Preiplantation genetic diagnosis of equine embryos

• Grant number: 12/17990-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2012
• End date: May 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: José Fernando Garcia
• Grantee: Karoline Silva Paulussi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMVA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Major advances have been made recently in the areas of equine embryo manipulation, specifically embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The aim of this project is to develop an equine embryo sexing methodology. Thus, Y-specific sequences will be selected for PCR assays with horse's DNA samples. The primers with higher sensitivity will be selected to perform PCR in embryo biopsy. In addition to the molecular analysis, will be developed the micromanipulation technique for horses embryos. The embryos will be biopsied by microaspiration, allowing sex identification by PCR. The sexed embryos will be transferred to synchronized recipients, allowing the evaluation of the conception rate of biopsied embryos. Furthermore, comparison of fetal sex with preimplantation diagnosis allows evaluating the accuracy of the PCR for sex identification. This work will include the scientific collaboration of renowned professionals in the field of equine reproduction biotechnology and preimplantation genetic diagnosis area, allowing the training and qualification of technical scholarship and important technological advancement in animal reproduction.(AU)