Researchers have developed the first-ever spatial map of all the different cell types that make up the human ovary.
Using ovarian tissue from five organ donors of reproductive age, the scientists identified the genes that are required during normal egg development. Those crucial genes, when switched on at the right time, enable the follicles in the ovary to mature. This in turn results in the release of mature eggs which can be fertilised by sperm, potentially leading to pregnancy. Without the release of hormones or eggs, many follicles usually break down.
'Now that we know which genes are expressed in the oocytes, we can test whether affecting these genes could result in creating a functional follicle. This can be used to create an artificial ovary that could eventually be transplanted back into the body,' said Dr Ariella Shikanov, associate professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan and corresponding author of the study published in Science Advances.
This project is part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, which aims to create comprehensive maps detailing the diverse cells in the body, their molecular characteristics and locations with a goal to better understand how the human body functions and to identify the causes of diseases.
Scientists employed a technique called spatial transcriptomics to track where and how genes are active in tissue samples. They did this by examining RNA, a type of genetic molecule that makes proteins based on instructions from DNA at 257 different sites in the ovary, as well as in different types of cell. They found different types of cell in the ovary had distinct genetic expression.
'This was the first time where we could target ovarian follicles and oocytes and perform a transcription analysis, which enables us to see which genes are active,' Dr Shikanov said.
She added: 'This new data allows us to start building our understanding of what makes a good egg – what determines which follicle is going to grow, ovulate, be fertilised and become a baby.'
Alongside female fertility, functioning ovaries also produce hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
The team now intends to continue mapping other parts of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes and the uterus which will provide a deeper understanding of how the system works at a single-cell level.
This information could then be used to help with the development of organoids to further research into gamete production and fertility, they said.
Sources and References
-
Cellular atlas of the human ovary using morphologically guided spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing
-
First atlas of the human ovary with cell-level resolution is a step toward artificial ovary
-
First-ever cell atlas of the human ovary brings artificial ovaries a step closer to reality
-
Ovary ‘atlas’ could lead to lab-made ovaries
-
1st 'atlas' of human ovaries could lead to fertility breakthrough, scientists say
-
Atlas of the human ovary offers huge potential for new treatments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.