Reproductive lifespan in female mammals is related to the size of primordial follicles pool, which relies on the balance between activated and quiescent primordial follicles. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms of recruiting and maintaining quiescence of primordial follicles have become hot research topics recently. Multiple studies have shown that genetic mutations, local ovarian autocrine and paracrine factors, proto-oncogene and tumor-suppressor genes are involved in the maintenance of balance between quiescent and activated primordial follicles. In the present review, we summarize recent research progress of the important signaling molecules and pathways that maintain the quiescence of primordial follicles.