Porcine oocytes matured in a chemically defined medium are transcriptionally active

• Published in: Theriogenology 2023-06, Vol.203, p.89-98
• Main Authors: Murin, Matej, Nemcova, Lucie, Bartkova, Alexandra, Gad, Ahmed, Lucas-Hahn, Andrea, Strejcek, Frantisek, Prochazka, Radek, Laurincik, Jozef
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Nucleus - metabolism; Chemically defined medium; In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques - methods; In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques - veterinary; Maturation in vitro; Oocytes - metabolism; Porcine oocyte; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Swine; Transcriptome
• ISSN: 0093-691X; 1879-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.019

The statement that fully-grown porcine oocytes (oocytes from follicles with diameter from 3 to 6 mm) are transcriptionally quiescent is not as strongly supported as it was before. Currently, we know that there is a difference between the transcription profile of germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes. The goal of our study was to compare the transcription profile of GV, germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), metaphase I (MI), and MII oocytes matured in the chemically defined medium FLI. Oocytes were sequenced, and the results were subsequently validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We detected multiple differentially transcribed mRNAs, of which many were upregulated. Among them we found mRNAs necessary for protein production, mitochondrial functions and cytoplasmic maturation. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that transcription activity in fully-grown porcine oocytes is necessary for key processes during their successful maturation in vitro in a chemically defined maturation medium. •Next-gen sequencing improves detection of new transcripts.•Fully-grown porcine oocytes are transcriptionally active during maturation.•Processes during porcine oocyte maturation are supported by new transcripts.