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The biofabrication of a 3D in vitro human oviduct model to study infertility and factors affecting embryo development

Opis projektu

Trójwymiarowy model jajowodu in vitro

Jajowody łączą jajniki z macicą, przenosząc komórkę jajową i plemniki oraz zapewniając odpowiednie środowisko do zapłodnienia. Pierwsze podziały komórek zarodkowych mają miejsce w jajowodzie, przygotowując grunt po rozwój płodu i zdrowie w dorosłym życiu. Brak jest jednak odpowiednich modeli trójwymiarowych do lepszego zbadania mechanizmów molekularnych leżących u podstaw funkcjonowania jajowodów. Projekt OviChip, finansowany przez Europejską Radę ds. Badań Naukowych, ma na celu stworzenie trójwymiarowego modelu in vitro, który odtwarza strukturalne i biologiczne cechy jajowodu. Kluczowym celem jest zrozumienie selekcji zdrowych plemników i wpływu epigenetyki.

Cel

Despite being viewed as a simple transport conduit, the oviduct can determine a successful pregnancy and has a life-long impact on our health and wellbeing. Also called the fallopian tube, our understanding of tubal function remains limited, owing to the ethical limitations of human studies and the poor translations of animal studies to people. The objective of the OviChip project is to create the first full-scale 3D in vitro model of the oviduct that can address our knowledge gap. The oviduct selects healthy sperm and hosts the first embryonic cell divisions, setting the stage for fetal development and health in our adult life. Epigenetic factors can trigger genetic defects in these first moments that lead to unsuccessful pregnancies or ailments such as Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and schizophrenia. When oviduct function is compromised, such as through a Chlamydia Trachomatis infection, infertility can arise. A common recourse for prospective parents is in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, IVF success rates have plateaued at 30% for the past decade and concerns have emerged about the epigenetic impact IVF has on a child’s health. Therefore, to improve embryo viability and IVF outcomes or to avoid IVF by addressing tubal pathologies, our knowledge gap about oviduct function must be addressed. The OviChip project will develop biofabrication technologies to create a 3D model that respects the structural and biological elements of the oviduct from a meso to micron scale. The anticipated outcomes include: 1) the validation of new biofabrication approaches; 2) a better understanding of Chlamydia-associated tubal pathologies; 3) insight into the oviduct microenvironment with respect to sperm selection and epigenetic factors affecting embryogenesis. The OviChip will strive for unprecedented biomimicry and functional readout, setting new standards for tissue engineering. Most importantly, this will provide a unique avenue to fundamental answers that impact patients.

Instytucja przyjmująca

UNIVERSITEIT MAASTRICHT
Wkład UE netto
€ 2 318 530,00
Adres
MINDERBROEDERSBERG 4
6200 MD Maastricht
Niderlandy

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Region
Zuid-Nederland Limburg (NL) Zuid-Limburg
Rodzaj działalności
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Linki
Koszt całkowity
€ 2 318 530,00

Beneficjenci (1)