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

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

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

See Scopus
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

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

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

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

Publications

SEE GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Outreach

Professor Sylvie Breton named Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS)

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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André Tremblay, PhD

4 Jun 2019

Contact information

Research interests

  • Cell biology of nuclear receptors
  • Hormonal response of reproductive tissues
  • Transcriptional mechanisms in breast and ovarian tumorigenesis

Nuclear receptors are transcription factors that control gene expression in response to hormonal stimulation. In the laboratory, we study in particular the  ERα and ERβ estrogen receptors that are responsible for the hormonal response of reproductive tissues, the RAR receptors that respond to vitamin A derivatives, and those in the PPAR family (α, β, and γ) which are essential regulators of energy metabolism.

Our studies allow to characterize the hormonal response with that of growth factors and cytokines on the regulation of target genes under the control of nuclear receptors. These studies will allow a better understanding of the role of cellular effectors in gynecological pathology and to identify new therapeutic targets.

Members of the laboratory

Samira Benhadjeba, MSc
PhD student
samira.benhadjeba@umontreal.ca

Véronique Caron, MSc
Research assistant
veronique.caron@umontreal.ca

Lydia Edjekouane, MSc
PhD student
lydia.edjekouane@umontreal.ca

Loïze Maréchal, MSc
PhD student
loize.marechal@umontreal.ca

Maximilien Laviolette, BSc
MSc student
max_laviolette@msn.com

Mélissa Bisson, BSc
MSc student
melissa.bisson@umontreal.ca

Jonathan Gagnon, MSc
PhD student
jonathan.gagnon.6@umontreal.ca

Baly Sow, BSc
MSc student
baly.sow@umontreal.ca 

Publications

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William Pastor, PhD

22 Nov 2018

Contact information

Research interests

  • Placental development
  • Epigenetics
  • Gene regulation

1. Placentation

In the first days of human life, distinct cells called trophoblasts are specified and go on to form most of the placenta. Given the critical importance of the placenta for fetal and maternal health, our lab will study transcriptional control of trophoblast specification and early placental development.

2. Heterochromatin establishment

Dramatic epigenetic changes occur in early human development. Most notably, there is a global increase in DNA methylation, an epigenetic mark critical for silencing genes and transposons. The methylation pattern established in early development is largely conserved through the rest of life. We will use stem cell based models to determine how DNA methyltransferases are regulated and how DNA methylation is patterned.

Members of the laboratory

Ishtiaque Hossein, MSc 
PhD student
ishtiaque.hossain@mail.mcgill.ca

Jessica Cinkornpumin, MSc
PhD student
jessica.cinkornpumin@mail.mcgill.ca

Deepak Saini, MSc
PhD student
deepak.saini@mail.mcgill.ca

Nathalia Azevedo Portilho, PhD
Postdoc
nathalia.azevedoportilho@mail.mcgill.ca

Jacinthe Sirois, MSc
Research assistant
jacinthe.sirois@mcgill.ca

Publications

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Nicolas Gévry, PhD

15 Aug 2018

Contact information

Research interests

  • Hormone-dependent cancers and nuclear receptors
  • Regulation of gene expression in the ovaries
  • Systems Biology, Genomics and Bioinformatics

Nuclear receptors represent one of the largest families of transcription factors, including 48 identified members in the human genome. Transcriptional activation by most nuclear receptors is controlled by the binding of lipophilic molecules, such as hormones or metabolites including, for example, fatty acids and oxysterols. However, some receptors do not have a known ligand and are thus classified as orphan nuclear receptors. Our knowledge of the regulation of gene expression by nuclear receptors has expanded in recent years, mainly due to the observation that not only is the interaction of the receptor with DNA important in the transcriptional response, but also that coactivators, corepressors and the chromatin environment are crucial in the transmission of hormonal signals to the transcriptional machinery. Given the importance of nuclear receptors in endocrinology for their role in the development of specific diseases, a detailed understanding of their function will have an impact not only on human and animal biology, but also on the development of new drugs for the treatment of endocrine diseases such as breast and prostate cancers, obesity and infertility.
The general projects of the laboratory are:

  • To define the role of the LRH-1 nuclear receptor in the implementation of a gene expression program specific to triple negative breast cancer.
  • To determine the role of the NR5A2 nuclear receptor in prostate cancer and to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target.
  • To explore the molecular determinants of NR5A1 and NR5A2 nuclear receptors in the ovary and fertility.
  • To define the molecular functions of the estrogen receptor in adipose tissue metabolism and its close link with the reproductive system

The approaches used by the laboratory to carry out these different projects are at the cutting edge of molecular and cellular biology. In addition, we make us of our expertise in systems biology, genomics and bioinformatics to respond to different biological questions in an original way.

Members of the laboratory

Fanny Morin, BSc
MSc student
fanny.morin2@usherbrooke.ca

Maude Albert St-Laurent, BSc
MSc student
maude.albert-st-laurent@usherbrooke.ca

Florence Gagnon, MSc 
PhD student
florence.gagnon2@usherbrooke.ca

Erfan Sharifi, MSc
PhD student
erfan.sharifi@usherbrooke.ca

Pooneh Chokhachi Baradaran, MSc
PhD student
pooneh.chokhachi.baradaran@usherbrooke.ca

Marine Daures, PhD
Postdoc
marine.daures@usherbrooke.ca

Marie-Ève Poisson, PhD
Lab and animal health technician
mylene.brunelle@usherbrooke.ca

Mylène Brunelle, PhD
Research assistant
mylene.brunelle@usherbrooke.ca

Stéphanie Bianco, PhD
Research assistant
stephanie.bianco@usherbrooke.ca

Publications

Voir Scopus

Kalidou Ndiaye, PhD

26 Jun 2018

Contact information

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

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Daniel Dufort, PhD

13 Feb 2018

Contact information

Research interests

  • Elucidating the role of the Nodal signaling pathway in proper timing of parturition and how its deregulation leads to preterm birth in mice and humans
  • Deciphering the signals involved in maternal-fetal crosstalk
  • Determining how hormones and growth factors render the uterus receptive for embryo implantation

The research interests of my lab are in elucidating the embryo-uterine communication during pregnancy. We are using, molecular, embryological and well as genetic approaches to identify the signaling pathways and their roles in the implantation process, placental development and the initiation of parturition. Our current focus is elucidating the role of the Wnt and Nodal signaling pathways. Furthermore, we are also interested in elucidating the role of maternal signals in proper development and function of the placenta which are often associated with complications during pregnancy such as Preeclampsia and Preterm Birth.

Members of the laboratory

Rose Corneli
MSc student
rose-andrea.corneli@mail.mcgill.ca

Sophia Rudenja
MSc student
sophia.rudenja@mail.mcgill.ca

Leah Omeara
MSc student
leah.omeara@mail.mcgill.ca

Mansuba Rana, BSc
Master student
Mansuba.Rana@mail.mcgill.ca

Sarah Yull, BSc
Master student
Sarah.yull@mail.mcgill.ca

Parinaz Kazemi, PhD
Postdoc
parinaz.kazemi@mail.mcgill.ca

Shiva Shafiei, MSc
Postdoc
Shiva.shafiei@mail.mcgill.ca

Laurie Pinel, PhD
Postdoc
laurie.pinel@mail.mcgill.ca

Publications

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Alexandre Boyer

Alexandre Boyer, PhD

13 Dec 2017

Contact information

Research interests

  • Development, physiology and homeostasia of gonads and endocrine tissue
  • Transgenesis and functional genomics
  • Signaling pathways

My laboratory is interested in the mechanisms of action and the roles played by various signaling pathways in the development, maintenance of tissue homeostasis and function of endocrine tissues such as the testis and the adrenal cortex.

In recent years our attention has focused on the role of the Hippo signaling pathway; an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway playing an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Using functional genomics approaches (cell cultures and transgenic mouse models), we have recently demonstrated that this signaling pathway plays an essential role in the development of the gonads and adrenal glands. Currently, we are continuing our studies on this signaling pathway in order to understand its mechanism of action in mature Sertoli cells and thus better understand how the latter maintain a structural, nutritional and immunoprotective environment necessary for the maturation of germ cells.

Members of the laboratory

Laurence Banville
MSc/DMV student
laurence.banville@umontreal.ca

Laureline Charrier
PhD student
laureline.charrier@umontreal.ca

Natalia Jakuc
PhD student (cosupervision)
natalia.jakuc@umontreal.ca

Florine Grudet
PhD student (cosupervision)
florine.grudet@umontreal.ca

Publications

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