FolliTracker: a novel approach for real-time visualisation of follicle development in vitro

Ava Harrison (13:00 - 13:30)

Title: FolliTracker: a novel approach for real-time visualisation of follicle development in vitro

Abstract: Preserving fertility in blood cancer survivors presents unique challenges, particularly when cryopreserved ovarian tissue cannot be re-implanted due to the risk of reintroducing malignancy. Developing culture methods to support ovarian follicle growth and generate mature eggs from the primordial stage in tissue is critical, not only for fertility preservation but also for advancing our understanding of ovarian biology and aiding conservation efforts for endangered species.

A significant barrier to progress in this field is the reliance on time-intensive histological analysis to evaluate follicle development. As this gold-standard method necessitates tissue fixation, it precludes real-time observation of follicles. To address this, my research focuses on the development of FolliTracker, a novel method for real-time, instantaneous visualisation and tracking of follicle development using a follicular cell–specific fluorescent reporter.

In this seminar, I will primarily share insights into the design and application of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in combination with CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing to label and transduce primary murine ovarian cells. Preliminary data and confocal microscopy images from the first implementation of FolliTracker will be presented to monitor follicles in murine reaggregated ovaries, highlighting its potential to enhance ovarian tissue culture and follicle analysis.