Zygotic spindle orientation defines cleavage pattern and nuclear status of human embryos.

The first embryonic division represents a starting point for the development of a new individual. In many species, tight control over the first embryonic division ensures its accuracy. However, the first division in humans is often erroneous and can impair embryo development.

The ultrastructural nature of human oocytes' cytoplasmic abnormalities and the role of cytoskeleton dysfunction.

Objective: To investigate the structural bases of human oocytes' cytoplasmic abnormalities and the causative mechanism of their emergence. Knowledge of an abnormal oocyte's intracellular organization is vital to establishing reliable criteria for clinical evaluation of oocyte morphology.

Design: Laboratory-based study on experimental material provided by a private assisted reproduction clinic.

High-Resolution 3D Reconstruction of Human Oocytes Using Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy.

The egg plays a pivotal role in the reproduction of our species. Nevertheless, its fundamental biology remains elusive. Transmission electron microscopy is traditionally used to inspect the ultrastructure of female gametes.

Xeno- and feeder-free derivation of two sex-discordant sibling lines of human embryonic stem cells.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) represent a virtually unlimited source of cells suitable for a variety of biomedical applications. However, a diminishing allogeneic background and undefined culture conditions are essential for developing robust and replicable protocols for differentiation experiments, disease modeling, and drug testing. Therefore, here we report the generation of the two sex-discordant sibling hESC lines, MUNIe008-A and MUNIe009-A, using the mechanical biopsy of vitrified-thawed embryos under xeno- and feeder-free conditions.

Cytoplasmic maturation in human oocytes: an ultrastructural study †.

Female fertility relies on successful egg development. Besides chromosome segregation, complex structural and biochemical changes in the cytoplasmic compartment are necessary to confer the female gamete the capacity to undergo normal fertilization and sustain embryonic development. Despite the profound impact on egg quality, morphological bases of cytoplasmic maturation remain largely unknown.