Probing Proteoform Heterogeneity from Single Human Oocytes
MS) detection, we identified 559 proteins and 769 unique proteoforms across 28 oocytes from 8 donors, with an average of 78 unique proteoforms per oocyte. We used scPiMS to selectively sample oocytes and cumulus granulosa cells from single cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) to identify proteoforms specific to these cell types. Finally, we determined proteoform landscapes for members of the oocyte-specific subcortical maternal complex (SCMC), KHDC3 and OOEP, and found new proteoforms that differ with donor age. Together, these first-in-class observations provide a foundation for understanding protein-level changes in oocyte biology across puberty to ultimately improve the efficiency of IVM and make fertility restoration options accessible for more patients.
Authors
- Kanchustambham Vijayalakshmi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2927-1045)
- Chelsea Lock
- Elizabeth Tsui (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4503-8494)
- Indira Plá (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0839-7829)
- Tian Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1464-6008)
- Hannah B. McDowell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6641-0753)
- Diane C. Saunders (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8849-6746)
- Monica M. Laronda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7840-4695)
- Neil L. Kelleher (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8815-3372)
- Jared O. Kafader (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5359-264X)
- Nickolas P. Fisher (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8574-7503)
Institutions
- Northwestern University (US)
- Lurie Children's Hospital (US)
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Publication Details
- Journal
- Molecular & Cellular Proteomics
- Published
- 2026-04-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcpro.2026.101566
- Primary Topic
- Reproductive Biology and Fertility
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Institutes of Health
- NIH Office of the Director