S.K. Dey, Ph.D., will lead the new division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology. (photo by Dana Johnson)
Division formed to examine reproductive biology at VUMC
Molecular signaling during implantation. A series of signals triggered by ovarian estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) prompts the uterus and the pre-embryonic blastocyst to prepare for implantation. Complex molecular communication between the blastocyst and the uterus is necessary to complete the process.
Cross-section of mouse uterus showing implantation of the pre-embryo, or blastocyst, in the uterine wall.
The department of Pediatrics expanded recently with the launch of a new division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, staffed, at the outset, by a team of four independent research scientists recruited from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
The new division, officially in operation as of July 1, is already bustling under the direction of S. K. Dey, Ph.D., Dorothy Overall Professor of Pediatrics and professor of Cell and Developmental Biology. Of the 20 people that filled out this team in Kansas, 13 have made the move to Vanderbilt and are nearly finished unpacking boxes in their newly renovated lab space on the 4th floor of Medical Center North.
“This area fits nicely with our interest in understanding the biology of fetal development,” said Dr. Arnold W. Strauss, James C. Overall Professor and Chair of Pediatrics. “We’re excited to have a place where we can train not only graduate students, but also fellows in neonatology and in obstetrics who want to learn how to do bench research.”
The three other principal investigators in the group include Dr. Jeff Reese, Bibhash C. Paria, Ph.D., and Sanjoy K. Das, Ph.D., all associate professors in the department of Pediatrics. Collectively, the group brings eight federally and privately funded research grants with them, with the likelihood of two additional federal grants to be funded as of Dec. 1.
The broad theme of the group’s research, according to Dey, is to better understand how the embryo makes a connection with the mother in the uterus. The signals that are exchanged between the embryo and mother, and how the embryo is able to continue its growth, are still not clearly understood. Deciphering the molecular cross talk between the two during implantation holds the promise of leading to better fertility treatments, enhanced fetal health, and improved contraceptive methods.
The implantation process begins as a fertilized egg travels toward the uterus. Hormonal signals from the ovary tell the uterus, which is normally an inhospitable environment for implantation, to prepare itself to receive the developing embryo. If the embryo finds the mucosal lining of the uterus properly prepared, it attaches, secreting enzymes and undergoing cellular changes to help it burrow into the thick, velvety lining, where it continues its growth.
“Pre-implantation development and implantation itself are landmark events in the offspring’s life,” Dey said. “If you disrupt the process, there will be a ripple effect throughout pregnancy. If the offspring makes it through delivery, all kinds of problems may occur, from birth defects to mental retardation to learning disabilities. It’s a very critical time.”
Each investigator has developed his own niche in exploring the complex signaling mechanisms underlying these events, making use of various animal models. Yet the real strength of the program, Dey says, lies in how the team works together, sharing their resources and expertise to maximize productivity. A review article summarizing their progress appears in a special issue of Science featuring reproductive biology published June 21.
In some ways, the group’s move here is like coming home. Reese, who did his pediatric residency here from 1987 to 1990, is familiar with both the Pediatrics faculty and the neonatal group. He is particularly pleased to be at Vanderbilt, he says, in light of the history of neonatal research here.
“Vanderbilt is world-famous for Dr. Mildred Stahlman, one of the founders of modern neonatology,” he said. “One of the first neonatal intensive care units in the country was at Vanderbilt, and we were told that it was located in this very suite where we have our labs. And here I land. It’s really exciting.”
Dey has collaborated with a number of Vanderbilt researchers over the last five years — among them Brigid Hogan, Jason Morrow, Ray Dubois, and Larry Marnett — relationships he hopes to enrich and extend with his move here.
“Traditionally, my collaboration has been with developmental biologists, pharmacologists, molecular biologists, and the like,” he said. “I think we can build a strong program here by bringing different disciplines together. With a more global view, you can see more of the problem.”
Dey welcomes the challenges and opportunities that come with change and a new environment.
“I’m starting a whole life again, after 30 years in Kansas,” he said. “I bring my experience and my vision, which I hope will be helpful, but to develop a program you need good bench workers and a good support system. I’ve been through rocky times before and there may be rocky times to come, but I’m confident that if I survived there, I will survive better here. I’m very, very excited.”