research axis 1 Archives - Page 2 of 2

23 Nov 2017

Pierre Leclerc, PhD

23 Nov 2017

Address

418 525-4444 Ext. 46267
pierre.leclerc@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca
http://www.crchudequebec.ulaval.ca/recherche/chercheurs/6139
Axe Reproduction, santé de la mère et de l’enfant
Local TR-67
Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval
2705, boul. Laurier
Québec, QC, G1V 4G2

Research interests

Fertility power of sperm
sperm/oocyte interactions
Male infertility

My research interests are aimed at a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the interactions between gametes, with particular emphasis on sperm. Sperm must undergo changes in the membrane and intracellular that will make it able to interact with the oocyte and fertilize it. The properties of its plasma and acrosomal membranes will be affected, modulating the intracellular ionic content and driving in post-translational modifications of several proteins, ultimately resulting in changes in the activity of several enzymes and spermatic activities. This post-ejaculation phenomenon called capacitation normally occurs in the female genital tract during the transit of sperm to the fertilization site. I am particularly interested in different intracellular signaling pathways, their control mechanisms during capacitation, and their effects on sperm function.

Another aspect of my research aims to directly study the mechanisms of binding and recognition between the sperm and the zona pellucida of the oocyte by investigating the role of the spermatic protein SPAM1 in these phenomena. A better characterization of this protein, changes in its properties during capacitation and the importance of these changes for sperm-to-oocyte binding are at the heart of my research.

In addition, in the context of the agro-food industry where reproduction plays a major role and where artificial insemination is a key player, it is essential that the sperm be conserved under optimal conditions in order to ensure the best reproductive success. I study the effect of freezing (cryopreservation) on the survival and fertilizing power of sperm by evaluating different ways to improve the procedure.

A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in this acquisition of fertilizing power and sperm / oocyte interactions is important in livestock species where the profitability of the firm often depends on the effectiveness of the animal’s reproductive capacity. In humans, the sperm / oocyte interaction is of particular importance in cases of diagnosis / treatment of infertility, or for the development of new methods of contraception. Various research projects are currently underway on these subjects within my laboratory.

Members of the laboratory

Tania Lapierre
MSc student
tania.laperriere.1@ulaval.ca

Ariane Lapointe-Belleau
MSc student
ariane.lapointe-belleau.1@ulaval.ca

Sandrine Delisle
MSc student
sandrine.delisle.1@ulaval.ca

Rohit Kumar Deshmukh
PhD student
rohit-kumar.deshmukh.1@ulaval.ca

Gilles Malherbe
Research professional
gilles.malherbe@crcudequebec.ulaval.ca

Andrée-Anne Saindon, MSc
Research professional
andree-anne.saindon@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

23 Nov 2017

Raj Duggavathi, BVSc, MVSc, PhD

23 Nov 2017

Address

514 398-7803
raj.duggavathi@mcgill.ca
http://www.mcgill.ca/animal/staff/duggavathi
21111, rue Lakeshore,
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue,
H9X 3V9
Fax: 514 398-7964

Research interests

Dairy cow fertility
Granulosa cell biology
Regulation of gene expression

My research focuses on mechanisms of regulation of female fertility with emphasis on ovarian function. We pursue our research interests in two modules. In module 1, targeting animal agriculture, we use bovine model to investigate metabolic regulation of ovarian function. In the last ten years we have discovered that metabolic indicators differ significantly between lactating dairy cows and non-lactating counterparts. Our current studies investigate the relationship between ovarian activity and metabolic stress including ketosis. In module 2, focusing fundamental mechanisms applicable to both farm animals and women, we use signaling pathway- and gene-edited mouse models to investigate mechanisms follicular development, ovulation and fertility.

In the last ten years we have discovered novel transcription factors involved in the ERK1/2 intracellular signaling pathways as well as important molecules involved in ovulation including Nr5a2, mTOR (both granulosa-specific knockout models) and Fabp6 (whole-body knockout model). We have also discovered that follicle stimulating hormone modulates histone methylation to regulate gene expression underpinning follicular development. Our current studies focus on the role of histone modifications and transcription factors such as Egr1 in granulosa cell gene expression.

Our research will continue to advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms underpinning normal ovarian functions, including ovulation and steroid hormone production, leading to normal female fertility.

Members of the laboratory

Aire McCall BSc
MSc student
aaron.mccall@mail.mcgill.ca

Ning Sun, BSc, MSc
MSc student
ning.sun@mail.mcgill.ca

Neeraj Neeraj, BVSc, MVSc
PhD student
neeraj.neeraj@mail.mcgill.ca

Teshome Alemu, MSc
PhD student
teshome.alemu@mail.mcgill.ca

Ejimedo Madogwe, PhD
Postdoc fellow
ejimedo.madogwe@mail.mcgill.ca

Jasmine Randhawa, MSc
Research assistant
jasmine.randhawa@mail.mcgill.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

13 Oct 2017

Rima Slim, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

514 934-1934 Ext. 44550
rima.slim@muhc.mcgill.ca
http://www.mcgill.ca/rslimlab/
McGill University Health Center Research Institute
Glen site,
EM03210 (office) E012379 (lab)
1001, boul. Décarie,
Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1

Ext. 44550.
Laboratoire, poste 44519.
Télécopieur : 514 933-4149 ou 514 933-4673

Research interests

Identify new genes responsible for recurrent fetal loss.
Elucidate the mechanisms by which the identified genes lead to recurrent fetal loss.
Be able to offer DNA diagnosis of recurrent fetal loss and appropriate genetic counseling

The research activities of my group are aimed at the identification of novel genes responsible for recurrent molar pregnancies (pregnancies with no embryos) and miscarriages and the elucidation of the functional roles of the identified genes in these pathologies. This will allow offering the patients new DNA diagnostic tests directed to identify their exact molecular defect and consequently appropriate genetic counseling and assisted reproductive technologies services directed to overcome their exact molecular defects.

Membres du laboratoire

Manqi Liang, BSc
MSc student

Susmitha Jaganathan, BSc
MSc student
susmitha.jaganathan@mail.mcgill.ca

Maryam Rezaei, MSc
PhD student
maryam28i@yahoo.com

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

13 Oct 2017

Claude Robert, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

418 656-2131 Ext. 412842
claude.robert@fsaa.ulaval.ca
https://www.crdsi.ulaval.ca/membres/lister_personnes/filtrer-mots-cles/Claude%20Robert/
Université Laval
Département des sciences animales
Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI)
Pavillon Paul Comtois, Local 4217
2425, Rue de l'Agriculture, Québec, Canada, G1V 0A6

Research interests

Transzonal projections
RNA transport and management
Proteins related to x-fragile syndrome

We are interested in understanding the fundamental mechanisms associated with early embryonic development and the application of this knowledge to improve the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies. In livestock, these technologies are used to disseminate genetics from animals that demonstrate the best performance in the breed to improve the performance of future generations. In addition, we use genomics to characterize the genetic potential of different dairy breeds and even pig breeds in order to improve certain characteristics of economic interest such as fertility, cheese yield or meat quality.

Among the fundamental mechanisms of early development that interest us are several elements associated with ovogenesis. For example, the oocyte (which is the largest cell in the body) grows by mechanisms that are not yet well understood because they are unique in cell biology. For example, in several species of birds, amphibians and large mammals, the first cell divisions take place in the absence of nuclear transcriptional activity. Early blastomeres do not transcribe their genome and protein production is supported by messenger RNAs stored during oogenesis. This storage requires precise management for the stabilization of “dormant” messengers, for their recruitment and even for their destruction since many of these stored mRNAs will never be translated. From an applied point of view, these mechanisms are of interest since the vast majority of embryonic mortality (70%) occurs before the activation period of the embryonic genome.

Our recent work shows that cells around the oocyte send mRNAs along their cellular projections that contact the oocyte. Our hypothesis is that in the absence of its own transcriptional capabilities, the oocyte subcontracts its needs to the cells surrounding it. The advantage of this approach could be that the follicular cells are more closely linked to the endocrine status of the ovary than the oocyte is, thus allowing better synchronization of oocyte quality with the physiological condition of the ovarian follicle.

To study the mechanisms of RNA management, we use a candidate gene approach. We aim to gain insight into a family of proteins: the fragile-X mental retardation related proteins, of which FMR1 is the core member. Although the mechanisms involved are not yet known, FMR1 is currently the main marker of ovarian failure in humans.

Members of the laboratory

Mélodie Desnoyers, BSc
MSc student
melodie.desnoyers.2@ulaval.ca

William Poisson, BSc
PhD student
william.poisson.1@ulaval.ca

Pengmin Wang, MSc
PhD student
Pengmin.wang.1@ulaval.ca

Alexandra Carrier, MSc
PhD student
Alexandra.carrier.5@ulaval.ca

Mathilde Marchais, MSc
PhD student
mathilde.marchais.1@ulaval.ca

Isabelle Gilbert, PhD
Research assistant
Isabelle.gilbert.4@fsaa.ulaval.ca

Publications

See Scopus

13 Oct 2017

François Richard, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

418 656-2131 Ext. 2781
francois.richard@fsaa.ulaval.ca
http://www.crdsi.ulaval.ca/membres/afficher_personne/details/richard-francois-j/filtrer-mots-cles/Fran%C3%A7ois%20J.%20Richard/
Département des sciences animales,
Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation,
2425, rue de l’agriculture,
Québec, Qc, G1V 0A6

Research interests

Role of cyclic nucleotides in ovarian function
Role of cyclic nucleotides in mitchondrial function
Genomic and epigenomic

My research program investigates the oocyte, better known as “ovule”, but in its immature state. Our team is especially interested in cell signalling since it plays a primordial role in the gamete’s maturation. Even more specifically, we investigate the role of cyclic nucleotide enzyme degradation, namely phosphodiesterases (PDEs). We have made interesting discovering by identifying new families of PDEs found in cumulus cells, some of which seem to be regulated through their association with membrane lipids of the raft family and others which are very sensitive to cAMP regulation. We are also interested in understanding the dialogue between cumulus cells and the oocyte. We have developed a tools for the functional evaluation of cumulus cells’ response by measuring “Gap junction communication” using fluorophores and photobleaching. Thanks to this approach, we are among world leaders involved in demonstrating the high level of regulation of gap junctions during in vitro maturation. We are very active in our efforts to better understand this regulation. Because energy levels play a decisive role in the oocyte future, we study the KAMP metabolic switch. We demonstrated the critical impact of this switch at various levels. We also have knowledge transfer projects in collaboration with the industry involved with male and female gametes. Finally, a better understanding of signalling will result in better conditions.

Members of the laboratory

Tiphanie Mérel, MSc
PhD student
tiphanie.merel.1@ulaval.ca

Amel Lounas, MSc
PhD student
amel.lounas.1@ulaval.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

13 Oct 2017

Jocelyn Dubuc, DVM, MSc, DVSc

13 Oct 2017

Address

450 773-8521 Ext. 8498
Jocelyn.dubuc@umontreal.ca
https://fmv.umontreal.ca/etudes/corps-professoral/fiche/in/in15946/sg/Jocelyn%20Dubuc/
3200, rue Sicotte,
St-Hyacinthe,
QC J2S 2M2

Research interests

Reproductive management of dairy herds
Metabolic and reproductive tract diseases in postpartum dairy cows
Observational and controlled field studies conducted on commercial dairy farms

I work as a professor in bovine population medicine at the bovine ambulatory clinic of the Université de Montréal in St-Hyacinthe (Qc). My work duties include veterinary clinical work of preventive medicine on commercial dairy farms, teaching to undergraduate and graduate students, and applied field research. My main interests in research are on reproduction management and on health management during the peripartum period.

In our lab, we have the ability to perform large-scale field studies at the cow and herd levels. For examples, we conducted multiple herd-level studies in which we recruited 100 dairy herds or more to determine the prevalence of various diseases. Such studies usually involve between 2,000 and 4,000 cows. One example of such studies is: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-12144

We also develop and validate various diagnostic tests for postpartum reproductive tract diseases such as purulent vaginal discharge, cytological endometritis and leukocyte esterase endometritis. Once validated, we use these tests in large-scale epidemiological studies to determine the prevalence of disease, risk factors and impacts. We can also perform randomized clinical trials to quantify the treatment efficacy against these diseases. Here is an example of such studies: http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-9129

In the field of reproductive management of dairy herds, we work to develop tools and approaches for farmers in order to improve the reproductive performance of their dairy herd. For example, we are currently working on the validation of a pregnancy diagnostic test than can be done in cows as soon as 20 days after the last insemination and that uses a color-flow doppler ultrasonography technology. Other projects focus on increasing the insemination rate of dairy herds such as developing breeding strategies for cows diagnosed non-pregnant at pregnancy diagnosis.

We welcome any students or researchers to contact us for further information about our research projects or for enrolling in one of our available education programs.

members of laboratory

Anne-Michelle Ward, BSc
MSc student
anne-michelle.ward@umontreal.ca

Jairo Penagos Wilches, DVM
MSc student
jairo.alberto.penagos.wilches@umontreal.ca

Maria Puerto Parada, DVM, MSc
PhD student
maria.puerto@umontreal.ca

Nicolas Barbeau-Grégoire, BSc, MSc
PhD student
nicolas.barbeau-gregoire@umontreal.ca

Jean-Philippe Pelletier
Animal health technician
jean-philippe.pelletier.4@umontreal.ca

Publications

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