We are a group of reproductive/developmental biologists in Edinburgh University and the MRC Reproductive Biology and Human Genetics Units. Our MRC Co-operative Group ('EggNet') is investigating oocyte development in a range of species from Drosophila to humans.
The mammalian oocyte contains the female genetic contribution to the new embryo as well as the metabolic machinery needed to sustain preimplantation development to the stage at which the embryonic genome becomes expressed and takes over the destiny of the new individual. Factors that regulate oocyte development and function are therefore fundamental to reproduction and represent potential molecular targets for pharmaceutical or genetic manipulation for medical/veterinary (e.g. fertility regulation) or agricultural (e.g. livestock breeding) purposes. The oocyte grows and matures through a series of developmental landmarks: our aim is to determine the genetic regulation of this process, with particular emphasis on how somatic cells influence the development of the oocyte and vice-versa.
By developing and pooling knowledge on the genetic regulation of gametogenesis and the development of the ovary in such a progression of species, we will have a firm basis to evolve improved strategies for manipulating ovarian function in domestic animal species, feral animal populations and for clinical purposes in women. This will allow us to optimally mature oocytes (for Assisted Reproduction Technologies), to halt oocyte development at specific stages (as a method of contraception) and to identify loci which give rise to disease.
Members of the Co-operative Group include:
Edinburgh University, along with the MRC Reproductive Biology and Human Genetics Units and the Roslin Institute, is a centre of excellence for both Reproductive Biology and Developmental Biology. The Centre for Reproductive Biology comprises the MRC Reproductive Biology Unit and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and is the main centre of reproductive biology in the UK. The Centre for Developmental Biology is an 'institute without walls' and links scientists across the various research sites in Edinburgh. Our Group proposal encompasses these different centres. By drawing on the relevant laboratories and departments at the appropriate stages of the work, we have access to several excellent molecular biology laboratories, state-of-the-art tissue culture facilities and laboratories able to micro-manipulate oocytes, all available at each proposed site.