Abstract: The present invention is based on evidence of non-contact transfer of embryonic RNA transcripts to endometrium in an in vitro embryo-maternal cross-talk model. RNA is taken up by the endometrial cells and the expression of endogenous transcripts is altered as a result. The effect can be seen in endometrial cells treated with embryo derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) or conditioned medium derived from IVF embryos. RNA from EVs derived from human IVF embryos and conditioned culture media from the human IVF embryos have the potential to change the level of endometrial transcripts. Interestingly, only good-prognosis viable embryos, i.e., capable of producing pregnancies, induced the observed effect while non-competent, e.g., degenerated, embryos failed to initiate any changes. Hence, the capability of inducing a change in RNA transcripts can be used to determine quality of IVF embryos and in predicting pregnancy outcome.

Abstract: A method of improving and/or prolonging sperm viability which comprises contacting spermatozoa with an isolated, cell-free protein fraction of oviductal apical plasma membrane (APM). This finds use in maintenance of sperm viability to increase the success rate of artificial insemination (AI).

Abstract: A method of improving and/or prolonging sperm viability which comprises contacting spermatozoa with an isolated, cell-free, protein obtainable from a peripheral membrane fraction of oviductal apical plasma membrane (APM), or a fragment or derivative therefrom, the protein having a molecular weight of between approximately 10 kDa and 100 kDa, which finds use in maintenance of sperm viability to increase the success rate of artificial insemination (AI).

Abstract: A method of improving and/or prolonging sperm viability which comprises contacting spermatozoa with an isolated, cell-free protein fraction of oviductal apical plasma membrane (APM). This finds use in maintenance of sperm viability to increase the success rate of artificial insemination (AI).