Bioengineering an in situ ovary (ISO) for fertility preservation

Buckenmeyer, M. J.; Sukhwani, M.; Iftikhar, A.; Nolfi, A. L.; Xian, Z.; Dadi, S.; Case, Z. W.; Steimer, S. R.; D'Amore, A.; Orwig, K. E.; Brown, B. N.

doi:10.1101/2020.01.03.893941

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.01.03.893941

Bioengineering an in situ ovary (ISO) for fertility preservation

Buckenmeyer, M. J.·Sukhwani, M.·Iftikhar, A.·Nolfi, A. L.·Xian, Z.·Dadi, S.·Case, Z. W.·Steimer, S. R.·D'Amore, A.·Orwig, K. E.·Brown, B. N.

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Abstract

Female cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy have an elevated risk of developing premature ovarian failure (POF) and infertility. Experimental approaches to treat iatrogenic infertility are evolving rapidly; however, there remain challenges and risks that have hindered clinical translation. To address these concerns, we developed an ovarian-specific extracellular matrix hydrogel to facilitate follicle delivery and establish an in situ ovary (ISO). We demonstrate sustainable engraftment, natural pregnancy and the birth of healthy pups after intraovarian microinjection of isolated exogenous follicles in a chemotherapy-induced POF mouse model. Our results suggest that the methods described could offer a minimally invasive alternative for the restoration of the ovarian reserve post-chemotherapy.

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Buckenmeyer, M. J., Sukhwani, M., Iftikhar, A., Nolfi, A. L., Xian, Z., Dadi, S., Case, Z. W., Steimer, S. R., D'Amore, A., Orwig, K. E., Brown, B. N.. 2020-01-03. Bioengineering an in situ ovary (ISO) for fertility preservation. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.01.03.893941

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