PTEN expression in human cumulus cells is associated with embryo development competence.

Embryo quality determines the success of fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. Biomarkers for the evaluation of embryo quality have some limitations. Apoptosis in cumulus cells (CCs) is important for ovarian function. () is a well known tumour suppressor gene that functions as a mediator of apoptosis and is crucial for mammalian reproduction. In the present study, we analyzed the expression level of in human CCs and aimed to investigate its association with embryo developmental competence in IVF treatment cycles. The mRNA level in CCs was measured using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The association of the differential expression of with embryo quality was analyzed. Our data showed that mRNA levels were significantly decreased in CCs surrounding mature oocytes compared with immature oocytes. Similar changes were found in the analysis of fertilization and blastocyst formation. The speculation that the measurement of mRNA levels in human CCs would provide a useful tool for selecting oocytes with greater chances to implant into the uterus needs to be further verified through single-embryo transfer in the future. The proapoptotic mechanism of in human reproduction needs to be further studied.