Squeezing the eggs to grow: The mechanobiology of mammalian folliculogenesis

Abstract

The formation of functional eggs (oocyte) in ovarian follicles is arguably one of the most important events in early mammalian development since the oocytes provide the bulk genetic and cytoplasmic materials for successful reproduction. While past studies have identified many genes that are critical to normal ovarian development and function, recent studies have highlighted the role of mechanical force in shaping folliculogenesis. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanobiological principles and the force-generating cellular structures and extracellular matrix that control the various stages of follicle development. We also highlight emerging techniques that allow for the quantification of mechanical interactions and follicular dynamics during development, and propose new directions for future studies in the field. We hope this review will provide a timely and useful framework for future understanding of mechano-signalling pathways in reproductive biology and diseases.

Chii Jou Chan: The positives of being under "pressure"

“…Here we are particularly interested in how the macrophages modulate their functions in response to the changing ECM environment during ovarian aging, which is accompanied by extensive fibrosis. Some of these questions are highlighted in a recent review published by our lab ( 2 ).…”

Cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of ovarian dysfunction

“…In addition, recent studies have revealed that the ovarian stroma surrounding follicles also regulates the follicular microenvironment, both mechanically and biochemically. [1][2][3] Furthermore, recent research has revealed that the accumulation of senescent cells worsens the adverse local environment in various tissues and plays critical roles in pathological conditions and chronological aging. 4 Cellular senescence is characterized by cell-cycle arrest, a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), macromolecular damage, and dysmetabolism.…”

“…The follicular microenvironment consists of the oocyte, the surrounding somatic cells (granulosa cells [GCs] and theca‐interstitial cells [TICs]), and the follicular fluid. In addition, recent studies have revealed that the ovarian stroma surrounding follicles also regulates the follicular microenvironment, both mechanically and biochemically 1–3 . Furthermore, recent research has revealed that the accumulation of senescent cells worsens the adverse local environment in various tissues and plays critical roles in pathological conditions and chronological aging 4 …”

Analytical method for reconstructing the stress on a spherical particle from its surface deformation

“…[10,14,15] for reviews). More recently, experimental advances made it possible to study also the mechanical properties [7,16,17] and its influences [6,[18][19][20][21][22] on cell development. Measuring the forces inside the ECM is very difficult for a variety of reasons.…”