Abstract
Cumulus cells (CCs) are distinct from other granulosa cells and the mutual communication between CCs and oocytes is essential for the establishment of oocyte competence. In the present study we assessed genomic expression profiles in mouse CCs before and after oocyte maturation in vitro. Microarray analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression in CCs between the germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) stages, with 2615 upregulated and 2808 downregulated genes. Genes related to epidermal growth factor, extracellular matrix (Ptgs2, Ereg, Tnfaip6 and Efemp1), mitochondrial metabolism (Fdx1 and Aifm2), gap junctions and the cell cycle (Gja1, Gja4, Ccnd2, Ccna2 and Ccnb2) were highlighted as being differentially expressed between the two development stages. Real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed the validity and reproducibility of the results for the selected differentially expressed genes. Similar expression patterns were identified by western blot analysis for some functional proteins, including EFEMP1, FDX1, GJA1 and CCND2, followed by immunofluorescence localisation. These genes may be potential biomarkers for oocyte developmental competence following fertilisation and will be investigated further in future studies.