Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a three-dimensional structure that promotes and regulates cell adhesion and provides signals that direct the cellular processes leading to tissue development. In this report, synthetic matrices that present defined ECM components were employed to investigate these signaling effects on…
Abstract An option for fertility preservation for women facing a cancer diagnosis involves the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue for later re-transplantation or in vitro culture, with in vitro culture preferred to avoid reintroduction of the cancer. Small, immature follicles survive the freeze-thaw process, and can…
Abstract The mechanical properties and density of natural and synthetic extracellular matrices are known to affect cellular processes and regulate tissue formation. In this report, these factors were independently investigated for their role in ovarian follicle development. The matrix composition was controlled through decreasing the…
Abstract In this report, we investigate the fibrin-alginate interpenetrating network (FA-IPN) to provide dynamic cell-responsive mechanical properties, which we apply to the in vitro growth of ovarian follicles. The mechanical properties and polymerization rate of the gels were investigated by rheology, and the fiber structure…
Abstract Hydrogel-encapsulating culture systems support the consistent growth of ovarian follicles from various species, such as mouse, non-human primate, and human; however, further innovations are required for the efficient production of quality oocytes from early-stage follicles. In this report, we investigated the coculture of mouse…
In a recent publication in Tissue Engineering, Oncofertility Consortium researchers examined the use of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in conjunction with a 3D-hydrogel-supported culture of ovarian follicles. Authors, Tagler, Tu, Smith, Anderson, Tingen, Woodruff, and Shea, found that coculture with the MEFs resulted in the…
As the field of oncofertility continues to advance, the Oncofertility Consortium seeks to support various high-risk, high-gain initiatives in order to facilitate the launch of early-stage ideas into future grant-funded projects. Applications for pilot projects are evaluated each year, with only a few awarded with…
Who are appropriate candidates? Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is usually only considered in certain cases: Patients who do not have time to undergo controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for embryo or oocyte cryopreservation. COS is the more mature technology and should be the first-line treatment if time allows. Patients…
This Oncofertility Consortium resource is meant to function as a starter-kit so that researchers can establish the technique of alginate-based follicle culture in their own laboratories. Researchers should purchase their own reagents once they develop their techniques for follicle culture within their own labs. Any…
Application of an alginate 3-D culture system to the maturation of primate follicles in vitro and delivery of pro-angiogenic agents to autotransplanted ovarian tissue
The application of biomaterials and tissue engineering to reproductive biology provides an enabling technology that is central to the Oncofertility Consortium
Basic Science Protocols Complete Follicle Guidebook: Follicle Handbook: The handbook describes follicle isolation, encapsulation in alginate, and in vitro culture. In addition, there are protocols for encapsulation in a fibrin/alginate blend, removal of follicles from alginate, and in vitro maturation of oocytes following in vitro follicle culture. Reagent and Supply List for…
Abstract Oocytes grown in vitro are of low quality and yield few live births, thus limiting the ability to store or bank the ova of women wishing to preserve their fertility. We applied tissue engineering principles to the culture of immature mouse follicles by designing…
Abstract Folliculogenesis is a coordinated process, and the genes that regulate development are difficult to investigate in vivo. In vitro culture systems permit the assessment of individual follicles during development, thereby enabling gene expression patterns to be monitored during follicle development. Mouse multilayered secondary follicles…
Abstract A three-dimensional culture system supports development of primate preantral follicles to the antral stage with appreciable steroid production. The present study assessed: (1) whether in vitro developmental competence of follicles is age-dependent, (2) the role of gonadotropins and insulin in supporting folliculogenesis, and (3)…
Abstract BACKGROUND: An alginate-based matrix supports the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of non-human primate follicles and, in the presence of FSH, permits the in vitro development of pre-antral follicles to the small antral stage, including the production of ovarian steroids and paracrine factors. The current study…
Abstract The developmental requirements of ovarian follicles are dependent on the maturation stage of the follicle; in particular, elegant studies with genetic models have indicated that FSH is required for antral, but not preantral, follicle growth and maturation. To elucidate further the role of FSH…
Abstract The in vitro culture of immature ovarian follicles is used to examine the factors that regulate follicle development and may ultimately provide options for reproductive infertility. The objective of this study was to develop a three-dimensional in vitro culture system for the growth and…
Abstract Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is commonly used to preserve fertility. However, women undergoing cancer treatment may not have the time or may not be good candidates for these options. Ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation and subsequent tissue transplant has been proven successful yet inefficient…
