Testis Biology & Male Fertility
Objective
A multi-investigator program in the area of testis genomics and systems biology to enhance inter-disciplinary research activities and develop insights into testis biology and pathophysiology.
Benefits
An integrated program to address the genomic aspects of testis systems biology with applications to human health concerns and male fertility. Over 10% of the male population has infertility problems and no therapeutic currently exists for this condition. The proposed research will elucidate the molecular control of testis function and identify therapeutic targets.
Organization
Utilizes the organization and existing structure of the
Center for Reproductive Biology at Washington State
University to administer and integrate the research
programs.
Research: Integrated approach to develop a better
understanding of testis biology and the relationship
with male fertility. This will lead to the potential
future design of improved preventative procedures and
therapeutic treatments for various forms of male
infertility.
Summary
The overall goal is for an interdisciplinary group of talented investigators from different fields to study testis genomics and systems biology. The research focuses on a genomics investigation of testis development The hypothesis addressed is that critical events during testis development and spermatogenic cell maturation influence male fertility and provide targets for the future design of therapeutic agents to prevent and treat male infertility. The specific studies include: 1) an examination of the transcriptional regulation of Sertoli cell differentiation during embryonic and postnatal testis development and subsequent effects on male fertility; 2) an analysis of the factors controlling early gonocyte development and the control of spermatogenesis using spermatogonial transplantation with correlations to male fertility and sperm biology; 3) evaluation of the role of retinoids and their receptors in embryonic and postnatal testis development with correlations to male fertility and sperm viability; and 4) Investigation of the gonadotropin regulation of cell differentiation with a transgenic and genomics approach during testis development.
Projects
Project 1
Michael Skinner, Professor, and Jaideep Chaudhary, Research Associate Professor, WSU, School of Molecular Biosciences "Sertoli Cell Transcriptional Differentiation and Testis Development"
Project 2
Michael Griswold, Professor, WSU, School of Molecular Biosciences, and Derek McLean, Assistant Professor, WSU, Department of Animal Sciences. "Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Development"
Project 3
Kwan Hee Kim, Professor, WSU, School of Molecular Biosciences, "Genomics of Retinoids and Testis Development”
Project 4
John Nilson, Professor, WSU, School of Molecular Biosciences. “Deciphering the Role of Wnt Signaling in Testosterone Biosynthesis in Male Transgenic Mice with Chronically Elevated LH”