Effect of Oocyte Aging on DNA Methylation Pattern in Buffaloes

Abstract

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism that plays a vital role during gamete and early embryo development. The present study aimed to investigate expression levels of the 5-Methylcytosin in the fresh and aged oocytes of buffalo. Buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were subjected to culture in in-vitro maturation media for 24h (fresh) and 30h (aged). The methylation pattern of buffalo oocytes was studied by labelling with anti-5-Methylcytosin and the ratio of fluorescence intensity was assessed. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed at the fluorescence intensity of fresh and aged oocytes (20.08 ± 5.04 vs 45.77± 4.34) and 5-Methylcytosin was differently localized in the buffalo oocytes. Further studies are required to understand the mechanism of differently expressing DNMTs in the early developmental periods.