3D Media Stabilizes Membrane and Prolongs Lifespan of Defolliculated <i>Xenopus laevis</i> Oocytes

Abstract

Xenopus laevis oocytes are commonly used in many fundamental biological studies. One of the major limitations of X. laevis oocytes is their short storage lifespan with most defolliculated oocytes physically deteriorating in 10 days or less. Herein, we identified a 3D Cultrex-based storage media that incorporates extracellular membrane-based hydrogels to maintain oocyte integrity. Under these treatments, the lifespan of the oocytes increased to more than 20 days compared to standard conditions. The treatment preserved the oocytes membrane integrity and did not interfere with mRNA- or cDNA-derived protein expression.

Keywords

• oocytes
• <i>Xenopus laevis</i>
• Cultrex
• vitelline membrane
• lifespan