Biomarkers of human oocyte developmental competence expressed in cumulus cells before ICSI: a preliminary study

To identify reliable genomic biomarkers expressed in cumulus cells that accurately and non-invasively predict the oocyte developmental competence and reinforce the already used morphological criteria. Eight consenting patients were selected for ovarian stimulation and ICSI procedures. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were transvaginally punctured and individually selected based on both good morphological criteria and high zona pellucida birefringence. Following ICSI, two 3-day embryos per patient were transferred. Pregnancy outcome was recorded and proven implantation was thereafter confirmed. Differential gene expression was assessed using two microarray platforms. Further real-time PCR validation, Ingenuity pathways analysis and intra-patient analysis were performed on 17 selected candidates. Seven genes were differentially (p a parts per thousand currency signaEuro parts per thousand 0.05) associated to successful pregnancy and implantation. These biomarkers could be used to predict the oocyte developmental competence. These genomic markers are a powerful reinforcement of morphological approaches of oocyte selection. Their large-scale validation could increase pregnancy outcome and single embryo transfer efficiency.