Oocyte mechanics and morphogenesis
The asymmetry in size of divisions in oocytes has been conserved through evolution and permits maternal stores to be retained in the oocyte for further embryo development. Using genetics, two-hybrid screening, live imaging combined with bio-physics, my lab has been precursor in the study of acentrosomal meiotic spindle assembly and positioning in mouse oocytes, both processes which are essential for the success of these asymmetric divisions.
Keywords
Meiosis / actin cytoskeleton / chromosome segregation / oocyte biology / spindle assembly checkpoint