Oocyte Quality Assessment V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a real-time assay to assess oocyte physiology based on mitochondria size, shape, density and patterning
IRAS ID
340652
Contact name
Lynae Brayboy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ovom Care GmbH
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Determining egg quality is the foremost important challenge in assisted human reproduction.
Less than 26% of Assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles result in a live birth, according to the most recent report by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. This is at least partly due to the lack of major scientific advancement in the field, particularly in the understanding of the egg. Given our experience and access to clinical samples, we at Ovom Care are well positioned to further the field of oocyte mitochondrial understanding.Mitochondria are popularly known as “the powerhouse of the cell” and yet few know that they are all maternally inherited. Eggs (oocytes) have more mitochondria than any cell in the body, these provide complete developmental support to the growing embryo and further down the line also dictate neonatal and pediatric health.
Egg quality is therefore crucial in ART, especially in procedures such as egg donation and egg freezing for later use. Unfortunately, current limited understanding of egg physiology hinders the assessment of eggs prior to fertilization and embryo transfer.
The researchers at Ovom Care and Avenues Clinic are investigating the density, morphology, localisation and nanomotion of oocyte mitochondria. Over the course of two years, discarded and unfertilised oocytes from patients undergoing IVF cycles at Avenues Fertility Clinic in London will be collected and evaluated. NO embryos or fertilised oocytes will be used at any time.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0843
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion