Robert S. Viger, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Mammalian sex determination and differentiation
  • Regulation of gonad-specific gene expression
  • Regulation of hormone

My laboratory is interested in defining the transcriptional regulatory pathways that are involved in establishing mammalian sex determination (i.e., the formation of a testis or an ovary) and sex differentiation (i.e., the development of internal and external genitalia and therefore the male or female phenotype). We are also interested in understanding the transcriptional control of gonadal gene expression, especially in the somatic cell types of the testis (Sertoli cell, Leydig cell). Over the past several years, our main focus has been to understand the physiological roles played by members of the GATA family of transcription factors. The GATA family of factors is composed of six zinc finger DNA-binding proteins (named GATA1 to GATA6) that recognize the consensus DNA sequence WGATAR found in the regulatory region of several genes required for the differentiation and/or morphogenesis of numerous vital organs. These factors were first identified as major developmental determinants of both the hematopoietic and cardiac systems.

Today, they are known to be expressed in a wide variety of tissues where they act as critical regulators of developmental- and cell-specific gene expression. This includes multiple endocrine organs such as the pituitary, pancreas, adrenals, and gonads. Using basic molecular biology methodologies (promoter characterization studies) and various cell line models, we have contributed significantly to better understanding what genes and gene networks these factors target and regulate. Indeed, the scope of GATA action has broadened to include early gonadal development, sex differentiation, and steroidogenesis. GATA factors and in particular GATA4 regulate a plethora of genes that play essential roles throughout gonadal ontogeny. These include those expressed early in gonadal development (Sry, Sox9, Amh, Dmrt1) and those acting later in the fetal and adult gonads (Inha, Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, and many others).We h

ave recent evidence that GATA4 is an essential regulator of steroidogenesis. Interestingly, aberrant GATA function is known to be linked with some human diseases, and we believe that the reproductive system will be no exception. Research into the role of the GATA family of transcription factors in reproductive function has already led to the potential implication of these factors in several human syndromes and/or pathologies such as breast cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and phenotypic sex reversal associated with insufficient AMH expression. Our ultimate goal is to hopefully translate our work into promising new therapies for the treatment and prevention of these pathologies and other diseases that affect reproductive health.

Members of the laboratory

Marie France Bouchard, PhD
Research assistant
Marie-France.Bouchard@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Léa Lafranchise
Graduated student
lea.lafranchise.1@ulaval.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

Jacques J. Tremblay, MSc, PhD, LLB

13 Oct 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Leydig cell differentiation and function
  • Male sexual differentiation
  • Transcription factors and regulation of gene expression

Dr. Tremblay’s research program is at the interface of developmental biology, endocrinology, and cellular and molecular biology. His team studies the molecular mechanisms of male sexual differentiation. Mutations in key genes involved in male sexual differentiation are responsible for an atypical developmental trajectory known as Differences in Sex Development (DSD).

Dr. Tremblay’s team is studying new genes that could help explain certain cases of DSD in humans. In addition, Dr. Tremblay is interested in the differentiation and function of Leydig cells, endocrine cells that produce the steroid hormone testosterone. Inadequate levels of steroid hormones are implicated in many human pathologies, including cancers, PCOS, endometriosis, autoimmune diseases and inflammation. As well as being important for male reproductive health, adequate levels of testosterone are also essential for men’s general health. Understanding how this system functions normally, by studying Leydig cells, will provide essential information that will ultimately enable better diagnosis and treatment of these pathologies.

Although various hormones and signaling molecules have been implicated in male sexual differentiation and Leydig cell differentiation and function, the transcription factors downstream of these pathways remain poorly understood. To date, his team has identified several transcription factors, some never before reported in the gonad or Leydig cells. Some are present exclusively in the male gonad, or at specific times in Leydig cells, while others mark stem Leydig cells. A better understanding of the differentiation of stem Leydig cells residing in the adult testis could enable the development of innovative treatments for men suffering from hypogonadism.

In addition, their work on hormone-induced signaling pathways in Leydig cells has revealed the involvement of two antagonistic kinases; CAMKI stimulates while AMPK is a molecular brake that rapidly shuts down steroid hormone production, which has many clinical implications. Dr. Tremblay’s work involves classical molecular and cell biology, gene editing, animal models, microscopy, proteomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics.

Members of the laboratory

Laurie Boudreau, BSc
MSc student
laurie.boudreau.3@ulaval.ca

Karine de Mattos, DMV, MSc
PhD student
karine.de-mattos.1@ulaval.ca

Kenley Joule Pierre, MSc
PhD student
kenley-joule.pierre.1@ulaval.ca

Nicholas M. Robert, PhD
Research assistant
Nicholas.Robert@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Publications

See Scopus

Rima Slim, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

  • 514 934-1934 Ext. 44550
  • rima.slim@muhc.mcgill.ca
  • http://www.mcgill.ca/rslimlab/
  • McGill University Health Center Research Institute
    Glen site,
    EM03210 (office) E012379 (lab)
    1001, boul. Décarie,
    Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1

    Ext. 44550.
    Laboratoire, poste 44519.
    Télécopieur : 514 933-4149 ou 514 933-4673

Research interests

  • Identify new genes responsible for recurrent fetal loss.
  • Elucidate the mechanisms by which the identified genes lead to recurrent fetal loss.
  • Be able to offer DNA diagnosis of recurrent fetal loss and appropriate genetic counseling

The research activities of my group are aimed at the identification of novel genes responsible for recurrent molar pregnancies (pregnancies with no embryos) and miscarriages and the elucidation of the functional roles of the identified genes in these pathologies. This will allow offering the patients new DNA diagnostic tests directed to identify their exact molecular defect and consequently appropriate genetic counseling and assisted reproductive technologies services directed to overcome their exact molecular defects.

Membres du laboratoire

Ankur Saharan
MSc Student
ankur.saharan@mail.mcgill.ca 

Manqi Liang, BSc
MSc student

Maryam Rezaei, MSc
PhD student
maryam28i@yahoo.com

Susmitha Jaganathan, BSc
MSc student
susmitha.jaganathan@mail.mcgill.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS
Francois Richard

François Richard, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Role of cyclic nucleotides in ovarian function
  • Role of cyclic nucleotides in mitchondrial function
  • Genomic and epigenomic

My research program investigates the oocyte, better known as “ovule”, but in its immature state. Our team is especially interested in cell signalling since it plays a primordial role in the gamete’s maturation. Even more specifically, we investigate the role of cyclic nucleotide enzyme degradation, namely phosphodiesterases (PDEs). We have made interesting discovering by identifying new families of PDEs found in cumulus cells, some of which seem to be regulated through their association with membrane lipids of the raft family and others which are very sensitive to cAMP regulation.  We are also interested in understanding the dialogue between cumulus cells and the oocyte. We have developed a tools for the functional evaluation of cumulus cells’ response by measuring “Gap junction communication” using fluorophores and photobleaching. Thanks to this approach, we are among world leaders involved in demonstrating the high level of regulation of gap junctions during in vitro maturation. We are very active in our efforts to better understand this regulation. Because energy levels play a decisive role in the oocyte future, we study the KAMP metabolic switch.  We demonstrated the critical impact of this switch at various levels. We also have knowledge transfer projects in collaboration with the industry involved with male and female gametes. Finally, a better understanding of signalling will result in better conditions.

Members of the laboratory

Tiphanie Mérel, MSc
PhD student
tiphanie.merel.1@ulaval.ca

Amel Lounas, MSc
PhD student
amel.lounas.1@ulaval.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

Nicolas Pilon, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Neural crest cell development in health and disease
  • Molecular genetics of sex determination
  • Sex-based differences in nervous system development

Studies in the Pilon’s lab are focused on neurocristopathies, a group of rare genetic diseases in which problems with neural crest cells play a central role. This particular stem cell population generates many different cell types including, among others: peripheral neurons and glia, melanocytes, craniofacial osteoblasts and chondrocytes as well as some specialized cell types of the heart and the inner ear. Because of this large number of derivatives, distinct structures/cell types (isolated or in combination) are affected in each neurocristopathy.

Interestingly, many neurocristopathies also exhibit sex-related issues as seen in Hirschsprung disease (male sex bias in disease incidence) and CHARGE syndrome (subfertility and male-to-female sex reversal). Using mouse models and tissues from human patients, our goal is to decipher the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these diseases with a special focus on their respective sex-related issues.

In the course of our work on neural crest cells, we also developed an interest for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This interest comes from the incidental generation of a new mouse model via insertional mutagenesis of a previously uncharacterized gene that we are now characterizing in detail.

Membres du laboratoire

Alassane Gary, MSc
PhD student
alassanegary@yahoo.ca

Baptiste Charrier,MSc
PhD student
bap.charrier@gmail.com

Elizabeth Leduc, MSc
PhD student
Leduc.elizabeth@courrier.uqam.ca

Marie Lefèvre, MSc
PhD student
Lefevre.marie@courrier.uqam.ca

Mohammad Reza Omrani, MSc
PhD student
omrani.mohammad_reza@courrier.uqam.ca

Nejia Lassoued, MSc
PhD student
nejia_lassoued11@yahoo.fr

Sandrine Girard, BSc
MSc student
Girard.sandrine.3@courrier.uqam.ca

Sanaa Tork, MSc
PhD student
sanaa_t@hotmail.com

Sephora Sallis, MSc
PhD student
Sallis.sephora@courrier.uqam.ca

Sherin Nawaito, PhD
Postdoc fellow
nowatto@gmail.com

Benoit Grondin, PhD
Research associate
b.grondin1@gmail.com

Ouliana Souchkova, MSc
Research assistant
souchkova.ouliana@gmail.com

Rodolphe Soret, PhD
Research associate
rode440@gmail.com

Tatiana Cardinal, PhD
Research associate
cardinal.tatiana@uqam.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

Greg FitzHarris, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Oocyte development
  • Embryogenesis
  • Cell division

One in six couples in Canada experiences infertility. Living a healthy pregnancy becomes more difficult as the mother’s age advances and as the age at which people decide to start an augmented family, the impact of infertility on the health and economy of Canadians will increase accordingly. The ability to produce healthy eggs (oocytes) that can be fertilized into developing embryos is a major component in establishing a healthy pregnancy. There is very little knowledge about the cell biology of oocytes and early embryos and what determines their developmental potential.

Our lab addressed this question using a combination of genetic and microscopic approaches. Our studies constitute fundamental research projects with the mouse as a study model and also translational projects in collaboration with fertility clinics to examine the determinants essential to the good health of human oocytes and embryos. Our main long-term goal is to better understand the biology of the oocyte and embryo in order to improve treatments in fertility clinics. The laboratory’s research program is currently divided into three main areas:

  1. Chromosomal segregation and aneuploidy in oocytes.
  2. The causes and consequences of chromosome division errors in embryos.
  3. The use of early mammalian embryos to study specific aspects of their cell division.

Members of the laboratory

Sydney Cohen
MSc student
sydney.cohen.chum@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Filip Vasilev, PhD
Postdoc
fvasilev@yahoo.com

Aleksandar Mihajlovic, PhD
Postdoc
aleksandar.mihajlovic00@gmail.com

Gaudeline Remillard-Labrosse, PhD
Research assistant
gaudeline.remillard.chum@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

Daniel J. Bernard, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Transcriptional regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis
  • Mechanisms of GnRH action
  • Molecular mechanisms of IGSF1-deficiency syndrome

The Bernard’s lab investigates molecular mechanisms of pituitary hormone synthesis using in vitro and in vivo approaches.

Research in the lab concerns:

1) signal transduction mechanisms through which members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily regulate pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis,

2) mechanisms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling in pituitary gonadotrope cells.

3) hypothalamic-pituitary control of thyroid hormone production.

Members of the laboratory

Evan Buddle, BSc
Master student
evan.buddle@mail.mcgill.ca

Hailey Schultz, MSc
PhD student
Hailey.scultz@mail.mcgill.ca

Mary Loka, BSc
PhD student
mary.loka@mail.mcgill.ca

Yangfan Jin, BSc
PhD student
yangfan.jin@mail.mcgill.ca

Yeu-Farn (Claire) Lin, MSc
PhD student
Yeu-farn.lin@mail.mcgill.ca

Luisina Ongaro, PhD
Research associate
luisina.ongarogambino@mcgill.ca

Xiang Zhou, MSc
Laboratory technician
xiang.zhou3@mcgill.ca

Ying Wang, BSc
Laboratory technician
ying.wang5@mcgill.ca

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

Eric Asselin, PhD

13 Oct 2017

Address

Research interests

  • Uterine and ovarian biology, physiology and endocrinology
  • Hormone-dependent cancers of the female reproductive system
  • Animal models and transgenesis

Dr. Asselin’s research laboratory is interested understanding the regulation of cell survival and cell death in the context of embryo implantation, endometrial decidualization and in pathological conditions such as chemoresistance in gynecological cancers (endometrial and ovarian). More precisely, his laboratory has been actively investigating the PI-3K/Akt pathway in this context. Animal models, transgenic mouse human biopsies, cell lines are used in his laboratory to study this signaling pathway at the cellular and molecular level. His laboratory include 4 PhD students and 2 MSc students. For the last 24 years, he has trained more than 85 undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. His group has published more than 98 publications in peer-review international scientific journals, with a citation impact factor of 49 (H factor, goggle scholar). He was recipient of a FRQS chercheur-boursier, a CIHR New Investigator Award and the Canada Research Chair in Molecular Gyneco-oncology from 2006 to 2016.

Members of the laboratory

Jasmine Nolan
Undergraduate trainee

Kelliane Béland
Undergraduate trainee

Maélla Darina Ankely Kengni
MSc student

Raphaëlle Proulx
MSc student

Pascal Adam, MSc
PhD student
pascal.adam@uqtr.ca

Junie Chansi, MSc
PhD student
junye3@gmail.com

Emna Bouaine
PhD student

Léa-Isabelle Renaud
PhD student

Publications

SEE SCOPUS

Derek Boerboom, DVM, PhD

11 Jun 2016

Address

Research interests

  • Roles of developmental signaling pathways in gonadal physiology
  • Cancers of the reproductive system
  • Transgenesis and functional genomics

Our primary field of interest is the role played by developmental signaling pathways in the functioning of the ovary. Pathways such as Wnt, Hippo and Slit/Robo are best known for their critical roles in a variety of tissues and cell types during embryonic development. It has become apparent, however, that these “developmental” pathways are also active in adult life, and their roles in this context are only beginning to become known. Using a functional genomics approach, our group has shown that the Wnt pathway is a key player in the ovary, acting downstream of the gonadotropins to regulate follicle survival, growth and ovulation. Current research projects are also examining the role of Hippo signaling in ovary and testis, as well as in the development of different cancers of the reproductive system, including the ovary, uterus and mammary gland.

Members of the laboratory

Florine Grudet, BSc
PhD student
florine.grudet@umontreal.ca

Philippe Godin, DVM
PhD student
phil.godin0934@gmail.com

Michael Bérubé
DVM/PhD student
michael.berube@umontreal.ca

Francis Marien-Bourgeois
Lab technician
francis.marien-bourgeois@umontreal.ca

Publications

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