Research
Topics Department of Animal Sciences
Ph.D. (1974) Univeristy of Illinois
Research
Topics
Research Interests
A question that has intrigued reproductive scientists for years is whether the female gamete participates in the proliferation and differentiation of the ovarian follicle. Our interest in the female gamete or germinal disc in the chicken ovary stems from the discovery that the germinal disc region (germinal disc and its overlying granulosa cells) (GDR) is essential for proper follicular development. Our overall goal is to establish that the GDR is the proliferative center of the follicle, to determine the mechanism by which the GDR assumes that role, and to examine whether gonadotropins influence the function of the GDR as a center of proliferation.
Our recent discovery of the presence of aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens to estrogen, and its mRNA in germ cells of male mice, rats, roosters and black bears suggests that male germ cells and sperm are capable of producing estrogen. Furthermore the localization of estrogen receptors in the epididymis indicates that this tissue is a target for estrogen. We have designed studies to test the hypothesis that estrogen has a role in regulating epididymal function in both the mammal and the bird.
Key Words Recombinant DNA, Hormones, Animal Cell
and/or Tissue Culture, Protein Purification and Characterization, Active
Sites and Receptors
Current Research Funding NSF, USDA, HATCH