Leclerc, Pierre PhD - Regular researcher


Full professor - Université Laval

(1) Reproduction, mother and child health axis, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec

(2) Obstetrics, gynaecology and reproduction axis, Faculty of Medicine

Research interest

My research interests aim a better understanding of gamete interactions at fertilization with a specific emphasis on sperm. Sperm must indeed go through a series of biochemical modifications that are essential to fertilization. Acquisition of the fertilizing power, called capacitation, occurs naturally in the female reproductive tract following ejaculation of insemination, while sperm are travelling to the fertilization site. A better understanding of intracellular and membrane mechanisms involved in capacitation and sperm/ovule interaction is important in animals and humans. In agriculture, we find various types of animal production which profitability depends on the reproductive efficiency of the animal. The general tendency is leaning towards artificial insemination since it offers many advantages, even more so if coupled to cryopreservation of semen. However, freezing can greatly affect the fertility of sperm through negative effects on sperm membrane, metabolism or activity of various intracellular signalling pathways. In human, sperm/ovule interaction have a special importance in case of diagnostic/treatment of infertility. Evidence points to the lifestyle, environment or even certain diseases and their treatment can affect various sperm functions and thus have an impact on male fertility. In addition, a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling sperm function and gamete interactions could lead to the development of contraceptives for human and pests.

 

Expertise

Male infertility Spermatozoa Fertilization Sperm motility Intracellular signalling

Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec (CHUL)

2705 boul. Laurier
Québec (QC) Canada
G1V 4G2
(418) 525-4444 extension : 46267
Fax : (418) 654-2783
pierre.leclerc@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Postdoctoral fellowship: Urology Research Laboratory, McGill University (Montréal, QC, Canada)

Postdoctoral fellowship: Division of Reproductive Biology, University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

PhD:  Experimental medicine , Université Laval (Québec, QC, Canada)

MSc: Experimental medicine, Université Laval (Québec, QC, Canada)

Undergraduate: Bio-agronomy, Université Laval (Québec, QC, Canada)


1 Latest projects

  • Rôle novateur du récepteur pro-inflammatoire P2Y14 en reproduction masculine