FSH and GDF-9 modulate extracellular matrix remodeling in human preantral follicles in a 3D hydrogel culture

Human preantral follicle development requires finely tuned signaling between oocytes and granulosa cells, supported by a structured extracellular matrix (ECM). This study investigates how follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), alone or combined, influence follicular growth and ECM organization in a 3D cell culture system. All culture conditions maintained high follicle viability on Days 1 and 7 with no significant intergroup differences; Day-7 viability r