Current Advancements in Noninvasive Profiling of the Embryo Culture Media Secretome | JoVE Visualize

Current Advancements in Noninvasive Profiling of the Embryo Culture Media Secretome

Raminta Zmuidinaite¹, Fady I Sharara², Ray K Iles^1,3

¹MAP Sciences Ltd., The iLab, Stannard Way, Priory Business Park, Bedford MK44 3RZ, UK.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences|April 3, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Noninvasive embryo testing using cell-free DNA, AI-enhanced microscopy, and omics analysis offers promising advancements for in vitro fertilization (IVF). These techniques aim to improve live birth rates and reduce pregnancy times by assessing embryo viability without invasive procedures.

Area of Science:

Reproductive Medicine
Biotechnology
Genetics

Background:

Over 8 million babies have been born via in vitro fertilization (IVF), with a growing global trend towards single embryo transfers.
Minimizing risks associated with multiple pregnancies necessitates accurate, noninvasive methods for assessing embryo health and viability.
Current limitations in embryo assessment highlight the need for advanced, rapid, and quantitative noninvasive testing.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current state of noninvasive embryo testing research in human reproductive medicine.
To identify promising techniques for clinical translation to improve IVF outcomes.
To explore methods that enhance live birth rates and decrease time to pregnancy.

Main Methods:

Analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in embryo-surrounding media.
Application of artificial intelligence (AI) coupled with advanced microscopy techniques.
High-throughput omics analysis, including proteomics and metabolomics, of spent blastocyst media.

Main Results:

Noninvasive techniques show potential to differentiate between morphologically similar embryos.
Omics and cfDNA analysis may enable noninvasive ploidy status determination prior to embryo transfer.
AI-enhanced microscopy offers new avenues for objective embryo assessment.

Conclusions:

Emerging noninvasive technologies like cfDNA analysis, AI microscopy, and omics hold significant promise for improving IVF.
These methods can provide crucial insights into embryo quality and viability, potentially revolutionizing embryo selection.
Successful clinical translation of these techniques could lead to more efficient and successful fertility treatments.

Keywords: