Proline improves the developmental competence of in vitro matured porcine oocytes by enhancing mitochondrial function.

The in vitro maturation of oocytes is essential to embryo engineering. Mitochondrial function is essential for both oocyte maturation and the acquisition of developmental potential. In this study, we focused on proline, a natural antioxidant with permeability-protective properties; we hypothesized that proline could enhance porcine oocytes maturation in vitro by improving mitochondrial function.

Comparative analysis of chromatin accessibility in porcine oocytes from follicles of different sizes.

Chromatin accessibility and transcription levels during oocyte growth are important for oocyte maturation and subsequent development. However, chromatin accessibility changes in porcine oocytes during growth are unclear. The present study demonstrated that porcine oocytes derived from large follicles (LFO) exhibited higher developmental capacity than those derived from small follicles (SFO).