Screening DNA Methylation Signatures in Early Bovine In Vitro Embryos for Developmental Fitness

The success of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in overcoming infertility or improving livestock genetic traits is undeniable. However, the use of ART in livestock has also been associated with an increased likelihood of certain anomalies (e.g., large offspring syndrome, musculoskeletal anomalies) and neonatal mortality because of suboptimal culture conditions. Our partner, L’Alliance Boviteq (Semex) has developed a series of tests (e.g., embryo morphology, genetic screens) to assess the quality of in vitro derived embryos. Still, a fraction of calves (less than 2%) is born with perinatal anomalies. In recent years, various studies have put epigenetic errors forward as a potential culprit for adverse offspring development following ART procedures. Epigenetic marks (e.g., chemical tags on the genome) are highly remodeled across the genome during the pre-implantation period and are key for regulating gene expression; including genes that have been associated with large offspring syndrome. Here, we aim to develop and implement a molecular screening approach based on epigenetic signatures to further improve prognostic ability of individual bovine embryos for developmental health prior to transfer.

Faculty Supervisor:

Serge McGraw

Student:

Partner:

L'Alliance Boviteq Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center; Université de Montréal

Program: