P.hd in Neuroendocrinology

P.hd in Neuroendocrinology

The department is currently pursuing research to understand the molecular basis of spermatogenesis. The aim is to gain insights into the role of reproductive hormones in the mechanisms of chromatin compaction, genomic imprinting and spermiation. These studies may help in identification of causes of male infertility and novel testicular targets for contraception. The department discovered a circadian estradiol peak in fertile men. This prompted an intensive research program on contraceptive potential of antiestrogens. Presently the role of testosterone and estradiol in spermatogenesis is being investigated.

Recent studies demonstrated that high intratesticular estrogen affects formation of testis specific adherens junction namely, tubulobulbar complex (TBC) leading to spermiation failure suggesting a role for estrogen in maintenance of Sertoli cell cytoskeleton and one of the mechanism by which environmental estrogens influence male fertility.