New gene markers involved in regulation of granulosa cells development and differentiation towards endodermal and epithelial tissues – a new insight into the stemness specificity of ovarian follicular cells

Abstract Maintaining of female fertility is strictly dependent on proper hormonal regulation. Granulosa cells (GCs) are components of ovarian follicles, and they are important in paracrine regulation of the ovary. Preovulatory follicle GCs are responsible for production of estrogens to the ovary microenvironment and lead to the LH surge. Proper functioning of GCs is necessary to ensure appropriate conditions for oocyte development, maturation, ovulation and its release to the oviduct. Long-term in vitro culture of GCs show significant stem-like characteristics. Understanding the molecular processes underlying GCs differentiation towards different cell lineages may reveal other possible stem cell markers. A transcriptomic analysis of short-term primary in vitro cultured GCs, which were isolated from porcine preovulatory follicles was the major focus of the study. The ontological groups herby considered are associated with endodermal and epithelial tissues. Results were and compare to freshly isolated GC cells. 6 the most reduced expression: HSD17B1, DAPL1, NEBL, MAL2, DAB1, ITM2A were chosen for analysis. These genes have been response for processes associated with GCs development and differentiation towards endodermal and epithelial tissues, which make them important for further consideration.