BBB seminar: Susanna Röblitz

Susanna Röblitz,
Computational Biology Unit, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen

The human menstrual cycle is characterized by an exactly timed interplay of hormonal changes, directed to the production of oocytes, and to the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. Common medications aim at either disrupting the cycle or stimulating it. For example, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and ovulation induction are techniques used in assisted reproduction to treat anovulation and/or to produce multiple ovarian follicles. Treatment planning and outcome prediction, however, are challenging due to a large inter- and intra-individual variability in the cycle. We have addressed this problem by using a systems biology approach that integrates clinical data from fertility treatments with mathematical modelling of the complex biological system. Our model gives insights into the underlying dynamics and allows for the design, evaluation and optimization of treatment protocols used in assisted reproduction.

Chairperson: Ruth Brenk, Department of Biomedicine