SUMMARY: Researchers will learn more about early embryonic loss in horses.
THE PROBLEM: Pregnancy loss in horses is a significant challenge for the equine industry and deeply impacts the emotional well-being of horse owners. The journey from fertilization to a live foal is a highly complex and intricate process, and there are still many fundamental aspects that we do not fully understand. Gaining a deeper understanding could benefit horses and their owners, as well as provide new information to guide the veterinary care team.
THE PROJECT: To develop effective techniques to address pregnancy loss, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of embryo development, starting from the very first cell.DNA, the blueprint for all living organisms, is inherited from our parents and remains constant throughout our lives. During the early stages of embryonic development, DNA is replicated and distributed to daughter cells through cell division. If errors occur during these divisions, the DNA components may be unequally divided, leading to embryonic death. This study aims to explore the cellular mechanisms that ensure accurate DNA transmission during cell division and to understand how errors in chromosome segregation (components of DNA) contribute to pregnancy loss. By investigating these fundamental processes, we aim to uncover new insights that can lead to the development of treatments to reduce division errors and, consequently, decrease early embryonic loss in horses.
POTENTIAL IMPACT: This research is crucial for advancing veterinary medicine and improving the reproductive success and welfare of horses.
Projected End Date: 2/28/27
Study ID
D25EQ-414
Study Status
Active
Grant amount awarded
$144,638
Grant recipient
University of California, Davis
Study country
United States
Investigator
Soledad Martin-Pelaez, DVM