Fertility and Reproduction

Understanding the origins of life and the genetic and environmental forces that shape each new generation

Reproduction is an essential and fascinating process in all living organisms, and crucial for the survival of species. In mammals, this process is at its most complex, as the successful creation of a healthy individual relies on precisely orchestrated events and on successful communication. First during gametogenesis (the production of gametes or reproductive cells), then between gametes at fertilization, and finally between the developing embryo and the maternal environment.

We use assisted reproductive technologies to explore these events both inside (in vivo) and outside (in vitro) the maternal environment, applying targeted interventions at various stages of the reproductive process.

Our group brings together experts from molecular biology, medical and veterinary sciences, and bioinformatics. We have a shared mission: to understand the biological mechanisms that shape new life from formation of gametes to birth. Thereby, we focus on four research themes.

Fertilisation

We investigate the molecular events that prepare eggs and sperm cells for fertilisation. Our “oviduct-on-a-chip” systems enable us to examine the oviduct’s contribution to successful fertilisation and embryo development. This research will lead to improved assisted reproductive techniques that more closely resemble the natural environment, promoting healthier embryo development.

The start of life is in the oviduct

Reproductive Genetics

Infertility and miscarriages are common in many mammals and are frequently caused by genetic defects in developing embryos or in parents. One of the most common defects in mammalian embryos is aneuploidy, an incorrect number of chromosomes in embryonic cells. Aneuploidy can result from chromosome segregation errors occurring either during the oocyte's meiotic divisions or during the mitotic divisions after fertilization. Our aim is to understand the mechanisms underlying these errors and develop screening methods in pre-implantation embryos. Pre-implantation genetic screening enables the detection of aneuploidy and other genetic diseases before transfer to the uterus. This accelerates genetic selection and ensures the health of the future animal population.

Understanding genetic causes of infertility and miscarriages is crucial for innovative fertility treatments and healthy offspring

Maternal environment and offspring

Maternal metabolic stress is characterized by elevated levels of free fatty acids, which occur during negative energy balance in cows or obesity in humans. Also environmental factors, such as microplastics, can reach the genital tract and pose a potential threat to oocytes and embryos.

We investigate the effects of realistic exposures with the bovine IVF model system, based on ovaries from the slaughterhouse, to determine their effect on oocyte and embryo developmental competence. We learned that cumulus cells that surround the oocyte, and together form the cumulus-oocyte-complex, appear to be crucial in protecting the oocyte against metabolic aberrant maternal metabolic stress conditions. Right now, we are investigating how other cells in the genital tract - via e.g. oviductal co-culture systems - may play a role in oocyte and embryo protection.

Hilde Aardema: “Early life is fascinating and complex at the same time. By studying the impact of maternal exposures on gametes and embryos, we increase our understanding of the mysterious start of life.”

We increase our understanding of the mysterious start of life

Reproductive Omics

The advent of high-throughput technologies, known as omics, has enabled large-scale measurement of biological molecules. Advanced analytical tools can uncover patterns within these vast datasets, objectively describing and even predicting physiological events or their disruptions. This is fascinating given the intricate complexity of biological organisms. We aim to harness the power of omics data science to deepen our understanding of embryonic and foetal development in ruminants.

At the crossroads of reproductive biology and bioinformatics, significant breakthroughs await

Our team members