REH/REU Project Description
Project Description
My research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control the
development and function of the male reproductive tract. I am especially interested in
testis development that determines the initiation and maintenance of sperm production
(spermatogenesis). The two main functions of the testes are to make (1) steroid hormones
(steroidogenesis) like testosterone (the major hormone that determines male physical and
behavioral characteristics) and (2) sperm (spermatogenesis). Testes from newborn male
animals (including humans) are capable of producing testosterone. However
spermatogenesis is acquired around puberty. Summer research students in my lab will ask
the question: What genes are important during testis development in the goat from birth
to puberty when spermatogenesis is acquired? I use a variety of cell and animal models.
More recently I use caprine (goat) animal models to characterize candidate genes and
gene networks important for testis development of function.
Expected Outcomes
Learning objectives for summer research students in my lab include:
1. Understand the central dogma for the flow of genetic material (from DNA to
protein) and how we make complimentary DNA (Fig 1)
2. Identify parts of the testes and cells important for testis function
3. Fundamentals and applications of sequencing (next-generation)
Students Activities
1. Participate in a brief discussion of the reproductive biology and biotechnology
and how we integrate reproductive biology and biotechnology to improve animal
breeds to protect our food supply.
2. Observe dissection of testis and epididymis
3. Extract RNA
4. Make cDNA
5. Design oligonucleotides for select genes
6. Perform polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for select genes of interest
7. Perform gel electrophoresis to resolve PCR products
8. If time permits, perform in situ hybridization to answer the question: Where in the
testes are our selected genes expressed (location, cells, and time during
development)
S.K. Lewis
CARC