Abstract: The present invention relates to field of fertility. The invention identifies biological ovarian markers from follicular cells, from follicular fluid, from cumulus cells and from oocytes which are indicative of follicular maturity in mammals. Described are methods for improving ovarian stimulation, methods for assessing maturity of a mammalian ovarian follicle, methods for optimizing in vitro maturation (IVM) and methods for classifying an embryo, these methods being based on assessment of expression level of ovarian markers indicative of maturity. Also described are methods for screening compounds stimulatory of or inhibitory to mammalian follicular maturation, kits for evaluating follicular maturity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the competence of oocytes to fertilization, uterine implantation and development into a living being. The invention describes ovarian markers whose expression is predicative of oocyte competency that are detected and/or measured in follicular fluid, cumulus cells and/or follicular cells of a mammal. Also described are methods for evaluating competence of mammalian oocytes, methods for selecting a mammalian oocyte for assisted reproduction (AR), and screening methods for identifying stimulatory or inhibitory compounds to mammalian oocyte competence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the competence of oocytes to uterine implantation and development into living individual. The invention more particularly relates to marker that are detected and measured in granulosa cells collected along with the oocytes during oocyte aspiration as it is done in assisted reproduction techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the competence of oocytes for uterine implantation and development into living individuals. The invention more particularly relates to markers that are detected and measured in granulosa cells collected along with the oocytes during oocyte aspiration as it is done in assisted reproduction techniques. Markers include cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1), cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), 3-?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (3?HSD1), serpm peptidase inhibitor clade E member 2 (SERPINE 2), and adrenodoxm (ADX) that are detected and measured, using RT-PCR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides capable of binding chaperone receptors, composition and methods for protecting, restoring, or improving the physiological properties of sperm cells. More particularly, the invention relates to protection of the motility, survival, fertility capability, resistance to cooling, freezing, and thawing of sperm cells put in contact with chaperone polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified animals for the production of recombinant proteins. Particularly, pig's seminal vesicle and sexual accessory glands are genetically transformed to recombinantly produce such protein of interest in the semen of sexually mature pigs. Even complex proteins can be produced in large quantities and purified. The present invention also relates to mammal seminal gland tissue-specific promoters that can be used to make gene constructs including a protein-coding sequence not natively associated with the promoters or a sufficient portion of the promoter such that the portion actuates the preferential expression of the protein-coding sequence in the seminal vesicle and/or accessory tissues of mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA constructs provided to improve transgenesis or genomic integration of DNA fragment of interest into nuclear DNA of eukaryotic cell. The DNA constructs of the present invention allow a more efficient procedure by increasing the rate of genomic integration of a DNA fragment. After integration into host cell's DNA, the DNA constructs may provide a mean of screening transgenic cells. An increasing integration means, as well as a method for screening transgenic cells with said DNA construct are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel oviductal catalase having a molecular weight of about 60 KDa and which binds to a spermatozoa membrane outer surface, wherein said catalase once bound to the spermatozoa membrane outer surface protects said spermatozoa against oxidation. A method of stabilizing spermatozoa membrane and improving spermatozoa survival during migration in oviduct and/or uterus for artificial insemination; which comprises coating spermatozoa with such a catalase enzyme. A method of improving spermatozoa survival during migration in oviduct and/or uterus in cases of female infertility due to the absence of endogenous catalase in the genital tract of the female subject; which comprises administering catalase in the female genital tract before coit or coating spermatozoa with a catalase enzyme for artificial insemination. Also provided herein are method of diagnostic of male or female infertility.