Reproductive, Stem Cell and Perinatal Biology

Dr. Bertha Chen’s research examines the molecular causes of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. Recognizing that urinary incontinence linked to demise of smooth muscle sphincter function, she is investigating the potential use of stem cell regeneration to restore muscle capacity.

Dr. Roger Pedersen’s findings are important for the field of regenerative medicine because they provide compelling evidence for the functional potential of human pluripotent stem cells, both in vivo and as in vitro models of human cell biology.

Dr. Matteo Molè's research focuses on investigating the mechanisms of human embryo implantation. The primary objective of his lab is to increase the understanding of maternal-embryo interactions initiated at implantation, with the goal of developing clinical interventions to address the high incidence of implantation failures underlying pre-clinical miscarriages. Visit the Matteo Molè lab website here. 

The thread of Ariadne that connects germ cells, preimplantation development and pluripotent stem cells is the focus of research in the Sebastiano Lab. The zygote originates from the fusion of two highly specialized germ cells (the sperm and the oocyte) and in a few days develops into a blastocyst with a pluripotent cell population (the inner cell mass). These cells diverge from the extraembryonic cells of the trophoectoderm (will form the placenta) and can give rise to embryonic stem cells, in which a perpetual pluripotent and undifferentiated state is maintained. Visit the Sebastiano Lab website here.

Dr. Virginia D. Winn's lab seeks to understand the unique biological mechanisms of human placentation, both normal and abnormal. Dr. Winn’s current investigational efforts focus on preeclampsia where there is impaired placental invasion, and gestational trophoblastic disease where the placenta becomes too invasive. As a physician scientist, Dr. Winn’s ultimate goal is to see this knowledge translate to improved clinical care resulting in healthier mothers and infants. Her lab uses a combination of molecular, cellular, tissue and translational studies in their research. Visit the Winn Lab website here.

Dr. Bo Yu’s lab is interested in ovarian physiology and pathology, as well as assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The main goals are to (i) develop non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing, (ii) examine the impact of ART on the long-term health and future generations, (iii) understand the initiating events of ovarian cancer for early detection. Yu lab uses a combination of cellular & molecular biology, genomics, animal model, and molecular imaging technologies to better understand molecular and pathological processes. Visit the Bo Yu Lab website here.