Research Experiences for Undergraduates

One very important question about preimplantation embryos being used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is how signals from the environment are transmitted from the outside to the inside of the embryo’s cells. Dr. Carol Warner, a researcher at the Bernard M. Gordon Center for Subsurface Sensing and Imaging Systems (Gordon-CenSSIS), and her research team have shown for the first time the existence of lipid rafts on the surface of preimplantation mouse embryos. This finding is very important because lipid rafts are the home of many signaling molecules that mediate embryo health. Moreover, the research team has recently shown-using the Keck 3D Fusion Microscope invented by CenSSIS along with a new fluorescent technique that utilizes Quantum Dots-that a very interesting signaling molecule, Thy-1, resides in these lipid rafts. The figure shows the lipid rafts and Thy-1 on the surface of the mouse preimplantation embryos. Although Dr. Warner uses the mouse as a model system, the long-range goal of her team is to apply its findings to improve the success rate of human IVF, which is presently only 25 to 30 percent.

Dr. Warner’s research is part of the work of the Gordon-CenSSIS, an NSF Engineering Research Center. This new discovery potentially opens up a large number of new applications for CenSSIS technologies for detecting hidden objects. The four core academic partners of Gordon-CenSSIS are Northeastern University (lead institution), Boston University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

Primary Strategic Outcome Goal:
Engineering Research Centers

In terms of intellectual merit, why is this outcome notable and/or important?
The discovery of lipid rafts on the surface of preimplantation mouse embryos is very important because lipid rafts are where many signaling molecules that mediate embryo health reside. This helps to answer the question as to how signals from the environment are transmitted from the
outside to the inside of an embryo’s cells. The new fluorescent technique utilizing Quantum Dots is also important.


In terms of  broader impacts , why is this outcome notable and/or important?
Merit Review Broader Impacts Criterion: Representative Activities, July 2007
Although this research uses the mouse as a model system, the long-range goal of the research team is to apply its findings to improve the success rate of human in vitro fertilization.


Does this highlight represent transformative or potentially transformative research?  If so, please explain why. For more information, see  Report to Congress: Transformative Research at the National Science Foundation, April 16, 2008
No


Does this highlight represent Broadening Participation?  If so, please explain why.
For more information, see  Broadening Participation at the National Science Foundation: A Framework for Action
Yes
Every Engineering Research Center involves the participation of several institutions across the U.S., as well as a diverse faculty and student body.


Are there existing or potential societal benefits of this research? It is important for NSF to be able to provide examples of NSF-supported research that have societal benefits, including benefits to the U.S. economy.
For more information, see  Excerpt from Merit Review Broader Impacts Criterion: Representative Activities, July 2007
Yes
The potential is to improve the success rate of human in vitro fertilization, which is currently low.

ENG/EEC 2009