Genetics / genomics

Genetics / genomics

Our genetic information is preserved and passed on to future generations through DNA. The genetic information contained in DNA is structured into genes, the basic units that determine hereditary traits.

Genetics

Genetics is the science that studies genes—their location, functions, regulatory mechanisms, alterations, and their transmission from one generation to the next. Several genes are known to play key roles in reproductive biology. Certain gene alterations (mutations) can cause diseases and fertility disorders in both humans and animals.

Within the RQR, several teams are involved in genetic research. Rima Slim’s laboratory seeks to identify the genes involved and to understand why some women experience recurrent miscarriages or molar pregnancies, a type of abnormal pregnancy where no embryo develops.

When a gene is translated into a protein, it is said to be expressed. Errors in gene expression can lead to problems during pregnancy. Loydie A. Jerome-Majewska studies the expression and function of genes essential for the normal development of the placenta, as well as those involved in the formation of the fetus’s skull and face.

To study genes, researchers often modify the DNA sequence. It is now also possible to precisely correct certain errors in DNA using a technique called CRISPR/Cas. Karina Gutierrez’s team uses this gene-editing method to study the role of specific genes in embryonic development.

Genomics

If we compare our genetic information to a library, a gene can be thought of as a book. Genetics focuses on studying individual books. Genomics, on the other hand, looks at all the genes together. In this analogy, genomics doesn’t study each book separately, but rather how the books are organized in the library, which ones are open at the same time, and how some books influence the reading of others.

Genomic research brings an important perspective to understanding reproductive biology. The genomic approach is used by several teams within the RQR.

Nicolas Gévry studies the regulation of gene expression in the ovaries using genomic approaches. His team also uses tools from systems biology, genomics, and bioinformatics to explore various questions in reproductive biology in original ways.

Using functional genomics techniques, Alexandre Boyer studies the Hippo signaling pathway, a communication system between cells that plays a key role in the development of reproductive organs and adrenal glands.

Isabelle Gilbert’s team investigates the sources of genetic instability that sperm can transmit and how these instabilities can be influenced by environmental factors. She is particularly interested in mapping the organization of genetic information in sperm cells to better understand its role in fertility.

Marc-André Sirard and his team use advanced genomic approaches to analyze the DNA and RNA of oocytes and embryos. These analyses help identify markers that can distinguish higher-quality follicles, both in cows and in humans, with the goal of improving in vitro fertilization practices.

Claude Robert’s laboratory uses genomics to better understand the genetic potential of different dairy cow breeds and even pig breeds. The goal is to improve key traits such as fertility, cheese yield, or meat quality.

Jullien Flynn uses genomic approaches to study the impact of satellite DNA—a specific and often overlooked portion of the genome—on male and female reproduction. Her research relies on the fruit fly, a model organism widely used in biological research.