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The success of animal production lies at the heart of the RQR. Improving livestock reproduction and understanding the interactions between reproduction and the environment are among the central goals of our main program.

Yet, laboratory work often distances us from the day-to-day challenges faced on farms. Gaining insight into real-world conditions is essential for any researcher or student involved in animal reproduction research. With this in mind, the RQR’s Knowledge Transfer Committee, in collaboration with the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire du Québec (ITAQ), organized a field visit that proved both enriching and inspiring for all participants.

On May 29, RQR members had the opportunity to visit Maskita Farm, located in Saint-Hyacinthe. The day began with a series of educational presentations. Guylaine Sauvé, a professor at ITAQ, opened the session by presenting the foundations of the rearing cycle and lactation cycle. Next, Kévin Ten Have, manager of Maskita Farm, shared his experience managing a farm that is functional, modern, and profitable—offering visitors a realistic glimpse into the reality of dairy production in Quebec.

Kévin Ten Have demonstrates the real-time cow monitoring software Heatime.

Since reproduction is at the core of RQR’s focus, particular attention was given to the reproductive strategies in place. Gilles Daigle, Training Coordinator at the Quebec Artificial Insemination Center (CIAQ), and Sylvain Riendeau, professor at ITAQ, presented the artificial insemination techniques used on the farm. Finally, Dr. Jean-Philippe Roy, a veterinarian, outlined the reproductive management tools implemented at Maskita Farm, highlighting an approach centered on both performance and animal welfare.

Demonstration of the artificial insemination technique by Sylvain Riendeau.

The guided tour of the farm led by Saray Rangel, Maskita Farm administrator, allowed participants to directly observe the practices discussed during the presentations, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the daily issues farmers face. Among the challenges identified were: heat stress experienced by dairy cows due to climate change, issues related to animal selection and genetics, nutrition, and diseases that impact milk production and reproductive success.

This activity not only helped demystify modern agricultural practices but also underscored the importance for the scientific community to remain closely connected to field realities. The RQR Knowledge Transfer Committee warmly thanks all the speakers, ITAQ organizers, and the Maskita Farm team for their outstanding hospitality.

The RQR congratulates Céline Augière, PhD, from Clémence Belleannée’s lab, whose microscopy image has been selected as one of the 20 finalists in the 16th edition of the “La preuve par l’image” contest, organized by Acfas in partnership with Espace pour la vie.

This prestigious competition highlights both the scientific rigor and visual power of research images, showcasing each year original photographs produced by scientists working in Canadian research institutions.

Céline’s submission reveals the unexpected beauty of the microscopic world while drawing attention to often-overlooked issues in reproductive health. Her work powerfully underscores the importance of fundamental research in understanding male infertility and in developing male contraceptives.

We invite you to discover this remarkable work and to support Céline by voting for her image (Image 10) on the official contest website.

1. Dr. Isabelle Gilbert (PI, ULaval) and her co-applicants: Dr. Geraldine Delbes (INRS), and Dr. Guylain Boissonneault (UdeS) obtained a grant of  $20 000 from RQR  for the new collaborations competition. Their project is titled “Instabilité du breakome spermatique et âge paternel: Du transfert d’expertise à la compréhension des mécanismes et des conséquences sur la fertilité”. The main objective is to characterize, for the first time, the effect of male age on the distribution and abundance of double-strand break hotspots in the sperm genome, and to identify the most vulnerable gene regions.

2. Dr. Mauro Silva (PI, ULaval) and his co-applicants: Dr. Isabelle Plante (INRS), and Dr. Etienne Audet-Walsh (ULaval) obtained a grant of  $20 000 from RQR  for the new collaborations competition. Their project is titled “A Brain-Centered Human Organoid Model to Investigate the Neuroendocrine Origins of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome”. The two objectives are: i) To develop an in vitro model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) using ARCOs and investigate the effects of androgen exposure during specific prenatal periods on female neurodevelopmental, and ii) To determine whether 1,2-Dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)cyclohexane exposure during early female brain development promotes PCOS-like neuroendocrine features.

Congratulations!

The Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (RQR) is proud to highlight the participation of Professor Marc-André Sirard, PhD (Université Laval), in the new documentary series Naissances du futur, now streaming on Savoir média.

Hosted by Claudie Simard and enriched by the insightful perspectives of bioethicist Vardit Ravitsky, this series explores the many facets of medically assisted reproduction—from groundbreaking scientific advances to the complex ethical and social challenges they raise. Professor Sirard contributes his expertise in Episodes 1 (In Vitro Fertilization) and 6 (Infertility).

Through the emotional and medical journeys of couples facing infertility, Naissances du futur delves into the broader implications of IVF on parenthood, clinical practice, and future generations.

We extend our congratulations to the participants and creators of this thoughtful and rigorous series, which sheds light on the complex realities of assisted reproduction and the central role of research in shaping clinical innovation.

The series is now available on Savoir média (in French).

Congratulations to the many RQR members who have received CIHR funding for the “Project Grant” program!

Project Title: Regulating spindle orientation to drive tissue shape and elongation during C. elegans gonad development.

Principal Investigators: Jean-Claude Labbé; Abigail Gerhold (Université de Montréal)

Project Title: Mouse Models of Spliceosomopathies: The Role of Snrpb in Axial Development

Principal Investigator: Loydie A Jerome-Majewska  (Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre)

“Most babies born with a congenital malformation die within the first year of life and although many mutations responsible for congenital syndromes have been identified the underlying mechanism responsible for these malformations remains under studied.

We showed that heterozygous mutations in the core component of the spliceosome gene SNRPB are responsible for Cerebrocostomandibular Syndrome (CCMS). CCMS patients carry mutations that increase inclusion of a pretermination containing (PTC) exon (AE2) important for regulating Snrpb levels. These patients present with craniofacial and rib defects at birth and 50% die within the first month.

Our goal is to uncover the requirement for SNRPB in the paraxial mesoderm, the precursor of the ribs and vertebrae. We generated several mutant mouse lines with mutation in Snrpb that develop abnormalities like those seen in CCMS. Using RNAseq we identified candidate genes important for ribs and vertebrae development. Our hypothesis is that reduced levels of RA, a vitamin A derivative, and mis-splicing of the chromatin modifier, Setd5, in presomitic mesoderm are responsible for vertebrae and rib defects in Snrpbtmx mutant embryos.

We Aim to uncover the contribution of (1) increase levels of the RA catabolizing gene Cyp26a1 , and (2) reveal the contribution of mis-splicing of Setd5 to vertebral and rib defects in Snrpb mutant embryos; and (3) to evaluate the requirement of Snrpb in paraxial mesoderm for normal vertebrae and rib development. Our work will uncover pathways shared with other spliceosomopathies syndromes. Though a rare syndrome, rib and vertebrae abnormalities found in CCMS are also found in other poorly studied congenital malformations. Our mechanistic work will help in the development of treatments that can prevent or reduce the incidence of these defects in the population”

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Project Title: Germline DNMT3A loss-of-function alters histone H3K27 methylation and causes neuronal impairments

Principal Investigator: Serge McGraw (Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine).

“Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome (TBRS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the DNMT3A gene. People with TBRS often grow taller, heavier, and have a larger head size. They may have learning difficulties, low muscle tone, heart issues, behavioral challenges, mental health problems, and autism-like traits. Symptoms can vary widely. Many TBRS disabilities are similar to those in other overgrowth and intellectual syndromes, like Weaver, Cohen-Gibson, and Imagawa-Matsumoto, which may share common mechanisms affecting brain cell growth and function.

The DNMT3A enzyme is important for DNA methylation, a process that controls gene activity by adding chemical tags to DNA. In TBRS, changes in the DNMT3A gene disrupt this process, leading to abnormal gene regulation and causing the syndrome’s symptoms. While we know DNMT3A’s role, how it leads to the neurodevelopmental problems in TBRS is still unclear.

To address this, we created a new patient-derived model by turning cells from people with TBRS into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can become any cell type, including 3D brain organoids. These iPSCs help us study how DNMT3A mutations affect DNA methylation and brain cells. We also developed a TBRS mouse model to better understand how the disorder impacts brain cell connections and function, offering valuable insights into the neurological causes of TBRS.

Our research has the potential to not only deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind TBRS but also provide insights into other related overgrowth and intellectual disability syndromes. By studying how DNMT3A mutations affect brain development and function, we can uncover common pathways that may be shared with other disorder syndromes. This knowledge could pave the way for new, targeted treatments for TBRS and similar conditions, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these rare genetic disorders.“

Congratulations to Dr. Serge McGraw (Université de Montréal) on receiving the Engagement Award (Researcher) at the 1st edition of the Excellence Awards from the Azrieli Research Center.

The Engagement Award is given to an individual who has distinguished themselves through their commitment and involvement within their team, their department, or more broadly within the Research Center. It recognizes a significant contribution to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment, as well as to the development and improvement of research, services, or the overall work environment.

“Researcher Serge McGraw has stood out for his dedication to creating an inclusive and stimulating environment—not only for his colleagues but also for his students and the broader scientific community. Every year, he organizes clinics and workshops to guide students in writing scholarship applications, an initiative that reflects his commitment to their academic and professional success.

As a key member of the Scientific Committee and the Patient Data Access Committee of the Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome Community, he serves not only as an advisor but also as a vital link between researchers, families, and clinicians, helping to guide research efforts and strategic decisions.

He also embodies knowledge mobilization through initiatives aimed at making science accessible to all. Whether at conferences like the TBRS Family Conference or through awareness workshops such as the Annual Public Health Days, he shares his expertise in an inclusive and impactful manner.

Through his mentorship, collaborations, and multiple initiatives to bridge science and society, Serge McGraw has created an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully to mother-child health research. This award recognizes his unwavering commitment and inspiring achievements.

Congratulations!”

Well done!

The meeting of dairy producers of the bovine ambulatory clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UdeM, was held on February 5, 2025, at the BMO Center in Saint-Hyacinthe. The event brought together a large audience of nearly a hundred dairy farmers and industry professionals. Several members of the RQR, one of the event sponsors, delivered insightful presentations.

Congratulations to Dr. Simon Dufour and Dr. Juan Carlos Arango Sabogal for their presentation titled “Biosafety: Simple Actions, Big Results”, which highlighted practical and effective approaches to improving biosafety practices, including a demonstration of protective equipment.

A big round of applause to Samara Côté, a master’s student under the supervision of Dr. Marc-André Sirard, for her presentation titled “A Personalized Approach to Optimizing Fertility and Profitability of Dairy Cows and Heifers.”

Congratulations are also in order for Dr. Cristiano Côrtes for his presentation “Nutritional Strategies Promoting the Health and Performance of the Mother and Calf: A Winning Combination for Dairy Farms,” which emphasized essential nutritional strategies and the importance of vitamin B12 in optimizing health and productivity.

Congratulations for this knowledge transfer activity.

Congratulations to Dr. Luisina Ongaro (Research Assistant under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Bernard, McGillU), the entire research team and their collaborators for their publication “Muscle-derived myostatin is a major endocrine driver of follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis” in Science. Their publication is available here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi4736.

Congratulations to Drs. Rima Slim (McGillU), Teruko Taketo (McGillU), and Cathy Vaillancourt (INRS) for their knowledge mobilization about placenta on Radio Canada-Decouverte program.

The segment is available below.

Placenta : un organe méconnu | Découverte ici.radio-canada.ca