Updated project metadata.
The oocyte forms a complex with their somatic cumulus cells within the follicle throughout the preovulatory maturation steps. Cumulus cells support their oocyte not only through mechanical protection but also with a close bidirectional exchange of metabolites. Analysis of the oocytes cumulus gives the opportunity to explore non-invasively oocytal well-being and quality. In vitro maturation (IVM) is the first rate-limiting step in in vitro embryo production. Analysis of protein expression in cumulus cells around this critical step helps to explore the impact of maturation conditions and to examine an influence on maturational competence of the oocyte. The goal of this study was the comparison of the cumulus proteome of oocytes with and without maturational competence matured under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Therefore twenty cumulus samples corresponding to single oocytes were analysed. Half of the samples were matured in vivo and the other half in vitro. For each maturation group, cumulus from oocytes matured successfully (SM; n=5) and failed to mature (FM; n=5) were analysed.