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Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I
Published on: April 10, 2018
Contemporary genetic technologies and female reproduction
Human Reproduction Update
|September 8, 2011
Summary
Genomic studies are advancing female reproduction knowledge by identifying infertility genes. International collaboration is key to applying these genetic discoveries in large patient populations for better reproductive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Human Genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- The Fifth Evian Annual Reproduction (EVAR) Workshop convened experts to discuss contemporary genetics in female reproduction.
- Discussions synthesized current research and published literature on reproductive genetics.
Framework:
- Focus on identifying ovarian genes implicated in infertility.
- Exploration of genetic screening for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, and endometriosis.
Implementation:
- Developing high-throughput strategies for genetic screening in infertile patients.
- Utilizing objective technologies for high-quality embryo identification in IVF to enable single-embryo transfer.
- Investigating gene expression profiling of cumulus cells and proteomic/metabolomic approaches for non-invasive embryo quality assessment.
Implications:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving large patient cohorts are crucial for advancing reproductive genetics.
- International collaboration is essential to implement large-scale genetic technologies effectively in reproductive medicine.
Related Concept Videos
What is Genetic Engineering?
Overview
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
CRISPR
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short...
In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Reproductive Cloning
Reproductive cloning is the process of producing a genetically identical copy—a clone—of an entire organism. While clones can be produced by splitting an early embryo—similar to what happens naturally with identical twins—cloning of adult animals is usually done by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
Reproductive Cloning
Reproductive cloning is the process of producing a genetically identical copy—a clone—of an entire organism. While clones can be produced by splitting an early embryo—similar to what happens naturally with identical twins—cloning of adult animals is usually done by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...

