Objective The final phase of oocyte differentiation, fertilization and early embryo development occur in absence of transcription, thus cell cycle progression and genome reprogramming rely on translation of stored mRNAs, until the activation of embryo genome. Objective of the present study is to analyze the pathways that regulate translation during oocyte-to-embryo transition. We propose the follicular cells to play a role in this process. Though it is known that intercellular bi-directional communications are essential to coordinate oogenesis with folliculogenesis, the involvement of somatic cells in the regulation of translation is a new concept. Our study will be conducted in mice (outgoing phase) and cows (return phase) since their embryo genome activation follows divergent dynamics: early 2-cell stage in mice, 8-16 cells in cows. The study will aim to: 1) understand how somatic cells regulate the activation of selected mRNA translation in oocytes; 2) determine if a mis-regulation of mRNA translation accounts for impaired embryo development during reproductive aging; 3) identify the extent to which these mechanisms are evolutionarily conserved in mammals. Different strategies will be adopted in order to knock-down the putative pathways, from pharmacological inhibition to RNA interference techniques and genetic models, when available. The translation activity will be investigated by innovative approaches as the use of luciferase reporters.While aiming to uncover some of the yet poorly known mechanisms that drive a highly differentiated cell as the oocyte to the perfect totipotent cell, this project represents the opportunity for a European researcher at the crucial transition to become independent to work with leading edge scientists and advanced technologies in the field of cell signaling and reproductive sciences. The return phase will allow the transfer of knowledge and the establishment of networks of international cooperation. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologycell signalingnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNAnatural sciencesbiological scienceszoologymammalogymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineembryologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomes Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF - Marie Curie Action: "International Outgoing Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IOF - International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) Coordinator UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO EU contribution € 261 175,80 Address Via Festa Del Perdono 7 20122 Milano Italy See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Sabina Sangalli (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data