Roles of the cumulus-oocyte transzonal network and the Fragile X protein family in oocyte competence.

In Brief: RNA granules travel through the cumulus cell network of transzonal projections which is associated with oocyte developmental competence, and RNA packaging involves RNA-binding proteins of the Fragile X protein family.

Abstract: The determinants of oocyte developmental competence have puzzled scientists for decades. It is known that follicular conditions can nurture the production of a high-quality oocyte, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.