Cell Biology

Cell Biology

All living organisms are made up of basic biological units called cells. Cell biology studies cells in terms of their structure, function, and behavior.

When applied to reproductive science, cell biology helps us understand how processes such as cell division, differentiation (the process by which different types of cells acquire distinct characteristics), cell communication, and other mechanisms influence fertility and the health of offspring. Within the RQR, several research teams are working to better understand these complex mechanisms.

Clémence Belleannée’s team focuses on cell signaling through the primary cilium, a sensory antenna found on the surface of most cells; its absence can disrupt fertility and contribute to the development of cancers such as prostate cancer. Étienne Audet-Walsh studies how sex hormones like androgens and estrogens affect cells in the prostate and mammary gland, and how chemicals known as endocrine disruptors can alter these effects by changing how cells function and behave.

To demonstrate that cells in the epididymis, an organ in the male reproductive system, interact with sperm and play a role in fertility, Sylvie Breton uses various cell biology approaches, including microscopy. Daniel Cyr, also focused on the epididymis, investigates how environmental factors influence cell differentiation and may impair male fertility.

Jullien Flynn uses the fruit fly (Drosophila) to show that certain repetitive DNA regions, known as satellite DNA, can cause errors in cell division and affect fertility. Greg FitzHarris, for his part, combines genetic tools and advanced microscopy to study the causes and consequences of cell division errors in female germ cells (oocytes) and embryos.