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The cumulus cell gene expression profile of oocytes with different nuclear maturity and potential for blastocyst formation

  • Gamete Biology
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Gene expression in human ART cumulus cell (CC) has been related to oocyte maturity and competence but requires further validation. Expression dynamics were investigated in CC of oocytes at different maturational stages and with different developmental competence in a standard in vivo mouse superovulation model.

Methods

Quantitative PCR analysis of Has2, Vcan, Sdc4, Alcam, Grem1, Ptgs1 and Ptgs2 in CC collected at regular time intervals from 0 to 24 h post hCG injection.

Results

Three expression patterns were observed each with strong regulation (4–230× differences). Immediately prior to ovulation CC of GVBD oocytes have 5× less Sdc4 and Ptgs1 and 5× more Ptgs2 when compared to the CC of freshly ovulated PB oocytes. When compared to the latter, the post-ovulatory aged PB oocytes had a 2× reduced blastocyst forming capacity and their CC expressed 2× more Sdc4 and 6× less Alcam.

Conclusions

Morphologically identical cumulus oocyte complexes with different developmental competence can be differentiated by CC gene expression.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank J.-C. Arce and L. Helmgaard, Clinical Research & Development, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, for their contribution to the study and the manuscript, and M. Whitburn, ITO, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, for his editorial assistance.

This research has been supported by funds from the FWO (N° FWOAL389), Ferring Pharmaceuticals and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) OZR (N° OZR627).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 101, B 1090, Brussels, Belgium

    Tom Adriaenssens, Ingrid Segers, Sandra Wathlet & Johan Smitz

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  1. Tom Adriaenssens
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  2. Ingrid Segers
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  3. Sandra Wathlet
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  4. Johan Smitz
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Correspondence to Tom Adriaenssens.

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Capsule

Gene expression patterns in cumulus cell are different when surrounding an immature, mature or postovulatory aged oocyte

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Adriaenssens, T., Segers, I., Wathlet, S. et al. The cumulus cell gene expression profile of oocytes with different nuclear maturity and potential for blastocyst formation. J Assist Reprod Genet 28, 31–40 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9481-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9481-9

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