Press Releases

Researchers have succeeded in visualizing the entire process of ovulation in mouse follicles in real-time for the first time. The new live imaging technique allows to study ovulation with high spatial and temporal resolution and opens up new possibilities in fertility research. more

Female mammals, including humans, are born with all of their egg cells. Some egg cells therefore survive for several decades – and need to remain functional over this long time. Extremely long-lived proteins in the ovary seem to play an important role in this and may help maintain fertility for as long as possible. more

Until a mammalian embryo implants in the uterus, the egg cell has to supply it with everything it needs to survive, including essential proteins. Researchers have now elucidated how egg cells store these proteins. Their experiments also provide important insights into how errors in protein storage can lead to infertility. Structures of the egg cell that have puzzled scientists for over 60 years play a crucial role in this. more

Human eggs are missing an important motor protein, which helps to separate the chromosomes correctly during cell division. Introducing this protein into eggs opens up new avenues for therapeutic approaches that could reduce chromosome segregation errors.
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Researchers at the institute in collaboration with the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics in Mariensee and other international colleagues, developed a new model system for studying early embryonic development. With the help of this system, they discovered that the process when genetic material from each parent combines immediately after fertilization is remarkably inefficient. more