Dr. Conti's research focuses on signal transduction required for germ cell development. Over the past 15 years, we have charted signaling pathways controlling oocyte meiotic maturation and competence for development into an embryo. We have identified critical signals arising in the somatic cells at the time of ovulation that are required to establish oocyte developmental competence. Genetic models that disrupt these pathways and compromise developmental competence and early embryo development have been established.
Focus of the experiments is on understanding how disruption of developmental competence in these genetic models is reflected in the pattern of recruitment of maternal mRNA translation into proteins critical for nuclear reprogramming and early embryo development. This strategy has the potential to identify components critical for the epigenetic regulations required for early embryo development. The impact of this research program on stem cell research is twofold. These studies are relevant to the understanding of the mechanisms controlling cell replication and nuclear reprogramming during preimplantation embryo development and lineage specification.
A better understanding of the biochemical mechanisms controlling oocyte maturation is essential for successful development of embryonic stem cells into artificial gametes. In addition, they will provide insights into mechanisms necessary for successful somatic nuclear transfer critical to the derivation of hESC for therapeutic use. Other interests include fertility preservation for cancer patients.