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| Stemcells and Us
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Our lab uses embryonic stem cells to investigate the effects of environmental toxicants on early mammalian development. Stem cells provide valuable tools for toxicological testing. We know from prior work that certain chemicals in smoke inhibit embryonic growth. We are currently examining the effect of these chemicals on embryoid body formation, growth, and differentiation of cells including oocytes.
Our lab also studies differentiation of oocytes from stem cells. In vitro production of human oocytes could provide a source of oocytes for somatic cell nuclear transfer should this technology become useful in stem cell therapy. The ability to differentiate oocytes from stem cells also provides an excellent model for understanding the development of mammalian oocytes.
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| Mammalian Fertilization
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We have studied various aspects of fertilization in mammals including ovulation of oocytes from follicles, oocyte pick-up by the oviduct, capacitation, the acrosome reaction, fertilization of oocytes, the cortical reaction, and the cortical granules envelope. Our current work focuses on characterizing the contents and function of the cortical granules proteins.
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| Cigarette Smoke Impairs Reproduction and Development
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We use smoking machine experiments and in vitro models to study the effects of cigarette smoke on the female reproductive organs and on growth and vascular development. We are currently using various assays in conjunction with mass spectrometry to identify the chemicals in cigarette smoke that inhibit development of embryonic and extraembryonic tissue and inhibit oviductal functioning. Some smoke components that are inhibitory in both the developmental and oviductal assays at picomolar doses represent newly identified classes of toxicants.
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| Lobster Sex
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We have also worked in the past on the reproductive biology of the American lobster. The American or Maine lobster (Homarus americanus) has a fascinating method of reproducing itself. We have studied various aspects of lobster reproduction including the reproductive tracts of males and females, the acrosome reaction of the lobster’s unusual sperm, fertilization, the cortical reaction, formation of egg coats, and egg attachment to the pleopods. We have also developed several methods, such as sperm banking and artificial insemination, to facilitate aquaculture of lobsters.
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