This technology utilizes synthetic mRNAs to improve genome stability in human oocytes used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, thereby improving the efficiency of IVF treatments.
Unmet Need: Method for reducing genomic instability of IVF human embryos
IVF is a groundbreaking technique that allows individuals who face fertility challenges to become pregnant, however, the success rate of IVF procedures remains relatively low with only around 25% of all IVF procedures resulting in a successful birth. In each procedure, an average of 20 oocytes is needed to achieve a successful birth outcome. Genome instability and mosaicsm of fertilized oocytes is a leading cause of low IVF success rates. Current methods of improving IVF outcomes focus on harvesting more oocytes, yet this strategy requires multiple rounds of hormone treatments with high financial and emotional costs for individuals undergoing the procedures, and many have natural limitations in the number of oocytes they can produce. There are currently no treatments available to address the underlying factors influencing human embryo survivability in IVF procedures.
The Technology: Genome stabilizing protein factors introduced at fertilization to improve IVF treatment success
This technology introduces mRNA encoding genome-stabilizing proteins to oocytes using a technique that is fully compatible with current IVF processes to improve developmental potential for fertilized oocytes. The gene expression of mouse embryos resilient to replication abnormalities were compared to that of human embryos, to find key factors that may be responsible for the lack of replication resiliency stability in IVF human embryos. Supplementing expression of these genes or other limiting factors may reduce genetic instability and enhance the success rate of IVF procedures.
Applications:
- Improving success rates and reducing costs of IVF procedures
- Cell screening and selection for embryo implantation
- Research tool for understanding genetic perturbations of in vitro embryos
- Protection of in vitro embryos from genetic damage
- Genetic assay for embryo survivability
- IVF treatment outcome predictions
Advantages:
- Improves genetic understanding of in vitro embryo homeostasis
- Improving viability of preimplantation embryos by reducing genomic instability and mosaicsm
- Reducing the number of oocytes required for a successful birth
- Reducing the high financial and emotional costs associated with repetitive oocyte harvesting and IVF cycles
- Enhances the success rate of IVF treatments
- Increases survivability of post-IVF implanted embryos
Lead Inventor:
Dieter Egli, PhD
Patent Information:
Patent Pending
Related Publications:
Palmerola KL, Amrane S, De Los Angeles A, Xu S, Wang N, de Pinho J, Zuccaro MV, Taglialatela A, Massey DJ, Turocy J, Robles A, Subbiah A, Prosser B, Lobo R, Ciccia A, Koren A, Baslan T, Egli D. “Replication stress impairs chromosome segregation and preimplantation development in human embryos.” Cell. 2022 Aug 4; 185(16): 2988-3007
Yamada M, Egli D. “Genome Transfer Prevents Fragmentation and Restores Developmental Potential of Developmentally Compromised Postovulatory Aged Mouse Oocytes” Stem Cell Reports. 2017 Mar 14; 8(3): 576-588.
Kort DH, Chia G, Treff NR, Tanaka AJ, Xing T, Vensand LB, Micucci S, Prosser R, Lobo RA, Sauer MV, Egli D. “Human embryos commonly form abnormal nuclei during development: a mechanism of DNA damage, embryonic aneuploidy, and developmental arrest.” Hum Reprod. 2016 Feb; 31(2): 312-23.
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