Endocrinology and reproductive biology
About
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology represents laboratories focused on endocrinology, neurobiology, molecular genetics and foetal programming of adult diseases.
Main focuses of our theme are on:
- the role of (neuro)hormones, receptors and gene transcription factors in vertebrate development, using animal models. This involves studies in endocrinology, neurobiology, molecular genetics and developmental biology.
- the programming of adult bone health in offspring born of low birth weight and maternal-foetal physiology during gestation and lactation.
- the role of various modulators of Ca2+ release, both normal and those thought to be involved in fatigue and disease, such as reactive oxygen species.
- the foetal undernutrition and hypoxia as well as obesity, leading to altered foetal growth and the impact of these insults to the normal development of the cardiovascular system
Research groups
Fetal programming of adult disease
Group leader: Dr. Tania Romano
Being born small (approx. 10% of all births) is a large problem in Western society, and studies have shown that these individuals have an increased risk of developing a number of adult diseases.
Molecular and developmental endocrinology
Group leader: Dr. Bert De Groef
The role of (neuro)hormones, receptors and gene transcription factors in vertebrate embryonic development, using the mouse and chicken as the main animal models.
Neurophysiology
Group leader: Dr. Joon (Kyungjoon) Lim
Our research centres on cardiovascular neuroscience and fills a niche between the clinic and basic research.
Skeletal and cardiac muscle research group
Group leader: Dr. Giuseppe Posterino
We are focused on understanding the fundamental basis of muscle contraction across a wide array of muscle types (skeletal, cardiac and smooth).