Clémence Belleannée, PhD

26 Jul 2024

Address

Research interests

  • Male infertility and cancer of the reproductive system
  • Post-testicular maturation
  • Signalization of the primary cilium

The primary cilium is a cell signaling antenna that is involved in the development and homeostatic control of various organs of the male reproductive system. To identify new molecular targets controlling physiology and the main male reproductive functions, we have developed a research program dedicated to the study of this organelle in two pathological contexts relevant to male reproductive health: male infertility and prostate cancer.

Theme 1. Identify the ciliary factors controlling male fertility

The vas efferens and the epididymis are tubules located downstream of the testicle whose dysfunctions cause male infertility issues. They thus constitute models of choice for identifying the molecular players involved in this pathology. Although primary cilia are organelles controlling cellular functions essential to the maintenance of male reproductive capacity in rodents and nematodes, their contribution in humans is not known. In collaboration with Transplant Québec, we are studying the molecular features of these organelles from a human tissue biobank. Additional mechanistic and functional studies are carried out on mouse models in which the invalidation of these ciliary components (CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre-Lox approaches) leads to male infertility. This research will improve our fundamental knowledge of male reproductive health and thus develop new approaches to diagnosing and treating male infertility. Research funded by CIHR and NSERC.

Theme 2. Decipher the ciliary signaling that prevents the development of prostate cancer

The prostate is an accessory gland of the male reproductive system whose secretions participate in the activation of sperm and male fertility. The mechanisms controlling the pathophysiology of this organ also constitute a direct target of prostate cancer (PCa). By combining cutting-edge approaches for the study of animal models and human biopsies (scRNA sequencing, imaging and in situ hybridization on organoids), our research aims to determine the role and therapeutic potential of ciliary signaling molecules in the face of CPa. Our preliminary data show that alteration of Hedgehog pathway transduction is sufficient to disrupt ciliogenesis, initiate cellular disorganization of the prostate as well as the development of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia towards more advanced stages. Beyond improving our knowledge of the cellular mechanisms at the origin of prostate carcinogenesis, treatments carried out on organoids from donors suffering from PCa will make it possible to determine whether the restoration of cilio-dependent pathways can offer new therapeutic strategies. Research funded by CIHR

Members of the laboratory

Dina Irsenco
MSc student (FRQS, IRSC)
dina.irsenco@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

marielle.caron@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Florence Préfontaine
MSc student (FRQS)
florence.prefontaine.1@ulaval.ca

Sepideh Fakhari, MSc
PhD student (FRQS)
sepideh.fakhari.1@ulaval.ca

Ludovic Vinay, MSc
PhD student (FRQS)
ludovic.vinay.1@ulaval.ca

Gabriel Campolina, PhD
Postdoc (FRQS)
gcampolina@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Céline Augière, PhD
Postdoc (FRQNT, Lalor Foundation)
celine.augiere@crchuquebec.ulaval.ca

Shirley Ferrin Tarin, MSc
Research professional
shirley.chazot@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Publications

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Anthony Estienne, PhD

22 Jul 2024

Address

Research interests

  • Ovarian physiology
  • Folliculogenesis regulation
  • Follicular health and intercellular communication

My expertise revolves around reproductive function in general and ovarian function in particular. My early research focused on the study of terminal ovarian folliculogenesis, more specifically the regulation of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) system by Bone Morphogenetics Proteins (BMPs) and its consequence on ovarian phenotype in several study models. Subsequently, I became interested in processes such as follicular atresia and ovulation. Finally, my most recent research projects have focused on the relationship between metabolism and reproduction, particularly in the hen and human species. I have also studied the effects of certain phytosanitary products (herbicides) on reproduction in the above-mentioned species. Understanding the function of reproduction and its physiology have dictated my academic and professional choices throughout my career.

Our laboratory’s long-term research program will take place in the context of the difficulties encountered by the dairy industry, and in particular the problems of cow reproduction. Cows have been selected solely on the basis of milk production performance, to the detriment of other traits such as fertility. Indeed, the success rate of first artificial inseminations (AI) leading to pregnancy has steadily decreased over the last few decades, necessitating the multiplication of AIs and thus lengthening the time between two pregnancies and therefore two lactation periods. Efforts are now being made to overcome these problems, but reproductive biotechnologies, and more specifically the production of female gametes in vitro, could provide additional solutions. Even if assisted reproduction techniques in production animals are well mastered, the cultivation and reconstitution of reproductive organs in vitro could make it possible to reduce herd sizes and thus the number of animals, leading to a reduction in production costs and environmental impact, while maintaining high embryo quality productivity.

Members of the laboratory

Salma Ramzi
Master student
salma.ramzi@umontreal.ca

Publications

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

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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Julie BrindAmour

Julie Brind’Amour, PhD

16 Oct 2023

Address

Research interests

Affiliations

Expertises

Research interest

  • Developmental epigenetics
  • Oogenesis
  • Inter-generational epigenetic inheritance

My lab uses a combination of molecular biology, genomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis tools to answer questions related to the transition from the maternal epigenome to that of the embryo.

My research interests focus on the process of epigenetic reprogramming in germ cells and early embryos in mammals. In particular, I am interested in the effect of different interventions or mutations on the establishment of the maternal epigenome, as well as their resulting effects on transcriptional control in the embryo.

Members of the laboratory

Alyson Daigneault, BSc
MSc student
alyson.daigneault@umontreal.ca

Camille Souchet, MSc
PhD student
camille.souchet@umontreal.ca

Guillaume Bourdon, PhD
Postdoc
guillaume.bourdon@umontreal.ca

Laureline Charrier, MSc
PhD student (co-supervision)
laureline.charrier@umontreal.ca

Samuel Gusscott, PhD
Resaerch assistant
samuel.gusscott@umontreal.ca

Publications

See Scopus

Julie Brind’Amour, PhD

6 Dec 2022

Address

Research interests

Affiliations

Expertises

Julie Brind’Amour’s laboratory uses a combination of molecular biology tools, genomic sequencing and bioinformatics analyses to answer questions related to the transition from the maternal to the embryonic epigenome. Her research interests focus on the process of epigenetic reprogramming in mammalian germ cells and early embryo. In particular, she is interested in the effect of different interventions or mutations on the establishment of the maternal epigenome, as well as their secondary effects on transcriptional control in the embryo.

Members of the laboratory

Alyson Daigneault
MSc student
alyson.daigneault@umontreal.ca

Camille Souchet
PhD student
camille.souchet@umontreal.ca

Samuel Gusscott, PhD
Resaerch assistant
samuel.gusscott@umontreal.ca

Publications

See Scopus

Kalidou Ndiaye, PhD

6 Dec 2022

Address

Research interests

  • Ovarian function
  • Reproductive immunolgy
  • Follicular development

The primary field of research in the lab is directed toward the cellular and molecular mechanisms in reproduction with a focus on follicular development in bovine species. A secondary focus is on the reproductive immunology and the effects of immune cells on the ovarian function. We are approaching these projects by using a host of molecular technologies including yeast two-hybrid screening, RNA interference, plasmid-mediated protein over-expression and promoter-reporter assays to characterize the expression and study the functions of target genes in ovarian follicles and immune cells.

These approaches allow us to study the expression and function of genes that could influence follicular development and the quality of oocyte and impact bovine fertility. Our previous studies have demonstrated the induction of specific genes expression in the ovarian follicle during ovulation, some of which are involved in inflammatory processes. Other studies from our laboratory have also shown that some genes are present in growing dominant follicles and are repressed by the luteinizing hormone (LH). Our ongoing projects aim to elucidate the functions and mechanisms of action of some of these genes in granulosa cells of ovarian follicles using pharmacological inhibitors, the CRISPR-Cas9 technology as well as signal transduction analyses. We also study the mode of action of proteins encoded by these genes by defining their partners using the yeast two-hybrid approach and performing in vitro analyses.

Members of the laboratory

Marianne Descarreaux
MSc student
Marianne.descarreaux@umontreal.ca

Daniela Naranjo
MSc student
dcng1994@gmail.com

Maryam Pashaei
MSc student
maryam.pashaei@umontreal.ca

Amir Zareifard
MSc student
Amir.zareifard@umontreal.ca

Aly Warma, MSc
PhD student
Aly.warma@umontreal.ca

Publications

See Scopus

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

Publications

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