Michael W. Wolfe, Ph.D.

Mammalian reproduction is regulated by a number of hormones produced at various locations: hypothalamus in the brain, gonadotropes within the anterior pituitary gland, the gonads and also by the placenta during pregnancy. Research in my laboratory is directed towards understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in regulating pituitary gonadotropes and the placenta. One area of emphasis is on how gonadotropin-releasing hormone secreted by hypothalamic neurons signals to the gonadotropes to induce synthesis and secretion of hormones that regulate gonadal function. A second area focuses on elucidating the events associated with the differentiation and function of trophoblasts in the placenta. Trophoblasts form the functional layer of the placenta involved in nutrient and waste exchange between the maternal and fetal compartments as well as the production of critical reproductive hormones. Our overall goal is to discover the molecular and cellular events responsible for regulating the function of these tissues. Ultimately, this will provide clues as to how diseases, drugs and the environment impact reproductive success.