Series: 2021 Rising Stars in Reproductive Biology
Genetic Engineering Via Mammalian Zygotes
Since genetically modified animals are helpful for functional analysis of gene or genome information, they are widely used in various life science studies, including Reproductive Biology. With the recent development of genetic modification tools, such as the CRISPR/Cas system, it is now possible to perform genetic modification via zygotes, which was once only possible using ES cells. This talk will introduce the technologies the speaker has reported or is under development.
A Small Follicle Tells a Big Story
Dr. Shuo Xiao, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Rutgers University and a principal investigator in the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) at Rutgers, will discuss his lab’s utilization of a unique 3D in-vitro ovarian follicle culture system that phenotypically and mechanistically recapitulates in-vivo ovarian functions. This exciting model serves as a powerful new tool to study ovarian biology, reproductive toxicology, and fertility preservation.
Wtf Causes Infertility
Sarah is currently working to identify genes important for executing gametogenesis and to identify genes that mitigate the cost of meiotic drivers and has considerable expertise in both these areas.
Deciphering The Ovarian Microenvironment Across Developmental, Spatial, And Temporal Axes
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or the early cessation of ovarian function, can be caused by a disease or by the iatrogenic effects of a chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Restoration of ovarian function through a tissue engineered transplant intends to restore fertility and ovarian hormones and alleviate co-morbidities of POI, such as those that affect the cardiovascular, brain and bone health. We will describe or ongoing research to decipher the ovarian microenvironment across developmental, spatial, and temporal axes. We aim to understand the role of biochemical and physical cues on folliculogenesis to better inform the ideal microenvironment and future regenerative therapies.
Functional crosswalk between the gut microbiota and endometriosis
In this webinar, I will present data on how some gut bacteria promote endometriosis by inducing macrophage-mediated inflammation, and others protect against endometriosis by fermenting fiber to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs).