Skip Navigation
 

Reproductive & Developmental Toxicology Laboratory

Illustrations for each of the groups within the Laboratory of Reproductive & Developmental Toxicology Gamete Biology Group Pharmacogenetics Group Receptor Biology Group Reproductive Developmental Biology Group Reproductive Medicine Group

Research Summary


Disease and dysfunction of reproduction and reproductive organs are of great public health concern. Most reproductive disorders have unknown etiologies and environmental factors are likely contributors. To prevent or lessen the burden of environmentally-associated disease or dysfunction, research directed at understanding the mechanisms underlying key processes and identifying key target molecules is a crucial first step.

 

To this end the Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology (LRDT) uses basic research to understand important toxicological principles in the context of reproductive and developmental health at a fundamental level. LRDT is also translating information gained from these studies into applied toxicological testing systems and clinical studies and practice.

 

LRDT is comprised of five research groups—led by Lab Chief Kenneth Korach, Ph.D. ("/Rhythmyx/assembler/render?sys_contentid=49816&sys_revision=1&sys_variantid=1173&sys_context=0&sys_authtype=0&sys_siteid=&sys_folderid=" sys_dependentvariantid="1173" sys_dependentid="49816" inlinetype="rxhyperlink" rxinlineslot="103" sys_dependentid="49816" sys_siteid="" sys_folderid="") — that study the mechanisms and molecules with key roles in reproduction and development. The purposes of these studies contribute toward:

 

  • Understanding the basic processes involved in regulating reproduction and development
  • Providing the advanced knowledge needed to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and disorders that affect human reproductive health
  • Identifying the network of signals regulating developmental processes and events leading to the occurrence of developmental defects
  • Furnishing the basic information necessary to identify targets of environmental agents with detrimental effects on reproduction and development

 

LRDT has the following research themes:

 

  • Dissecting the genetic program underlying male germ cell development and function and defining the mechanisms that regulate these processes
  • Determining the cell biology and signaling pathways regulating early mammalian embryogenesis and how the environment influences infertility
  • Defining the processes that lead to the formation of different somatic cell lineages and tissue architecture in the fetal gonads
  • Analyzing the nature and role of molecular components modulating the estrogen receptor-mediated regulation of gene expression, the biochemical and molecular properties of estrogen receptor activation, and the roles and functions of the estrogen receptors in hormonally responsive tissues
  • Determining the molecular and cellular mechanisms of nuclear receptor CAR activation, focusing on those xenobiotics that activate the receptor without directly binding and the mechanisms regulating CAR-mediated cell growth and death

 

Scientific Support Staff

Judy Palmer
Administrative Technician
Tel (919) 541-1411
palmerj2@niehs.nih.gov
Juanita Roman
LRDT Secretary
Tel (919) 541-3333
roman1@niehs.nih.gov


Back to top Back to top