Unravelling the complexity of human oogenesis and reproductive tract development

Abstract

Oogenesis is a complex, multistep process governed by interactions between germ cells and the gonadal somatic niche. A critical aspect of this process is the formation of primordial follicles, which establish the ovarian reserve that sustains a woman’s fertility throughout her reproductive life. Despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for egg retrieval, in vitro maturation of oocytes, and the treatment of uterine pathologies, relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying primordial follicle formation and the development of sex-specific human reproductive tracts. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential for developing novel and effective infertility treatments, particularly those related to egg quantity and quality. This thesis provides new insights into the development of human fetal female germ cells into oocytes, the formation of primordial follicles, and the sex-specific development of the reproductive tract.