Novel Biomarkers of Oocyte Maturation Identified in Canine Reproductive Physiology

Researchers from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the reproductive physiology of canines, particularly in the area of oocyte maturation. The study, utilizing shotgun proteomics, identified 11 proteins that are upregulated during the periovulatory period, which could serve as potential biomarkers of oocyte maturation. These findings have significant implications for canine breeding and reproductive health.

Key Takeaways:

• The study aimed to evaluate the blood serum protein profile in canines during the periovulatory period using shotgun proteomics to identify potential biomarkers of oocyte maturation.
• The researchers identified 11 proteins that are upregulated during the periovulatory period, including tubulin-specific chaperone D (TBCD), coiled-coil domain-containing protein 93 (CCDC93), and WDFY family member 4 (WDFY4).
• These proteins were found to be significantly upregulated in the ovulation with mature oocyte group compared to the pre-ovulation and ovulation with immature oocyte groups.
• The study concluded that NFKDIB, which is an oocyte maturation marker in other mammalian species, was upregulated in the ovulation with mature oocyte group.
• The researchers hope that these findings will contribute to the development of novel biomarkers for oocyte maturation in canine reproductive physiology.
• The study was supported by the 90TH Anniversary of Chulalongkorn University Fund, the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research And Innovation Program, and the Excellence Center For Veterinary Clinical Stem Cells And Bioengineering.

Statistics:

• 9 anestrus female dogs were used in the study.
• The dogs were implanted with 4.7 mg of deslorelin to induce estrus and ovulation.
• Ovoidectomy was performed in all dogs, and serum samples were collected for proteomic analysis.
• The study analyzed 27 independent injections of serum samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
• The study identified 11 proteins that were upregulated during the periovulatory period.

Sources:

• Larindhorn Udomthanaisit, et al. (2025). Serum proteomic profiling during the periovulatory period identifies preliminary candidate biomarkers of oocyte maturation in deslorelin-induced ovulation in dogs. PeerJ, 13():e20106. doi: 10.7717/peerj.20106
• NewsRx. (2025, November 4). Studies from Chulalongkorn University Yield New Data on Life Sciences. Life Science Weekly. p 6701.