Prediction of oocyte quality using mRNA transcripts screened by RNA sequencing of human granulosa cells

Abstract

Research questionCan RNA transcripts of granulosa cells be used to assess oocyte quality? The possibility of predicting the developmental competence of oocytes by RNA sequencing analysis of granulosa cells was evaluated. DesignGranulosa cell samples were collected from 29 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment and divided into two groups: 14 samples from the high blastocyst rate group and 15 from the low blastocyst rate group. Ten samples from each group were selected for RNA sequencing. ResultsA total of 129 differentially expressed genes associated with high developmental competence of oocytes were identified. COL1A2, renin and COL1A1 were selected and further examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expression levels of COL1A2 and renin by qRT-PCR were consistent with the results of RNA sequencing. ConclusionRNA sequencing data could provide novel marker genes for the non-invasive evaluation of oocyte quality and embryo developmental competence.