Summary of the science
Aneuploidy in mammalian oocytes refers to a condition where the oocyte, which is a cell that develops into an egg, has an abnormal number of chromosomes. A chromosome is made up of DNA and proteins and it carries genetic information containing instructions that organisms need for grow and to function properly. Normally, oocytes should have a specific number of chromosomes, but in aneuploidy, there is either an extra chromosome or a missing chromosome. This can happen during the process of meiosis, which is the process where the chromosomes in the oocyte are divided. Aneuploidy in oocytes is important to understand, because it can lead to problems with pregnancy and the development of certain genetic disorders.
About the research
The lab focuses on studying meiosis in mammalian oocytes, specifically examining the interface between chromosomes and cytoskeletal structures. They aim to understand how defects in this interaction lead to aneuploid eggs and pregnancy loss. The research is important for both fundamental understanding of meiosis and its medical implications, such as congenital disorders. The lab is also developing new tools to study meiosis and has made advancements in studying chromosome segregation errors in live human oocytes.
About the illustration
Aneuploidy occurs during oocyte meiosis, during the chromosome segregation phase. We decided to illustrate this phase within the oocyte to emphasise its importance. The background is completed with other oocytes that are similarly going through meiosis.