Single-cell Transcriptomes and Follicular Fluid Proteomics of Ovine Atretic Follicles Reveal the Underlying Mechanisms of Oocyte Degeneration

In mammals, female fertility is determined by the outcome of follicular development (ovulation or atresia). Follicular atresia is a complex physiological process that results in the degeneration of oocytes from the ovary. However, the molecular mechanisms of oocyte degeneration and key protein markers of follicular atresia remain unclear. In this study, we explored the complex transcriptional regulatory mechanisms and protein profiles in oocytes and follicular fluid in atretic follicle stages using single-cell RNA sequencing and tandem mass tag proteomics.