The maturation of an oocyte into an egg is a key step in preparation for fertilization. In Xenopus, oocyte maturation is independent of transcription, being regulated at the level of translation and post-translational modifications of proteins. To identify factors involved in the maturation process we used two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis to compare the proteome of oocytes and e...

It is known that amphibian oocytes undergo maturation through the formation and activation of maturation-promoting factor (MPF) in response to stimulation by the maturation-inducing hormone progesterone; however, the signal transduction pathway that links the hormonal stimulation on the oocyte surface to the activation of MPF in the oocyte cytoplasm remains a mystery. The aim of this study was ...

FSH is crucial for oocyte maturation and fertility and is the main component in infertility treatment in assisted reproduction. The granulosa cells expressing the FSH receptor interact with the oocyte and provide nourishing substrates controlling the oocyte maturation. Thus, transcriptome analysis of granulosa cells stimulated by FSH is of major importance in understanding the communication bet...

Background: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a useful technology to produce foals when availability of semen is limited or when in-vitro fertilization is desired, as is the need for subfertile mares. However, its application into clinical practice is challenging. The purpose of this review was to discuss some fundamental molecular aspects of oocyte maturation that should be co...

BACKGROUND Oocyte maturation in lower vertebrates is triggered by maturation-inducing hormone (MIH), which acts on unidentified receptors on the oocyte surface and induces the activation of maturation-promoting factor (MPF) in the oocyte cytoplasm. We previously described the induction of oocyte maturation in fish by an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), diethylstilbestrol (DES), a nonsteroid...

  Background & Aim: Considering that antioxidants are known as effective free radicals scavenger, it may be able to improve the in vitro oocyte maturation and the fetal quality. This study was designed to determine the effect of Gundelia tournefortii leaves (GTE) hydro-alcoholic extract as a source of antioxidant on in vitro oocyte maturation. Experimental: Germinal vasicle (GV) were...

BACKGROUND Oocyte maturation is under strict regulatory control, not only from intrinsic cellular processes, but also extrinsic influences. While the oocyte is directly connected to the surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) via a network of gap junctions facilitating communication and exchange of molecules, it is also influenced by the greater follicular environment. In order to produce an oocyte cap...

Background: Since the freezing method was offered, much effort has been done to improve the freezing conditions in different studies and the impact of different freezing methods and mediums on oocyte, embryo and ovarian tissues has been examined. Based on studies, minerals play an important role in oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development. Vanadium is one of the minerals, which is ve...