[TSG-6 protein and its role during maturation of ovarian follicles].

TSG-6 is an ~35 kDa glycoprotein belonging to the hyaluronan binding family. Its expression is induced as a result of an inflammatory condition and during ovulation. TSG-6 is a crucial protein engaged in extracellular matrix synthesis and organization of cumulus-oophorus-complexes (COCs) in preovulatory ovarian follicles. TSG-6 catalyzes cross-linking via heavy chains of trypsin α inhibitor and hyaluronan. This reaction is essential for proper cumulus cell expansion. This process is correlated with purchasing competence by the oocyte. Disorders of the synthesis of TSG-6 cause irregularities in expansion of cumulus cells during ovarian follicle maturation. Therefore, TSG-6 is a potential molecular marker of oocyte maturation.