Our Research on Sex Steroid Hormones & Female Reproductive Biology
Multiple types of cells in that female reproductive tract work in concert to provide an optimal
microenvironment
for gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos to establish a successful pregnancy.
At Winuthayanon Lab, we focus on studying how ovarian steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone)
affect fertility during sperm migration, fertilization, embryo development,
and embryo transport within the female reproductive tract.
We use genetic-engineered mouse models to dissect the molecular mechanisms and functional requirement of
estrogen
and progesterone signals through their classical nuclear receptors (estrogen receptor; ESR1 and progesterone
receptor; PGR)
during early pregnancy. Our research aims to provide fundamental knowledge in reproductive biology during
early pregnancy
as well as potential contraceptive targets for women and therapeutic approaches for infertility in humans.
Non-researcher Description: The oviduct (or Fallopian tube in humans) is a tube-like structure that
connects
the ovary to the uterus. Multiple types of cells in the oviduct work in concert to provide an optimal
microenvironment
for gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos to establish a successful pregnancy.
Here, we take a closer look at the impact of one of the hormones secreted from the ovaries
on the cells lining of the oviduct. Our research aims to provide fundamental knowledge in
reproductive biology during early pregnancy as well as potential contraceptive targets for
women and therapeutic approaches for infertility in humans.
