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Cornell University

Richard Kuo

Gregory T Baxter

David Epel

Nitric oxide synthase and nitric-oxide-related bioactivity are shown to be necessary and sufficient for activation of an oocyte during the process of fertilization. Methods are provided for the modulation of oocyte activation through modulation of nitric oxide levels. Oocyte activation is enhanced by the addition of nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide synthase activators, nitric oxide donors, or other compounds that increase the nitric oxide levels of the oocyte during fertilization. The administration of NOS inhibitors is used to block oocyte activation, where contraception is desired.

Methods for modulation of oocyte activation

A micro-machined nuclear transfer array (NTA) provides high-throughput transfer of nuclei between two cells. Donor cells containing the nuclei to be transferred are placed in microwells positioned adjacent to microwells containing the recipient biological cell. The microwells are contained within an upper chamber patterned with parallel rows of microwells of the diameter of the cell of interest. An injection port is formed in the bottom of the microwells through which nuclei may pass during transfer. The NTA also contains a lower chamber having a second array of capture wells of similar dimension and in register with the upper chamber for receiving the nuclei removed from the cell in the upper chamber. Nuclei are removed from the donor cells in the upper chamber, transferred to capture wells in the lower chamber, and inserted into the recipient biological cells of the upper chamber. The upper tray moves relative to the lower chamber so that the nuclei in the capture well are transferred to the recipient biological cell to complete the nuclear transfer process.

Growing community of inventors

Fremont, CA, United States of America

Richard Kuo