PITX2 regulates steroidogenesis in granulosa cells of dairy goat by the WNT/β-catenin pathway

•PITX2 is expressed in lower abundance of dairy goat ovary than other tissues.•PITX2 promotes the secretion level of estrogen and progesterone by regulating the expression of steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1, CYP19A1, 3β-HSD, STAR.•PITX2 up-regulated the expression of DVL1 and β-catenin activating WNT/β-catenin.•PITX2 enhances the cell viability and proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells in dairy goat.