Jullien Flynn, PhD

11 Dec 2024

Contact information

Research interests

  • Chromosome segregation errors in meiosis
  • Transcription of noncoding repetitive DNA
  • Egg and sperm development in Drosophila

Eukaryotic genomes are filled with tandem repeats that form long arrays, known as satellite DNA, which currently have no well-understood functions. The research in my laboratory aims to understand the functional impact of satellite DNA activities on male and female reproduction, using Drosophila as a model organism. Particularly, we have three main goals. First, we are interested in how instability of satellite DNA located near the centromere of chromosomes could contribute to chromosome segregation errors. We have developed a system that will allow us to determine factors at the DNA sequence and protein-binding level that cause varying rates of nondisjunction in Drosophila meiosis. Second, we are interested in how repeats present in the introns of fertility genes affects their expression in sperm development. Here we study two closely related species that have a 3-fold difference in the size of the Y chromosome, caused by the expansion of a single repeat family. Finally, we are interested in the evolution and possible functions of long noncoding RNAs produced from satellite DNA that are expressed in the germline.

Members of the laboratory

Olivier Vermette
Undergraduate student
olivier.vermette.1@ulaval.ca

Laurana Germain
MSc student
laurana.germain.1@ulaval.ca

Richy Mizoy
Intern
richy-leonel.mizoy.1@ulaval.ca

Publications

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Mauro Silva, MSc, PhD

3 Dec 2024

Contact information

Research interests

  • Neuroendocrine control of female reproduction
  • Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Brain pathways involved in the control of socio-sexual behaviors

Dr. Silva’s expertise is centered on the neuroendocrine control of reproductive function and socio-sexual behaviors in mammals. Specifically, my research has provided insights into how hypothalamic and sensory neurocircuits regulate the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). He has also extensively studied how the brain plays a crucial pathogenic role in the manifestation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder that significantly impacts female fertility.

Members of the laboratory

Mona Masoumparast
Research assistant
mona.masoumparast@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Publications

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Karine Dufrensne

Karine Dufresne, PhD

13 Aug 2024

Contact information

Research interests

  • Vaginal bacteria
  • Host-microbe interactions
  • Inflammation

I study the microbial mechanisms leading to pathologies or health in women. An optimal microbial community within the vaginal tract correlates with greater reproductive outcomes (better fertility, pregnancy to term, protection against microbial infections) and this correlation is getting more attention recently, however little is known about the real importance of these microbes for the reproductive system. In long-term, a better understanding of the vaginal and uterine microbes will provide new avenues of prevention and therapies to favor the optimal microbiota and improve reproductive health.

Members of the laboratory

Publications

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Étienne Audet-Walsh, PhD

12 Aug 2024

Contact information

Research interests

  • Prostate
  • Molecular endocrinology
  • Mammary gland and lactation

The research group is interested in understanding the cellular and molecular functions of sex steroid hormone receptors. In particular, the team is studying the action of androgens and estrogens in the prostate and mammary gland, as well as the impact of endocrine disruptors on these hormonal signalings, all using rodent models and different types of human organoids. Particular attention is paid to understanding how these hormonal signals reprogram cell metabolism, for example to support lactation by the mammary gland.

Members of the laboratory

Mame Sokhna Sylla, BSc
MSc student
mame-sokhna.sylla.1@ulaval.ca

Camille Lafront, MSc
PhD student
camille.lafront.1@ulaval.ca

Aurélie Lacouture, MSc
PhD student
aurelie.lacouture.1@ulaval.ca

Lucas Galey, MSc
PhD student
lucas.galey.1@ulaval.ca

Louis Fréville, MSc
PhD student
louis.freville.1@ulaval.ca

Maxime Labroy, MSc
PhD student
maxime.labroy.1@ulaval.ca

Lucas Germain, MSc
PhD student
lucas.germain.1@ulaval.ca

Line Berthiaume, MSc
Research professional
line.berthiaume@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Cindy Weidmann, PhD
Research professional
cindy.weidmann@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Publications

Carlos Reyes-Moreno, PhD

2 Aug 2024

Contact information

Research interests

  • Reproduction
  • Immunology/Inflammation
  • Oncology

My laboratory focuses on the role of inflammatory and gestational cytokines in the regulation of inflammation and energy metabolism in cancer development and gestational diseases. More specifically, our studies aim to understand how certain cytokines and other synthetic molecules with anti-inflammatory action modulate the function and metabolism of macrophages, tumor cells and embryonic cells. This will enable us to discover the biological markers to target in a preventive or curative therapy approach for these diseases.

Members of the laboratory

Geneviève Morin-Fortin
Trainee
genevieve.morin-fortin@uqtr.ca

Emmanuelle Kana, BSc
Master student
emmanuelle.stella.kana.Tsapi@uqtr.ca

Farhan Heydari, BSc
Master student
farhan.heyradi@uqtr.ca

Laurie Fortin, MSc
PhD student
Laurie.fortin2@uqtr.ca

Marion Ravelojaona, MSc
PhD student
Marion.Ravelojaona@uqtr.ca

Nihad Khiat, MSc
PhD student
Nihad.khiat@uqtr.ca

Julie Girouard, Ph.D
Research assistant
Julie.Girouard@uqtr.ca

Publications

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Bernhard Payer, PhD

1 Aug 2024

Contact information

Research interests

  • Reproductive biology
  • Stem cells

My lab’s focus has been deciphering the mechanisms and biological roles of epigenetic reprogramming for pluripotency and germ cell/oocyte development. We specifically study the processes of X-chromosome in- and reactivation, classical models of epigenetic regulation, by developing tailored mouse and human iPSC-reprogramming and organoid systems of germ cell and oocyte development. We thereby made fundamental discoveries on the interplay between 3D-genome structure, epigenetics and transcription1,2,3 and the importance of X-chromosome remodeling for meiosis and oogenesis4. Furthermore, together with the clinic, we studied by single-cell RNA-Seq the impact of aging on the human oocyte transcriptome5 and derived human iPSC-lines of different cell origin and tested their capacity for germ cell differentiation.

My lab’s future goal is to further advance our knowledge on the epigenetic reprogramming events during germ cell development and thereby to contribute to the development of better in vitro organoid models of mouse and human oocyte development, which recapitulate the in vivo situation more faithfully. These in vitro models will open the reproduction field to in-depth mechanistic studies, and will also facilitate patient-specific disease modeling, offering invaluable insights into human fertility disorders. Furthermore, such in vitro systems could provide versatile platforms for testing fertility or contraceptive drugs and for assessing the impact of nvironmental toxins, chemicals, or drugs on the reproductive system.

Members of the laboratory

Laurie Pinel, PhD
Research Associate
laurie.pinel.hsj@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Publications

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Clémence Belleannée, PhD

26 Jul 2024

Contact information

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

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

Larissa Chiba, MSc
PhD student
la-namie@hotmail.com

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

Sepideh Fakhari, PhD
Research professional
sepideh.fakhari.1@ulaval.ca

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

 

Publications

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Julie BrindAmour

Julie Brind’Amour, PhD

16 Oct 2023

Contact information

Research interests

  • Developmental epigenetics
  • Oogenesis
  • Inter-generational epigenetic inheritance

Affiliations

Expertises

  • Animal reproduction
  • Molecular biology
  • Genetics

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

Louis Dubois, BSc
MSc student
louis.dubois@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

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Sylvie Breton

Sylvie Breton, PhD

19 Aug 2020

Contact information

Research interests

  • Post-testicular regulation of male reproduction
  • Intercellular communication networks for the establishment of an optimal luminal environment for sperm maturation, protection and storage in the epididymis
  • Epithelial dynamics and mucosal immunity

Male infertility often results from the inability of spermatozoa to reach and fertilize an oocyte. These properties are acquired by the sperm cells as they transit through the epididymal tubule. However, this small organ is understudied and as such male infertility often remains unexplained.

The different epithelial cell types (clear, principal and basal cells) that line the lumen of the epididymis work in a concerted manner to maintain a unique acidic environment that contributes to the maturation and storage of spermatozoa in a dormant state. Our study aims at decoding this complex intercellular communication network.

Moreover, we recently uncovered unexpected roles for proton secreting clear cells in sperm maturation and immune defense. We showed that clear cells express mRNA transcripts and proteins that are acquired by the maturing sperm, and they establish close interactions with luminal spermatozoa via newly described “nanotubes”. Another important aspect of epithelial cell function is related to the fact that they constitute the first line of defense against infections. In the epididymis, a balance between tolerance to immunogenic spermatozoa and immune activation against pathogens must be maintained. In mechanistic studies, we found that clear cells respond to the presence of bacterial antigens in vivo by expressing chemokines, which induce the recruitment of macrophages into the epididymis. These recent findings thus revealed the participation of clear cells as sensors and mediators of inflammation. Characterizing these novel properties is another active research theme in our lab.

We use a multidisciplinary approach including high-resolution laser scanning confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, 3D reconstruction of single cells, intravital multiphoton microscopy, luminal perfusion of the epididymis in vivo, and monitoring of live cells in vivo and in vitro.

Members of the laboratory

Emma Cavarocchi
Postdoc
emma.cavarocchi@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Jean-Philippe Lavoie
PhD student
jean-philippe.lavoie@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Morgane Goux
MSc student
morgane.goux@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Aram Minas
Intern
aram.minas@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Christine Légaré, PhD
Research assistant
christine.legare@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Publications

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Jacques Drouin, PhD

12 Feb 2020

Contact information

Research interests

  • Pituitary dévelopment and function
  • Epigenetics
  • Hormone action

The pituitary is the master gland of the endocrine system and it controls the function of the gonads. We have been interested for a long time in the mechanisms controlling organogenesis, cell differentiation and function of the pituitary, as well as their impact on target organs particularly the gonads and adrenals. We discovered the transcription factor Pitx1 and shown its role in organogenesis of the pituitary as well as in transcription of genes encoding pituitary hormones, particularly POMC and the gonadotropins. Our discovery of the transcription factor Tpit led us to show its importance in differentiation of pituitary POMC cells as well as its antagonistic role in differentiation of gonadotrope cells. The particular relation between POMC and gonadotrope cells does not limit itself to their origin from a common precursor, but also privileged interactions within homotypic and interdependent cellular networks. These crosstalks impact the activity of different regulatory axes between the pituitary and peripheral endocrine tissues, and in this case, have an impact on the function of the gonadotrope axis.

More recently, we noticed the expression of an isoform of the transcription factor Tpit in ovaries and the structure of the protein encoded by this isoform led to the hypothesis that it could contribute to oocyte maturation. These observations suggest a putatively important role in reproductive performance. We currently study this hypothesis. As in our previous work, we use the spectrum of genetic, epigenetic and classical molecular biology approaches in the investigation of this hypothesis.

Members of the laboratory

Arthur Gouthier, BSc
MSc Student
arthur.gouthier@ircm.qc.ca

Justine Gagnon, BSc
MSc Student
Justine.Gagnon@ircm.qc.ca

Juliette Harris, MSc
PhD Student
juliette.harris@ircm.qc.ca

Virginie Bascunana, MSc
PhD Student
virginie.bascunana@ircm.qc.ca

Ryhem Gam, MSc
PhD Student
ryhem.gam@ircm.qc.ca

Audrey Pelletier, MSc
PhD Student
audrey.pelletier@ircm.qc.ca

Kevin Sochodolsk, MSc
PhD Student
kevin.sochodolsky@ircm.qc.ca

Amandine Bemmo
Research Assistant – Bioinformatics
amandine.bemmo@ircm.qc.ca

Yves Gauthier
Research Assistant
yves.gauthier@ircm.qc.ca

Konstantin Khetchoumian, PhD
Research Associate
khetchk@ircm.qc.ca

Aurélio Balsalobre, PhD
Research Associate
aurelio.balsalobre@ircm.qc.ca

Publications

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