GATA2-LHCGR regulatory network promotes follicle development by enhancing granulosa cell proliferation and ovarian steroidogenesis in Wanxi white geese

Low egg production in Wanxi white geese limits their commercial viability. This study investigates the role of luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor ( LHCGR ) in regulating granulosa cell function and egg production. Using overexpression, knockdown, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, and dual-luciferase assays, we found that LHCGR is highly expressed in pre-hierarchical follicles of Wanxi white geese, promoting steroidogenesis and granulosa cell proliferation. LHCGR overexpression increases estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels, whereas knockdown reduces these hormones and increases apoptosis. Three SNPs were identified in the LHCGR promoter, with the wild-type haplotype linked to a 25% increase in egg production. Furthermore, GATA binding protein 2 ( GATA2 ) binds to the wild-type LHCGR promoter, enhancing its expression. These findings demonstrate that the GATA2-LHCGR regulatory network enhances follicular maturation and supports increased egg production in Wanxi white geese, offering targets for genetic selection to enhance egg-laying performance.