PGR-mediated transcriptome identifies SOX9 as a critical regulator of progesterone production in human ovulatory follicles

) as a human-specific, PGR-target gene during ovulation. Further functional studies showed that SOX9 regulates the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes, impacting progesterone production. In summary, we mapped the full spectrum of PGR-responsive genes in human ovulatory follicles and identified SOX9 as a human-specific mediator of the ovulatory process. These data provide critical insights into PGR-regulated ovulatory pathways, laying the foundation for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for infertility treatment and contraception.