Molecular crosstalk between insulin-like growth factors and follicle-stimulating hormone in the regulation of granulosa cell function.

BACKGROUND: The last phase of folliculogenesis is driven by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and locally produced insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), both essential for forming preovulatory follicles.

METHODS: This review discusses the molecular crosstalk of the FSH and IGF signaling pathways in regulating follicular granulosa cells (GCs) during the antral-to-preovulatory phase.

MAIN FINDINGS: IGFs were considered co-gonadotropins since they amplify FSH actions in GCs. However, this view is not compatible with data showing that FSH requires IGFs to stimulate GCs, that FSH renders GCs sensitive to IGFs, and that FSH signaling interacts with factors downstream of AKT to stimulate GCs. New evidence suggests that FSH and IGF signaling pathways intersect at several levels to regulate gene expression and GC function.

CONCLUSION: FSH and locally produced IGFs form a positive feedback loop essential for preovulatory follicle formation in all species. Understanding the mechanisms by which FSH and IGFs interact to control GC function will help design new interventions to optimize follicle maturation, perfect treatment of ovulatory defects, improve in vitro fertilization, and develop new contraceptive approaches.