Oocyte and Early Embryo Development

This Program investigates the important step of oocyte maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development. A significant importance of this resarch is its clinical and veterinary application, especially in assisted reproductive technologies, as well as understanding basic mechanisms involved in development. Current research programs are directed at:

• The influence of the external microevironment surrounding oocytes and early embryos on embryonic programming and fetal development.
• Maternal factors programming oocyte and early embryo development leading to altered fetal and placental development.
• The molecular and biochemical signals regulating early development.
• Novel systems for the automation of embryo production.
• Diagnostic evaluation of sperm, oocytes and early embryos.
• Oocyte and embryo freezing and storage.
• Research on oocyte secreted factrors and GDF-9/9B, their role, production and regulation.
• Studies on the regulation of oocyte maturation and cumulus cell function by paracrine/gap junctional signalling between the 2 cell types, including exchange of small regulatory molecules such as cAMP. These projects include true IVM (ie effects on embryo developmetnal potential).
• Work continues using the marmoset primate model to investigate characterisation of the role of FSH in reproductive cycles.
• In vitro maturation: physiological and molecular mechanisms of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation in animal models and development of methods for clinical application in assisted reproductive technology.
• Investigations of interactions between hormones (steroids, gonadotrophins) and paracrine growth factors in follicle regulation: in vitro studies with pig and human follicle cell models.
• Role of seminal components in regulation of follicle and corpus luteum development and function: in vivo studies with mouse and pig models
• Enhancement of embryo development and survival by immune modulating molecules: role in increased fecundity in pigs

Key Contacts
A/Prof Jeremy Thompson
Email
A/Prof Mark Nottle
Email
A/Prof Bill Breed
Email
Prof David Armstrong
Email
Dr Robert Gilchrist
Email
Dr Michelle Lane
Email
Dr Karen Kind
Email