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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Cells

Ovarian Somatic Cells: Cellular Heterogeneity and Functional Dynamics Across Health, Ageing, and Disease

  • Paola Rebuzzini1
  • Andrea Fantinato1
  • Giulia Brazzale1
  • Giulia Fiorentino1
  • Margherita Isernia1
  • Valeria Merico1
  • Danilo Cimadomo1,2
  • Maurizio Zuccotti1
  1. 1Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
  2. 2IVI Institute, IVI Institute Research Alliance, 00197 Rome, Italy
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Abstract

The ovary is a highly dynamic organ in which the somatic cell population plays essential roles in coordinating folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and tissue homeostasis. Increasing evidence highlights substantial cellular heterogeneity and functional plasticity within the ovarian somatic compartment, which is dynamically modulated across the reproductive lifespan. The ovarian somatic cells exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles and functional states that evolve across developmental stages and throughout the reproductive cycle. During ageing, somatic cell composition and function are reshaped, promoting inflammatory responses, stromal remodelling, and reduced support for oocyte developmental competence. Dysregulation of their function and plasticity is also increasingly implicated in reproductive disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian fibrosis). This review aims to consolidate emerging evidence of the central role of ovarian somatic cells and provides a unifying framework that integrates their roles in physiological ovarian function, ageing, and clinically relevant ovarian disorders.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{rebuzzini2026ovarian,
  title = {{Ovarian Somatic Cells: Cellular Heterogeneity and Functional Dynamics Across Health, Ageing, and Disease}},
  author = {Paola Rebuzzini and Andrea Fantinato and Giulia Brazzale and Giulia Fiorentino and Margherita Isernia and Valeria Merico and Danilo Cimadomo and Maurizio Zuccotti},
  journal = {Cells},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3390/cells15201870},
  url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15/20/1870},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Ovarian Somatic Cells: Cellular Heterogeneity and Functional Dynamics Across Health, Ageing, and Disease
AU  - Paola Rebuzzini
AU  - Andrea Fantinato
AU  - Giulia Brazzale
AU  - Giulia Fiorentino
AU  - Margherita Isernia
AU  - Valeria Merico
AU  - Danilo Cimadomo
AU  - Maurizio Zuccotti
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/14
JO  - Cells
DO  - 10.3390/cells15201870
UR  - https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15/20/1870
AB  - The ovary is a highly dynamic organ in which the somatic cell population plays essential roles in coordinating folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and tissue homeostasis. Increasing evidence highlights substantial cellular heterogeneity and functional plasticity within the ovarian somatic compartment, which is dynamically modulated across the reproductive lifespan. The ovarian somatic cells exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles and functional states that evolve across developmental stages and throughout the reproductive cycle. During ageing, somatic cell composition and function are reshaped, promoting inflammatory responses, stromal remodelling, and reduced support for oocyte developmental competence. Dysregulation of their function and plasticity is also increasingly implicated in reproductive disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian fibrosis). This review aims to consolidate emerging evidence of the central role of ovarian somatic cells and provides a unifying framework that integrates their roles in physiological ovarian function, ageing, and clinically relevant ovarian disorders.
SN  - 2073-4409
ER  -