Janell Webb

The Dey Lab conducts research to develop novel single-cell sequencing technologies to study how variability in the epigenome regulates gene expression and cell identity decisions. During the summer, I specifically participated in a project focused on identifying key factors that drive DNA methylation reprogramming of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) during early human embryonic development with the aim of providing a possible solution to infertility. Primordial germ cells are specialized embryonic cells formed early in development that eventually become gametes in the adult gonad. DNA methylation, the addition of a methyl group to the nucleotide cytosine on the DNA, is associated with cell differentiation. 1 out of 6 people worldwide struggle with infertility, and current solutions are expensive and physically demanding. The insights gained into the epigenetic dynamics of human PGC development could allow for the synthetic reconstitution of germ cells and egg or sperm, which could improve assistive reproductive technologies for humans but could also be applied to endangered species, leading to species preservation.