title: Microfluidic versus molecular assays - different approaches in assessing oocyte developmental competence.
abstract: In recent years, molecular techniques have brought about new solutions that focus on the developmental capacity of female oocytes and reproductive performance in the mammalian species. The developmental potency is the ability of oocytes to reach the MII stage following the long stages of folliculo- and oogenesis. The main proteins involved in this process belong to the connexin (Cx) family, which are responsible for the formation of gap junction (GJC) connections between the female gamete and surrounding somatic cells. The Cx are involved in bi-directional transport of small molecules and are therefore responsible for correct oocyte-somatic cell nutrition, proliferation, and differentiation. However, the application of certain molecular techniques often leads to destabilization or destruction of the materials of interest, such as cells or whole tissues. Therefore, the applications of microfluidic methods, which are non-invasive and quantitative, give new opportunities to further this area of biomedical research. Microfluidic research is based on real-time experiments that allow for control and/ or observation of the results during each step. The purpose of this review is to present both positive and negative aspects of molecular-microfluidic methods while describing the role of connexins in oocyte developmental capacity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kranc
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chachuła
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Budna
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland; Institute of Veterinary, Poznan University of Life Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wojtanowicz-Markiewicz
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bryja
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ciesiólka
authors.affiliation: Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Piotrowska
authors.affiliation: Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jeseta
authors.affiliation: Institute of Veterinary, Poznan University of Life Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Antosik
authors.affiliation: Institute of Veterinary, Poznan University of Life Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bukowska
authors.affiliation: Institute of Veterinary, Poznan University of Life Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Brüssow
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruska
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nowicki
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland; Department of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zabel
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland; Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kempisty
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002450:Cell Communication; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017630:Connexins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D003470:Culture Media; D054885:Cumulus Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D017629:Gap Junctions; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D056656:Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods; D009865:Oocytes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D009866:Oogenesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D017630:Connexins; D003470:Culture Media; D012333:RNA, Messenger