Non-invasive molecular studies to optimize In Vitro Maturation (IVM) and improve access to safe assisted reproduction (Toekenning in het kader van de bilaterale samenwerking met Vietnam)

In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes is an assisted reproduction technique (ART) that involves the maturation of immature oocytes from small (2-6mm) follicles in-vitro. IVM is particularly suitable for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) patients as it completely excludes hyperstimulation syndrome as no HCG-ovulation trigger is injected. IVM has the potential to reduce
ART-related burden, risks and costs. However, because IVM makes use of oocytes which still need to acquire full maturation capacity, it is the lower efficiency compared to conventional ART that impedes its widespread adoption.
Both Centers collaborated since 2016 on several novel culture methods to better compensate the immaturity in oocytes from small follicles. For IVM, oocytes are cultured as compact cumulus- oocyte complexes (COCs). Hence, our first working hypothesis is that molecular analysis performed on biopsied cumulus cells of individually cultured COCs bears the potential to quantify oocyte’s immaturity and to indicate the most appropriate culture method per oocyte.
The second working hypothesis is that after implementing the appropriate culture method (adjusted to grade of immaturity) the cumulus cell expression could predict oocyte’s implantation potential and promote single embryo transfer (SET). This research will reveal new biomarkers to guide the optimal culture for each oocyte and promote SET. The third part of the project will test genetic and epigenetic safety in IVM children.