Ornithine decarboxylase influences granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis: implications for ovarian regression in Wuding chickens

genes, thereby maintaining elevated intracellular polyamine levels in GCs to sustain their proliferative activity. Collectively, ODC functions as a positive regulator of GC physiology in Wuding chickens, driving follicular development through dual mechanisms: c-MYC/cyclin-mediated proliferation and polyamine metabolic adaptation. These findings elucidate the metabolic and molecular mechanisms underlying the laying-to-broody transition in chickens.