ReviewBiological research2026
Developmental and functional landscape of theca cells in ovarian biology.
Review in Biological research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Ovarian theca cells constitute essential components of the follicular microenvironment and play central roles in follicular development, steroidogenesis, and endocrine regulation. Despite their significance, the developmental origins, differentiation processes, and functional dynamics of theca cells remain incompletely defined, particularly in humans. This review provides an updated synthesis of current knowledge on the ontogeny, molecular signaling pathways, and intercellular interactions of theca cells. It also presents recent findings on the role of theca stem or progenitor cells and their relevance to reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperthecosis, and ovarian insufficiency. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through May 2025. Search terms included "theca cells," "theca progenitors," "follicular development," "ovarian differentiation," "steroidogenesis," and "reproductive disorders." Original research articles and reviews providing mechanistic insights were included. Current evidence indicates that several signaling pathways, including IGF, SCF, FGF, members of the TGF-β superfamily, GDF9, BMPs, and Hedgehog proteins, are involved in the recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation of theca cells. Bidirectional communication among oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells remains essential for folliculogenesis. Increasing evidence links theca cell dysfunction to the pathophysiology of PCOS, primary ovarian insufficiency, and reproductive aging. The identification of theca stem cells (TSCs) and their proposed roles in ovarian regeneration represents an important conceptual advance. A deeper understanding of theca cell biology may guide the development of targeted strategies for infertility and ovarian dysfunction. In contrast, the integration of TSC biology offers new directions for reproductive medicine and reproductive health.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.