Proteomic Analysis of Human Follicular Fluid
Summary
Proteomic analysis of human follicular fluid reveals the complex protein environment that governs oocyte development and fertility success. Follicular fluid, the liquid milieu that surrounds the maturing oocyte within the ovarian follicle, contains hormones, growth factors, immunological proteins and transport molecules derived from both plasma and local ovarian cells. Applying mass spectrometry–based techniques and high‐throughput fractionation methods has enabled the identification of hundreds to thousands of unique proteins, shedding light on pathways that regulate folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and embryo competence. Such studies have unveiled roles for complement and coagulation cascades, metabolic enzymes, lipoprotein carriers and stress response proteins in dictating oocyte quality. Comparative analyses between fertile and infertile cohorts, as well as between different treatment groups in assisted conception, have highlighted differentially expressed proteins with potential as non‐invasive biomarkers of IVF outcome or age‐related infertility. By integrating quantitative proteomics with bioinformatics mapping of protein interaction networks, researchers have begun to prioritise candidate factors that may predict oocyte competence, guide personalised treatment and inspire novel therapeutics for infertility.
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Proteomic Analysis of Human Follicular Fluid publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in proteomic analysis of human follicular fluid across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Proteomic analysis: Large‐scale study of the full complement of proteins in a biological sample.
Follicular fluid: The specialised fluid surrounding the oocyte within the ovarian follicle.
Mass spectrometry: An analytical technique that measures the mass‐to‐charge ratio of ionised molecules for protein identification and quantification.
Biomarker: A measurable molecule whose presence or level indicates a biological state or outcome.
Apolipoprotein A1: The main protein component of high‐density lipoprotein involved in cholesterol transport.
Oocyte: A female germ cell or egg cell that matures within the follicle to undergo fertilisation.
References
- Follicular Fluid Proteomic Analysis of Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Suggests That Apolipoprotein A1 Is a Potential Fertility Marker. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Proteomic analysis of human follicular fluid from fertile women. Clinical Proteomics (2015).
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