research axis 2 Archives - Page 2 of 2

5 Dec 2017

Teruko Taketo, PhD

5 Dec 2017

Address

514 934-1934 poste 34197
teruko.taketo@mcgill.ca
http://biology.mcgill.ca/faculty/taketo
RI-MUHC EM0.3220,
1001 DéCarie,
Montréal, QC
H4A 3J1

Research interest

Sexual differentiation of the mouse gonad and germ cells
Surveillance of oocytes with synaptic errors during fetal and neonatal ovarian development
Failure in the second meiotic division in the oocytes of XY sex-reversed female mouse

In mammalian development, the germ cells undergo sexual differentiation according to their gonadal environment, testis or ovary, which is determined by the presence or absence of the Y-linked Sry gene. Therefore, spermatogenesis and oogenesis take place in the presence of XY and XX sex chromosomes, respectively. When gonadal sex-reversal occurs, however, the germ cell sex becomes discordant with the chromosomal sex. Both XX males and XY females in humans are infertile while XY females are fertile in certain rodent species. In Mus musculus (house and laboratory mice), XY females show variable fertility dependent on the cause of sex-reversal and genetic background, providing tools for studying the role of sex chromosomes in oocyte fertility. Of particular interest is the B6.YTIR mouse, which develops into either a fertile XY male or infertile XY female carrying an identical intact Y chromosome. The objective of our studies is to understand the influence of sex chromosomes on the reproductive potential of oocytes. Our current studies are focused on (1) the association of gonadal somatic cell and germ cell sex differentiation in the B6.YTIR ovary and ovotestis, (2) the relationship between asynapsis of the single X chromosome and a greater loss of oocytes during the Meiotic Prophase I progression in XY and XO female mice, (3) the apoptotic pathway(s) involved in the elimination of oocytes with meiotic errors, and (4) mechanism of the second meiotic division defect in the oocytes from XY females.

Members of the laboratory

Parinaz Kazemi, MSc
PhD student
parinaz.kazemi@mail.mcgill.ca

Xueqing Liu, PhD
Postdoc
xueqing.liu.ucsf@hotmail.com

Wataru Yamazaki, PhD
Postdoc
wataru.yamazaki@mail.mcgill.ca

Fatima El Mansouri, PhD
Research associate
fatima.ezzahra.el.mansouri@umontreal.ca

Publications

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23 Nov 2017

Isabelle Plante, PhD

23 Nov 2017

Address

450 687-5010 Ext. 8814
isabelle.plante@inrs.ca
https://plantelab.inrs.ca/
531, boul. Des Prairies
Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7

Research interests

Mammary gland development and breast cancer
Environmental toxicology and carcinogenesis
Cell-cell interactions and intercellular junctions

My research aims to determine the role of cellular interactions during mammary gland development and in breast cancer. More especially, we want to understand the regulation and the function of gap, adherens and tight junctions during mammary gland development, and how their dysregulation, by mutations or environmental pollutants, influence breast cancer progression.

Identify the role of cell-cell junctions during mammary gland development.

The breast is formed by two compartments: the stroma, mainly composed of adipocytes, fibroblasts and extracellular matrices, and the epithelium, formed by an internal layer of luminal cells surrounded by basal cells, mainly composed of myoepithelial cells. It has been demonstrated that interactions within and between the two layers of cells is crucial for proper development and function of the gland. Moreover, interactions between the epithelium and the surrounding stroma are also necessary. Therefore, this project focuses on the role and the regulation of junctional protein during the different stages of mammary gland development.

To define the role of intercellular junctions in breast cancer.

Although dysregulation of junctional proteins have been linked to breast cancer for years, mechanisms involved are poorly known. Moreover, an increasing number of evidences demonstrates that the microenvironment surrounding the tumors play in important role in cancer progression. This project thus aims to determine how junctional proteins relate to breast cancer progression, and how the surrounding microenvironment influence their expression.

To establish whether environmental pollutants influence mammary gland development and promote breast cancer

In many countries, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. While the causes are pleomorphic and generally unknown, it is generally admitted that 70-90% of all cancers are linked to behavioral, dietary and environmental factors. While the term environment applies to many factors, our research focuses on chemicals present in air, water, food and personal care and household products. More precisely, our concerns relate to exposure to endocrine disruptors such as phthalates. Endocrine disruptors are defined as substances which modulate the actions of hormones in the body, thus interfering with the normal development and function of the tissues. Since mammary gland development and function are tightly orchestrated by hormones, slights changes in their levels or actions can modify cell proliferation and differentiation, and thus promote breast cancer.

Members of the laboratory

Cameron Confuorti
MSc student
cameron.confuorti@inrs.ca

Marie-Caroline Daguste
MSc student
marie-caroline.daguste@inrs.ca

Alec McDermott, MSc
PhD student
alec.mcdermott@inrs.ca

Jysiane Cardot, MSc
PhD student
jysiane.cardot@inrs.ca

Madeleine Lépine, MSc
PhD student
madeleine.lepine@inrs.ca

Melany Juarez, MSc
PhD student
melany.juarez@iaf.inrs.ca

Publications

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23 Nov 2017

Julie L. Lavoie, PhD

23 Nov 2017

Address

514 343-5602
julie.lavoie.3@umontreal.ca
http://www.crrf.umontreal.ca/en/team-members/julie-l-lavoie-phd-2/
CRCHUM – Tour Viger
900, rue Saint-Denis,
bureau R08.452
Montréal, H2X 0A9

Research interests

exercise training
preeclampsia
renin-angiotensin system

PE is diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation with the onset of hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg) and proteinuria (≥300 mg/24 h). Chronic hypertensive women have a 20-25% risk of developing PE (known as preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension; PESCH). The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of PE are still misunderstood and premature delivery of the foetus is the only treatment available. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is postulated to be implicated in the development of PE.

My group has characterized a novel mouse model of PESC. Indeed, mice which overexpress both human angiotensinogen and renin (R+A+), which are hypertensive at baseline, develop spontaneously PESCH-like features as their blood pressure increases, and they develop proteinuria during their pregnancy. This is associated with an increase in AT1 receptor and decrease MasR and ACE2 in placenta and aorta. These modulations may contribute to increase the sensitivity to Ang II as well as decrease both production and sensitivity to Ang 1-7.

While exercise training is well known for its health benefits in the general population, it has also been shown to improve pregnancy outcome during normal gestation. We have recently demonstrated that exercise training can also prevent the occurrence of preeclampsia in mouse models of the disease. Moreover, we have found that the change in RAS observed in the PESCH mouse model can be reduced by exercise training, as we observe an increase in MasR and decrease in AT1 receptor in placenta and aorta. Overall, our project aims at identifying markers of PESCH development and their timing of appearance to allow an earlier diagnostic in patients. We also wish to evaluate the therapeutic potential of both ExT and Ang 1-7 administration in the context of PESCH.

Interestingly, in our recently characterized model of preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension, mice that overexpress both human renin and angiotensinogen (R⁺A⁺), we observed that it normalised litter size, which was significantly decreased in the sedentary transgenic mice. Therefore, whereas hypertension or RAS seem to have a negative impact on fertility, exercise training could potentially improve fertility in this model. We therefore wish to test the hypothesis that exercise training restores fertility by modifying the process of ovulation and/or embryo implantation in the R⁺A⁺ mice.

Members of the laboratory

Alexandre Garneau, MSc
PhD student
garneau.a@live.com

Suzanne Cossette
Research assistant
suzanne.cossette.chum@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Publications

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23 Nov 2017

Daniel Cyr, PhD

23 Nov 2017

Address

450 687-5010 Ext. 8833
daniel.cyr@iaf.inrs.ca
http://www.iaf.inrs.ca/daniel-g-cyr
531, boul. des Prairies,
Laval, QC,
H7V1B7
Fax: 450 686-5309

Research interests

Male reproductive toxicology
Epididymis
Cellular junctions

Our laboratory is interested understanding the role of cell-cell interaction in the epididymis, their importance in creating a luminal environment suitable for sperm maturation, and the effects of environmental toxicants on these.

Regulation on intercellular communication. Gap junctions are essential structural components that allow direct communication between neighboring cells. Gap junctional communication is therefore critical for coordinating cellular function within complex epithelia. In the male reproductive tract, gap junctional communication is essential for the exchange of cellular messengers necessary for spermatogenesis in the testis and for the coordination of sperm maturation in the epididymis. A crucial aspect of sperm maturation is the fact that the epididymal epithelium must coordinate the different regions of epididymis in order to modify the luminal environment necessary for sperm maturation. Our objectives are to understand the role and regulation of gap junctional communication in the epididymis and its role in sperm maturation.

Epididymal tight junctions and the blood-epididymal barrier. The creation and maintenance of microenvironments within biological systems are crucial for the development and function of specialized cells within complex organisms. These microenvironments are created by tight junctions between cells which form an impenetrable seal, thereby forcing receptor mediated transport across cells and creating specific environments. These cellular barriers exist in the brain, retina, thymus, intestine, and kidney, as well as in male reproductive tissues such as the testis and epididymis. Understanding the regulation of proteins responsible for the maintenance of these barriers is necessary, as tight junctions undergo rapid alterations in diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, renal diseases, asthma, cystic fibrosis and breast cancer. In male reproductive tissues, the microenvironments formed by tight junctions are essential for spermatogenesis in the testis and for sperm maturation in the epididymis. While unexplained male infertility results from multiple causes, studies in rats have shown that infertility in ageing males is accompanied by a loss of tight junctions in the epididymis. Given the crucial nature of tight junctions in both normal physiological processes and in widespread pathologies, including male infertility, our objective is to understand the factors regulating the formation of the tight junctions responsible for the formation of the blood-epididymal barrier, a key determinant of male fertility

Members of the laboratory

Raheleh Aram, MSC
PhD student
raheleh.aram@iaf.inrs.ca

Christine Kirady, BSc
PhD student
christine.kirady@iaf.inrs.ca

Laurie Pinel, MSc
PhD student
laurie.pinel@iaf.inrs.ca

Julie Dufresne, MSc
Research assistant
julie.dufresne@iaf.inrs.ca

Mary Gregory, MSc
Research assistant
mary.gregory@iaf.inrs.ca

Publications

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13 Oct 2017

Bernard Robaire, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

514 398-3630
bernard.robaire@mcgill.ca
https://www.mcgill.ca/robairelab/
Pharmacology and Therapeutics,
3655 Promenade Sir-William- Osler,
Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6

Fax: 514 398-2045

Research interests

Male reproductive ageing
Reproductive toxicology
Androgen action

Dr. Robaire’s research interests focus on the effects of environmental toxicants on male reproduction and on aging of the male reproductive system. This research activity has resulted in over 281 journal articles and book chapters, and editing/co-editing ten books. He is/has been a member of peer review groups for the NIH, MRC Canada, CIHR, FRSQ, FQRNT, and the Center for Alternative to Animal Testing of Johns Hopkins University. He is the recipient of several honours including the Distinguished Academic Award of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, Distinguished Andrologist from the American Society of Andrology, the Jansen Distinguished Leadership and Service Award of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Prix Guy Rocher (for the promotion and defense of the Quebec University) FQPPU. He is a member of the Royal Society of Canada, and was elected Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2020.

Members of the laboratory

Heather Fice, MSc
PhD student
Heather.fice@mail.mcgill.ca

Braeden Giles, BSc
PhD student
braeden.giles@mail.mcgill.ca

Seline Vancolen, BSc
PhD student
seline.vancolen@mail.mcgill.ca

Xiaotong (Vicky) Wang, BSc
PhD student
Xiaotong.wang3@mail.mcgill.ca

Dongwei (Oscar) Yu, BSc
PhD student
Dongwei.yu@mail.mcgill.ca

Lama Iskandarani, MSc
Research assistant
Lama.iskandarani@mcgill.ca

Elise Boivin-Ford
Project Coordinator
elise.boivin-ford@mcgill.ca

Yunbo Zhang
Visiting professor
yunbo.zhang@mcgill.ca

Publications

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13 Oct 2017

Carlos Reyes-Moreno, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

819 376-5011, Ext. 3308
carlos.reyes-moreno@uqtr.ca
https://oraprdnt.uqtr.uquebec.ca/pls/public/gscw031?owa_no_site=1093&owa_no_fiche=11
3351, boul. des Forges,
C.P. 500
Trois-Rivières

Research interests

Inflammation and macrophages/trophoblast interactions
Inflammation and cancers of reproductive and genito-urinary systems
Cytokines and inflammatory pathways

Dr. Reyes-Moreno’s research in inflammation and reproduction aims to better understand the mechanisms of initial and terminal differentiation of leukocytes and their functional interaction with the trophoblast and normal uterine endometrial cells, in pregnancy or cancer. He is particularly interested in LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor), M-CSF (macrophage-colony-stimulating factor) and GM-CSF (granulocyte / macrophage-colony-stimulating factor) uterine factors, known to be essential for the embryo implantation. His general working hypothesis is that, in order to protect the uterus and the embryo, LIF is essential for directing the functional differentiation of embryonic (trophoblast) cells and uterine cells (macrophages and lymphocytes, endometrial / decidual cells) and thus modulate intra-uterine inflammatory responses and acute hepatic phase. More specifically, using Crispr / Cas9 technology, it is proposed to generate in vitro and in vivo models to examine 1) the role of LIF and female sex hormones in the regulation of uterine leukocyte activation during endotoxin inflammation; and 2) to determine the molecular mechanisms by which LIF protects the host and embryo against tissue damage caused by endotoxins.

In the field of inflammation and oncology, Dr. Reyes-Moreno is particularly interested in studying the role of inflammatory cells (leucocytes) and signaling molecules (cytokines) in the genesis and treatment of cancers of the reproductive and genito-urinary systems. Indeed, several current studies confirm that chronic inflammation plays a crucial role at different stages of tumor development, including initiation, promotion and progression of many types of cancer. Recently, in collaboration with Dr. Gervais Bérubé from the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics of UQTR, a new class of therapeutic molecules derived from para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) has been developed to propose an anti-inflammatory strategy that aim to decrease inflammation associated with the tumor. Preclinical studies with a mouse model of bladder cancer (MB49-I cells) suggest that these small molecules, used alone, have the ability to affect tumor development by inhibiting the growth of highly invasive tumors and the formation of pulmonary metastases, without exhibiting any toxicity in the mice carrying the tumor. The current goal of his research project is to evaluate their anti-cancer and anti-metastatic potential in different preclinical models of bladder cancer and to study their long-term effects in a mouse model of primary bladder tumors.

Members of the laboratory

Laurie Fortin, BSc
Master student
Laurie.fortin@uqtr.ca

Yassine Oufqir, BSc
Master student
Yassine.oufqir@uqtr.ca

Marion Ravelojaona, MSc
PhD student
Marion.Ravelojaona@uqtr.ca

Nihad Khiat, MSc
PhD student
Nihad.khiat@uqtr.ca

Julie Girouard, Ph.D
Research assistant
Julie.Girouard@uqtr.ca

Publications

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13 Oct 2017

Cristian O’Flaherty, DVM, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

514 934-1934 Ext. 35410
cristian.oflaherty@mcgill.ca
http://www.urology.mcgill.ca/members/information/5369061286597bde3b000003/
The Research Institute-MUHC
1001, boul. Décarie
Montréal
local EM03212

Research interests

Redox signaling in male reproduction
Male infertility
Sperm activation (motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction)

We are interested in the molecular mechanisms that drive the production of mature spermatozoa and their modulation by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These active molecules, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite have a dual effect on cellular metabolism. The oxidative stress, a condition characterized by high levels of ROS and/or low levels of antioxidant systems, can induce damage on spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, leading to an increase of defects in the sperm genetic information, motility machinery and the acquisition of fertilizing ability by the spermatozoon.

On the other hand, when ROS are produced in low and physiological conditions, they trigger and modulate signaling events that allow the spermatozoon to have fertilizing competence.

Little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms affected by oxidative stress and how ROS can disturb the machinery to produce spermatozoa.

Our main research interest is to study the role of ROS in male reproduction. Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are enzymes with a dual role as antioxidants and as modulators of ROS action. PRDXs are differentially localized in sperm compartments, and they react with ROS, thus being potential candidates for modulators of ROS action in sperm physiology. Prdx6^-/- males are infertile, and they have spermatozoa with low motility and unable to fertilize an oocyte. Interestingly, these abnormal reproductive outcomes worsen with age. PRDXs control the levels of ROS in spermatozoa to avoid their toxic effects when produced at high concentration in the cell. Dysregulation of the PRDX system promotes impairment of motility and viability and the inability of spermatozoa to acquire fertilizing ability. Lack of PRDXs in spermatozoa has been associated with men infertility.

We are also focused on the impact of oxidative stress on mammalian spermatozoa. ROS promote oxidative modifications (thiol oxidation, tyrosine nitration, carbonylation, sulfonation, etc.) in sperm proteins that are associated with impairment of sperm viability, motility, and abnormal sperm chromatin, and fertilizing ability in rodents and humans. Our research is funded by CIHR.

Members of the laboratory

John Calogerinis
Undergraduate student (Honorous program)
john.calogerinis@mail.mcgill.ca

Diego Loggia
Undergraduate student (Honorous program)
diego.loggia@mcgill.ca

Caleb Liao
MSc student
hao-yu.liao@mail.mcgill.ca

Steven Serafini
MSc student
steven.serafini@mail.mcgill.ca

Publications

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13 Oct 2017

Hugh J. Clarke, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

514 934-1934 Ext. 34748
hugh.clarke@mcgill.ca
http://www.mcgill.ca/obgyn/hugh-clarke
Local E-M0.2218,
Glen Research Building,
1001, boul. Décarie,
Montréal H4A 3J1

Research interests

Growth and meiotic maturation of the oocyte
Communication between the growing oocyte and its follicular niche
In vitro systems that support oocyte growth and maturation

Prior to ovulation and fertilization, oocytes undergo a prolonged phase of growth within the ovarian follicle, during which they accumulate macromolecules and organelles that will sustain and direct early embryonic development, followed by a brief phase termed meiotic maturation, coincident with ovulation, and during which they complete the first and prepare for the second meiotic division. Growth and maturation of the oocyte are indispensable prerequisites in order to produce a healthy embryo after fertilization. Our lab focuses on three questions:

How do growing oocytes establish and maintain communication with the neighbouring somatic cells of the ovarian follicle? This communication is essential for normal oocyte development. We have found that factors secreted by the oocyte induce the neighbouring somatic cells to extend filopodia to the oocyte, enabling communication lines to be established. Current work focuses on the molecular mechanism of this filopodial formation and on their fate during meiotic maturation.
How do growing and maturing oocytes regulate mRNA translation? Many mRNAs synthesize by growing oocytes remain translationally silent until they are activated for translation during meiotic maturation. We are studying the mechanisms by which this translational control is exerted, and whether abnormal regulation of mRNA translational activation may contribute to the poor quality of in vitro-matured oocytes.
Can healthy oocytes be grown in vitro? There is considerable clinical interest in developing culture systems that support oocyte growth in vitro. Systems developed to date, however, produce a very low yield of healthy oocytes. Using 3-dimensional matrices developed to model tumour growth, we are testing whether these can support the growth and development of healthy oocytes.

Members of the laboratory

Karen Freire Carvalho, MSc
PhD student
karen.carvalho@mail.mcgill.ca

Qin Yang, PhD
Research associate
yangqin2006@gmail.com

Publications

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