RGD peptide promotes follicle growth through integrins αvβ3/αvβ5 in three-dimensional culture.

In Brief: Three-dimensional ovarian tissue culture is a unique model to define the effects of molecules on folliculogenesis. Using this model, we determined that RGD-integrin interaction plays a role in antrum formation and theca cell differentiation.

Abstract: We recently developed a three-dimensional (3D) ovarian tissue culture system supported by bacterial-derived dextran hydrogel.

RGD-modified dextran hydrogel promotes follicle growth in three-dimensional ovarian tissue culture in mice.

In vitro follicle growth is a promising technology to preserve fertility for cancer patients. We previously developed a three-dimensional (3-D) ovarian tissue culture system supported by mouse tumor cell-derived Matrigel. When murine ovarian tissues at 14 days old were cultured in Matrigel drops, antrum formation and oocyte competence were significantly enhanced compared with those cultured without Matrigel.