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Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences OB/GYN
  1. Department of OBGYN & Reproductive Sciences
  2. Research
  3. Faculty Labs

Faculty Labs

Basic Research

  • Breen Church Lab – Our lab focuses on: 1) Neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling reproduction and fertility; 2) Mechanisms underlying stress and stress–associated disease states on fertility; and 3) Early life programming of delayed or deficient fertility.
  • Kauffman Lab – We use a variety of molecular, cellular, physiological and neuroanatomical techniques to study how the brain and hormones interact to control reproduction in mammals. More specifically, we assess how neural circuits stimulate or inhibit Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, thereby regulating the neuroendocrine reproductive axis.
  • Lawson Lab – The main focus of the Lawson Laboratory is on understanding how the brain and pituitary interpret and respond to the various signals that control reproductive hormone synthesis and secretion.
  • Mellon Lab – We are interested in how the brain controls reproduction through the neuroendocrine system with emphases on development, hormone signaling, gene expression, circadian rhythm, and mouse models of human disease.
  • Thackray Lab – The focus of our research is to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS using relevant mouse and tissue culture models. We are currently studying the influence of genetic variation on gonadotropin hormone production and fertility. We are also investigating interactions among metabolism, the gut microbiome and the reproductive axis in PCOS.
  • Wilkinson Lab – Our studies are centered on the impact of gene regulatory circuits in normal development and disease.

 

Translational Research

  • Alperin Lab – Dr. Alperin's laboratory uses a multi-prong approach to study the impact of pregnancy, birth injury, and aging on the structure, function, plasticity , and regenerative potential of the female pelvic soft tissues. Ultimately, we hope that this research will help reduce the epidemic of pelvic floor disorders and improve the lives of millions of women.
  • Cook-Andersen Lab – The Cook-Anderson Lab is interested in: post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression; transcriptional silencing in the oocyte and oocyte maturation; early embryo development and embryonic genome activation, nuclear reprogramming, the molecular basis of ovarian aging.
  • Duleba Lab
  • Fisch Lab – Our group focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pregnancy disorders and exposures to improve maternal and child health throughout the lifespan.
  • Laurent Lab – Our lab applies our expertise in human pluripotent stem cell research and genomics to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal human development, in order to improve the health of mothers and babies.
  • Pantham Lab – The Pantham Laboratory applies a combination of high-throughput, computational and physiological approaches to decipher the molecular mechanisms of placental function in pregnancy, with the aim of improving the diagnosis and management of pregnancy disorders in which the placenta plays a primary role.
  • Schlaepfer Lab – My lab is in The Moores Cancer Center Division of Gynecologic Oncology and our research focus is on understanding the molecular changes driving ovarian cancer anchorage-independent cell survival and treatment resistance. We are developing new mouse tumor models to study ovarian cancer and we incorporate new technologies such as CRISPR knockouts, multiplex immunohistochemistry, RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics in our research. Visit schlaepferlab.org to learn more.
  • Shimasaki Lab
  • Stupack Lab – Our lab has the following projects active: Tumor Cell Survival, Genomic Analysis of Tumors, and Repurposing Proteins by Cancer Cells
  • Su Lab – We conduct innovative patient-oriented research studies on ovarian function, reproductive health, and reproductive care delivery, focused on adolescents and your adults with cancer.
  • Center for Perinatal Discovery – The Center is a focal point for clinical, translational, and basic research projects related to maternal and child health. Our mission is to understand both the effects of maternal health on fertiity and pregnancy, and the effects of pregnancy exposures and outcomes on maternal and offspring health throughout the lifespan.
  • Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine – The goal of the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine at UC San Diego is to develop understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that cause disordered function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility, occurring in about 1 in 10 women of childbearing age.