Cumulus Cell and Oocyte Gene Expression in Prepubertal Gilts and Sows Identifies Cumulus Cells as a Prime Informative Parameter of Oocyte Quality.

ABSTRACT: Cumulus cells (CCs) are pivotal during oocyte development. This study aimed to identify novel marker genes for porcine oocyte quality by examining the expression of selected genes in CCs and oocytes, employing the model of oocytes from prepubertal animals being of reduced quality compared to those from adult animals. Total RNA was extracted either directly after follicle aspiration or after in vitro maturation, followed by RT-qPCR. Immature gilt CCs accumulated BBOX1 transcripts, involved in L-carnitine biosynthesis, to a 14.8-fold higher level (p < 0.05) relative to sows, while for CPT2, participating in fatty acid oxidation, the level was 0.48 (p < 0.05). While showing no differences between gilt and sow CCs after maturation, CPT2 and BBOX1 level

SUBMITTER: Haug LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10740982 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature