Selected molecular and microfluidic aspects of mammalian oocyte maturation-perspectives: a review

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Maturation of oocytes is the most important stage, which determines the subsequent successful fertilization, zygote formation, attainment of blastocyst stage, normal embryo growth and development, as well as appropriate implantation. Since in some species of mammals the efficiency of IVM maturation is still very low, many studies have focused on new combinations of media supplements. In some species of mammals, including pigs, mice, bovines, goats and dogs, EGF, BSA, and progesterone are successfully used as an enhancer of the IVC system. Application of the Lab-on-Chip system in reproductive biology opens new possibilities for the development of techniques available for the assessment of the developmental competency or potency manifested by mammalian oocytes and embryos. In most cases, the Lab-on-Chip system was used in mice. However, an increasing number of examples are available in which the system has been applied to evaluate porcine and bovine gametes and embryos. In this article, the role of EGF, BSA and progesterone is described in relation to maturation efficiency of mammalian oocytes. Moreover, the possibilities of using microfluidics (Lab-on-Chip) for the detection of oocyte developmental competency are also shown.

Optofluidic opportunities in global health, food, water and energy

“…Furthermore, the demand for renewable fuels has led to over a quarter of all corn reaped to be used to produce ethanol in 2009. 175 Microfluidics and nanotechnology have been recognized as transforming technologies in veterinary therapeutics through their applications in diagnostics, drug delivery and fertilization [176][177][178] and are beginning to find applications in plant science. 98,179 For example, Garcia-Cordero et al recently developed a portable ''point-of-cow'' reader system based on sedimentation cytometry to diagnose bovine mastitis, a common and highly costly mammary gland infection.…”

“…The selection process is traditionally done subjectively via visual analysis, and therefore there is increased interest in the microfluidics community to create devices that automate the selection process. 178,182 Optofluidics presents a noninvasive and simple approach to studying the spectral properties of oocytes 183 and the swimming force of sperm. 184 For example, Vidberg et al demonstrated monitoring the stage of oocyte development and fertilization by measuring the change in its transmission spectrum, providing for a more definitive selection process.…”

Gene expression and maturation evaluation of sheep oocytes cultured in medium supplemented with natural antioxidant source

“…In metaphase II (MII) oocytes, these accumulated molecules become a template for the synthesis of proteins during the consecutive steps of embryo growth. During the long period of oocyte maturation and differentiation (folliculo-and oogenesis), large amounts of mRNA and proteins become synthesized and accumulated (Kempisty et al, 2011a). These oocyte-specific molecules, also called 'maternal factors', are involved in sequential steps of embryogenesis.…”

“…Molecular changes in COCs include the accumulation of appropriate amounts of several substrates, enzymes and other molecules involved in biochemical reactions inside the cytoplasm. Biochemical changes have pronounced effects on the cell, which may be defined as the ability of the oocyte to change the cell organellum activity in relation to modified culture conditions (for example using transcription or translation activators or inhibitors) (Kempisty et al, 2011a). Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) are oocyte-specific growth factors that appear to play key roles in granulosa cell development and fertility in most mammalian species (Eppig, 2001).…”