Project

Unraveling early lineage segregation during human embryonic development using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing

Code
01CD3222
Duration
01 March 2023 → 31 March 2023
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Animal biology not elsewhere classified
    • Genetics not elsewhere classified
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Veterinary medicine not elsewhere classified
Keywords
human embryonic development
 
Project description

In this research proposal we want to evaluate the efficiency and usability of CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing of mouse and human embryos (i.e. silencing of NANOG and CDX2). We will analyze the effect on early lineage segregation, and extend the culture period by using a recently established peri-implantation model and by the derivation of embryonic stem cells. The present project proposal will improve our understanding of how early human embryonic cells become more specialized during early development. Increasing our knowledge about the role of pluripotency genes and proteins, may provide new insight into the mechanisms of human embryo development. This will also promote advances in the treatment of infertility, or in developing biomarkers of embryonic health which might be used in clinical treatment. As the Med7 expert panel is specialized in research in the reproductive field, we believe this proposal fits in its scope.