Project: Unraveling early lineage segregation during human embryonic development using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
2018-10-01 – 2023-02-28
- Abstract
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.