Methods for selecting competent oocytes and competent embryos with high potential for pregnancy outcome

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for selecting a competent oocyte or a competent embryo.

1 . A method for selecting an oocyte that will produce, upon fertilization, a viable embryo with a high implantation rate leading to pregnancy, comprising the step of measuring the expression level of 10 genes in a cumulus cell surrounding said oocyte;
 wherein said genes are ATF3, SIAT6, PRKACA, PLA2G5, GPC6, G0S2, RBMS1, NFIC, SLC40A1 and WNT6 and   wherein the oocyte is selected if said cumulus cell does not overexpress any of said 10 genes.   
     
     
         2 . A method for selecting an embryo with a high implantation rate leading to pregnancy, comprising the step of measuring the expression level of 10 genes in a cumulus cell surrounding the embryo;
 wherein said genes are ATF3, SIAT6, PRKACA, PLA2G5, GPC6, G0S2, RBMS1, NFIC, SLC40A1 and WNT6 and   wherein the embryo is selected if said cumulus cell does not overexpress any of said 10 genes.   
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , which further comprises a step of comparing the expression level of the genes in the sample with a control, wherein detecting a difference in the expression level of the genes between the sample and the control is indicative of whether the oocyte will produce, upon fertilization, a viable embryo with a high implantation rate leading to pregnancy. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2 , which further comprises a step of comparing the expression level of the genes in the sample with a control, wherein detecting a difference in the expression level of the genes between the sample and the control is indicative of whether the embryo will have a high implantation rate leading to pregnancy. 
     
     
         5 . A kit comprising means for measuring the expression level of the genes ATF3, SIAT6, PRKACA, PLA2G5, GPC6, G0S2, RBMS1, NFIC, SLC40A1 and WNT6.