Differential gene-expression profiles from canine cumulus cells of ovulated versus in vitro-matured oocytes

We compared the nuclear maturation status and gene-expression profiles of canine cumulus cells (CCs) derived from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) that were spontaneously ovulated versus those that were matured in vitro. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were retrieved from uteri by surgical flushing (after spontaneous ovulation) or by ovariectomy follicle aspiration and in vitro maturation. The objective of Experiment 1 was to investigate the nuclear maturation status of in vivo- versus in vitro-matured oocytes. The objective of Experiment 2 was to compare gene-expression profiles of CCs derived from in vivo- versus in vitro-matured COCs. Genes analysed are related to cell maturation, development and apoptosis, including GDF9, MAPK1, PTX3, CX43, Bcl2 and BAX; mRNA expression for all of these genes, except for GDF9, differed (P<0.05) between in vivo- and in vitro-matured CCs. In conclusion, we found that gene-expression profiles are related to the quality of CCs and therefore posit that monitoring gene expression could be a useful strategy to guide attempts to improve in vitro culture systems.