Cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation are central processes in ovulation. Knowledge gained from rodent and other mammalian models has revealed some of the molecular pathways associated with these processes. However, the equivalent pathways in humans have not been thoroughly studied and remain unidentified. Compact cumulus cells (CCs) from germinal vesicle cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from patients undergoing in vitro maturation (IVM) procedures. Expanded CCs from metaphase 2 COC were obtained from patients undergoing IVF/ICSI. Global transcriptome profiles of the samples were obtained using state-of-the-art RNA sequencing techniques. We identified 1746 differentially expressed (DE) genes between compact and expanded CCs. Most of these genes were involved in cellular growth and proliferation, cellular movement, cell cycle, cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, extracellular matrix and steroidogenesis. Out of the DE genes, we found 89 long noncoding RNAs, of which 12 are encoded within introns of genes known to be involved in granulosa cell processes. This suggests that unique noncoding RNA transcripts may contribute to the regulation of cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation. Using global transcriptome sequencing, we were able to generate a library of genes regulated during cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation processes. Analysis of these genes allowed us to identify important new genes and noncoding RNAs potentially involved in COC maturation and cumulus expansion. These results may increase our understanding of the process of oocyte maturation and could ultimately improve the efficacy of IVM treatment.

Objective: To investigate the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of reproduction-related genes in granulosa cells (GCs) of patients triggered with hCG compared with patients triggered with GnRH agonist and hCG (double trigger) for final oocyte maturation. Design: Granulosa cells were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval, and gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Setting: Referral center. Patient(s): Fifteen women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF who received hCG for final follicular maturation and in a subsequent IVF cycle received double trigger. Intervention(s): Granulosa cells collection. Main Outcome Measure(s): The expression of genes related to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, gap junction, and epidermal-like growth factor in GCs. Result(s): The mRNA expressions of amphiregulin (2.1 vs.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mRNA expression of genes related to steroidogenesis and OHSS in granulosa cells (GCs) of patients triggered with GnRH agonist compared to patients triggered with hCG.DesignMural GCs were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval and gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real time RT-PCR.SettingsSingle center, case control study.Patient(s)24 women who were treated with GnRH agonist or hCG for triggering of ovulation.InterventionsGC collection.Main Outcome Measure(s)The expression of genes related to steroidogenesis and OHSS in mural GCsResultsThe fertilization rate was similar in the two groups. The mRNA expression of CYP19A1 (0.50 vs 1, arbitrary unit), CYP11A1 (0.6 vs. 1) and 3 beta hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (0.39 vs 1) was significantly lower in the GnRH group. The expression of VEGF (0.74 vs. 1) and inhibin β B (0.38 vs 1) was lower in the GnRH analog triggered group.ConclusionExpression of genes related to steroidogenesis is lower at the time of oocyte retrieval in patients triggered with GnRH agonist. The decreased expression of VEGF and inhibin β B in the GnRH agonist group can explain the mechanism of early OHSS prevention.