Targeted follicular fluid proteomics using reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA); a feasibility study

Abstract This small pilot feasibility study shows that reverse phase protein array (RPPA) technology is a useful tool for targeted proteomics analysis in human ovarian follicular fluid. RPPA supplements mass spectrometry approaches that are currently used by providing functional signal transduction data that drive cellular biology. Herein, we present the first report of using RPPA in follicular fluid to elucidate protein signaling pathways. The results show potential associations between follicular fluid proteins measured with RPPA and reproductive outcomes from in vitro fertilization, including oocyte maturity, oocyte fertilization, embryo quality, and pregnancy. This study provides evidence that RPPA is a feasible approach to be used in clinical studies of reproductive endpoints. However, a larger study of RPPA to identify diagnostic and prognostic follicular fluid protein biomarkers of infertility is needed.