The ratio of growth differentiation factor 9: Bone morphogenetic protein 15 mRNA expression is tightly co-regulated and differs between species over a wide range of ovulation rates

Recent evidence suggests that the species-specific ovulation-rate phenotypes may be influenced by differences in the expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) mRNA and protein. The aim of this study was to compare GDF9 and BMP15 mRNA levels in individual denuded oocytes (DO) from a range of single (i.e. cow, red deer), single-to-triple (i.e. sheep) and high (i.e. pig, mouse, rat) ovulation-rate species. Compared to all other species studied, GDF9 mRNA levels were lower in DO of cows and deer, whilst BMP15 levels were highest in DO of pigs. There was no detectable expression of either GDF9 or BMP15 mRNA in CC from any species. The ratio of GDF9:BMP15 mRNA expression was highly correlated (R2 > 0.80) within each species but differed markedly between species (P < 0.01). Thus, we conclude that the ratio of GDF9:BMP15 mRNA is species-specific across a wide range of ovulation-rate phenotypes.

► Expression of GDF9 and BMP15 mRNA were highly correlated within-species.
► Ratios of GDF9:BMP15 mRNA were markedly different between-species.
► Expression levels of BMP15 mRNA were low in oocytes of rodent species.
► No GDF9 or BMP15 mRNA was present in cumulus cells of any species studied.