The researchers used this technique to create a detailed map of when and where genes are active during ovulation in mice. Ren was in the audience and speculated during the talk that the cell death process might play an important role in ovulation. The two hypothesized that the spatial transcriptomics technique developed in the study could be used to study cellular communication during ovulation. These techniques allowed the researchers to visualize which cell signaling programs enable egg cells to communicate with surrounding cells during ovulation. By identifying different cell types, the researchers seek to find new markers that are important for the stages of development.
