Extracellular Matrix in the Ovary

Abstract

Ovaries are reproductive organs in which follicles and corpora lutea continually grow and regress. Follicles have both epithelial and stroma layers in which cell migration or movement, cell division, specialization and differentiation, and death occur. A fluid-filled antrum develops and the oocyte matures. At ovulation the epithelial granulosa cells undergo a transition into luteal cells via a process similar to that of an epithelial to mesenchymal cell. Theca cells also contribute to the population of luteal cells. Angiogenesis occurs in the thecal layer and in the developing corpus luteum. Although growth factors and hormones are very important in many of these processes and have been well studied, extracellular matrix participates in all of them. Importantly, matrix is diverse in composition, and cells rarely behave without reference to the composition and structure of the surrounding matrix.