Correlation of cumulus gene expression of GJA1, PRSS35, PTX3, and SERPINE2 with oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development

Abstract

BackgroundGJA1 and PTX3 were proposed as gene markers for oocyte and embryo developmental competence, while SERPINE2 was reported to be associated with pregnancy outcome. PRSS35, which is exclusively expressed in the ovary, may be correlated with oocyte competence. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation of cumulus GJA1, PRSS35, PTX3, and SERPINE2 gene expression levels with oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development.MethodsIn total, 308 cumulus cell samples separated from individual cumulus–oocyte complex were obtained from 40 patients undergoing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment procedure. Gene expression levels (mRNA levels) in cumulus cells were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsGene expression levels of GJA1 and SERPINE2 in cumulus cells surrounding mature oocytes were significantly lower than those in cumulus cells enclosing immature oocytes. PRSS35 mRNA levels in cumulus cells of fertilized oocytes were significantly higher than those in cumulus cells of unfertilized oocytes. GJA1 and SERPINE2 seemed to express higher mRNA levels, while PRSS35 showed lower expression in cumulus cells of oocytes that developed into embryos with good morphology; however, the expression levels of all three genes and PTX3 showed no significant differences between embryos with good or poor morphology.ConclusionsGJA1 and SERPINE2 represent potential gene markers associated with oocyte maturation. PRSS35 may be correlated with oocyte fertilization potential. However, GJA1, PRSS35, PTX3, and SERPINE2 may not be considered as marker genes for predicting embryo morphology.

Granulosa cells of prepubertal cattle respond to gonadotropin signaling and upregulate genes that promote follicular growth and prevent cell apoptosis

“…In contrast, we observed higher mRNA levels of CX43 in GCs of below median samples. Although we did not observe differences in CX43 mRNA levels between GCs samples of below versus above median blastocyst rates, previous studies in humans revealed conflicting results when correlating CX43 mRNA expression in cumulus cells with oocyte competence for embryo development and quality (Feuerstein et al, 2007;S. H. Li et al, 2015;Wang, Tong, El-Gehani, Tekpetey, & Kidder, 2009).…”

Non‐esterified fatty acid‐associated ability of follicular fluid to support porcine oocyte maturation and development

“…The expression levels of several genes in cumulus cells are associated with oocyte developmental competence . In the present study, the effect of FF on the cumulus cells was evaluated by determining the expression of marker genes.…”

“…Furthermore, the expression levels of the PFKP and PRDX3 genes in cumulus cells are associated with good‐quality embryos in humans; this study's results showed that the expression levels of these genes were higher in the cumulus cells that had been cultured in FF medium. GJA1 encodes connexin 43, a gap junction protein, and low expression levels of GJA1 in cumulus cells are associated with oocyte maturity . In addition, low expression levels of GJA1 in cumulus cells are associated with high developmental competence in human oocytes .…”

“…The expression levels of several genes in cumulus cells are associated with oocyte developmental competence. [28][29][30][31] In the present study, the effect of FF on the cumulus cells was evaluated by determining the expression of marker genes. GPC4 encodes a heparin sulfate proteoglycan that is associated with the cell surface and is reported in cow as a cumulus cell marker for oocyte developmental competence.…”

“…GJA1 encodes connexin 43, a gap junction protein, and low expression levels of GJA1 in cumulus cells are associated with oocyte maturity. 30 In addition, low expression levels of GJA1 in cumulus cells are associated with high developmental competence in human oocytes. 28 In line with this, culturing COCs in a medium containing FF resulted in low GJA1 expression levels.…”