Extracellular vesicle subpopulations in human follicular fluid

Ovarian follicle is the basic functional unit of the ovary containing an oocyte surrounded by supporting granulosa and theca cells. During follicle development, formation of fluid-filled antrum separates granulosa cells into two subpopulations. Cells surrounding the oocyte are cumulus granulosa cells (CGC) and cells surrounding the antrum are mural granulosa cells (MGC). Communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells is maintained by several mechanisms including transport of extracellular vesicle (EV) cargo. Follicular fluid EVs are lipid bilayer vesicles loaded with proteins, mRNAs, microRNAs, lipids, and DNA which are taken up by distinct cell types within the ovarian follicle allowing communication between distant cells.