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My laboratory is doing research in the basic events surrounding fertilization in the
horse. For instance, we are studying the molecular mechanism that signals the
equine oocyte that it has been fertilized, also termed oocyte activation. This is
achieved by transient calcium elevations within the cytoplasm of the oocyte. We
hope that this will help us improve the success of assisted reproduction and cloning
in the horse. We are also interested in the mechanisms that prepare stallion sperm
for fertilization, or sperm capacitation. Understanding this process may allow the
successfully application of in vitro fertilization in the horse.
Additionally we are researching the molecular factors that make the aged equine
oocyte less apt for embryonic development. We have evidence that apoptosis
occurs when aged oocytes are fertilized. We hope to eventually apply this
knowledge to understand why older mares have decreased fertility.
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