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Reproductive Physiology Research
 Lydia Arbogast, Ph.D. Professor larbogast@siumed.edu |
Reproductive Neuroendocrinology My laboratory is interested in how female reproductive hormones affect neuronal activity in the brain. The overall goal is to understand the control of prolactin secretion during lactation and the female reproductive cycle. A primary focus is cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of dopamine and opioid peptide neurons, particularly as related to feedback to the hypothalamus by prolactin from pituitary gland and steroid hormones, estradiol and progesterone, from the ovary. Integrative, cell culture and molecular biology approaches are used to identify cell signaling pathways and transcriptional and post-translational control of key enzymes in neurotransmitter biosynthesis.
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 Brent Bany, Ph.D. Associate Professor bbany@siumed.edu |
Reproductive Biology A proper dialogue between the conceptus and mother is critical for the successful establishment of normal pregnancy. Our long-range goal is to identify and determine the function of genes whose expression in the endometrium play roles in the implantation process. Currently we are looking at the function of genes involved in angiogenesis/vascular remodeling as well as those genes that might play roles in maternal immunity during early pregnancy. For more information about what the laboratory, please see his page.
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 James Ferraro, Ph.D. Associate Professor jferraro@siumed.edu |
Reproductive Physiology Our research has focused on the physiological, behavioral, and reproductive aspects of circadian rhythmicity. Investigations examined the mechanism of entrainment and the biological clock’s affect on reproduction (NIH). Other investigations into the clock’s endogenous nature were conducted in space (NASA). More recently, time commitments have shifted toward teaching, including: PHSL310 Principles of Physiology; PHSL320 Reproduction and Sexuality; PHSL470 Biological Clocks; physiology undergraduate advisor; and tutoring in the medical curricula. In what time remains, my current research interests have shifted toward human relationships, mate selection and sexuality, which hopefully one day will culminate in book form.
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 Mike Collard, Ph.D. Associate Professor mcollard@siumed.edu |
Cancer Biology, Reproductive Biology Studies in my lab primarily focus on cancer and male reproduction. In collaboration with Jodi Huggenvik, my lab is investigating the function of a transcription factor called DEAF1. DEAF1 will regulate spermatogenesis and tumor formation through genetic and "epigenetic" mechanisms. Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression through DNA methylation, chromatin modification, sub-nuclear compart-mentalization, and protein-protein interaction, and can include phenomena such as parent-of-origin effects (genomic imprinting). Students in my lab receive broad training in molecular and cellular biology, signal transduction, apoptotic pathways, and the use of gene targeting (mouse knockouts) to produce animal models of human cancers. WebPage
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Reproductive Endocrinology The major research interest of my lab is to understand the role of gonadotropin hormones and receptors in reproductive physiology and pathophysiology. Current research in this area is focused on the characterization of a transgenic mouse model expressing a constitutively active luteinizing hormone receptor that results in precocious puberty, infertility and gonadal defects. We are interested in defining the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms associated with these phenotypes using a combination of biochemical, molecular and cell biological approaches.
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Reproductive Biology Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that determine the identity of cells and tissues in the developing embryo. While the embryonic function of homeobox genes is well established, their function in regulating postnatal events has only begun to be examined. The long term goal of my research is to characterize the role of the Rhox homeobox gene cluster in establishing and supporting reproduction. The recently discovered Rhox genes are selectively expressed in ovary, testis, epididymis, and placenta and are therefore good candidates to regulate fertility. We have begun to identify the downstream targets of the Rhox genes and examine how changes in their expression influence germ cell survival. The experimental program in my laboratory integrates traditional biochemistry, molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, and evolutionary analysis. |
Prema Narayan, Ph.D. 