Team
Full professor - Université Laval
Department of animal science,
Faculty of agriculture and food science
Research interest
My research program investigates the oocyte, better known as “ovule”, but in its immature state. Our team is especially interested in cell signalling since it plays a primordial role in the gamete’s maturation. Even more specifically, we investigate the role of cyclic nucleotide enzyme degradation, namely phosphodiesterases (PDEs). We have made interesting discovering by identifying new families of PDEs found in cumulus cells, some of which seem to be regulated through their association with membrane lipids of the raft family and others which are very sensitive to cAMP regulation. We are also interested in understanding the dialogue between cumulus cells and the oocyte. We have developed a tools for the functional evaluation of cumulus cells’ response by measuring “Gap junction communication” using fluorophores and photobleaching. Thanks to this approach, we are among world leaders involved in demonstrating the high level of regulation of gap junctions during in vitro maturation. We are very active in our efforts to better understand this regulation. Because energy levels play a decisive role in the oocyte future, we study the KAMP metabolic switch. We demonstrated the critical impact of this switch at various levels. We also have knowledge transfer projects in collaboration with the industry involved with male and female gametes. Finally, a better understanding of signalling will result in better conditions.
Expertise
cAMP Oocyte Phosphodiesterase In vitro maturation Meiosis cumulus cellsPavillon Paul-Comtois
2425, rue de l'Agriculture, Local 4131AUniversité Laval
Québec (QC) Canada
G1V 0A6
(418) 656-2131 extension : 402781
Fax : (418) 656-3766
francois.richard@fsaa.ulaval.ca
Stage postdoctoral: Department of Biology & Microbiology, California State University at Los Angeles
Stage postdoctoral: Department of OB & GYN, Stanford University School of Medicine
Doctorat: Sciences animales, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval
Baccalauréat: Biologie, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
Stagiaires
Personnels de soutien
Direction
Subject :
Etudes de la phosphodiéstérase 8A chez le follicule ovarien porcin