Does Ezrin Link Cortical Structure to Mitochondrial Function in Maturing Oocytes?

Could you briefly introduce yourself and your summer research project?

My name is Marissa, and I'm a fourth-year Medical Sciences student. Over this summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to undertake a Genetics Society-funded 8-week studentship at the Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, with Dr Chih-Jen (Lance) Lin. 

My project focused on what makes an egg cell (oocyte) healthy enough to develop into an embryo. Poor egg quality is a major cause of infertility and limits the success of treatments such as IVF, yet the underlying mechanisms behind it are not all fully understood. I studied a protein called Ezrin, which anchors the cell's internal scaffold to its membrane and supports egg maturation. In other cell types, losing Ezrin disrupts the mitochondria, the structures that supply the cell with energy. This raised the question of whether Ezrin also links structure and energy supply in the egg, which had not been explored. To test this, I reduced Ezrin activity in mouse eggs using a chemical inhibitor, then measured how well the eggs matured and how their scaffold and mitochondria were affected, using in vitro maturation assays and fluorescence microscopy.

What was the most rewarding part of your summer research?

The most rewarding part was seeing my confidence grow over the course of the project. At the start of the project, I struggled with my technical skills and doubted myself constantly, mostly because I was afraid of making mistakes (which oftentimes led to more mistakes being made).I am still careful, but I now trust my ability to work more independently in the lab, and I value that more than any single experimental result. I owe a great deal of this to Lance, whose guidance and patience made it possible.

Why should students get involved in a summer research project?

Lab work during a degree is very different from research in a real lab environment. If you are considering a career in research, a summer project is the least intimidating way to experience that environment, because you are supported as an undergraduate. It teaches you practical skills and shows you what research is really like day-to-day, so you can decide whether it is right for you.

How has this research experience influenced your future study and career paths?

This experience has confirmed that I want to pursue reproductive biology. It has also shaped my plans more broadly. Working closely with Lance and meeting other academics through workshops and events connected to the project gave me plenty of advice that will guide my next steps.

What advice would you give future students applying for summer research scholarships?

Reach out to projects you care about, and do not be afraid of rejection. Ask plenty of questions during the project. Do not be too hard on yourself if things do not go exactly as you hoped, because any research experience is valuable.