Noninvasive metabolic profiling of cumulus cells, oocytes, and embryos via fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy: a mini-review

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

A major challenge in ART is to select high-quality oocytes and embryos. The metabolism of oocytes and embryos has long been linked to their viability, suggesting the potential utility of metabolic measurements to aid in selection. Here, we review recent work on noninvasive metabolic imaging of cumulus cells, oocytes, and embryos. We focus our discussion on fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of the autofluorescent coenzymes NAD(P)H and flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD+), which play central roles in many metabolic pathways. FLIM measurements provide quantitative information on NAD(P)H and FAD+ concentrations and engagement with enzymes, leading to a robust means of characterizing the metabolic state of cells. We argue that FLIM is a promising approach to aid in oocyte and embryo selection.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)799-810
Number of pages12
JournalHuman reproduction
Volume38
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37015098

Keywords

Keywords

  • assessments, embryo selection, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, metabolism, noninvasive