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e-mail: dcoss@ucsd.edu

My laboratory aims to determine molecular mechanisms by which endocrine cells integrate metabolic, environmental, paracrine and endocrine stimuli, and developmental, cell fate decisions to bring forth regulated synthesis and secretion of hormones critical for reproduction. We use both genome-wide, global and candidate approaches to identify cellular targets of signaling pathways that lead to differential temporal expression of gene families that regulate fertility. Transgenic, whole-body and tissue-specific knock-out mice are also utilized to determine the role of identified targets in development, tissue specification and adult physiology. Misinterpretation of signals at the level of the gonadotrope gene expression leads to pathophysiological disorders that may affect not only mothers, but the progeny as well. Our results will help to aid in overcoming infertility problems, as well as in developing novel contraceptive approaches.

Track(s):
MCB
Physiology

BMS Focus Areas:
Endocrinology