Compositions And Methods For Determining Oocyte Development Potential

Method for Using Pentraxin as a Molecular Marker for Egg Quality NU 2003-095 Inventors Edmond Confino Ralph R. Kazer Xingqi Zhang Abstract One of the main challenges in utilizing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is the informed selection of embryos for transfer. Northwestern investigators have demonstrated that the relative abundance of mRNA coding for Pentraxin-3 in cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte correlates with the ability of oocytes to fertilize in vitro and to implant following placement of the embryo in the uterus. Pentraxin-3 is a protein initially studied for its role in inflammatory reactions. The discovery of its correlation with viability can be exploited by physicians and fertility clinics performing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) as an assay for fertility and for predicting the developmental potential of the human embryo without risking damage or destruction of the embryo. The metric can also be used as a guide for selecting in vitro- produced embryos for transfer so that only embryos with the best developmental potential will be selected for placement in the uterus to establish pregnancy. The main benefit of selecting embryos with the best potential is the ability to transfer fewer embryos and minimize the chances of high-order multiple births, which can cause considerable physical and emotional stress. Applications o Diagnosing causes of infertility o Screening oocytes to select oocytes/embryos for further tests or for placement in the uterus to establish pregnancy o Testing for effects of drugs, environmental pollutants, nutrition, genetic and other pathological conditions on reproductive health Advantages o No risk to the embryo o Optimizes chances of successful pregnancy o Avoids potential for physically difficult and financially difficult high-order multiple births IP Status Issued US Patent No. 7,572,601 Marketing Contact Michael Moore, PhD Invention Manager (p) (847) 491-4645 (e) michaelmoore@northwestern.edu