A5086924176- Animal Genetics and Reproduction
- Pluripotent Stem Cells Research
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Cell Image Analysis Techniques
- Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones
- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
- Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
- Mathematical Biology Tumor Growth
- Reproductive System and Pregnancy
- Nuclear Receptors and Signaling
- Extracellular vesicles in disease
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Reproductive Biology and Fertility
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Adipose Tissue and Metabolism
- Evolution and Paleontology Studies
- Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
- Renal and related cancers
- Scientific Computing and Data Management
- Thyroid Disorders and Treatments
- RNA Research and Splicing
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities
SickKids Foundation
2020-2024
University College London
2022-2024
Hospital for Sick Children
2022-2024
Great Ormond Street Hospital
2022-2024
University of Toronto
2015-2024
Abstract In the long-lived naked mole-rat (NMR), entire process of oogenesis occurs postnatally. Germ cell numbers increase significantly in NMRs between postnatal days 5 (P5) and P8, germs cells positive for proliferation markers (Ki-67, pHH3) are present at least until P90. Using pluripotency (SOX2 OCT4) primordial germ (PGC) marker BLIMP1, we show that PGCs persist up to P90 alongside all stages female differentiation undergo mitosis both vivo vitro. We identified VASA+ SOX2+ 6 months...
Abstract RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is widely used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and reveal biological mechanisms underlying complex processes. RNA-seq often performed on heterogeneous samples the resulting DEGs do not necessarily indicate cell-types where differential expression occurred. While single-cell (scRNA-seq) methods solve this problem, technical cost constraints currently limit its widespread use. Here we present single cell Mapper (scMappR), a method that...
The pituitary gland regulates essential physiological processes such as growth, pubertal onset, stress response, metabolism, reproduction, and lactation. While sex biases in these functions hormone production have been described, the underlying identity, temporal deployment, cell-type specificity of sex-biased gene regulatory networks are not fully understood.To capture differences regulation dynamics during postnatal development, we performed 3' untranslated region sequencing small RNA to...
The social environment can alter pubertal timing through neuroendocrine mechanisms that are not fully understood; it is thought stress hormones (e.g., glucocorticoids or corticotropin-releasing hormone) influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to inhibit puberty. Here, we use eusocial naked mole-rat, a unique species in which interactions colony (i.e. dominance of breeding female) suppress puberty subordinate animals. Removing mole-rats from this context initiates puberty, allowing...
The vast majority of what is considered fact about adult neurogenesis comes from research on laboratory mice and rats: where it happens, how works, does. However, this relative exclusive focus two rodent species has resulted in a bias we think neurogenesis. While might not prevent us making conclusions the evolutionary significance process or even generalizing to diverse mammals, certainly does help achieve these outcomes. Here, argue that there every reason expect striking differences...
The naked mole-rat (NMR, Heterocephalus glaber) is renowned for its eusociality and exceptionally long lifespan (> 30 y) relative to small body size (35-40 g). A NMR phenomenon that has received far less attention females show no decline in fertility or fecundity into their third decade of life. age onset reproductive many mammalian species closely associated with the number germ cells remaining at sexual maturity. We quantified ovarian reserve NMRs youngest (6 months) when subordinate can...
Abstract RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is widely used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and reveal biological mechanisms underlying complex processes. RNA-seq often performed on heterogeneous samples the resulting DEGs do not necessarily indicate cell types where differential expression occurred. While single-cell (scRNA-seq) methods solve this problem, technical cost constraints currently limit its widespread use. Here we present single Mapper (scMappR), a method that assigns...
The social decision-making network (SDMN) is a conserved neural circuit that modulates range of behaviors via context-specific patterns activation may be controlled in part by oxytocinergic signaling. We have previously characterized oxytocin's (OT) influence on prosociality the naked mole-rat, eusocial mammalian species, and its altered distribution between animals differing status. Here, we asked two questions: (1) do SDMN vary context (2) functional connectivity OT manipulation? Adult...
Abstract Although the hypothalamus plays a critical role in regulation of puberty, more research is needed to identify gene regulatory networks that control pubertal timing. Here, we investigate age-, sex- and cell-type-specific across transition. We used RNA-seq profile hypothalamic expression male female mice at five time points spanning onset puberty (postnatal days (PD) 12, 22, 27, 32, 37). By combining this data with scRNA-seq pre- post-pubertal mice, were able assign changes their cell...
Recently, we described that in the naked mole rat ovary it is possible to study ovarian reserve and mitotic expansion of germ cell postnatally. Herein, show oocyte vitro maturation using same ovary.
The naked mole-rat (NMR; Heterocephalus glaber ) is a eusocial subterranean rodent with highly unusual set of physiological traits that has attracted great interest amongst the scientific community. However, genetic basis most these not been elucidated. To facilitate our understanding molecular mechanisms underlying NMR physiology and behaviour, we generated long-read chromosomal-level genome assembly NMR. This was subsequently annotated incorporated into multiple whole alignments in Ensembl...
Naked mole-rats are a long-lived rodent species (current lifespan >37 years) and an increasingly popular biomedical model. exhibit neuroplasticity across their long lifespan. Previous studies have begun to investigate neurogenic patterns. Here, we test the hypothesis that neuronal maturation is extended in this rodent. We characterize cell proliferation established regions over 12 months following seven days of consecutive BrdU injection. Given naked eusocial (high reproductive skew where...
ABSTRACT The pituitary gland regulates essential physiological processes such as growth, pubertal onset, stress response, metabolism, reproduction, and lactation. While sex biases in these functions hormone production have been described, the underlying identity, temporal deployment, cell-type specificity of sex-biased gene regulatory networks are not fully understood. To capture differences regulation dynamics during postnatal development, we performed 3’ untranslated region sequencing...
Abstract In some cooperatively breeding groups, individuals have distinct behavioral characteristics that are often stable and predictable across time. However, in others, like the eusocial naked mole-rat, evidence for phenotypes is ambiguous. Here, we study whether mole-rat can be divided into discrete if circulating hormone levels underpin these differences. Naked colonies consist of a single female dozens to hundreds non-reproductive subordinates. The subordinates potentially soldiers,...