Alpha‑ketoglutarate–mediated metabolic enhancement of trophectoderm implantation potential
| Title | Alpha‑ketoglutarate–mediated metabolic enhancement of trophectoderm implantation potential |
|---|---|
| Acronym | META-IMPLANT |
| Website | https://renew.ku.dk/research/reseach-groups/zylicz-group/ |
| Start date | 2026-09-01 |
| End date | 2028-02-29 |
| Sponsor | European Research Council - Proof of Concept (ERC-PoC) |
| Institution | University of Copenhagen |
Associated cell lines
Project Description
Human fertility rates are declining globally as the age of childbearing rises. While in vitro fertilisation therapy offers a solution, it remains inefficient, with up to 50% of morphologically high grade embryos failing to implant. Recent improvements have focused entirely on embryo selection for transfer into the uterus; however, this does not help patients with low oocyte reserve who have few or no embryos to select from. We will address this gap by formulating metabolic supplements for existing embryo culture media. These supplements aim to enhance the development and maturation of a placental lineage which mediates implantation. As part of the ERC StG ChroMeta, we have identified a potential molecule using stem cell based embryo models called blastoids. In this proof of concept project, we will validate such a specific metabolite and determine the extent to which it improves blastoid implantation potential, measured through clinically relevant functional readouts in 3D endometrial scaffold implantation assays. A successful outcome of this project will strengthen our intellectual property and streamline the path to clinical implementation.