The Elkouby Lab

Our lab investigates cellular mechanisms of early oocyte differentiation, from the stem cell to the follicle. We have discovered a novel cellular organizer that we termed the Centrosome Organizing Center (COC). The COC integrates multiple cellular processes such as mitosis, meiosis, cell polarity, prion-like mechanisms, mechanical regulation and ciliary functions in the oocyte. We use advanced genetics and quantitative microscopy in zebrafish, as well as experiments in live cultured ovaries to study the mechanisms of the COC and its regulation in each process. Furthermore, the investigation of the COC allows us to study how these multiple programs are coordinated by the cell on a single platform. We additionally developed a method for stage specific proteomics to identify novel factors in the early oocyte. Altogether, we aim to construct a comprehensive mechanistic view of early oogenesis. The early processes we investigate are conserved between zebrafish and mammals, but in humans, early oogenesis occurs in fetal development and determines the number of oocytes for a female lifespan. Our investigation will advance our understanding of women reproduction and health.