European Oocyte Biology Research Innovation Training Net

Project Information

EUROVA

Grant agreement ID: 860960

DOI

10.3030/860960

Project closed

EC signature date 12 August 2019

Start date 1 November 2019

End date 31 October 2024

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 3 970 860,88

EU contribution

€ 3 970 860,88

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EUROVA (European Oocyte Biology Research Innovation Training Net)

Reporting period: 2021-11-01 to 2024-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

“Ex Ovo Omnia”: “From the egg comes all” (William Harvey 1578-1657): The oocyte is the foundation of life, developing from a single fertilized cell to a multicellular organism capable of an independent existence. Oocyte quality, is influenced by many physiological and environmental factors, which can ultimately have long-term consequences for female fertility and the health of their offspring.

Given the centrality of the oocyte to reproduction, excellent basic oocyte biology research is essential to develop safe new therapies and interventions in Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART), gamete storage and fertility enhancement therapies. The EUROVA consortium came about to address the knowledge deficit in oocyte biology which was identified as a major barrier to addressing global issues relating to fertility and reproduction in human, livestock and endangered species.

The project aimed to address the critical knowledge gaps in oocyte biology that hinder advancements in fertility and reproduction for humans, livestock and endangered species. Oocyte development, is influenced by various physiological and environmental factors, ultimately affecting fertility and offspring health. Recognising this, the EUROVA consortium initiated a comprehensive PhD training program for 15 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) to build expertise in oocyte biology within Europe.

The program combined specialist training in oocyte biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, microscopy, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), alongside transferable skills for academic and industrial applications. The research objectives included creating a cross-species molecular and morphological reference map of mammalian oocyte growth and understanding the effects of maternal age on oocyte quality, as well as developing innovative ART solutions for sub-fertile donors. The ESRs undertook reserach projects aligned to one or both research objectives, the results of their work provide a deeper understanding of oocyte biology and offer practical fertility interventions.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The EUROVA consortium successfully executed a robust training and research program. Key achievements include:

Training and Capacity Building: 15 ESRs were recruited from Europe, Asia and South America and enrolled on a bespoke Doctoral Training Program, with 10 completing their PhDs by October 2024 and others on track to graduate shortly. The network hosted symposia and workshops on oocyte biology, career development, research integrity, AI, and open science. A virtual platform, "Basic Oocyte Biology (BOB) Forum," was established to facilitate knowledge sharing, we hosted 12 International Oocyte Biology Experts, who delivered cutting edge webinars.

Research Outcomes: Comprehensive datasets (transcriptomic, methylomic, and proteomic) for bovine, human, and mouse oocytes were generated and uploaded to public repositories.
Innovations in ART included 3D follicle culture systems, improved in vitro maturation protocols using supplements like lycopene and miRNA, and an AI tool for assessing cumulus cell expansion.
A high-yield protocol for accessing untapped ovarian reserves was developed, enhancing ART for endangered species and human gamete preservation.
Findings were disseminated through scientific publications, international conferences, and public platforms.

Dissemination and Exploitation: A Plan for Exploitation and Dissemination of Results (PEDR) was implemented to ensure knowledge transfer and promote long-term impact. Communication channels, including a project website and social media accounts, supported outreach and engagement. Educational animations were produced to make the research accessible to a broader audience. Scientific results related to the project, deliverables, links to the scientific publications, abstracts, reports and other documents that contain results written in lay terms for citizens and society are available on the EUROVA website and the EC. In addition, posts and news about publications, presentations are promoted on the EUROVA social networks. Presentations by ESRs were made to external international workshops, symposiums and conferences.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The EUROVA project made remarkable strides in advancing oocyte biology and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) through innovative research and comprehensive training.
Research outputs include the generation of single-cell methylomic and transcriptomic datasets, which were interrogated to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing oocyte development across bovine, human, and murine species. These insights shed light on critical processes such as chromatin dynamics, organelle function, and the impact of environmental factors, enriching our understanding of oocyte biology.

The project also delivered significant refinements to ART protocols. Innovations included antioxidant-enhanced in vitro maturation techniques and optimized strategies for follicle survival following cryopreservation. These advancements have implications for human fertility interventions and the conservation of endangered species. Additionally, EUROVA introduced cutting-edge AI tools and imaging techniques to evaluate oocyte and follicle health, paving the way for applications in both clinical and veterinary medicine.

By integrating a comparative species analysis, EUROVA established a robust foundation for refining ART practices across species. The research supports critical areas such as age-related fertility solutions and oncofertility strategies, offering renewed hope to individuals and families facing reproductive challenges. Moreover, the project’s outputs promise to improve livestock breeding efficiency and contribute to the conservation of endangered species, addressing pressing global biodiversity concerns.

The EUROVA Training Network created an exceptional environment for developing a new generation of highly skilled oocyte biologists. These Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) have emerged as leaders capable of driving innovation and contributing immediately to research and development in Europe and beyond. The specialised training program not only advanced knowledge and expertise in oocyte biology but also equipped the ESRs with a broad array of transferable skills, ensuring their adaptability and success across academic and industrial settings. This dual focus on scientific excellence and practical capability ensures EUROVA’s lasting impact on reproductive science and innovation capacity in the EU.

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