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Fertilization and Activation of Development (GRS)

Gordon Research Seminar

Investigating the Cellular and Molecular Basis of Gamete Biology, Fertilization, and Early Embryos for Clinical Insights

July 26 - 27, 2025

Chairs

and

Holderness School

33 Chapel Lane

Holderness, New Hampshire, United States

Venue and Travel Information

Conference Description

The Fertilization and Activation of Development GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.

The Fertilization and Activation of Development GRS will explore the complex and fascinating processes of fertilization and genome activation, starting from gamete growth and preparation, continuing through the fertilization process itself spanning multiples species, and finishing with early embryo development. Our aim is to examine this whole process from diverse perspectives, seeking a deeper understanding to improve fertility, confront climate change challenges, design innovative contraceptive methods and discuss ethical issues surrounding reproductive technologies. A primary goal of this GRS is to inclusively welcome PhD students, Postdocs and early career researchers from various backgrounds and life stages and to provide them with opportunities to explore various career options. The GRS fosters a collaborative environment for scientific exchange, poster and oral presentations from trainees, networking, and preparation for the upcoming Gordon Research Conference.

Related Meeting

This GRS will be held in conjunction with the "Fertilization and Activation of Development" Gordon Research Conference (GRC). Those interested in attending both meetings must submit an application for the GRC in addition to an application for the GRS. Refer to the associated GRC program page for more information.

Conference Program

Saturday
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm	Arrival and Check-in
3:30 pm - 3:45 pm	Introductory Comments by GRC Staff / Welcome and Introduction from the Chairs
3:45 pm - 4:30 pm	Keynote Session: The Unique Gene Regulatory Environment of Meiotic Cells Discussion Leader:
3:45 pm - 3:50 pm	Introduction by Discussion Leader
3:50 pm - 4:20 pm	"Understanding How Sex Chromosome Silencing During Meiotic Prophase I Can Contribute to Normal Spermiogenesis and Healthy Sperm Production in Male Mice"
4:20 pm - 4:30 pm	Discussion
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm	Poster Session
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm	Dinner
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm	Gamete Preparation for Fertilization Discussion Leaders: and
7:30 pm - 7:45 pm	"Serine/Threonine Phosphatase SPE-57 is Involved in the Genetic Regulation of Spermiogenesis"
7:45 pm - 7:50 pm	Discussion
7:50 pm - 8:05 pm	"A DNA Quality Control Program Eliminates Defective Haploid Nuclei During Spermiogenesis"
8:05 pm - 8:10 pm	Discussion
8:10 pm - 8:25 pm	"The Centriolar Rod Protein POC1B Controls Rabbit Sperm Motility"
8:25 pm - 8:30 pm	Discussion
8:30 pm - 8:45 pm	"Kallikrein 1 Mediates Seminal Plasma Protein Degradation in Uterine Fluid"
8:45 pm - 8:50 pm	Discussion
8:50 pm - 9:05 pm	"F-actin Regulates Polar MTOC Organization and the Fidelity of Meiotic Spindle Formation"
9:05 pm - 9:10 pm	Discussion
9:10 pm - 9:25 pm	"Biomechanical Profiling Suggests Structural and Functional Differences Between the Left and Right Ovaries of Mice Across Different Age Groups"
9:25 pm - 9:30 pm	Discussion
Sunday
7:30 am - 8:30 am	Breakfast
9:00 am - 11:00 am	Fertilization and Activation of Development Discussion Leaders: and
9:00 am - 9:15 am	"Regulation of Maternal Phospho-proteins During Oocyte Maturation and Egg Activation in Flies and Mice"
9:15 am - 9:20 am	Discussion
9:20 am - 9:35 am	"A Genetic Approach to Identifying Egg Specific Fertilization Genes and the Role of Glycans in This Process"
9:35 am - 9:40 am	Discussion
9:40 am - 9:55 am	"FRESCA-2: A Sensitive FRET-Based Sensor to Elucidate CaMKII Isoform Dynamics in Egg Activation and Early Embryo Development"
9:55 am - 10:00 am	Discussion
10:00 am - 10:15 am	"Semen-Sensitive PCL/PLGA/HA-Based Layered Electrospun Scaffolds Containing Levonorgestrel (LNG) for Intravaginal Delivery in Contraception"
10:15 am - 10:20 am	Discussion
10:20 am - 10:35 am	"Spatial Patterning of Mitochondrial Metabolism in Mouse Oocytes"
10:35 am - 10:40 am	Discussion
10:40 am - 10:55 am	"Why Human Embryos Are Mosaic: The Role of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint in Chromosome Segregation in the Zygote"
10:55 am - 11:00 am	Discussion
11:00 am - 12:30 pm	Poster Session Coffee will be served in the poster area from 11:00 am - 11:30 am
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm	Lunch
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm	Mentorship Component: Diverse Paths in Reproductive Science: Foundations, Patents, Research, and Start-ups Discussion Leader:
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm	Panel Discussion Diverse Paths in Reproductive Science: Foundations, Patents, Research, and Start-ups
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm	Evaluation Period Complete the GRS Evaluation Forms; Election of Future Chair(s)
3:00 pm	Seminar Concludes

Contributors

Research reported in this publication was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R13HD118731. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Conference History Fertilization and Activation of Development

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