In vitro maturation of oocytes.
In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes is an emerging assisted reproductive technology with great promise. To be successful, this process must entail both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Endogenous regulation of oocyte maturation is a complex sequence of events regulated by endocrine parameters, oocyte/follicular cross-talk, and intra-oocyte kinase/phosphatase interactions. Although nuclear maturation during human oocyte IVM progresses normally, cytoplasmic maturation is significantly lacking, as exemplified by poor embryonic developmental competence and pregnancy rates. Advances made in immature oocyte isolation and oocyte and embryo culture conditions have increased the clinical feasibility of IVM. However, in order to achieve acceptable birth rates, future studies should focus on characterization and regulation of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, and how oocyte-derived factors influence zygotic genome activation and embryonic developmental competence.
Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Physiology and Urology, Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, 1301 East Catherine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. smithgd@umich.edu
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D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D003470:Culture Media; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016200:Maturation-Promoting Factor / Q000502:physiology; D008540:Meiosis; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy
D003470:Culture Media; D016200:Maturation-Promoting Factor