Assessment and selection of competent oocytes for embryo development Year Two

The incidence of female infertility is on the rise in Canada, afflicting up to 17% of woman between the ages of 18 to 34 and with a considerably higher rate of occurrence in woman over 34. Many infertile women are now turning to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to facilitate conception and child bearing. Female oocyte/egg competence is an important requirement for successful ART outcomes. A competent oocyte is characterized by its ability to mature, become fertilized, and develop into a viable embryo. Oocytes rely on interactions with surrounding cells for provision of trophic and maturation signaling. The objective of this study is to design a protocol to predict oocyte competence using molecular signatures captured in extracellular fluid that will be used to establish a point-of-care diagnostic tool for application at the Montreal Reproductive Centre (MRC). A diagnostic tool with the capacity to predict oocyte competence would significantly improve ART outcomes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Teruko Taketo

Student:

Partner:

OriginElle Fertility Clinic & Women's Health Centre (ON)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Program: