The molecular basis of oocyte ageing in the view of spatial chromatin organisation

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K22635
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0701:Biology at molecular to cellular levels, and related fields
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: Kakui Yasutaka 早稲田大学, 高等研究所, 講師(任期付) (40853164)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-09-11 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: クロマチン / 減数分裂

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Ageing is one of the most critical issues for infertilities of elder persons. We aim to dissect the molecular basis that regulates oocyte ageing in the view of spatial chromatin organisation. To determine how chromatin organisation develops during meiosis, the process to produce gametes such as oocytes, we have established the experimental procedure in which meiosis progresses highly synchronised manner using fission yeast cells. With the highly synchronised meiosis, we have determined spatial chromatin organisation by high throughput sequencing-based chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C). Furthermore, we are preparing an experimental protocol to determine spatial chromatin interactions in aged oocytes at single cell level. Our achievements will shed light on the chromatin organisation that controls oocyte ageing and contribute to the field of fertility treatments.

Free Research Field

染色体構造

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果は、減数分裂におけるクロマチン立体構造をDNA配列レベルの高解像度で、かつゲノムワイドに決定する。そのため、マクロな形態観察のレベルを超越したミクロレベルの高解像度なクロマチン構造を明らかにし、従来のクロマチン構造に対する我々の知見を深化させるという学術的意義を持つ。
さらに、卵子の品質をクロマチン構造の観点から評価するための技術基盤の構築を通して不妊治療への貢献が期待される、社会的にも意義の大きい研究である。