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US 8,772,029 B2Granted
Modulation of oocyte meiotic progression and oocyte activation
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsTeresa K. Woodruff, Thomas V. O'Halloran, Miranda L. Bernhardt, Betty Y. Kong, Alison M. Kim
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for reinitiating meiosis in cells in meiotic arrest and oocyte activation in fertilized, but un-activated, oocytes. In certain embodiments, Zn-binding moieties (e.g., zinc chelators) are used for reinitiating meiosis or oocyte activation.
Claims7
A method comprising:
- treating a cell in meiotic arrest with a Zn-binding moiety such that meiosis is resumed, and contacting said cell with zinc replete medium such that said cell progresses from metaphase I (MI) to metaphase II (MII).
A method comprising:
- treating a fertilized, but un-activated, oocyte with a Zn-binding moiety such that oocyte activation occurs, and contacting said oocyte with zinc replete medium such that said oocyte progresses from metaphase I (MI) to metaphase II (MII).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.