Clémence BELLEANNÉE's Lab.
Research on infertility.
In Canada, infertility affects more than 10% of couples wishing to have kids. Above 60% of these cases are caused by male factors or by a combination of male and female factors. Despite routine tests performed in fertility clinics, about 30% of infertility cases remain unexplained and, thus, cannot be treated. Acknowledging this growing health concern, our research aims at deciphering the basic mechanisms controlling the physiology of the reproductive systems in order to better diagnose and treat infertility problems.
Primary cilia are sensory organelles associated with
epididymal basal cells in adult mice
Research Projects
Unravelling the role of primary cilia in the control of male fertility
Recently, primary cilia have been found associated with epithelial cells of the epididymis, the organ in charge of spem maturation. These organelles are unique antennae that emerge on the surface of cells and are mediators of many signaling pathways involved in differentiation, proliferation and cell migration. In Human, primary cilia dysfunctions are associated with a broad spectrum of defects, including male infertility, that are commonly referred to as ciliopathies. Since primary cilia are essential to maintain the physiological functions of most organs, our research project aims at unravelling the role of primary cilia in epididymis development and homeostasis. This innovative project combines complementary in vitro and in vivo approaches on cell lines and mouse models. Considering the importance of epididymal functions in the control of sperm fertilizing abilities, carrying out this research will help decipher the cellular functions that may be impaired in some cases of male infertility.
Funding: CIHR
The primary cilium is a sensory organelle controlling tissue development and homeostasis
Fluidic and hypoxia-controlled imaging system
Many physiological processes including post-testicular sperm maturation occurring in the male reproductive system, take place under sustained flow conditions. In addition to in vivo studies performed on transgenic mouse models, our laboratory uses different epididymal cell lines in vitro to decipher the mechanisms of intercellular communication that support the acquisition of sperm fertilizing abilities. It is now well established that physiological flow has profound impacts on cell functions within the organs of the male reproductive system. The BioFlux Imaging System provides the possibility of introducing a sustained flow to monitor cell responses with different controlled extracellular environments. This approach effectively emulates in vivo conditions applicable to different fields of research.
Funding: Canadian Funds for Innovation
Role of extracellular vesicle and their miRNA cargo in intercellular communication
Release mechanisms and functions of ciliary vesicles
In mammals, extracellular vesicles released by epithelial cells of the male reproductive system participate in the maturation of spermatozoa through the transfer of molecular cargoes. This unique process of somatic cell - spermatozoa communication occurs in the epididymis and controls the acquisition of sperm motility and fertilizing ability. We have identified a novel subpopulation of extracellular vesicles in the epididymal fluid surrounding spermatozoa, whose molecular and functional properties are still unknown. These vesicles exhibit markers of cellular extensions called primary cilia, leading us to hypothesize that they derive from ciliated cells located upstream of the epididymis and possess unique properties and functions in this system. This research will unveil the unique characteristics and functions of ciliary vesicles in the soma - sperm communication system and could identify new cellular mechanisms that control sperm maturation and male reproductive functions.
Funding : NSERC
Understanding the role of primary cilia in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer
Our body comprises billions of cells that communicate with each other to enable the execution of complex activities and everyday life. Over the past decades, researchers have discovered that our cells use an "antenna" to sense and appropriately respond to changes happening around them. These sensory antennas, called "primary cilia," control cell proliferation, and their absence or dysfunction leads to the initiation and progression of cancer. By combining state-of-the-art equipment for studying animal models and human biopsies, our research aims to determine the role and therapeutic potential of ciliary molecules in prostate cancer, one of the most diagnosed cancers in Canada. This research will provide important insights into the biology of prostate cancer, with implications for its prevention and treatment, as this alarming disease accounts for over 400,000 deaths worldwide.
Funding : CIHR
BioFlux Imaging Technology