Methods are provided for evaluating an oocyte for fertilization and implantation comprising analysis of gene expression in cumulus cells wherein the detected genes or polypeptides include at least SPSB2 and TP53I3. For example, methods are provided for determining whether a cumulus cell expresses, or does not express, one or more of a group of markers identified as differently expressed between cumulus cells associated with chromosomally normal oocytes and cumulus cells associated with chromosomally abnormal oocytes. Methods are provided for the detection of marker expression of differentially expressed genes at the RNA level, as well as at the protein level.
