Effect of cumulin and super-GDF9 in standard and biphasic mouse IVM

Mottershead, David

Abstract

PURPOSE: In vitro maturation (IVM) is a technology that generates mature oocytes following culture of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) in vitro. IVM is characterized by minimal patient stimulation, making it attractive for certain patient groups. Recently, a biphasic IVM system, capacitation (CAPA)-IVM, has shown improved clinical outcomes relative to standard IVM; however, it remains less efficient than IVF. This study assessed whether supplementation of CAPA-IVM culture media with the novel TGFß superfamily proteins cumulin and super-GDF9 improves subsequent mouse embryo development. METHODS: Immature mouse COCs were cultured by standard IVM or biphasic IVM?±?cumulin or super-GDF9. RESULTS: Both cumulin and super-GDF9 in standard IVM significantly improved day-6 blastocyst rate (53.9% control, 73.6% cumulin, 70.4% super-GDF9; p?=?0.006; n?=?382-406 oocytes). Cumulin or super-GDF9 in CAPA-IVM did not alter embryo yield or blastocyst cell allocation in an unstimulated model. Moreover, cumulin did not alter these outcomes in a mild PMSG stimulation model. Cumulin in CAPA-IVM significantly increased cumulus cell expression of cumulus expansion genes (Ptgs2, Ptx3, Adamts1, Gfat2) and decreased Lhr expression relative to control. However, cumulin-induced mRNA expression of cumulus cell (Ptgs2, Ptx3) and oocyte genes (Gdf9, Bmp15, Oct4, Stella) in CAPA-IVM remained significantly lower than that of in vivo matured cells. CONCLUSION: Cumulin did not provide an additional beneficial effect in biphasic IVM in terms of blastocyst yield and cell allocation; however in standard IVM, cumulin and super-GDF9 significantly improve oocyte developmental competence.

Citation

Mottershead, D. (2022). Effect of cumulin and super-GDF9 in standard and biphasic mouse IVM. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 39, Article 127–140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-021-02382-z

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 17, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 4, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Journal: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
• Print ISSN: 1058-0468
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Article Number: 127–140
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-021-02382-z
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/422146
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10815-021-02382-z