Extracellular acidity and ATP modulate ion currents in human cumulus cells indicating possible roles as metabolic sensors of the follicular microenvironment.

ABSTRACT: Cumulus cells (CCs), derived from granulosa cells, play a key role in supporting oocyte maturation and development through bidirectional communication. However, their electrophysiological properties in humans are poorly defined. Here, we characterized ionic currents and their modulation in primary human CCs obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings identified three electrophysiological sub-populations: CC-type 1, expressing voltage-dependent K⁺ currents supported mainly by potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 5 (K_V1.5, KCNA5); CC-type 2, predominantly showing a barium-sensitive cationic current attributable to transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5); and CC-type 3, display

SUBMITTER: Biagini A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12849215 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature