RNA-seq as a tool for evaluating human embryo competence.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Genomics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Most embryos from in vitro fertilization (IVF) fail to implant, highlighting a critical need for improved embryo selection methods.
• Current embryo selection relies on morphological assessment, developmental kinetics, and aneuploidy screening, none of which guarantee viability.
• Understanding molecular factors influencing embryo competence is crucial for enhancing implantation rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a transcriptome-wide approach for assessing embryo competence using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq).
• To evaluate the utility of RNA-seq from trophectoderm biopsies for predicting whole embryo quality.
• To establish the foundation for a novel RNA-based diagnostic tool in IVF.

Main Methods:

• Generation of RNA-seq libraries from trophectoderm biopsies and remaining whole embryos.
• Integration of advanced embryological techniques with low-input RNA-seq.
• Development of an RNA-based digital karyotype and identification of competence-associated genes.

Main Results:

• RNA-seq from embryo biopsies effectively captures transcriptional information comparable to the whole embryo.
• The developed method demonstrates the potential of RNA-seq as a tool for preimplantation genetic screening.
• Identification of candidate genes associated with embryo competence.

Conclusions:

• RNA-sequencing of embryo biopsies is a viable and informative method for assessing embryo competence in IVF.
• This approach can provide deeper insights into embryo viability than current selection methods.
• The study lays the groundwork for a future RNA-based diagnostic test to improve IVF outcomes.