Investigating The DNA Damage Response During Oocyte-To-Embryo Transition In Mouse Models

Can you introduce yourself and your summer research project?

My name is Becky and I am a Reproductive Biology honours student. This summer I undertook an internship in the The Centre For Reproductive Health at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Little France. 

Due to the nature of many oocytes remaining in meiotic arrest for the majority of the female’s reproductive lifespan, these cells are vulnerable to DNA double strand breaks, which poses a risk of aneuploidy to the developing foetus or can lead to misscarriage. However DNA damage response pathways exist, including homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining, allowing DNA repair. 

My project aimed to investigate the effect of inhibiting these DNA damage response pathways during oocyte-to-embryo transition in mouse models in order to determine if these mechanisms were critical for maintaining the pregnancy. I carried out PCR for female mice in order to identify wild-type controls for my experiments. Then I isolated the eggs from these mice and mimicked fertilisation using culture media. I monitored their development into embryos, comparing the DNA damage response pathway inhibitors with the controls. 

How did you receive the funding for your research project?

I received funding from the Biomedical Teaching Organisation where I filled out a short application form on their website, telling them a bit about myself and my project proposal. I also applied to get funding from the Carnegie Trust and The Society for Reproduction and Fertility but was unsuccessful, making me eligible for funding from the university. 

What was the most rewarding part of your summer research?

The most rewarding part of my summer research was knowing that I contributed towards understanding why some pregnancies can be unsuccessful. Many people face the burden of not being able to conceive so this research could help couples in the future have children who are desperate to become parents. 

Why should students get involved in a summer research project?

I think students would really benefit from undertaking a summer internship as it provides them with independent laboratory experience which is not done in your programme until year 4. The scholarship has made me confident in a practical laboratory setting and provided an insight into what a professional research laboratory environment is like. 

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

This research project has allowed me to gain valuable work experience relevant to my career plans where I aim to work in a laboratory, meaning I will stand out to employers. Undertaking a scholarship has made me even more passionate about working in this discipline as I enjoyed the experience.

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

I would advise students to go out of their comfort zone and be persistent with emailing lecturers whose research interests match with yours as it is very worth it. Do not be too disheartened if you do not get a reply or if they say no because they often cannot take on students or might already have someone lined up. I tried 13 academics before I got my supervisor so it is not worth giving up. You cannot experience full time laboratory work at your university classes so the experience is very beneficial if you are considering a science career and not sure if you would like to work in a lab. Lastly you will learn specialist techniques and get lots of practise of them which can also make you stand out from others when applying for jobs. 

View Becky White's poster for more information: