Fundamental and pre-clinical research
In vitro follicle culture (IFC)
We focus on optimization of multistep systems for in vitro follicle activation, growth and maturation using mouse in vitro models for culturing ovarian follicles and oocytes. Ifc allows for the study of culture conditions that influence the development of the ovarian follicle and determine oocyte quality. These findings are of particular interest for translation into the field of oncofertility. Due to the accessibility to the different growth stages under in vitro situations, it also provides a suitable bioassay for the study of basic aspects of oocyte and follicle biology at the cellular and molecular levels.
In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM)
IVM is a new ART method with minimal administration of hormones to the patient. The oocytes are picked-up from very small antral follicles (<10 mm) and need a prolonged culture condition to be developmentally competent. Establishing these new culture conditions, tested first in the mouse model, are key to improve IVM results.
Epigenetic safety of oocyte culture
FOBI aims to discover potentially harmful epigenetic effects of oocyte culture that might lead to reduced developmental competence and affect offspring health. Experiments are performed in a mouse model and on donated human oocytes and embryos from healthy volunteers and consenting patients. The developed assays can be used for testing epigenetic safety of culture media and drugs and for assessment of potential harmful effects of metabolic disturbances and xenobiotic substances.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age and is strongly associated with infertility. At FOBI, we study oocytes and cumulus cells collected from PCOS patients to identify altered pathways at the molecular level. By identifying transcriptional and epigenetic alterations in PCOS samples, we aim to uncover alterations associated with disease pathology. Moreover, our goal is to identify the targets for future IVM optimization* strategies that can improve reproductive outcomes and provide safe fertility treatment options with a reduced treatment burden for PCOS patients.
*As of 2023, the International Evidence-Based Guideline recommends that IVM may be considered in the management of infertility in PCOS, particularly in centres with sufficient expertise and in cases where standard treatment risks (like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) are high.
Clinical activities
At FOBI, we perform clinical studies in cooperation with Prof. Michel De Vos (Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel). Our main focus is improving the competency of human IVM, in oocytes retrieved from small antral follicles, from minimally or unstimulated cycles and cryopreservation of IVM oocytes.
