PG14: The Process Of Fertilization: Dialogue Between Gametes
Date:October 21,
2012
Time:8:15 am - 5:00 pm
Location:Room 5 - San Diego Convention Center
Presenters
Kersti Lundin, Ph.D. (Chair), Sahlgrenska University Hospital
M. Cristina Magli, Ph.D., S.I.S.Me.R.
Christopher Barratt, Ph.D., University of Dundee
John Carroll, B.Sc., University College London
Supporters
Developed in Cooperation with the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
ACGME COMPETENCY
Medical knowledge
NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND COURSE DESCRIPTION
The mechanisms controlling gamete interaction in humans are not yet fully understood, and a great deal of research is dedicated to elucidating the physiology of this process. Following their union, the oocyte and the spermatozoon undergo irreversible changes that promote oocyte activation, nuclear decondensation and fusion of the genetic material, followed by a complex series of events leading to embryo formation and growth. The oocyte, through the factors accumulated during maturation, has a key role in determining embryo development by properly responding to the activating factor released by the fertilizing spermatozoon. According to the latest findings, the next steps of embryogenesis occur in a network of time-dependent processes where the extensive epigenetic marking in sperm that correlates with developmental regulators and a complex but specific population of RNA molecules seem to be necessary for normal embryo development.
This course will discuss the most recent knowledge about the progression of these events, giving special emphasis to the continuous dialogue between the two cells.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Describe the main biological features of a cell.
- Summarize the processes of oogenesis and spermatogenesis.
- Compare the interaction and contribution of sperm vs. oocyte during the fertilisation process.
- Apply the knowledge of gamete interaction into ART practice regarding e.g. choice of fertilisation method.