Human embryos created for in vitro fertilization, or IVF, can be subjected to a new form of analysis and classified as chromosomally normal or abnormal within 30 hours of their creation. Such speedy evaluation could help clinicians and embryologists select only the healthiest embryos for implantation and improve IVF success rates. Currently, as many as four out of five embryos created for IVF have a chromosomal abnormality that precludes pregnancy and leads, instead, to miscarriage.
The new form of analysis combines advances in noninvasive cell imaging and single-cell genetic profiling—more specifically, the techniques of time-lapse complete chromosomal assessment and single-cell RT-qPCR. These techniques were deployed in tandem by scientists at Oregon Health & Science University, Stanford University, the University of Valencia, and Igenomix, to collect information from human embryos, starting immediately after fertilization and continuing up to the eight-cell stage.
The scientists determined that by looking at the duration of the first mitotic phase — a short period in the cell cycle — one can identify chromosomally normal versus abnormal embryos. They also found that single-cell profiling makes it possible to correlate the chromosomal make-up of an embryo to a subset of 12 genes that are activated prior to the first cell division.
These findings, an Oregon Health & Science University press notice explained, could expedite identification of the healthiest embryo for implantation and reduce the amount of time an embryo is cultured in the laboratory prior to transfer.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Faster Identification of “Best” Embryos May Boost IVF Success
