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Current research projects focus on comparative studies of genesis and biology of germ cells as well as endocrine control
of reproductive processes in relation to genetic, social and ecological factors.
Knowledge of basic principles of mammalian reproductive strategies
and relevant fertility-determining factors is necessary to preserve
endangered species, support their assisted reproduction, and to
develop breeding programs for such species.
Andrology
Andrological research involves the development of
methods for sperm collection, analysis and cryopreservation,
and the adaptation of these techniques to several mammalian species. Our
research projects investigate biochemical and biophysical
characteristics of sperm membranes and components of
seminal fluid, which is important for select
reproductive strategies and for increasing the success
of in-vitro techniques, like cryopreservation.
In-vitro
techniques
The variability of male germ cells and also the fertilization method (in
vivo, in vitro, ICSI) may influence the quality of early
embryos. The assessment of sperm quality with the help
of modern microscopy and flow cytometry, the species-specific
specialization of cryopreservation techniques, and the establishment
of molecular parameters for the characterization of
early embryo development are most challenging.
Ovarian
physiology
While the collection and preservation of male germ cells for
assisted reproduction purposes is well
established in many wildlife species, it is the difficulty
of attaining mature fertilizable ooyctes that is the most limiting
factor to advancing assisted reproductive techniques. Therefor,
the exploitation
of oocyte reserves by activation of the primordial follicles
is one of our research objectives. In this respect
we also focus on establishing species-specific
procedures of cryopreserving the ovarian cortex and
of cultivating follicles, oocytes and embryos.
Hormone
monitoring
Non-invasive monitoring of urinary and fecal hormones
has become an important tool for reproductive management.
The development
of non-invasive methods to monitor sexual and stress
hormones is a major concern of our research and an essential
part of various interdisciplinary projects. Due to species-specific
principles of hormonal regulation and steroid hormone
metabolism the adaption of existing methods or the development
of new methods is a prerequisite for physiological studies
in each species
Feto-maternal Interactions
To expand this new area of research we have improved
our analytical equipment with an LCMS to screen for
low molecular placenta-derived substances with the objective
to develop analytical methods allowing the differentiation
between pregnant and pseudopregnant lynxes. AdditionaI
research focuses on specific placental peptides
and proteins.
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Membership of ReproTier
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for more
detailed information about our research go to subjects and projects
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Research
Group 4: Reproduction Biology