Atomic Force Microscopy Reveals Differences In Mechanical Properties Linked To Cortical Structure In Mouse And Human Oocytes
Cell mechanical properties regulate biological processes such as oocyte development. Cortical tension is regulated via actomyosin cortex remodeling to ensure optimal oocyte quality. However, the evolution of other mechanical parameters and their relationship with cortex structure remain poorly understood in mammalian oocytes. In this work, a methodology combining multiple mechanical parameters measured through Atomic Force Microscopy is proposed to investigate the relationship between oocyte mechanical properties and cortex organization. By studying mouse oocytes at various stages of development, along with engineered ones with specific cortex organization, it is demonstrated that a thin actin cortex corresponds to stiff oocytes while a thick one is associated with softer oocytes. It is further revealed that maternal age, a critical factor for fertility, affects mouse oocytes mechanics, correlating with alterations in their cortex structure. Finally, it is shown that the evolution of mechanical properties differs between human and mouse oocyte development, highlighting species-specific differences in cortex organization.
Authors
- Guillaume Lamour (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9331-5532)
- Yassir Lemseffer
- Clément Campillo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4698-8643)
- Nicolas Tessandier (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7486-3445)
- Marie‐Emilie Terret (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5843-925X)
- Marie‐Hélène Verlhac (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8377-9010)
- Martin Lenz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2307-1106)
- Elsa Labrune (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6990-2956)
- Rose Bulteau (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1481-9271)
- Lucie Barbier
Institutions
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (FR)
- Université Paris-Sud (FR)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR)
- Inserm (FR)
- Institut Universitaire de France (FR)
- Collège de France (FR)
- Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (FR)
- Université Paris-Saclay (FR)
- Laboratoire Analyse et Modélisation pour la Biologie et l'Environnement (FR)
- Laboratoire de Physique Théorique et Modèles Statistiques (FR)
- Hospices Civils de Lyon (FR)
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Biologie (FR)
- Université d'Évry Val-d'Essonne (FR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Small
- Published
- 2025-03-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202500221
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Reproductive Biology and Fertility
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 7.51
Funders
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche
- Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale