Research
The Clement Lab aims to elucidate mechanisms of male infertility via investigation of testis specific proteins, in vitro models of the seminiferous epithelium, and toxicological screening
Protein Characterization
The testis contains over ### unique proteins essential for male fertility. The function of most of the proteins has yet to be unveiled. The Clement Lab identifies proteins that are likely to be essential for male fertility, and utilizing knockout mice models, determine where the protein localizes throughout the testis, what its function is, and whether or not it is actually essential for production of fully developed sperm. In the past, we have specifically aimed to look at proteins that play a role in cytoskeleton formation or maintenance. The particular class of proteins we have investigated are actin-related proteins, or ARPs.
In Vitro Models
The gold standard for chemical toxicity testing involves complex in vivo studies that are time consuming and costly. With an extensive backlog of chemicals already in use needing toxicity testing to inform regulatory decisions the development of in vitro models representative of complex cellular interactions and validated for relevant higher throughput toxicological testing is quite critical. Current in vitro models for spermatogenesis are limited to testis explants that are not proliferative or consistent in spermatogenic output, and underdeveloped organoids do not recapitulate the complex microenvironment of the seminiferous epithelium nor produce functional sperm. Therefore, there is an immense need to understand the requirements for proper functionality of testis tissue and cell types in vitro. We investigate novel factors that could play a role in testicular cell viability and function through cell and tissue culture in order to generate fully developed spermatids in vitro.
Toxicological Studies
Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description Description