Article
Maternal age-related differential global expression profiles observed in human oocytes

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Abstract

The age-related decline in female fertility has been attributed to a variety of causes including progressive oocyte depletion, meiotic irregularities and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, additional factors could potentially be involved. To explore this possibility, comprehensive analysis of gene expression in human oocytes, discarded following IVF procedures and segregated by age, was undertaken using microarray methods. These findings indicate that the expression of oocyte genes, in a variety of major functional categories including cell cycle regulation, cytoskeletal structure, energy pathways, transcription control, and stress responses, are influenced by maternal age. These results are corroborated by a complementary extensive study using mouse oocytes.

Section snippets

Dr Steuerwald began her career in mathematics and computer science, but later went on to pursue advanced studies in reproductive biology. Dr Steuerwald received a PhD from Florida International University in Miami, USA in 1999. She completed her dissertation research in the laboratory of Drs Jacques Cohen and Santiago Munné, with whom she collaborated to conduct quantitative expression analysis in single oocytes with particular emphasis on cell cycle regulation and checkpoint gene expression

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  • Dr Steuerwald began her career in mathematics and computer science, but later went on to pursue advanced studies in reproductive biology. Dr Steuerwald received a PhD from Florida International University in Miami, USA in 1999. She completed her dissertation research in the laboratory of Drs Jacques Cohen and Santiago Munné, with whom she collaborated to conduct quantitative expression analysis in single oocytes with particular emphasis on cell cycle regulation and checkpoint gene expression during meiosis. Currently Dr Steuerwald is involved in the development of clinically relevant microarray methods and is interested in research involving the application of bioinformatics.

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