Inferring simple but precise quantitative models of human oocyte and early embryo development

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Reproductive Science
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Phenomenological models offer concise frameworks for complex biological processes.
• Understanding oogenesis and embryogenesis requires robust models for their regulatory nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To infer quantitative, precise phenomenological models for human oocyte maturation and pre-implantation embryo development.
• To analyze clinical in-vitro fertilization (IVF) data to uncover fundamental principles of early human development.

Main Methods:

• Data-driven approach using clinical IVF data from 7399 cycles (57,827 embryos).
• Inferred quantitative models to describe oocyte maturation and early embryo development.

Main Results:

• Oocyte maturation and early embryo development are described by simple models with minimal interactions.
• Key findings include independent anti-Müllerian hormone production, oocyte maturation independent of maternal age/BMI, and memoryless early embryo development.
• Suggests modular and siloed processes in oogenesis and embryogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Oogenesis and embryogenesis appear to be composed of modular, relatively independent processes.
• Results provide fundamental insights into reproductive biology.
• Implications for improving clinical IVF outcomes and understanding developmental processes.