Bonnie Deroo
Affiliations
Scientist, Division of Genetics & Development, Children’s Health Research Institute
Assistant Professor, Departments of Biochemistry, Obstetrics & Gynaeocology and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
Scientist, London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute
How my research helps children
Our research investigates how the ovary works and what can go wrong with ovarian function. The ovary is a major site of steroid hormone production, such as estrogens, which are essential for development of all secondary sex characteristics during puberty. Ovarian estrogens and progesterone are also essential for pregnancy, and the maintenance of steroid target tissues. It is now well established that estrogens produced by the ovary are required for cardiovascular health, bone integrity, cognition and behaviour. Therefore, understanding the basic mechanisms controlling ovarian impacts whole body physiology of both children and adults.
Research
Current Research Activities
We are currently investigating how estrogen, which is produced by the ovary, is also required for the function of the ovary itself. Mice lacking the ability to respond to estrogen in the ovary have reduced fertility, and we are using this mouse model to understand estrogen’s essential role in ovary function. We are also investigating novel ovarian signaling pathways that may also play roles in human fertility.
Research Team
My lab consists of three very enthusiastic and hard-working graduate students, Adrian Buensuceso, Alexandra Zalewski, and Caitlin Cudmore. Susan Kuruvilla is the summer student for Summer 2012.
Future Research Plans
We will continue to study the role of estrogen and other signaling molecules in ovarian function in mouse and cell model systems.
Awards & Grants
Awards & Grants
Senior Research Fellow in Steriodal Hormones in Health and Disease – Awarded by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Funding in support of Molecular markers of embryo quality and ovarian response in assisted human reproduction – Awarded by The University of Western Ontario
Funding in support of Investigating the molecular and cellular basis of infertility and ovarian cancer using biologically-relevant model systems – Awarded by Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Ontario Research Fund (ORF), and Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF)
Funding in support of Loss of Estrogen Receptor beta activity results in dysregulation of follicular extracellular matrix composition – Awarded by Canadian Institute of Health Sciences Research (CIHR)
Funding in support of Molecular and functional characterization of the thioredoxin/thioredoxin interacting protein complex – Awarded by Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Funding in support of The role of Estrogen Receptor beta in
apoptosis of ovarian cells – Awarded by Lawson Health Research Institute
Funding in support of Dysregulation of extracellular matrix and cell adhesion gene expression in Estrogen Receptor beta-null ovarian follicles – Awarded by Lawson Health Research Institute
Funding in support of Characterization of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein expression and regulation in mouse ovary and testis – Awarded by The University of Western Ontario
Funding in support of Regulation of the Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein gene by Estrogen Receptor Beta and Follicle Stimulating Hormone – Awarded by Children’s Health Research Institute (CHRI)
Recent Publications
Publications
Expression of Extracellular Matrix Components is Disrupted in the Immature and Adult Estrogen Receptor beta-null Mouse Ovary
Zalewski A, Ceccini EL, Deroo BJ
PloS ONE. 2012 Jan 10.
Minireview: Estrogen Receptor-{beta}: Mechanistic Insights from Recent Studies
Deroo BJ, Buensuceso AV
Mol Endocrinol. 2010 Apr 2.
Profile of estrogen-responsive genes in an estrogen-specific mammary gland outgrowth model
Deroo BJ, Hewitt SC, Collins JB, Grissom SF, Hamilton KJ, Korach KS
Mol Reprod Dev. 2009 Aug;76(8):733-50.
Estrogen receptor beta is required for optimal cAMP production in mouse granulosa cells
Deroo BJ, Rodriguez KF, Couse JF, Hamilton KJ, Collins JB, Grissom SF, Korach KS.
Mol Endocrinol. 2009 Jul;23(7):955-65
Estrogen receptors and human disease
Deroo BJ, Korach KS.
Clin Invest. 2006 Mar;116(3):561-70
Estrogen receptor-beta is critical to granulosa cell differentiation and the ovulatory response to gonadotropins
Couse JF, Yates MM, Deroo BJ, Korach KS
Endocrinology. 2005 Aug;146(8):3247-62.
Signal transduction. A new mediator for an old hormone?
Hewitt SC, Deroo BJ, Korach KS
Science. 2005 Mar 11;307(5715):1572-3.
Additional publications
Contact
Phone: 519-685-8500 x 55988
Fax: 519-685-8616
Email: bderoo2 [at] uwo [dot] ca
Website: www.deroo.org
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