Development of cattle embryos on polarised oviduct and uterine epithelial cells

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Project objective

Research objectives and content Ihe aim of the project is to compare the in vitro development of cattle embryos co-cultured on oviduct and bterine epithelial cells, obtained by using a new cell culture technique, in which they maintain their polarised epithelial character and separate the apical and the basal compartments. First the polarised cell layers will be assessed with regard to functional markers, including morphology, gene expression, energy metabolism and ion transport. Second the effect of supplementing the basal medium with hormones, resembling the changes during the oestrus cycle, will be investigated. These polarised oviduct and uterine ce11 layers, reflecting the physiological situation in vivo, will then be used in a co-culture system for cattle in vitro fertilised (IVF) embryos. Embryo development will be assessed as blastocyst formation rate, cell number and by non-invasive biochemical measurement methods. We wish to establish a new in vitro culture system for IVF cattle embryos to extend our understanding of preimplantation cattle embryos and promote physiological embryo development. Trainining content (objective, benefit and expected impact) In the host institution I will be trained in special techniques, e.g. electrophysiological and metabolic measurement methods and non-invasive biochemical assessment of preimplantation embryos. The project is a continuation of my recent research and will complete my dissertation to reach the qualification 'PhD'. Linlks with industry / industrial relevance (22) The host institution is connected with the company 'Genus' and my home institution is collaborating with tbe 'BFZF' (Bavarian Research Center of Reproductive Biology), which are both active in the in vitro production of cattle embryos.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• UNIVERSITY OF YORK · YORKCoordinatorUnited Kingdom

Links

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