TGF-β signaling in the ovary: Emerging roles in development and disease

Yuxu He; Mailin Gan; Jianfeng Ma; Shuang Liang; Lei Chen; Lili Niu; Ye Zhao; Yan Wang; Li Zhu; Linyuan Shen

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141455

TGF-β signaling in the ovary: Emerging roles in development and disease

Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 May;306(Pt 4):141455. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141455. Epub 2025 Feb 25.

Authors

Yuxu He¹, Mailin Gan¹, Jianfeng Ma¹, Shuang Liang¹, Lei Chen¹, Lili Niu¹, Ye Zhao¹, Yan Wang¹, Li Zhu², Linyuan Shen³

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China. Electronic address: zhuli@sicau.edu.cn.
³ State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China. Electronic address: shenlinyuan@sicau.edu.cn.

PMID: 40015411
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141455

Abstract

The TGF-β superfamily plays a pivotal role in a wide array of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. It is also critically involved in ovarian development and the pathogenesis of various diseases. Within the ovary, follicles act as the primary functional units, housing numerous members of the TGF-β superfamily that regulate follicular development and, consequently, overall ovarian function. Dysregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway is associated with reproductive disorders and the development of ovarian diseases in female mammals, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian aging, ovarian insufficiency, and ovarian cancer. This article highlights the significant contributions of key TGF-β signaling pathway members to follicular development and ovarian disease progression, aiming to deepen the understanding of TGF-β signaling's critical role in reproductive health.

Keywords: Disease; Ovary; TGF-β.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Female
Humans
Ovarian Diseases* / metabolism
Ovarian Diseases* / pathology
Ovarian Follicle / metabolism
Ovary* / growth & development
Ovary* / metabolism
Ovary* / pathology
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / metabolism
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / pathology
Signal Transduction*
Transforming Growth Factor beta* / metabolism

Substances

Transforming Growth Factor beta