The efficiency of the inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) protein in zebrafish as a potential treatment for infertility in humans
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Carlos Molina
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:29 PM
Description
Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 people worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This condition can have significant emotional, psychological, and social consequences, leading to an urgent need for research into potential treatments. One promising avenue of investigation involves the inducible cyclic AMP early repressor (ICER) protein. Our research aims to explore the effects of ICER protein on fertility and viability in zebrafish models, which can serve as a model organism for human fertility studies. In previous experiments, zebrafish expressing elevated levels of the ICER protein in their gonads were successfully created via microinjection. These fish were raised to adulthood and are now ready for mating trials to assess whether increased ICER protein levels influence fertility. The zebrafish are separated by sex and prepared for overnight mating. The next day, the males and females are reunited to allow mating to occur. Mating behavior is closely observed and recorded for 10 to 15 minutes. After mating, any eggs produced are counted and tracked for further analysis. The research will investigate ICER’s role in infertility using the Zebrafish vertebrate model. Mating trials were performed to see its effect on the zebrafish’s fertility to make viable offspring.
The efficiency of the inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) protein in zebrafish as a potential treatment for infertility in humans
Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 people worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This condition can have significant emotional, psychological, and social consequences, leading to an urgent need for research into potential treatments. One promising avenue of investigation involves the inducible cyclic AMP early repressor (ICER) protein. Our research aims to explore the effects of ICER protein on fertility and viability in zebrafish models, which can serve as a model organism for human fertility studies. In previous experiments, zebrafish expressing elevated levels of the ICER protein in their gonads were successfully created via microinjection. These fish were raised to adulthood and are now ready for mating trials to assess whether increased ICER protein levels influence fertility. The zebrafish are separated by sex and prepared for overnight mating. The next day, the males and females are reunited to allow mating to occur. Mating behavior is closely observed and recorded for 10 to 15 minutes. After mating, any eggs produced are counted and tracked for further analysis. The research will investigate ICER’s role in infertility using the Zebrafish vertebrate model. Mating trials were performed to see its effect on the zebrafish’s fertility to make viable offspring.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.