A universal method for sequential immunofluorescent analysis of chromatin and chromatin-associated proteins on chromosome spreads.

Immunofluorescence has been widely used to study histone modification dynamics and chromosome-associated proteins that regulate the segregation of chromosomes during cell divisions. Since many of these regulatory proteins interact (in)directly to exert their proper function, it is of interest to detect these proteins simultaneously, to establish their spatiotemporal relation. However, the detection of multiple epitopes on the same material is limited by the availability of antibodies derived from different host species.

A role for Aurora C in the chromosomal passenger complex during human preimplantation embryo development.

Background: Human embryos generated by IVF demonstrate a high incidence of chromosomal segregation errors during the cleavage divisions. To analyse underlying molecular mechanisms, we investigated the behaviour of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) in human oocytes and embryos. This important mitotic regulatory complex comprises the inner centromere protein (INCENP), survivin, borealin and Aurora B, or the meiotic kinase Aurora C.

The fate of the mosaic embryo: chromosomal constitution and development of Day 4, 5 and 8 human embryos.

Background: Post-zygotic chromosome segregation errors are very common in human embryos after in vitro fertilization, resulting in mosaic embryos. However, the significance of mosaicism for the developmental potential of early embryos is unknown. We assessed chromosomal constitution and development of embryos from compaction to the peri-implantation stage.

The impact of ovarian stimulation for IVF on the developing embryo.

The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has been increasing over the past three decades, and, in developed countries, ART account for 1-3% of annual births. In an attempt to compensate for inefficiencies in IVF procedures, patients undergo ovarian stimulation using high doses of exogenous gonadotrophins to allow retrieval of multiple oocytes in a single cycle. Although ovarian stimulation has an important role in ART, it may also have detrimental effects on oogenesis, embryo quality, endometrial receptivity and perinatal outcomes.

Fetal cells in the maternal appendix: a marker of inflammation or fetal tissue repair?

Background: Fetal microchimeric cells that have trafficked into the maternal circulation persist in maternal tissues for years after pregnancy, but their biological role is unclear. We investigated whether fetal cells participate in maternal tissue repair during human pregnancy.

Methods: Appendix specimens were acquired from women undergoing appendicectomy during (n = 8) or after (n = 1) pregnancy.