Penn Vet | Research Centers - Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research

Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research

Techniques have been developed to enable the modification of individual genes in animals and plants and thereby precisely alter inherited traits. These genetically altered animals and plants are called transgenic and are of enormous value in medicine and agriculture. An improved understanding of the basic processes governing germ cell and embryo development and of the biology of gametes (sperm and oocytes) and embryonic stem cells will enable us to improve reproductive efficiency, generate animal models of human and animal disease and help provide the knowledge base for regenerative medicine, as well as toward the treatment of infertility.

Overview
Current Studies
Faculty and Research Staff

Scientists at the School of Veterinary Medicine performed pioneering studies in the development of transgenic techniques and were responsible for production of the first transgenic mice and farm animals. Capitalizing on years of foundation research, the Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research was established in 1998. Our primary mission is to undertake innovative research on stem cell biology, germ cell development, and animal transgenesis. A major objective of this research is to improve the health and productivity of domestic animals by genetic modification. Intellectually, our center interacts with Penn Institute of Regenerative Medicine (IRM)and Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health (CRRWH). Our center co-sponsors the weekly seminar series with CRRWH.

Current studies at the Center are focused on exploring the biology of germ line stem cells, as well as male and female gametes:

Study and manipulation of male germ line stem cells has implications for control of fertility, large animal transgenesis and genetic preservation
Analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in chromatin dynamics, homologous recombination, and chromosome segregation during meiosis will elucidate causes for infertility and birth defects as a result of aneuploidy
Elucidation of biogenesis and functions of piRNAs (Piwi-interacting small non-coding RNAs) in the germline
Investigation and development of optimum cell culture media used for germ cell lines both in the laboratory and for use on the farm as assisted reproductive technologies.
Study of molecular mechanisms of mammalian sperm motility and testicular degeneration has implications for treatment of infertility and contraception
Learning about chromatin remodeling processes and preservation of genomic integrity during germ cell development and fertilization—e.g., as facilitated by poly (ADP-ribose) metabolism—will yield important information on the pathobiology of infertility and tumorigenesis

Standing Faculty
	Name	Title
	Gary Althouse, MS, PhD, DVM	Professor and Chair, Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center
	Ralph L. Brinster, VMD, PhD	Richard King Mellon Professor of Reproductive Physiology
	Margret L. Casal, DVM, MS, PhD	Associate Professor of Medical Genetics
	John D. Gearhart, PhD	James W. Effron University Professor Director, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology Professor, Animal Biology
	George L. Gerton, PhD	Research Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
	Ralph G. Meyer, PhD	Assistant Professor, Developmental Biology
	Hans R. Scholer, PhD	Adjunct Professor
	Patricia Sertich, MS, VMD	Associate Professor, CE, of Medicine and Reproduction Director, Equine Endometrial Biopsy Service Director, Clinical Service, Hoffman Research Center New Bolton Center
	Regina M. Turner, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACT	Assistant Professor, Section of Reproductive Studies New Bolton Center
	Jeremy Wang, MD, MS, PhD	Associate Professor of Developmental Biology Director, Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research

Support Staff
	Name	Title
	Patricia I. Bodek	Coordinator
	Theresa W. Jordan	Barrier Facility Lab Manager
	Adrian Leu, AA, BS	Research Specialist

Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research

Contact Information