oocyte maturation, and mitochondrial activity.
• Similar collagen remodeling and αvβ3 expression observed in human ovarian tissues.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive atlas of the matrisome during EFD.
• Integrin αvβ3 is a pivotal mediator of matrisome-follicle crosstalk.
• These findings offer mechanistic insights into ovarian dysfunction and impaired follicular development.