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Research Programs

CRS research spans reproductive endocrinology, developmental and implantation biology, reproductive oncology, and fetal origins of adult disease. Although mammalian models are primarily and widely adopted for these research programs, model organisms such as yeast, Drosophila, zebra fish, and frog models of reproduction are also used to elucidate specific aspects of gamete development and function. State of the art technologies in cell and molecular biology, nucleic acid and protein biochemistry are currently in use in CRS laboratories. A large number of engineered mouse models, as well as cultured cells, including human stem cells, are also available and exchanged among the CRS members

A Summary of Programs and Principal Investigators

Reproductive Endocrinology

  1. Synthesis and mechanisms of action of steroid hormones (Sindy Mellon, Holly Ingraham)
  2. Sex-specific differences in gut-brain signaling (Holly Ingraham)
  3. Mechanism of action of gonadotropic hormones (Marco Conti)

Reproductive Developmental Biology

  1. Early embryo development (Susan Fisher, Robert Blelloch, Paolo Rinaudo, Marco Conti, Daniel Wagner)
  2. Regulation of pluripotency (Robert Blelloch)
  3. Primordial germ cell specification and migration (Diana Laird)
  4. Regulation of meiotic chromosome recombination (Jennifer Fung)
  5. The gonadal "niche" and its role in pluripotency (Todd Nystul)
  6. Mechanisms of oocyte maturation, ovulation, and early embryo development (Marco Conti)
  7. Fetal origins (IVF) of adult diseases (Paolo Rinaudo)
  8. Genetics of human ovarian aging (Marcelle Cedars)

Implantation and Uterine Biology

  1. Genetic programs underlying uterine receptivity (Linda Giudice)
  2. Trophoblast development and function (Susan Fisher, Emin Maltepe)
  3. Molecular signatures of endometriosis (Linda Giudice, Marina Sirota)
  4. Immunology and epigenetics of pregnancy and parturition (Adrian Erlebacher)
  5. Molecular pathways affecting immunity and pathology in reproduction (Nadia Roan)
  6. Maternal-fetal tolerance (Tippi Mackenzie)

Environment and Reproduction

  1. Environmental exposure and placental disease (Joshua Robinson)
  2. Toxicogenomics (Joshua Robinson)
  3. Environmental toxicant effects in meiosis (Jennifer Fung)
  4. Epigenetics and environment in germ cell development (Diana Laird)

Reproductive Infectious Disease

  1. Impact of infections in pregnancy on the mother and fetus (Stephanie Gaw)
  2. Covid-19 and reproductive health (Stephanie Gaw, Joshua Robinson)

Reproductive Oncology

  1. Mechanisms of cell resistance to chemotherapy
  2. Stem cells and ovarian cancer (Katherine Fuh)
  3. Germ cell preservation for oncologic patients (Mitchel Rosen)

Reproductive Computational Biology

  1. Computational methods for understanding, diagnosing and treating reproductive disorders (Marina Sirota)

UCSF NIH National Center for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility (NCTRI)

UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Discovery, Innovation, Training and Community Engagement (ENACT)