Our research aims to understand how the cell cycle is regulated in mammalian oocytes and in preimplantation embryos. A key aspect of our research involves examination of repair capacity and DNA damage response in different maturation states is in oocytes and also in preimplantation embryos. We are particularly interested in understanding how the checkpoints respond and which repair mechanisms establish after potential DNA damage.

Our lab was the first to mechanistically examine the DNA damage response in mammalian oocytes. We have shown the absence of the G2 prophase DNA damage checkpoint in mammalian oocytes. And we observed the importance of the spindle assembly checkpoint in establishing metaphase arrest after damage.

By using this protocol, it is possible to detect DNA double strand breaks with accuracy and to determine whether oocytes have DNA damage and whether DNA damage is being repaired. This protocol involves the use of immunofluorescence which allows us to identify the exact sites of damage to DNA.