Noninvasive Characterization of Oocyte Deformability in Microconstrictions

Overview

Journal Sci Adv

Specialties Biology
Science

Date 2025 Feb 19

PMID 39970229

Authors

Lucie Barbier

Rose Bulteau

Behnam Rezaei

Thomas Panier

Gaelle Letort

Elsa Labrune

Marie-Helene Verlhac

Franck Vernerey

Clement Campillo

Marie-Emilie Terret

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Oocytes naturally present mechanical defects that hinder their development after fertilization. Thus, in the context of assisted reproduction, oocyte selection based on their mechanical properties has great potential to improve the quality of the resulting embryos and the success rate of these procedures. However, using mechanical properties as a quantifiable selective criterion requires robust and nondestructive measurement tools. This study developed a constriction-based microfluidic device that monitors the deformation of mouse oocytes under controlled pressure. The device can distinguish mechanically aberrant oocyte groups from healthy control ones. On the basis of a mathematical model, we propose that deformability measurements infer both oocyte tension and elasticity, elasticity being the most discriminating factor in our geometry. Despite force transmission during oocyte deformation, no long-term damage was observed. This noninvasive characterization of mouse oocyte deformability in microconstrictions allows for a substantial advance in assessing the mechanical properties of mammalian oocytes and has potential application as a quantifiable selective criterion in medically assisted reproduction.

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