Partners: Université de Liège (ULg)
The Embryology Unit is part of the department of Morphology and Pathology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège (Belgium). It is clustered into the genoproteomics center of the University of Liège (GIGA), comprising academic research centres and core facilities. Research topics and expertise related to this project are (1) early embryo development and toxicity testing, (2) ESC handling and use and (3) genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics analyses. We have access to two SPF mice facilities (either A1 or A2 level of biosafety) including two white cell culture rooms with the same biosafety level. Our task in the ESNATS project has preliminarily been defined as a contribution to the study of morphometric and transcriptomic signatures of early embryonic toxicity on undifferentiated hESCs. This is in direct relationship with our present activities of performing mouse embryo assays as part of QC testing for providers of media and plastic ware for human embryo culture.
Please note that ULg left the ESNATS consortium in October 2009.
Key staff involved in the project
Luc Grobet, Professor, DMV, PhD.
Background: Molecular genetics, positional cloning of genes, transgenesis and gene targeting in the mouse, conditional genomic modifications (Cre-Lox and FLP-FRT systems).
Position: Professor, Director of the unit and of the transgenesis facility.
Experience: Biology of development, murine models of development, handling and use of ESC for gene targeting.
Role: promoter
Fabien Ectors, MD, PhD, Embryologist.
Background: Embryo techniques related to IVF in human. Cloning by nuclear transfer. Transgenesis and ES cell blastocyst injection in the mouse. Management of SPF facilities.
Position: manager of the transgenesis facility.
Experience: Human and animal embryo culture and transfer. Embryo and ESC handling and cryopreservation (freezing and vitrification).
Role: Co-promoter and technical manager.
Virginie Marchal, Biologist.
Background: Cell culture, proteomics and signalling. Classical molecular biology techniques.
Position: PhD student.
Experience: Human and animal embryo culture and cryopreservation. QRT-PCR, cloning.
Role: hESCs culture, exposure to toxics and detection of signatures of embryotoxicity.
Further information: lgrobet at ulg.ac.be