Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2016, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (2): 128-131.

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Wnt Signal Pathway during Folliculogenesis

ZHOU Tuan-ping,CUI Yu-gui,QIAN Ri-cheng   

  1. Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine,First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University,Nanjing 210029,China
  • Received:1900-01-01 Revised:1900-01-01 Published:2016-03-15 Online:2016-03-15
  • Contact: QIAN Ri-cheng

Abstract: The transduction of Wnt signal involves the interaction between Wnt and Fzd as well as cooperation with single-pass co-receptors, which induces the β-catenin translocation to nucleus and the transcription of target genes. This Wnt pathway drives the proliferation of granulosa cells via the intracellular β-catenin translocation. Wnt4 is a pleiotropic player during prenatal and postnatal follicular development, maturation and survival. Fzd1 participates in regulating the expression of those genes involved in cumulus expansion. β-catenin also participates in steroidogenesis and luteogenesis. The maladjustment of β-catenin may lead to premature ovarian failure,granulosa cell tumors and luteal phase defects. In this review, we summarized the classical Wnt/β-catenin pathway and its roles in folliclogenesis.

Key words: Signal transduction, Ovarian follicle, Steroids, Hormones, Ovulation, Luteinization