Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions presents Prof. Chun Peng, Department of Biology, York University, Toronto

Talk Title: "Female Reproduction and Women’s Reproductive Health"

Abstract:

The overall goals of our research program are to understand how female reproduction is regulated by signaling molecules; to investigate the mechanisms contributing to the development of reproductive disorders; and to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for reproductive diseases.  Specifically, we are focusing on three research areas related to female reproduction and women’s health:

1) Ovarian development and oocyte maturation: Using zebrafish as a model, we have been investigating the role of hormones and growth factors in regulating ovarian follicle growth and maturation.

2) Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC): We are studying the role of cyclin G2 and miR-590 in EOCWe found that cyclin G2 exerts potent tumor-suppressive effects while miR-590-3p promotes EOC progression.  We also identified Wnt/b-catenin pathway as a key pathway regulated by cyclin G2 and miR-590-3p. We are therefore exploring the possibility of using small molecule inhibitors of b-catenin to inhibit EOC development.

3) Placental development and preeclampsia (PE): We have been investigating the role of the TGF-b family in human placenta.  Recently, we identified several microRNAs that are down-regulated in PE placenta and target TGF-b signaling to regulate placenta development.  Our work also suggests that plasma microRNA levels in early pregnancy may serve as predictive biomarkers for PE.  We hope to identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets of PE.

Please join us,

Refreshments will be served.