Abstract: Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression is being explored as an additional method to morphological scoring to choose the embryo with the highest chance to pregnancy. The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying biomarker genes for evaluating the competence of a mammalian oocyte in giving rise to a viable pregnancy after fertilization, based on the use of live birth and embryonic development as endpoint criteria for the oocytes to be used in an exon level analysis of potential biomarker genes. The invention further provides CC-expressed biomarker genes thus identified, as well as prognostic models based on the biomarker genes identified using the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for assisted reproductive technology in mammals. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for in vivo maturation of an immature cumulus oocyte complex (COC), thereby enhancing the embryology outcome.

Abstract: Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression is being explored as an additional method to morphological scoring to choose the embryo with the highest chance to pregnancy. The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying biomarker genes for evaluating the competence of a mammalian oocyte in giving rise to a viable pregnancy after fertilization, based on the use of live birth and embryonic development as endpoint criteria for the oocytes to be used in an exon level analysis of potential biomarker genes. The invention further provides CC-expressed biomarker genes thus identified, as well as prognostic models based on the biomarker genes identified using the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression is being explored as an additional method to morphological scoring to choose the embryo with the highest chance to pregnancy. The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying biomarker genes for evaluating the competence of a mammalian oocyte in giving rise to a viable pregnancy after fertilization, based on the use of live birth and embryonic development as endpoint criteria for the oocytes to be used in an exon level analysis of potential biomarker genes. The invention further provides CC-expressed biomarker genes thus identified, as well as prognostic models based on the biomarker genes identified using the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for assisted reproductive technology in mammals. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for in vivo maturation of an immature cumulus oocyte complex (COC), thereby enhancing the embryology outcome.

Abstract: Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression is being explored as an additional method to morphological scoring to choose the embryo with the highest chance to pregnancy. The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying biomarker genes for evaluating the competence of a mammalian oocyte in giving rise to a viable pregnancy after fertilization, based on the use of live birth and embryonic development as endpoint criteria for the oocytes to be used in an exon level analysis of potential biomarker genes. The invention further provides CC-expressed biomarker genes thus identified, as well as prognostic models based on the bio-marker genes identified using the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The method for in vitro synchronisation of nuclear and cytoplasmatic maturation of GV oocytes from domestic animals or from primates can be improved if a phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor is added to the medium after collection of the oocytes and, thereafter, said phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor is removed to allow the nuclear maturation to proceed.

Abstract: The method for in vitro synchronisation of nuclear and cytoplasmatic maturation of GV oocytes from domestic animals or from primates can be improved if a phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor is added to the medium after collection of the oocytes and, thereafter, said phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor is removed to allow the nuclear maturation to proceed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for in vitro culture of mammalian ovarian follicles for bioassay purposes, comprising the following subsequent steps:—providing a suitable container for the in vitro culture,—selecting a follicle from an ovary of a mammal, said follicle comprising at least a theca or pre-theca cell, a granulosa cell and an oocyte,—an optional first culture step using an attachment prohibiting first medium free from oil,—a second culture step using an attachment promoting second medium free from oil arranged to, and—the retrieval of the matured follicle.