1)College of Medical Engineering and Technology, Hunan Engineering University, Xiangtan 411104, China;2)Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China;3)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guidong People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Wuzhou 543001, China;4)School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
This work was supported by grants from the Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education (YCSW2023406, YCSW2024446) and the Horizontal Co-operation Project Guidong People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region (2023GDHX03).
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.
CHENG Di, CHEN Yu-Hua, JIANG Xia-Ping, LI Lan-Yu, TAN Yi, LI Ming, MO Zhong-Cheng. Transzonal Projections and Follicular Development Abnormalities in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome[J]. Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics,2025,52(10):2499-2511
Copy

Scan code to follow ® 2025 Website Copyright ICP:京ICP备05023138号-1 京公网安备 11010502031771号
