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This objective is pursued through basic and applied research and with educational projects in collaboration with other research centers, clinics of Reproductive Medicine (PMA) and companies in the sector.
This objective is pursued through basic and applied research and with educational projects in collaboration with other research centers, clinics of Reproductive Medicine (PMA) and companies in the sector.
Poster FE English.pdfFollowing is a summary of our activities; however, if you want to come to visit us, here you find how to reach the lab.
Following is a summary of our activities; however, if you want to come to visit us, here you find how to reach the lab.
The basic research
The basic research
At LBBR we want to understand how the different hierarchical levels—molecular, cellular, and tissue—within the ovary or testicle interact to modulate the differentiation of female and male gametes capable of supporting embryonic development after fertilization.
At LBBR we want to understand how the different hierarchical levels—molecular, cellular, and tissue—within the ovary or testicle interact to modulate the differentiation of female and male gametes capable of supporting embryonic development after fertilization.
The main question we address
The main question we address
“What are the cytological and molecular determinants within the ovary or testis that contribute to making an oocyte or a spermatozoon competent for development?”
“What are the cytological and molecular determinants within the ovary or testis that contribute to making an oocyte or a spermatozoon competent for development?”
The undergoing projects
The undergoing projects
Identifying the biomechanical forces and signaling pathways operating in the ovary during folliculogenesis and how their dysregulation impacts fertility
1. Unveiling the reciprocal dialogue between oocytes and cumulus oophorus cells that surround them
1. Unveiling the reciprocal dialogue between oocytes and cumulus oophorus cells that surround them
A key function of the ovary is to generate, through folliculogenesis, fertilizable oocytes capable of supporting subsequent preimplantation embryonic development. Follicle growth is regulated by a finely coordinated bidirectional communication between the oocyte and the surrounding granulosa and cumulus cells (GC and CC) through paracrine exchange of nutrients and signaling molecules. Recently, we have developed a co-culture platform between oocytes and CCs, demonstrating that only specific CCs can contribute to oocyte developmental competence and release extracellular vesicles containing microRNAs known for their association with genes regulating follicle maturation and oocyte developmental competence.
A key function of the ovary is to generate, through folliculogenesis, fertilizable oocytes capable of supporting subsequent preimplantation embryonic development. Follicle growth is regulated by a finely coordinated bidirectional communication between the oocyte and the surrounding granulosa and cumulus cells (GC and CC) through paracrine exchange of nutrients and signaling molecules. Recently, we have developed a co-culture platform between oocytes and CCs, demonstrating that only specific CCs can contribute to oocyte developmental competence and release extracellular vesicles containing microRNAs known for their association with genes regulating follicle maturation and oocyte developmental competence.
Organs are hierarchically organized into integrative levels of spatial-functional organisation. Their activity is based on key functional units, their shape, spatial localisation, and reciprocal relationships, as well as their specific physiology and molecular landscape. To understand the underlying complexity of these relationships, how an organ functions, and how it deviates from homeostasis to dysfunction, we must learn to represent the spatial association and temporal dynamics among its functional components within the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the organ.
Organs are hierarchically organized into integrative levels of spatial-functional organisation. Their activity is based on key functional units, their shape, spatial localisation, and reciprocal relationships, as well as their specific physiology and molecular landscape. To understand the underlying complexity of these relationships, how an organ functions, and how it deviates from homeostasis to dysfunction, we must learn to represent the spatial association and temporal dynamics among its functional components within the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the organ.
At LBBR we employ an interdisciplinary approach based on tomographic and optical imaging, correlative microscopy, histochemistry, and molecular biology (including spatial transcriptomics). Collaborating with engineering colleagues and leveraging machine and deep learning, we construct a digital model of gonads that aims not only at describing, but also predicting, the architectural and temporal changes (4D, space + time). This computational tool will allow us, for example, to study the continuously changing relationship between follicles and their vascularization in the ovary. It will describe both territorial and functional dynamics occurring from birth to adulthood, during aging, and in response to pathological changes.
At LBBR we employ an interdisciplinary approach based on tomographic and optical imaging, correlative microscopy, histochemistry, and molecular biology (including spatial transcriptomics). Collaborating with engineering colleagues and leveraging machine and deep learning, we construct a digital model of gonads that aims not only at describing, but also predicting, the architectural and temporal changes (4D, space + time). This computational tool will allow us, for example, to study the continuously changing relationship between follicles and their vascularization in the ovary. It will describe both territorial and functional dynamics occurring from birth to adulthood, during aging, and in response to pathological changes.
The applied research
The applied research
The undergoing projects
The possibility of having non-invasive markers for oocytes and sperm quality would improve embryonic development rates and lead to an increase in births. At LBBR, we collaborate with computer engineers to create computational tools based on artificial intelligence algorithms capable of analyzing images obtained from time-lapse recordings and extracting qualitative information. Using this approach, we have recorded and quantified cytoplasmic movements that occur during oocyte maturation or preimplantation development, identifying morphological parameters related to the competence of female gametes or preimplantation embryos. With this approach, we have also developed a computer tool for recognising stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle as a parameter of spermatogenesis quality.
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The Master programme
The Master programme
The Master’s programme aims to provide solid skills in the field of embryology and clinical and experimental reproductive medicine, as well as in the bioinformatics and bioengineering sciences applied to them. The Master’s program is not only academic or clinical, but is also dedicated to training professionals oriented towards practicing their profession in companies directly or indirectly related to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
The collaborations
The collaborations
With research centers
With research centers
Università di Chieti, Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, della Salute e del Territorio
Università di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali
Università di Catanzaro, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica
Heinrich-Heine-University, Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Institute for Biogenesis Research
University of Leeds, School of Electronics and Electrical Engineering
University of Copenhagen, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
With ART clinics
With ART clinics
With companies
With companies
For the students
For the students
Internship
Internship
Students seeking information on the bachelor’s or master’s degree internship at LBBR can come to visit the laboratory or write to Prof. Valeria Merico (valeria.merico@unipv.it) attaching this request module.
A bit of the history of reproductive and developmental biology
A bit of the history of reproductive and developmental biology
A thematic collection of scientific papers that have changed the course of reproductive and developmental biology
2022
Our publications
Our publications
About us
About us
Professors
Silvia Garagna and Maurizio Zuccotti (Coordinators)
Collaborators
Mario Zanoni
Master degree students
Irene Grossi
Serena Brugnola
Federica Agate
Claudia Croci
Giuseppina Carboni
Sabrina Moscardi
Michela Rosa
Davide Lippolis
Carlotta Aldeghi
Bachelor degree students
Marta Zadra
Giulia Scaletta
Melissa Selenica
Rossana Rocchetta
Where we are
Where we are
Address
Address
Laboratory of Biology & Biotechnology of Reproduction
Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani'
Piano - 2
Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9
27100 - Pavia - Italy
Telephone: +39-0382-986323
NEWS
NEWS
You may now enroll to the 4th edition of the Master in 'Biology and Biotecnology of Reproduction: from Research to the Clinic'. You may find the instructions here.
The Social networks
The Social networks
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