This research explores how changes to horse oocyte’s ‘cumulome’ or the microenvironment surrounding the oocyte, relates to its ability to mature successfully. This was accomplished by observing changes in proteins and metabolites surrounding the oocyte during maturation and comparing them to the oocyte’s developmental progress.
Methodology
- The researchers collected cumulus-oocyte complexes (precursors to mature egg cells) from horse ovaries sourced from slaughterhouses.
- These complexes were matured, fertilized (through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection – ICSI), and cultured individually.
- Post maturation, the surrounding cumulus was collected for analysis.
- Two types of analytical techniques were used. Proteomics analysis was done using label-free mass spectrometry, which identifies and quantifies proteins in a sample. Metabolomics analysis was carried out using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry.
- The researchers identified and quantified 1,671 proteins and 612 metabolites in the cumulome.
Groups for Comparison
- The researchers organized their findings into three groups based on how far the oocytes developed: Not matured (NM), cleaved (CV), and blastocyst (BL).
- The cleaved and blastocyst groups, both representing matured oocytes, were also analyzed together (referred to as the M group).
Results
- The data revealed a closer relationship between the two groups of matured oocytes and a distinct separation from the not matured group, indicating different protein and metabolite profiles between matured and not matured oocytes.
- Comparative analysis of these groups showed an overrepresentation of proteins and metabolites involved in energy metabolism and vesicular transport in the matured group.
- Only the KEGG pathway ‘oxidative phosphorylation’ was significantly enriched in the not matured group; this pathway is a metabolic pathway responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source in cells.
- A compound linked to ATP was found in significantly higher concentrations in the matured group compared to the not matured group, indicating more active energy production.
- In the not matured group, proteins related to the breakdown of glycosaminoglycans were lower, while components of the cumulus extracellular matrix were higher, suggesting that these components may serve a vital role in oocyte maturation.
Conclusion
- This study has provided new insights related to the maturational and developmental competency of oocytes. These findings could be beneficial to improving assisted reproductive technologies in horses, particularly given the low success rate of conventional In Vitro Fertilization in this species.
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.