Children's Health Research Institute

Current Research Activities

1. Structural determinants of connexin specificity: this NSERC-funded research program relies on genetically modified mice to explore the structural components of connexins, gap junction-forming proteins, necessary for their functions in spermatogenesis.  The aim is to improve our understanding of how the structure of a particular connexin determines its unique functions in the development of sperm cells.
2. Roles of gap junctional coupling in oogenesis: funded by CIHR, this research also uses genetically modified mice.  It is aimed at elucidating the roles that connexins play in the growth of ovarian follicles and the production of developmentally competent oocytes.  We are also studying the paracrine signaling pathways that may interact with gap junctional communication in these processes.  Insights from this mouse work are being used to improve the understanding and treatment of human female infertility.
3. Non-invasive assessment of oocyte quality in assisted conception: this project was initially funded by CIHR and later by the Western Innovation Fund, an internal UWO fund for the commercialization of intellectual property.  We have used information obtained from our studies of mutant mice to devise a test of human oocyte quality to improve the outcome of in vitro fertilization.  The research utilizes follicle (cumulus) cells, obtained during oocyte retrieval, which would otherwise be discarded.
4. Cx43 mutations linked to human disease: this CIHR-funded project in collaboration with UWO colleagues Donglin Bai and Dale Laird is aimed at understanding how mutations in the gene encoding connexin43 cause the diverse features of the congenital malformation, oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD).  The experiments utilize both cell cultures (tissue biopsies from ODDD patients) and mice carrying ODDD-causing mutations.
5. Training Program in Reproduction, Early Development, and the Impact on Health (REDIH): this Strategic Training Program in Health Research, funded by CIHR, employs the collective expertise of 30 researchers in reproductive biology and reproductive medicine from Western, McMaster, McGill, Laval, the University of Ottawa, and the University of Montreal.  It provides stipend support for clinical residents, graduate students, and postdoctoral research fellows to conduct basic research in developmental biology related to reproductive medicine.

Research Team

The current team consists of two technicians, two postdoctoral fellows, and two undergrads.  Past trainees have gone on to become doctors, dentists, college or university professors, university administrators, research institute directors, biotech company executives, research technicians, business professionals, high school teachers, and a variety of other types of professionals.

Future Research Plans

Our ultimate goal is to work with clinics and private companies to translate our discoveries into practical applications that will ensure the health of children.