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Animal Sciences
Derek McLean
Animal Genomics and Biotechnology
Reproductive Functional Genomics
The recent development of molecular biology and genomic techniques has afforded life scientists the ability to determine the overall pattern of activity exhibited by hundreds of genes in cells. The remarkable tool known as a DNA microarray, or DNA chip, enables scientists to track differential expression, or activity level, of thousands of genes in a single experiment. Our research program uses gene microarrays to evaluate gene expression during the production of sperm in a variety of animals including mice, rats, and cattle. This research provides the opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional methods with state-of-the-art genomic techniques to provide a better understanding of sperm production.
Major research focus areas include:
- Evaluating gene expression during testis development in mice;
- Modeling cell signaling pathways in hormonally responsive cells in rats;
- Comparing gene expression in the brain and reproductive tissues from nutritionally stressed cattle.
Better understanding of these processes will enable scientists to:
- Develop novel contraceptives and identify genes responsible for reproductive disorders in humans;
- Improve cattle production efficiency by reducing the need for intensive reproductive management;
- Reduce the use of fossil fuels to produce feed for large numbers of livestock.
Spermatogenic Stem Cells
The production of sperm during the adult lifetime of a male is dependent on the activity of a single cell type – the spermatogenic stem cell. This cell type is present in very low numbers in the adult testis – less than 0.02 percent of all cells in the testis, however, the activity of this cell regulates the production of all sperm. We use the germ cell transplantation technique to investigate the unique characteristics and biological activity of the stem cells in the testis.
Research goals:
• Develop methods to enrich for stem cells to enhance colonization efficiency;
• Identify unique genes expressed by spermatogenic stem cells;
• Develop a novel means to generate transgenic animals in livestock species for the production of large amounts of drugs.
Contact Information
Derek McLean, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Animal Sciences
Washington State University
PO Box 646353
Pullman, WA 99164-6353
Telephone: 509-335-8759
E-mail: dmclean@wsu.edu |
