Abstract

Zygote arrest 1 (ZAR 1) is a maternal gene that plays a crucial role in the oocyte-to-embryo transition. The present study aimed to investigate the presence or absence of the ZAR 1 gene in oocytes, zygotes, and embryos of Pesisir Cattle. Ovaries were collected from cattle at slaughterhouses, and oocytes were retrieved at the Biotechnology Laboratory. The collected oocytes were matured in a maturation medium supplemented with Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) at a concentration of 10 µg/ml or without IGF-1 for 24 hours in a CO₂ incubator maintained at 38.5°C. Following maturation, the oocytes were fertilized for 18 hours, and the resulting embryos were cultured for 48 hours in a CO₂ incubator at 38.5°C. The samples were then subjected to PCR analysis. The amplification results revealed the presence of the ZAR 1 gene band at the target size of 228 bp in oocytes matured with and without IGF-1. A comparative analysis of oocytes and embryos showed differences in the gene bands, particularly in samples supplemented with IGF-1. These findings suggest that IGF-1 supplementation during oocyte maturation significantly influences ZAR 1 gene expression in embryos. The observed variations in ZAR 1 gene expression across the oocyte, zygote, and embryo stages highlight the gene's pivotal role in reprogramming post-fertilization and maintaining early embryonic development.