Reprobiogen and its team of reproductive endocrinologists, andrologists, geneticists and artificial reproduction technicians are all focused on Embryology & Implantation Research. Reprobiogen’s research is directed at identifying the health of the embryo through genetic or non-invasive methods to enable the selection and transfer of embryos with the greatest implantation potential. Over the years the team has been able to launch new techniques and publish groundbreaking research on the topic.

Areas of research

Identifying a good embryo
A successful IVF cycle helps a woman produce numerous good-quality embryos which can be used for transfer. However, the embryo selection process has for long been only based on appearance. That attribute alone cannot highlight or confirm which embryo will have the best chance of growing in the uterus. Reprobiogen is using new, advanced technologies to identify factors that are released by embryos in culture media which are indicative of good implantation potential. The team uses discarded biological material post an INF procedure to research and evaluate the greatest potential to establish a healthy pregnancy.

Publications

  • Balakier H, Sojeckie A, Motamedi G, Librach CL “Impact of multinucleated blastomeres on embryo developmental competence, morphokinetics, and aneuploidy.” Fertility and sterility 106.3 (2016): 608-614.
  • Balakier H, Xiao R, Zhao J, Zaver S, Dziak E, Szczepanska K, Opas M, Yie S, Librach CL “Expression of survivin in human oocytes and preimplantation embryos.” Fertility and sterility 99.2 (2013): 518-525.

New genetic markers for embryo quality

Pre-implantation genetic screening is now being frequently used for genetic screening of the embryos developed post IVF. This testing is to check for aneuploidies (abnormal chromosome numbers), genetic defects and chromosomal rearrangements and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Reprobiogen and its research team is focused on testing new, advanced sequencing technologies to obtain additional genetic information, from an embryo biopsy or from the fluid.

Publications

  • Gat I, Tang K, Quach K, Kuznyotsov V, Antes R, Zohni K, Felice M, Librach CL. “Sperm DNA fragmentation index does not correlate with blastocyst aneuploidy or morphological grading.” PloS one 12.6 (2017): e0179002.