The Division of Reproductive Sciences, located on the main campus of the University of Alberta, is composed of
internationally recognized basic and clinical scientists who use basic science to study women’s health.
Historically, our basic science research strength has been in the area of perinatology. However, we continue to build research strength in other areas of women’s health such as vascular effects of menopause and mechanisms of ovarian tumour development.
Areas of perinatal research include exploration of the causes of several pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), which are responsible for the majority of maternal and fetal illnesses.
The laboratories of Drs. David Olson and Bryan (Peter) Mitchell are focused on understanding mechanisms of preterm birth.
Specifically, the
Olson laboratory studies preterm birth from gene-environment, predictive and mechanistic perspectives. This laboratory uses 'omics, immunological, and endocrine technologies in human and animal models. Its long-term goal is to develop effective treatments to prolong pregnancy and delay preterm delivery. Olson is co-director of
PreHOT (the Preterm birth and Healthy Outcomes Team), a research program funded by Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions.
The objective of the
Mitchell laboratory is better understanding of the causes of preterm labour. The research focus is on molecular mechanisms that regulate uterine contractility.
The laboratories of Drs. Sandy Davidge and Denise Hemmings are focused on understanding the pathophysiology of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and IUGR.
The
Davidge laboratory studies mechanisms for vascular dysfunction in pre-eclampsia, and uses animal models to understand the mechanisms for the fetal origins for adult cardiovascular disease. In keeping with their interest in women’s cardiovascular health, studies in this laboratory also include understanding mechanisms of aging and estrogen deficiency (i.e. menopause) on vascular function.
The
Hemmings laboratory is focused on understanding the role of a bioactive lipid called sphingosine 1-phosphate on normal maternal vascular and uterine adaptations to pregnancy. This laboratory also examines the impact of viral infections and other stresses on these lipid-mediated responses.
With the recruitment of Dr. Yangxin Fu,
we are developing a research program with specific interests in ovarian oncology as he works closely with members of the Gynecologic Oncology Division. The objective of the
Fu laboratory is to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian tumorigenesis, with a particular interest in the role of the Notch signalling pathway in ovarian cancer development and progression.
Our faculty members have mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have continued in medical/research careers. Please refer to the individual websites of our faculty members for specific details of their research programs.
Our division hosts the annual Western Perinatal Research Meeting, which takes place in Banff, Alta., during the Family Day weekend in February. The next meeting will be Feb. 16-19, 2012.