Molecular Biology of Gametogenesis

The complex control of terminal cell differentiation to produce gameta is mediated by mechanisms of gene expression regulation interacting with multiple endocrine, paracrine and autocrine factors.

Our laboratory focuses on the study of molecular mechanisms that, trough differential gene expression of both mRNAs and sRNAs (small RNAs), controling the development of oocytes, spermatozoa and early postzygotic stages.

In mammals, differentiation of germ cells starts in the fetal period, progressing in various stages of postnatal life. This requires a high level of molecular and cellular coordination, regulated by differential gene expression. Our group studies the role and regulation of genes involved in gametogenesis in both sexes and their contribution to zygotic preimplantation development and how their deregulation can be potentially responsible for impaired fertility. In this sense, one of our current interest is to identify mechanisms of action, at genetic, epigenetic and cellular level, potentially caused by environmental contaminants compounds able to induce reproductive disorders. Using mouse as experimental model and various approaches such as: high-density DNA microarrays, deep sequencing of RNAs, cell analysis or null mutant mouse models for specific genes, we are studying functional gene regulatory expression and genetic networks during development of different gametogenic cell types from primordial germ cells (PGCs) to mature gametes. In addition to the normal patterns of gene expression, we are studying the effects of various compounds considered as reprotoxicants in relation to their level or period of exposure during development, both during the gametogenesis of individuals directly exposed as possible transgenerational effects associated with epigenetic mechanisms.

Our group is particularly focussed on the study of biogenesis and functional role of regulatory noncoding small RNAs, specifically microRNAs endo-siRNAs and piRNAs ( previously defined as germline specific) and their action as post-transcriptional regulators, both in gametogenesis and in preimplantation zygotes.