Werner Giehl Glanzner, DVM, MSc, PhD

3 Dec 2024

Address

Research interests

  • Biotechnology and embryo development
  • Embryo epigenetic and molecular regulation
  • Gene and epigenome editing

Epigenetic regulation of early embryo development:
Epigenetic regulation has a vital role for successful embryo development regulating aspects related to embryo genome activation and cell lineage specification. Our research aims to unravel the epigenetic regulators that participate control the embryo outcomes. Nevertheless, we are also focused in understanding the connection between epigenetics and metabolic and oxidative status during early embryo development.

miRNAs and DNA methylation and its connection with oocyte to embryo transition (OET)
The role of miRNAs and DNA methylation in promoting the OET and the interconnection with other epigenetic regulators are not clearly understood. Therefore, we aim to explore the connection between miRNAs and DNA methylation with epigenetic regulators that together contribute to the embryo genome activation and transcriptional activity during early embryo development.

Genome and epigenome editing
Our lab is using gene and epigenome editing tools for generation of animal models for both biomedical field and agricultural purposes. The animal models include the pig and non-human primates, more specifically the Common marmoset.

Members of the laboratory

Liam Socransky
MSc student
liam.socransky@mail.mcgill.ca

Sabrina Roy
Honours student
sabrina.roy2@mail.mcgill.ca

Publications

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Simon Dufour, DMV, PhD

19 Jul 2024

Address

Research interests

  • Diagnostic tests
  • Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein
  • IBR-BVD vaccination

Members of the laboratory

Karol Gilberto Solano Suarez
PhD student
karol.gilberto.solano.suarez@umontreal.ca

Victoria Regia Lima Campelo
PhD student
victoria.regia.lima.campelo@umontreal.ca

Marie-Pascale Morin
PhD student
marie-pascale.morin@umontreal.ca

Daryna Kurban
PhD student
daryna.kurban@umontreal.ca

Faustin Farison
PhD Student (co-supervision)
faustin.farison@umontreal.ca

Nikky Milar
PhD Student (co-supervision)
nikky.milar@umontreal.ca

Mariana Fonseca
Postdoctoral fellow
m.fonseca@umontreal.ca

Ahmad Albaaj
Research professional
ahmad.aljaaj@umontreal.ca

Publications

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Marianne Villettaz-Robichaud, agr., PhD

19 Jul 2024

Address

Research interests

  • Dairy cattle welfare
  • Dairy cattle behaviour
  • Calving

My research program focuses on improving the daily welfare of dairy cattle. Many of my projects involve foot and limb health, as this influences not only welfare, but also longevity, productivity, reproduction and overall profitability. My other research interests include cull cattle, young dairy calves and the links between farm animal welfare and producer welfare.

Members of the laboratory

Publications

Sébastien Buczinski, DMV, DÉS, MSc, Dipl. ACVIM

18 Jul 2024

Address

Research interests

  • Use of diagnostic tests at the farm
  • Use of predictive models at the farm
  • Health of new-born calves

My interests focus on the need to put research-generated data into action for the users of these projects via knowledge transfer and the generation of practical on-farm applications.

Members of the laboratory

Beatriz Delgado Hernandez
Master student
beatriz.delgado.hernandez@umontreal.ca

Jean Silva Ramos
PhD student
jean.silva.ramos@umontreal.ca

AbdelMonem Abdallah Mohamed
PhD student
abd.el.monem.ali@umontreal.ca

Publications

Kevin Wade, PhD

18 Jul 2024

Address

Research interests

  • Research in applied artificial intelligence
  • Big data analysis
  • On-farm management systems

Research in Applied Artificial Intelligence: Various applications (artificial neural networks; case-based reasoning; decision-tree analyses; etc.) have been used in the development of prediction tools for milk production and incidence of disease in dairy cattle.

Big Data Analyses: Through the use of data mining and the investigation of machine-learning technologies, large amounts of milk-recording data are being examined with a view to discovering potential relationships among easily-recorded data and traits of economic interest.

On-farm Management Systems: The development of dairy-cattle lifetime models, helped by advances in data visualization, is allowing producers and advisors to better understand the profitability aspects of their enterprises through the identification of outliers and the impact of poor management decisions.

Members of the laboratory

Publications

Juan Carlos Arango Sabogal, DMV, PhD

18 Jul 2024

Address

  • 450 773-8521, ext. 8348
  • juan.carlos.arango.sabogal@umontreal.ca
  • Université de Montréal
    Faculté de médecine vétérinaire
    Département de pathologie et microbiologie
    3200 rue Sicotte
    Aile B, local 3911
    St-Hyacinthe (QC)
    J2S 2M2

Research interests

  • Infectious diseases epidemiology
  • Performance of diagnostic tests for endometritis (cattle, horses)
  • Quantitative methods, Bayesian analysis and machine learning

The overall aim of my research topics is the prevention and control of infectious diseases in farm animals (particularly dairy cattle and horses). My research projects revolve around 3 axes: 1) the study of the epidemiology of infectious diseases, 2) the evaluation of the performance of diagnostic tests and screening strategies, and 3) the development and evaluation of prevention and control programs and surveillance tools. In addition to epidemiology, I have a keen interest in quantitative methods, Bayesian latent class models and machine learning.

Members of the laboratory

Publications

Gustavo Zamberlam

Gustavo Zamberlam, DMV, MSc, PhD

16 Oct 2023

Address

Research interests

  • Ovarian physiology
  • Physiology of the pituitary gland: regulation of gonadotropins synthesis
  • Disorders of the pituitary gland and gonads

Our main research interest is the study of ovarian physiology and dysfunction; particularly the regulation of ovarian follicle development and ovulation in bovine and rodents. The first, an important agricultural species, and the second, a useful animal model for research in biology of reproduction. We have used in vitro and in vivo approaches to demonstrate novel roles of intracrine factors like the free radical gas nitric oxide, FGFs and the secreted glycoproteins WNTs and SFRPs in mammalian ovarian granulosa cells.

We are currently focusing our studies on the physiopathological roles of Hippo signaling in bovine ovarian follicle cells. We have also expanded our studies to the level of the pituitary gland. In a current research project with mice, we are using functional genomics approaches to determine how the physiological roles of Hippo pathway regulate gonadotropin synthesis and how the disturbance of this pathway can alter pituitary function.

Members of the laboratory

Natalia Jakuc
PhD student
natalia.jakuc@umontreal.ca

Leonardo Guedes De Andrade, MSc
PhD student
leonardo.guedes.de.andrade@umontreal.ca

Publications

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Guillaume St-Jean, DVM, PhD, DACVP

26 Jan 2021

Address

Research interests

  • Development and physiology of the uterus
  • Pathogenesis of uterine diseases
  • Mechanisms of intracellular signaling pathways

Our primary field of interest is the roles played by signaling pathways in the development and function of the uterus and pathogenesis of uterine diseases in human and animals. The uterus is a dynamic organ. Numerous signaling pathways expressed during embryogenesis and adult life carefully coordinate its development and function. TGF-b, WNT and Hippo are counted amongst these pathways. They also contribute to the development of numerous diseases. Using functional genomics and comparative pathology approaches, we study the roles of some of these pathways in the pathogenesis of uterine diseases. Our current research study the roles of Hippo signaling in the uterine function and development of endometritis in cows. We are also interested in the development of uterine fibrosis and plan to study the roles of these signaling pathways in its development, which could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Members of the laboratory

Etienne Blais, DVM, IPSAV
MSc student
etienne.blais.1@umontreal.ca

Liudmila Taranova
MSc student
liudmila.taranova@umontreal.ca

Publications

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Lawrence C. Smith, DVM, MSc, PhD

5 Dec 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Epigenetic control of early embryo development
  • Stem cell reprogramming and differentiation
  • Assisted reproductive technologies

Our main field of interest is to investigate the role of epigenetics modifications during early embryogenesis in mammals. Using domestic and laboratory animal models, we have focused our investigations in understanding the consequences of cellular reprogramming on parent-specific genomic imprints in embryos and animals derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer (animal cloning) and induced pluripotent stem cells. Translational research projects have aimed at improving assisted reproductive techniques and in developing methods for the use of pluripotent stem cells in regenerative medicine.

Members of the laboratory

Bianca de Oliveira Horvath Pereira, Agr.Eng, MSc
PhD student
horvath@usp.br

Fatima Mostefai
PhD student
fmostefai090@gmail.com

Ricardo Perecin Nociti, DVM, MSc, PhD
Postdoc fellow
rnociti@gmail.com

Jacinthe Therrien, BSc, MSc
Research assistant
jacinthe.therrien@umontrelal.ca

Luis M. Aguila Paredes, DMV, PhD
Visiting professor
luis.aguila.paredes@gmail.com

Publications

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Christopher Price, PhD

23 Nov 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and follicle development
  • Role of mycotoxins in fertility
  • Myokines and ovarian function

Using culture models of ovine and bovine ovarian cells (granulosa, theca and endothelial), we are investigating the role of FGFs in follicle development. Our research has shown that one particular FGF (FGF18) is secreted from capillary endothelial cells in response to TGFB and BMP4, and increases the rate of granulosa cell death. Further, high fecundity Booroola sheep have lower levels of FGF18, showing a unique regulation of fertility by the vasculature.

Mycotoxins are prevalent in animal feed worldwide and impact livestock growth and fertility, particularly pigs. We have demonstrated that a common mycotoxin, DON, negatively affects granulosa cell function in cattle. In cattle, DON is converted to a metabolite (called DOM-1) that is generally considered to be non-toxic, however, our research has shown that DOM-1 seriously reduces theca cell growth and function, and causes follicle regression in vivo. These results show that mycotoxin metabolites may not be as inert as previously believed.

Dairy cattle undergo a period of infertility post-partum owing to the energy drain of lactation, and they mobilize significant stores of fat from adipose tissue. We are looking at the role of hormones secreted by adipose tissue (adipokines) and muscle (myokines) in ovarian function. Irisin is a recently discovered ‘exercise hormone’ secreted by muscle in humans and rodents, and we have found significant mRNA and protein abundance in subcutaneous adipose tissue in cattle. Plasma concentrations of irisin are elevated in cattle post-partum, and irisin increases granulosa cell metabolism but decreases function (estradiol secretion). Theca cells respond differently, as irisin decreases cell metabolism and has no effect on function (androgen secretion). These data suggest that post-partum anestrus in cattle may be exacerbated by irisin secreted from adipose tissue.

Members of the laboratory

Mathilde Daudon, MSc
Étudiante au doctorat
mathilde.daudon@umontreal.ca

El-Arbi Abulghasem, MSc
PhD student
el.abulghasem@gmail.com

Europa Mesa Serrano, MSc
PhD student
europa.meza.serrano@umontreal.ca

Publications

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