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The Unique Mechanisms of Cellular Proliferation, Migration and Apoptosis are Regulated through Oocyte Maturational

Błażej Chermuła1, Maciej Brązert2, Michal Jeseta3

  • 1Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznań, Poland. blazej.chermula@wp.pl.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 28, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Somatic and oocyte cells communicate to regulate development. This study identified porcine oocyte genes involved in cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, crucial for maturation and developmental competence.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Oocyte development relies on communication with surrounding somatic cells within cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs).
  • Bidirectional signaling between oocytes and somatic cells is vital for acquiring developmental competence.
  • Hormones, proteins, and metabolites regulate these interactions via gap junctions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate gene expression changes in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM).
  • To identify novel gene markers associated with proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in COCs.
  • To elucidate the molecular basis of COC development and oocyte maturation.

Main Methods:

  • Ovaries from crossbred landrace gilts were used to extract oocytes.
  • Oocytes underwent in vitro maturation (IVM).
  • RNA sequencing and microarray analysis were performed on isolated oocyte RNA.

Main Results:

  • Significant differential gene expression (|fold change| > 2, adjusted p-value < 0.05) was observed in four ontological groups: cell proliferation, cell migration, and programmed cell death.
  • Several porcine oocyte genes, including ID2, VEGFA, BTG2, ESR1, CCND2, EDNRA, ANGPTL4, TGFBR3, GJA1, LAMA2, KIT, TPM1, VCP, GRID2, MEF2C, RPS3A, PLD1, BTG3, CD47, and MITF, showed downregulation after IVM.
  • These identified genes provide potential markers for proliferation, migration, and apoptosis processes in COCs.

Conclusions:

  • Gene expression profiling during IVM reveals key regulators of COC development.
  • Downregulated genes identified in this study are potential markers for oocyte maturation and developmental competence.
  • Understanding these gene markers can advance research into reproductive technologies and fertility.
Keywords:
cellular competencemicroarrayoocytespig

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