Description:

The overall goal of this project is to determine whether boundary layer molecular measurements can be used to assess the viability of mammalian embryos and contribute to our understanding of embryo physiology and pathophysiology.

Progress:

Oxygen project- We use self-referencing electrode technology to investigate oxygen consumption and metabolism by individual oocytes and preimplantation embryos. We have characterized the oxygen gradients around embryos and have modulated these gradients with mitochondrial toxins and metabolites. In addition, we have been able to observe difference in oxygen consumption between healthy and unhealthy embryos.

Potassium project- We use self-referencing electrode technology to investigate potassium regulation by individual oocytes and preimplantation embryos. We have characterized the potassium channel activated when embryos initiate cell death to belong to the Two Pore domain group. These channels serve to coordinate the cell death process and could serve as therapeutic targets abrogating premature embryo death.