Procedure for rapid oocyte selection based on quantitative analysis of cumulus cell gene expression
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
The Immediate Partial Removal of Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes: A Refined Approach for Rapid Observation of In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 18, 2024
Stefania Ferrari1, Debora Lattuada, Alessio Paffoni
1Servizi Sforza srl, Medicina della Riproduzione, Milan, Italy. centrosterilita@policlinico.mi.it
Purpose:
To develop a procedure for the analysis of gene expression in cumulus cells during the interval between ovum pick up and insemination to select the best oocytes for fertilization.
Methods:
Five RNA extraction methods, three reverse transcription procedures followed by Real-time quantitative PCR and one single-step mRNA quantification kit were tested to measure the expression of five genes in cumulus cells.
Results:
Two RNA extraction kits gave the best combination of efficiency and purity. One reverse transcription procedure gave the best speed and efficiency. The single-step kit required more biological material than would be available from single cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs).
Conclusions:
Our test identified a combination of RNA extraction and reverse transcription procedures that enables the level measurement of 5 selected cumulus cell transcripts within 4 h. Using this combination it was possible to obtain a reliable quantification of gene expression in 44 out of 46 individual COCs collected from seven patients.
