Efforts to understand the complexities of human biology
encompass
multidimensional aspects, with proteins emerging as crucial components.
However, studying the human ovary introduces unique challenges due
to its complex dynamics and changes over a lifetime, varied cellular
composition, and limited sample access. Here, four new RNA-seq samples
of ovarian cortex spanning ages of 7 to 32 were sequenced and added
to the existing data in the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database , opening
the doors to unique possibilities for exploration of oocyte-specific
proteins. Based on transcriptomics analysis of the four new tissue
samples representing both prepubertal girls and women of fertile age,
we selected 20 protein candidates that lacked previous evidence at
the protein level, so-called “missing proteins” (MPs).
The proteins were validated using high-resolution antibody-based profiling
and single-cell transcriptomics. Fourteen proteins exhibited consistent
single-cell expression patterns in oocytes and granulosa cells, confirming
their presence in the ovary and suggesting that these proteins play
important roles in ovarian function, thus proposing that these 14
proteins should no longer be classified as MPs. This research significantly
advances the understanding of MPs, unearthing fresh avenues for prospective
exploration. By integrating innovative methodologies and leveraging
the wealth of data in the HPA database, these insights contribute
to refining our understanding of protein roles within the human ovary
and opening the doors for further investigations into missing proteins
and human reproduction.