Current Methods in Mammalian In Vitro Oogenesis

TOPICAL COLLECTIONS

Guest Editor

Merrick Pierson Smela

Harvard University

Dr. Pierson Smela recently completed his PhD in Prof. George Church’s lab, where he developed methods for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into ovarian cell types, including granulosa-like cells and meiotic oogonia, by manipulating expression of regulatory factors including transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins. Prior to his doctoral work he completed an MPhil with Prof. Azim Surani, studying human germline development. Dr. Pierson Smela is currently the Chief Scientific Officer of Ovelle Bio, a company working to develop methods for human in vitro oogenesis. His research interests include stem cell engineering, germ cells, meiosis, ovarian organoids, and follicle culture systems.

Collection Overview

In vitro oogenesis refers to the process of developing an egg cell (oocyte) outside the body by mimicking the natural stages of oogenesis, essentially creating a mature egg from a stem cell. It has the potential to transform reproductive medicine and revive endangered species. Researchers have successfully carried out this process in mice, and the technique is now being applied to other species, including humans. This Methods Collection will highlight the latest methods for re-creating different aspects of mammalian oogenesis in vitro, including germ cell culture, ovarian organoid creation, and follicle culture. The collection, which fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, will help researchers build upon these methods to better model ovarian biology in vitro.