This study unravels the recurring sequence of changes within the uterine lumen that supports vital functions (sperm transit and development of preimplantation embryonic stages) during the reproductive cycle in female Ruminantia. New systems knowledge uncovered regarding uterine reproductive physiology correlated with early embryogenesis is crucial for setting up in vitro biomimicry and artificial environments for assisted reproduction technologies for a range of mammalian species. Read the full text at DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00035.2023

This award recognizes postdocs who have fostered inclusion and equity in higher education through exemplary mentorship, and/or outreach activities within the Cornell and local community. Those who receive this award have shown an unwavering commitment to promoting the growth and personal and professional development of students and trainees of diverse backgrounds. Congratulations Prasanthi!

We recently published a study performed by Dr. Isabel Jimenez and Dr. Allison Stilin (previous undergrads in the lab), which demonstrated that intact physiological TSPO function serves to limit inflammation in acute ulcerative colitis (UC), and provide a systemic basis for investigating TSPO-targeting mechanistic therapeutics. Please read full article at: Jimenez et al., Frontiers in Physiology.

In recent work by Dr. Prasanthi Koganti, published in the Journal of Endocrinology [article], we present a reformed model that is much closer in reference to physiology to study the cellular and molecular basis of mammalian steroidogenesis. Our findings dispel a long-held view that the use of serum could confound or interfere with trophic stimulation and underscore the need for exogenous lipoproteins when dissecting physiological signaling and cholesterol trafficking for steroid biosynthesis in vitro.

Development (The Company of Biologists) published a research highlight featuring our discovery of the mechanism that supports self-renewal in bovine trophoblast stem cells, and that blastocyst size can be directly controlled by the rate of trophoblast stem cell (TSC) proliferation in an article entitled “Rock inhibition promotes trophoblast proliferation until the cows come home” Development (2022) 149 (7): e149_e0702.

This image shows the dramatic increase in blastocyst embryo size at the same stage of development when promoting short-term (48-hour) TSC proliferation (embryo on the right) versus control (embryo on the left).

A livestock genome repository of living stem cell cultures could preserve livestock diversity to ensure sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.

Paper revealing divergent aspects of pluripotency in cattle and a new mechanism that allows long-term in vitro culture.[Full text]

Two extension articles: “Why there is no such thing as colostrum quality” and “Transition milk has a lot of immunoglobulins” are featured on the cover (Kasey!) of The Manager published by Progressive Dairy. These articles represent a paradigm shift and recommend a new feeding plan for neonatal calf management.

Colin was competitively selected for this honor highlighting his background work on identifying pregnancy biomarkers in cattle. Congratulations Colin!

“Kasey for Senate” was the post that I remember every time I passed her office down the hall. In the lab, Kasey went from being a beginner to an expert on all aspects of research. We have enjoyed conversations on science at the highest levels, and peeked over the cliff of the unknowns. Her organization skills can be matched only by a select few, and her curiosity has grown to tremendous amounts during her graduate program. I believe she has become the person to watch as an emerging leader in the field of neonatal health.

Kasey Schalich was awarded the Maynard Nutrition Award at the 82nd Cornell Nutrition Conference. Kasey’s work evaluated IgG secretion kinetics by the bovine mammary gland. Her findings revealed that the bovine mammary gland sustains IgG secretion postpartum, and that >75% of the IgG secreted by the postpartum mammary gland is via transition milk. These new results that also indicated that the concept of “colostrum quality” is not physiologically substantiated provide the first maternal-offspring coevolution-based recommendation for colostrum feeding and management in dairy farms.

Amy has been with us for the past 8 years – from undergraduate life to a Ph.D.! It has been an amazing journey with this larger than life hyperactive figure. Her research has put some final nails in the TSPO-steroidogenesis coffin and opened up some very interesting questions regarding mitochondrial function and regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis. We will be seeking answers to these for years to come. Amy is now headed to work for the biotech industry and continue her life shaking those tail feathers.

Lauren Harper awarded research support from the Dextra Undergraduate Endowment Fund.

Viju has been the “happy man” never really bothered too much by anything. His research has defined core characteristics of undifferentiated bovine trophoblasts, new understanding of which has opened up several exciting topics in bovine reproduction research. Viju is now headed back to his clinical roots as he heads to pursue a residency program in veterinary pathology.

Tiffany Kei, Micheal Kern and Olivia Reiff awarded research support from the CALS Charity Trust and the Dextra Undergraduate Endowment Fund.

Olivia Reiff won the undergrad research poster competition at the 2018 ADSA conference in Knoxville, TN. Olivia is headed to vet school! Congratulations to her!

Lan exemplifies a core characteristic that many have defined as the “need for speed” – her research has been a true exploration of the mitochondrial translocator protein function, redefining what it does in mammals. We have generated a formidable research force in Lan, and I am sure we will hear more about her over the years. She now heads to pursue a postdoctoral position and expand her horizons.

Vimal was awarded the “SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching” for the year 2017. Picture from award ceremony with Dean Kathryn Boor.

Josh Goddard presents his work on regenerating protein from waste as insect larvae at the 2nd International Conference on Global Food Security.

Viju presents his research on bovine oviductal fluid at the Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting at San Diego, CA.

Viju received the Graduate Student Award for Teaching Excellence in Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. [Full story]

Lan received the Graduate Student Award for Teaching Excellence in Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. [Full story]

Carmen’s research project on TSPO was selected for the Dextra Undergraduate Research Fund award.

“Professor proves textbooks wrong on steroid protein” Work from the lab on TSPO global knockout mice featured in the Cornell Chronicle following the press release from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Link: [Click here]

Amy Zhao was selected as one of the 19 incredibly impressive students at Cornell. Link: [Click here]

Graduating senior class of 2014 selected Vimal as the “Professor of Merit” for teaching excellence. Picture from award ceremony with Dean Kathryn Boor.

CALS students make their mark: From Canines to Cancer. Link to issue: [Click here]

“Protein function refuted” Kanako’s paper in Endocrinology on Leydig cell specific TSPO conditional knockout mouse was selected as Editor’s Choice in Physiology by The Scientist magazine. Link: [Click here]

“Study unravels a hormonal whodunit” The first challenge to the presumed function of TSPO in steroidogenesis – use of Leydig cell specific conditional knockout mice demonstrated that TSPO is not involved in testosterone production. Link: [Click here]