2023 - Full Presentation Schedule
Expression of signaling pathway genes in IVF embryos that result in miscarriage
Start Date
31-3-2023 1:45 PM
End Date
31-3-2023 2:00 PM
Location
CASB 118 - Graduate Health Sciences
Document Type
Presentation
Abstract
Introduction: Approximately 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Infertility is one of the leading causes of recurrent miscarriages and affects approximately 14% of reproductive-age couples. Recurrent miscarriages are presumed to be the result of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities such as aneuploidy. In response to infertility, many couples seek IVF, often without reliable guidelines on which embryo has the best potential for leading to a live birth. Currently, this process is very expensive, costing on average $23,474 per cycle, and emotionally taxing, exacerbating their comorbidities of anxiety, depression, and isolation. Additionally, IVF typically leads to only an approximately 25-50% birth rate. As a result, there are many couples who are unable to conceive through IVF the first time. Due to the high cost of the procedure, many couples may not be able to afford to do multiple rounds of IVF.
Purpose Statement: This study seeks to identify gene expression signatures from blastocoel fluid-conditioned media collected from preimplantation euploid IVF-embryos that resulted in miscarriage.
Methods: Candidate genes were previously identified through whole transcriptome (RNASeq) analysis of blastocoel fluid from euploid IVF-embryos that resulted in successful or unsuccessful implantation. Blastocoel fluid from a new set of euploid IVF-embryos resulting in miscarriage or successful implantation were selected for specific gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR. RNA was first purified from the fluid, then cDNA was synthesized for use in RT-qPCR reactions with gene-specific TaqMan primers. Genes assessed using RT-qPCR were BCL2L12, SHARPIN, CUL2, and DRAP1 with GAPDH as a control. These genes represented pathways involved in apoptosis and protein degradation via ubiquitination.
Results: Gene expression analysis of is ongoing and future studies will continue to assess the expression of these genes in additional samples. Initial studies suggest altered expression patterns in some samples associated with miscarriage. Tested samples associated with positive implantation outcomes showed higher relative expression levels of CUL2. Those embryos with negative implantation outcomes showed higher relative expression levels of SHARPIN.
Conclusion: If genes could be identified that are associated with miscarriage, this additional embryo quality metric may improve the success of each IVF-embryo transfer potentially reducing the number of miscarriages. By reducing the number of miscarriages, fertility treatments may be accessible to a larger population by decreasing the associated costs of having to complete multiple rounds of treating and the psychological burden that may accompany recurrent miscarriage.
Expression of signaling pathway genes in IVF embryos that result in miscarriage
CASB 118 - Graduate Health Sciences
Introduction: Approximately 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Infertility is one of the leading causes of recurrent miscarriages and affects approximately 14% of reproductive-age couples. Recurrent miscarriages are presumed to be the result of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities such as aneuploidy. In response to infertility, many couples seek IVF, often without reliable guidelines on which embryo has the best potential for leading to a live birth. Currently, this process is very expensive, costing on average $23,474 per cycle, and emotionally taxing, exacerbating their comorbidities of anxiety, depression, and isolation. Additionally, IVF typically leads to only an approximately 25-50% birth rate. As a result, there are many couples who are unable to conceive through IVF the first time. Due to the high cost of the procedure, many couples may not be able to afford to do multiple rounds of IVF.
Purpose Statement: This study seeks to identify gene expression signatures from blastocoel fluid-conditioned media collected from preimplantation euploid IVF-embryos that resulted in miscarriage.
Methods: Candidate genes were previously identified through whole transcriptome (RNASeq) analysis of blastocoel fluid from euploid IVF-embryos that resulted in successful or unsuccessful implantation. Blastocoel fluid from a new set of euploid IVF-embryos resulting in miscarriage or successful implantation were selected for specific gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR. RNA was first purified from the fluid, then cDNA was synthesized for use in RT-qPCR reactions with gene-specific TaqMan primers. Genes assessed using RT-qPCR were BCL2L12, SHARPIN, CUL2, and DRAP1 with GAPDH as a control. These genes represented pathways involved in apoptosis and protein degradation via ubiquitination.
Results: Gene expression analysis of is ongoing and future studies will continue to assess the expression of these genes in additional samples. Initial studies suggest altered expression patterns in some samples associated with miscarriage. Tested samples associated with positive implantation outcomes showed higher relative expression levels of CUL2. Those embryos with negative implantation outcomes showed higher relative expression levels of SHARPIN.
Conclusion: If genes could be identified that are associated with miscarriage, this additional embryo quality metric may improve the success of each IVF-embryo transfer potentially reducing the number of miscarriages. By reducing the number of miscarriages, fertility treatments may be accessible to a larger population by decreasing the associated costs of having to complete multiple rounds of treating and the psychological burden that may accompany recurrent miscarriage.