[Gene expression profile of human cumulus cells: clinical applications for IVF]

Genes expression profile of cumulus cells which surrounds oocyte correlated to different outcomes, allowing the identification of a specific expression signature of embryos developing towards pregnancy. Interestingly, genes in cumulus samples resulting in a successful pregnancy were predominantly up-regulated, including BCL2L11 and PCK1, respectively involved in apoptosis and gluconeogenesis. Some genes were nevertheless found down regulated in cumulus cells associated with a good pregnancy outcome, such as the transcription factor NFIB.