E2F3a is critically involved in epidermal growth factor receptor-directed proliferation in ovarian cancer.

We describe for the first time a new integral molecular pathway, linking transcription factor E2F3a to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation in ovarian cancer cells. Investigations on the role of E2F family members in EGFR-mediated mitogenic signaling revealed that E2F3a was selectively upregulated following EGFR activation, whereas all other E2F family members remained unaffected. In contrast, EGF treatment of healthy ovarian surface epithelial and mesothelial cells yielded a selective upregulation of proliferation-promoting E2F1 and E2F2 without influencing E2F3a expression.

Human embryo twinning with applications in reproductive medicine.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of human embryo twinning by blastomere biopsy at different early embryonic stages (splitting efficiency) and to determine the in vitro developmental capacity of twinned human embryos (developmental efficiency).

Design: Randomized comparative study.

Setting: Private IVF centers.

Microsurgical cloning techniques for zygotes: a long-term dispute.

Zygotes (fertilized oocytes) have been considerably neglected as suitable recipients for cell nuclear transfer in cloning. Recently, it has been reported by Polish researchers that microsurgical methods using very thin pipettes for pronuclear removal from mouse zygotes seem to be crucial for successful cloning of adult mice. It was postulated that due to this technique both pronuclei are broken, leaving behind some nuclear components in the oocyte's cytoplasm.

Tissue perfusion-controlled guided biopsies are essential for the outcome of testicular sperm extraction.

Objective: To determine if there are areas of major and minor perfusion in a single testicle, and if the quality and quantity of sperm are correlated with the level of perfusion, we collected testicular tissue from areas with different levels of perfusion.

Design: Controlled clinical study.

Setting: Consecutive patients with azoospermia.

In vitro blastocyst development from serially split mouse embryos and future implications for human assisted reproductive technologies.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of serial splitting of mouse embryos with respect to blastocyst development.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Commercial research facility.