ABSTRACT
Mammalian follicles are composed of oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells. Theca cells form in the secondary follicles, maintaining follicular structural integrity and secreting steroid hormones. Two main sources of theca cells exist: Wilms tumor 1 positive (Wt1) cells native to the ovary and Gli1 mesenchymal cells migrated from the mesonephros. Normal folliculogenesis is a process where oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells constantly interact with and support each other through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. The proliferation and differentiation of theca cells are regulated by oocyte-derived factors, including growth development factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15, and granulosa cell-derived factors, including desert hedgehog, Indian hedgehog, kit ligand, insulin-like growth factor 1, as well as hormones such as insulin and growth hormones. Current research on the origin of theca cells is limited. Identifying the origin of theca cells will help us to systematically elaborate the mechanisms of follicular formation and development.