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A Neural Network-Based Identification of Developmentally Competent or Incompetent Mouse Fully-Grown Oocytes
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A Neural Network-Based Identification of Developmentally Competent or Incompetent Mouse Fully-Grown Oocytes

Published on: March 3, 2018

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microRNA expression profile in porcine oocytes with different developmental competence derived from large or small

Ahmed Gad1,2, Lucie Nemcova1, Matej Murin1

  • 1Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.

Molecular Reproduction and Development
|February 14, 2019
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in porcine oocyte development. This study identified specific miRNAs and pathways involved in regulating oocyte competence based on follicle size, offering insights into developmental regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Oocyte developmental competence is crucial for successful reproduction and is acquired during folliculogenesis.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression essential for oocyte-specific processes.
  • Understanding miRNA profiles in oocytes from different follicle sizes can elucidate developmental regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the expression profile of miRNAs in porcine oocytes from large (LO) versus small (SO) follicles.
  • To correlate miRNA expression with oocyte developmental competence and chromatin configuration.
  • To predict target genes and pathways regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs.

Main Methods:

  • Oocytes were aspirated from porcine follicles of varying sizes (LO: 3-6 mm, SO: 1.5-1.9 mm).
  • Small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced using Illumina NextSeq. 500.
  • Differential expression analysis, target gene prediction, and pathway enrichment analysis were performed.

Main Results:

  • Oocytes from LO exhibited higher developmental competence and distinct chromatin configurations compared to SO.
  • 167 and 162 known miRNAs were detected in LO and SO groups, respectively.
  • Eight miRNAs were differentially expressed, with predicted targets in oocyte meiosis, FoxO, PI3K-Akt, and cAMP signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • MiRNAs are differentially expressed between porcine oocytes of different developmental stages (follicle sizes).
  • Specific miRNAs likely regulate key pathways involved in oocyte maturation and developmental competence.
  • This study provides valuable insights into the role of miRNAs in governing oocyte quality and reproductive potential.
Keywords:
follicular sizemiRNAoocyteporcinesmall RNAseq

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