Reproductive Sciences
Epigenetics & Developmental Programming
Epigenetics and developmental programming is an area of research that seeks to understand the biochemical mechanisms by which the dynamics of chromatin structure are controlled during development, how environmental exposures or poor nutrition influence these processes, and how epigenetic changes cause birth defects and disease.
Faculty in the Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology use a comparative approach to better understand epigenetic mechanisms regulating early embryonic development, the biochemical mechanisms by which chromatin structure is altered during development, how these processes are influenced by environmental exposures, and the capacity of these heritable changes to influence the physiological function of the placenta and cause birth defects.
Faculty
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering refers to the intentional modification of an organism’s genome by directly altering the DNA sequence using a variety of molecular biotechnologies.
In laboratory animal species, like mice and rats, these technologies have been used to improve our understanding of basic mammalian physiology dramatically. In livestock and companion animals (including cats, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, and horses), genetic engineering allows researchers to enhance production traits of livestock, eliminate disease-causing genetic mutations, produce low-cost therapeutic proteins and vaccines in milk, and to create biologically relevant models of human and animal diseases.
The reproductive sciences faculty in the Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology develop genetic engineering strategies that incorporate the latest advances in molecular biology, genetics, and assisted reproductive technologies to accomplish precision genetic modification in numerous mammalian species.
Faculty
Reproductive Endocrinology
Reproductive endocrinology is a branch of biomedical science that examines the hormonal control of reproductive function and fertility.
Faculty in the Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology examine how environmental factors such as nutrition, stress, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect endocrine control of steroidogenesis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, reproductive organ function, and fertility.
Our investigators utilize animal models of human disease and collaborate with clinical faculty at human medical centers to conduct basic and translational biomedical research, which aims to improve diagnostic tests for and clinical management of reproductive endocrine disorders.
Faculty
Reproductive Toxicology
Reproductive toxicology examines the influence of chemical and physical agents on reproduction, which includes adverse effects on both male and female fertility as well as on the developing fetus.
These range from environmental exposures influencing the establishment of healthy pregnancies, impacts on uterine blood supply, growth and development of the placenta, and finally, the influence on the growing fetus and the formation of birth defects. Current research is focused on substances causing birth defects (teratogens), which include endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals, environmental factors, and poor nutrition, as well as addressing the impacts of alcohol, smoking, e-cigarettes, and drug use.
Researchers are focused on understanding a broad range of metabolic, epigenetic, and physiological outcomes.
Faculty
Perinatal Biology
Research in perinatal biology is aimed at utilizing integrative physiologic approaches to improve the lives of pregnant women and their babies.
Research spans gestational nutrient homeostasis, cardiovascular adaptations, neurodevelopment, fetal physiology, developmental programming of adult-onset diseases (DOHaD), neonatal physiology, maternal-fetal interactions, placental biology, uterine biology, normal and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and teratology.
Faculty
Spermatogenesis & Sperm Biology
The function of male reproductive physiology is to produce and deliver sperm. The sperm must then be fertilization-competent and contribute genetic and epigenetic information to the next generation.
Research into spermatogenesis and sperm biology seeks to better understand factors influencing and controlling male fertility and infertility.
Faculty in the Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology investigate genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on spermatogenesis and sperm biology, as well as the long-term effects on pregnancy and the developing offspring of paternal preconception exposures mediated through the sperm.