The laboratory research focuses on understanding the remarkable properties of the mammalian oocyte, which exists as a highly differentiated cell type endowed with the unique capacity for creating an embryonic genome from the two terminally differentiated gamete genomes, activating that embryonic genome, and regulating its function during much of the preimplantation period. The research seeks to understand these fundamental, life-generating processes at the molecular level, by employing a combination of microsurgery, quantitative gene expression analyses, microarray analyses, and structural studies.

We published two studies reporting novel roles of UCHL1 and UCHL3 in oocyte meiosis, spindle formation, fertilization, and early embryo development. For Study 1 Click Here & for Study 2 Click Here We also reported that the hormone relaxin facilitates preimplantation rhesus monkey development. Click Here We also reported that in vitro maturation, which compromises oocyte quality, exerts a much greater negative effect on cumulus cell gene expression than on oocyte gene expression. Click Here.