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.

Jacques J. Tremblay, MSc, PhD, LLB

Professor, Université Laval

research axis 3

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Hormonal Regulation / Endocrinology
  • Male Reproductive Biology

Claude Robert, PhD

Professor, Université Laval

research axis 4

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Female Reproductive Biology
  • Genetics / genomics
  • Reproductive Biotechnology
Bernard Robaire

Bernard Robaire, PhD

Professor, McGill University

research axis 2

  • Cell Biology
  • Hormonal Regulation / Endocrinology
  • Infertility
  • Male Reproductive Biology
  • Toxicology
Francois Richard

François Richard, PhD

Professor, Université Laval

research axis 3

  • Animal models
  • Cell Biology
  • Female Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Biotechnology

Cristian O’Flaherty, DVM, PhD

Full professor, Surgery Department (Urology division) McGill University

research axis 3

  • Cell Biology
  • Infertility
  • Male Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Greg FitzHarris, PhD

Professor, Université de Montréal

research axis 4

  • Cell Biology
  • Embryology
  • Female Reproductive Biology
  • Infertility
  • Reproductive Biotechnology
1 2 3