Leitong Wang, Baoshan Li, Dongkai Cheng

Embryo Laboratory, Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110000, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Dongkai Cheng, Embryo Laboratory, Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang, No. 83, Zhongshan Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 17766533209, Email cheng_dongkai@126.com

Abstract: Recent research findings have highlighted the pivotal roles played by lncRNAs in both normal human development and disease pathogenesis. LncRNAs are expressed in oocytes and early embryos, and their expression levels change dynamically once the embryonic genome is activated during early human embryonic development. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs was found in follicular fluid, granulosa cells and oocytes of patients, and these lncRNAs were related to cell proliferation and apoptosis, nuclear maturation and follicle development. The expression levels of some lncRNAs in cumulus cells demonstrate correlations with the quality of oocytes and early embryos. This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the influence of LncRNAs on the developmental process of human oocytes as well as their involvement in certain infertility-related diseases.

Keywords: cumulus cells, female infertility, lncRNA, oocyte