Contraception, Reproduction Assistance Technologies and Embryology (CReATE)

The CReATE research theme comprises a group of reproductive and developmental biologists whose individual research is focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying reproduction and embryonic development and the effect of the environment in those processes. In addition, environmental factors that disrupt developmental processes either in the embryo or later in life can result in a range of reproductive disorders. Our group is also interested in studying how environmental toxicants affect later life health and reproduction.

Translational Research Goals

  1. Infertility as health problem. Importance of Assisted Reproductive Techonologies for humans and animals.
  2. Main problems of ART are early embryonic development.
  3. Many human health problems arise or are influenced by genetic variants or environmental exposures during embryonic development.
  4. Environmental factors that disrupt developmental processes either in the embryo or later in life can result in a range of reproductive disorders.
  5. Male and female contraception.

Members of "CReATE" research theme approach translational research from multiple levels of analysis, including mechanistic studies of in vitro and in vivo model systems, as well as studies with human subjects. This diverse approach enables the use of forward and reverse genetics, epigenetics, genomics, pharmacology, physiology, and behavioral assays. Pursuing a basic understanding of both the normal and dysregulated processes that mediate embryonic development is critical for the translational goal of improved diagnostics and therapeutics.

Additionally, a goal of the research theme is to identify the pressing questions that researchers will naturally coalesce around, fostering multidisciplinary, yet focused efforts toward both basic and translational research goals. Moreover, the inclusion of trainees at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels in this process will serve to fulfill the M2M/IALS mission of educating a highly qualified workforce in cutting-edge translational approaches.

 

Contraception, Reproduction Assistance Technologies and Embryology (CReATE)

Contact Info

Pablo Visconti, Veterinary & Animal Sciences
(413) 545-5565
pvisconti@vasci.umass.edu