GATA4: Regulation of expression and functions in goat granulosa cells

•hCG induces GATA4 expression via diverse signaling pathways in goat GCs.•MiR-200b and miR-429 target GATA4 3′UTR, influencing hCG-induced GATA4 expression.•MiR-200b, miR-429, and GATA4 interaction modulates goat GC proliferation.•Knockdown of GATA4 reduces estradiol and progesterone secretion in goat GCs. GATA4 plays a pivotal role in the reproductive processes of mammals. However, the research on GATA4 in goat ovary is limited. This study aimed to study the expression and function of GATA4 in goat ovary. Utilizing real-time PCR and western blot analysis, we studied the expression and regulatory mechanisms of GATA4 in goat ovary and granulosa cells (GCs). We found that GATA4 was expressed in all follicle types in the goat ovary, with significantly higher levels in GCs of larger follicles (>3 mm) compared to those in smaller follicles (