The Impact Of Mitochondria On Preimplantation Development In The Rhesus Macaque

THE IMPACT OF MITOCHONDRIA ON PREIMPLANTATION DEVELOPMENT INTHE RHESUS MACAQUEby TIFFINI C. GIBSONAUGUST 2010Advisor: Carol Brenner, Ph.D.Major: PhysiologyDegree: Doctor of PhilosophyAssisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) have been used to treat infertility since 1790.In the centuries following, dramatic advances have been made in the field of infertility researchthrough the employment of a variety of species. Despite these advances, determination of oocyteand embryo quality remains largely subjective. Ascertainment of methods to measure oocyteand embryo quality to improve selection in ART clinics and increase pregnancy success rates isimperative. These methods are only possible with a more comprehensive understanding of thecellular and molecular properties of oocytes and preimplantation embryos. A key component ofall cells, including oocytes and embryos, is the mitochondrion, which produces energy andmaintains its own DNA for encoding proteins necessary for energy production. Defects in either the proteins responsible for energy production, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome, orother contributing factors can lead to loss of oocyte competence and embryo quality. Humanoocytes and embryos would be the optimal material to use for performing studies on preimplantation development. However, practical and ethical constraints prevent the use ofhuman material for intensive, potentially terminal studies; thus, compelling researchers to find and use suitable animal models instead. The non-human primate (NHP) is the most befitting