Welcome to the Biase lab

Our mission is to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive fertility and the early stages of embryo development and implantation in mammals. To achieve our goals, we are strongly committed to combining experimental, and systems genomics approaches to understand the dynamics of gene regulatory and signaling networks that orchestrate successful events related to fertility or infertility. Our efforts focus on three primary thrusts: 1) Molecular profiling of heifer infertility; 2) The acquisition of developmental competence in oocytes and the molecular signals of embryo survival; 3) Molecular signaling between conceptus and endometrium.

Our research program is partially funded by:

- The United States Department of Agriculture

• NIFA 2024-38420-41540 - Bridging Genomes to Phenomes: Fostering interdisciplinary expertise to advance animal production
• NIFA 2020-67015-31616 - Identification of gene expression profiles in peripheral white blood cells predictive of heifer pregnancy success

- Virginia Cattle Industry Board

• Genetic Variants That Cause Embryonic Death

Research

Molecular profiling of heifer infertility

There are several causes of infertility. In the Biase Lab, we are tackling the problem in heifers in beef and dairy cattle. Our multidisciplinary program aims at profiling blood born molecules for the comprehensive investigation of genetic and physiological alterations that contribute to infertility. Then, we employ artificial intelligence algorithms for the prediction of fertility in heifers as early as 6 months of age.

The acquisition of developmental competence in oocytes

The female gamete stores massive amounts of RNAs, proteins and metabolites. The qualitative and quantitative composition of these stores define the ability of this oocyte to be fertilized and sustain the early embryo development. We are interested in understanding the regulatory venues that drive the synthesis of RNA in oocytes. Furthermore, we focus on unveiling how the accumulation of RNAs will contribute to the oocyte developmental competence.

Early stages of mammalian development

The initial cell cycles of the mammalian organisms are an intriguing, and amazing, phase of the development. The development of a complex multicellular organism from one cell (also called zygote) is far from being understood by developmental biologists. In our lab, we are researching the gene regulatory network wiring that allows the embryo to successfully reach the blastocyst stage. First, we are interested in understanding how the embryo’s genome is activated. We are also investigating the genetics and molecular features that lead to early embryonic developmental arrest.

Conceptus-maternal communication

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After the formation of blastocyst, the embryos hatch from the zona pelucida and the embryonic cells are in immediate contact with the endometrial cells in the uterus. Then, a two-way molecular communication takes place so that the embryo is not rejected by the endometrium and is nourished by the uterus. This communication is essential for the successful implantation and subsequent placentation. We are interested in finding the multitude of pathways the conceptus uses to communicate with the endometrium and vice-versa.

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