Reproductive Physiology

Embryo development is a complex, well-orchestrated process that takes place in different compartments of the female reproductive tract. The embryo continuously requires changes of its microenvironment. This microenvironment contains different components and factors important for embryo survival and development. Maternal support is crucial for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. In humans, only 25% of in vitro fertilised embryo transfers results in a successful pregnancy. These low pregnancy rates are also observed in livestock after embryo transfer of in vitro produced embryos. Our reproductive physiology research evolves around understanding which factors are essential for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. We use different model species including cattle, pigs and the roe deer. Key questions that drive our research include how maternal exposure to environmental chemicals or different feeding regimes affect embryo development, what signalling factors the embryo uses to communicate with the mother during early embryo development, and how the embryonic microenvironment can control embryonic developmental pace.