Anthony Estienne, PhD

My expertise revolves around reproductive function in general and ovarian function in particular. My early research focused on the study of terminal ovarian folliculogenesis, more specifically the regulation of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) system by Bone Morphogenetics Proteins (BMPs) and its consequence on ovarian phenotype in several study models. Subsequently, I became interested in processes such as follicular atresia and ovulation. Finally, my most recent research projects have focused on the relationship between metabolism and reproduction, particularly in the hen and human species. I have also studied the effects of certain phytosanitary products (herbicides) on reproduction in the above-mentioned species. Understanding the function of reproduction and its physiology have dictated my academic and professional choices throughout my career.

Our laboratory’s long-term research program will take place in the context of the difficulties encountered by the dairy industry, and in particular the problems of cow reproduction. Cows have been selected solely on the basis of milk production performance, to the detriment of other traits such as fertility. Indeed, the success rate of first artificial inseminations (AI) leading to pregnancy has steadily decreased over the last few decades, necessitating the multiplication of AIs and thus lengthening the time between two pregnancies and therefore two lactation periods. Efforts are now being made to overcome these problems, but reproductive biotechnologies, and more specifically the production of female gametes in vitro, could provide additional solutions. Even if assisted reproduction techniques in production animals are well mastered, the cultivation and reconstitution of reproductive organs in vitro could make it possible to reduce herd sizes and thus the number of animals, leading to a reduction in production costs and environmental impact, while maintaining high embryo quality productivity.

Salma Ramzi
Master student
salma.ramzi@umontreal.ca