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The Brieño-Enríquez laboratory investigates the regulation of gametogenesis in humans, mice, and naked mole-rats, with a focus on the mechanisms required to produce viable germ cells and ensure reproductive longevity. The group’s research spans all stages of germ cell development, from primordial germ cells to oocytes and early embryos, and includes pioneering work on human fetal oocyte culture, transgenerational small RNA effects, and the role of the kinase NEK1 in meiotic progression. Building on the unique biology of the naked mole-rat, an exceptionally long-lived rodent in which females remain fertile for decades, the lab has established this species as a model for ovarian development and aging, demonstrating postnatal germ cell division, meiotic initiation, and follicle formation. Their efforts have also generated multiple NMR-derived cell lines, transgenic mouse models, and protocols for oocyte maturation and IVF. The long-term goal of the laboratory is to harness the distinctive genetic and epigenetic features of the naked mole-rat to regulate ovarian reserve establishment and reproductive longevity in other species, with the ultimate aim of developing innovative therapies for ovarian rejuvenation that extend beyond reproductive health.

MGG: What is your current position, and what does it entail?

MBE: I am an assistant professor in the Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences of the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Research is the main purpose of my position!

MGG: Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where are you from? What first attracted you to the world of science, and how did you reach your current position?

MBE: I received my Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of San Luis Potosí, México in 2004. Then I obtained my PhD from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 2011, followed by a first postdoctoral training at Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas at the Spanish National Research Council, Madrid (2012-2014). I moved to the USA for my second postdoc at Paula Cohen’s Lab at Cornell University (2014-2018). I started my independent faculty position at Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh in 2019.

My interest in reproductive sciences started during my medical training. I discovered that reproduction is more than simply “making babies”, that reproduction encompasses the fascinating interactions among different organs through the complexity of the endocrine system, but also involving other systems such as the renal system. Sadly, I also noted that there is a great gap in the knowledge of the physiology, cell and molecular biology of reproduction especially in ovarian aging.

Before I got my independent position at Magee, my career has been focused on the study of critical intrinsic aspects of the regulation of gamete quality; however, I am now interested in extending my research program to include the role of the extracellular matrix in ovarian development and the establishment of the ovarian reserve. My interest in the field comes from my previous research performed in the naked mole-rat (NMR). NMRs are the longest-lived rodent, with a maximum lifespan of 37 years. In addition to being renowned for their remarkable longevity, female NMRs show no decline in fertility and fecundity into the third decade of life.

During the last 5 years, we developed the NMR as a model in ovarian development and reproductive aging. We showed the presence of germ cells that mitotically divide postnatally at early postnatal ages as well as in reproductively active females (queens). We also showed meiotic initiation postnatally and the presence of germ cells at meiotic prophase in adults. Using in vitro approaches, we were able to expand the germ cells and generate follicles. During the last year, we developed cell lines from heart, bladder, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, testis, and skin fibroblasts. As well as transgenic mouse lines that express NMR genes (nmrHas2) in different compartments of the murine ovary. We developed the methodology to isolate oocytes, mature them, and generate embryos using IVF. 

My long-term goal is to test the overarching hypothesis that gene expression, epigenetic clock, and chromatin structure in the NMR can be hijacked for use in other species, allowing us to regulate the establishment and maintenance of the ovarian reserve, oocyte quality, and reproductive longevity.

MGG: What are you most excited about this year?

MBE: Recently, we received the Notice of Award for my first R01 grant using naked mole rat as a model of reproductive aging, which was funded! We also took home an award from the National Academy of Medicine’s Healthy Longevity Global Grand Challenge for my project, using Naked Mole-Rat lymph nodes as bioreactors for ovarian rejuvenation. Finally, I was very excited to be one of the SSR Raising Stars speakers!

MGG: In what ways has your heritage influenced your perspective or career path?

MBE: During my medical training in Mexico, and later during my PhD studies in Spain, I was very lucky to have mentors who motivated me to push further and reach my goals. They also inspired me to develop new techniques and a new way of thinking, while keeping my clinical ties and interests and merging these with my growing skills in scientific research. This genuine interest led me to make the decision to leave behind clinical medicine and fully pursue a career as a researcher.

I’ve often seen scientists and clinicians remain within their own spheres of understanding, and one of my main goals is to bridge that divide and train others to do the same. Of course, my family and heritage have also shaped both my past and present. My parents always told me: your education is your heritage; we will provide the best opportunities, but you need to make them work. And the second piece of advice that stayed with me was: if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life!

MGG: What words of inspiration would you like to share with the next generation of scientists, especially those from diverse backgrounds?

MBE: Being an assistant professor at MWRI, University of Pittsburgh, has made me realize the incredible quality of science in this country and has deepened my appreciation for the wealth of expertise and diversity of individuals engaged in research here. At the same time, coming from Latin America, I am struck by the relative lack of Hispanic representation in research, and this is where I believe I can make a meaningful impact. I know the passion and intelligence that exists within underrepresented minority populations, and I feel I can serve as a role model for trainees in this environment. The idiom “lead by example” has always been a major driving force in my life.n fun, exciting, and intellectually stimulating. Keeping that spirit alive is key to a long-term career.