Using genetic mice, embryo culture and ES cells as the model systems, Dr. Lei Li’s group focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of mammalian early embryonic development and gametogenesis.

Research directions:

Maternal control of vertebrate early embryogenesis: Prior zygotic genome activation (ZGA), early embryogenesis is almost controlled by maternal effect genes. Recently, we have identified an oocyte-embryo specific subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) that is essential for early embryogenesis in mammals. Currently, we focus on molecular basis of the SCMC in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. In addition, we investigate how the turnover of maternal RNA in vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition.

Cell lineage specification of early embryonic development: At the beginning of the life, the embryonic cells are totipotent, progressively differentiate into pluripotent, and then commit to PGC and three germ layers, the founders of all somatic lineages. Recently, we have established several pluripotent cell lines and the in vitro culture systems for peri-implantation embryos. Using these systems, we investigate the mechanisms of cell lineage specification in mammalian early embryonic development.

Molecular regulation of mammalian gametogenesis: We have identified several DNA/RNA binding proteins which are stage-specifically expressed during mouse gametogenesis and play important roles in the gametes. Currently, we are investigating how these genes regulate the gametogenesis by using mouse genetic, cellular and molecular approaches.