Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
May
24
Friday
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology & Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-7388
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Lab Members
Honglu Diao, PhD
Research Associate
hldiao@uga.edu
Shuo Xiao
PhD student in Toxicology
shuoxiao@uga.edu
Fei Zhao
PhD student in Toxicology
feizhao@uga.edu
Rong Li
PhD student in Toxicology
lirong9@uga.edu
Patience A. Caulley
Undergraduate student
caulley@uga.edu
Past Members
Aimee Shin
Andrew Vargas
Dr. Ye's Lab
On this page:
What We Do | Research | Lab Members
« What We Do
There are two main focuses in our laboratory: lysophospholipid signaling in reproduction, and reproductive toxicology.
« Research
Lysophospholipid signaling in reproduction
Lysophospholipids (LPs) were originally recognized as quantitatively minor phospholipids in the biosynthesis of cell membranes and some of them were later found to have signaling properties. Two prominent signaling LPs are lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). LPA and S1P activate over ten G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), e.g., LPA1-5 and S1P1-5 . LP signaling is involved in cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and morphological changes. Through LP receptor(s) knockout mice, in vivo functions of LP receptors in numerous systems, such as cardiovascular, nervous, immune, and reproductive systems, have been revealed. One main focus in our laboratory is on LPA signaling in reproduction, specifically embryo implantation, embryo spacing, and spermatogenesis.
Our current focus is on the function of LPA3 (the third GPCR for LPA) in the establishment of uterine receptivity using our Lpar3-deficient mouse model with delayed uterine receptivity. Uterine receptivity is a transient state in which the uterus can accept an embryo to implant. Embryo implantation is the critical initial step for the success of reproduction in most mammals. The molecular mechanism of how a uterus transforms into a receptive state for embryo implantation is not well understood. Our goal is to gain more insight into the molecular mechanism of the establishment of uterine receptivity.
Reproductive toxicology
The other main focus in our laboratory is on the effects of environmental toxicants on embryo implantation, with an emphasis on uterine receptivity using mouse as a model. The chemical we are currently investigating is bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine disruptor that has been widely used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It has been demonstrated that BPA has adverse effects on uterine development and can alter the expression of progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptors (ER) in the uterus. Uterine receptivity is controlled by the ovarian hormones progesterone and estrogen. Does BPA have any adverse effect on the uterine receptivity of the exposed mothers and their offspring? If yes, what are the effective doses and what molecular mechanisms are involved?
« Publications
Selected lab publications may be found on Dr. Ye's profile page.
Last Updated December 17, 2010
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