Neuroendocrinology
About Us
The department is currently pursuing research to understand the intricacies of male fertility. Two aspects are being studied. First is on the role of estrogen in males using rodent model and another is paternal epigenetic factors in embryo and placental developmental in humans and estrogen receptor subtype specific agonist/antagonist treated rat model.
Our study on the role of estrogen in spermatogenesis and male fertility in adult rats have highlighted that estrogen signaling through its cognate receptor ERß causes spermiation failure by affecting expression of genes involved in actin cytoskeletal remodeling leading to disruption in the formation of tubulobulbar complex and hence spermiation (sperm release). Understanding the molecular mechanism of sperm release may help in identifying novel targets for male fertility regulation. We have also demonstrated that estrogen signaling through both its receptors (a and ß) affects fertility. ER a is predominantly involved in the negative feedback regulation of gonadotrophins while ERß has predominantly testicular effect. Estrogen signaling through both its receptors have differential effect on spermatogenesis. ER a is involved in spermiogenesis and ERß is involved in meiosis and spermiation. These studies help to understand the mechanism through which endocrine disruptors like xenoestrogens may affect male germ line and male fertility.
Using Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, tamoxifen treated rat model, we have demonstrated the role of estrogen in acquisition/maintenance of genomic imprint marks during spermatogenesis. We have shown the importance of paternal aberrant imprinting in causing post implantation embryo loss and abnormal placentation in rats and have demonstrated association of paternal imprinting with recurrent spontaneous abortions in humans. These studies have immense significance in understanding involvement of paternal imprinting in pregnancy related diseases such as recurrent spontaneous abortions, preeclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation for which only women are tested.
We are also exploring how male obesity could lead to defects in fertility, through epigenetic mechanisms, in the male germ line using obese rat models.
People
Department Email Id: nec@nirrh.res.in
| Name | Designation |
| Dr. N Balasinor | Scientist F |
| Dr Dipty Singh | Scientist C |
| Dr Nishi Kumari | Scientist B |
| Dr Kushaan Khambata | Scientist B |
| Ms Vaishali Nakhwa | Sr. Technical Officer – 2 |
| Ms. S Sonawane | Sr. Technical Officer – 1 |
| Ms. R Goankar | Technical Officer |
| Mr. S Mandavkar | Technician ‘C’ |
| Mr. D Shelar | Technician ‘C’ |
| Mr. M Pawar | Technician ‘C’ |
| Ms. S Mohan | Ph D Scholar |
| Ms. M Datar | Ph D Scholar |
Projects
Ongoing Research Projects
- Genome-wide mapping of androgen and estrogen receptor binding sites in adult rat seminiferous epithelium (PI: Nafisa H. Balasinor) (Funded by Department of Biotechnology) 2017-2020
- Aberrant paternal imprinting as a risk factor for preeclampsia: A pilot study (PI: Nafisa H. Balasinor) (Funded by Lady Tata Memorial Trust) 2017-2019
- Genetic and epigenetic changes in male partners of women experiencing recurrent spontaneous abortions (PI: Nafisa H. Balasinor) (Funded by DST, New Delhi) 2015-2018
Completed Research Projects
| Sr No. | Title of Project | Funding Agency | Date of Sanction and Duration |
| 1. | Genomic imprinting : A paternal contribution to embryogenesis | ICMR “Functional Genomics | 2002-2005 |
| 2. | Effect of estrogen/antiestrogen on germ cell maturation in the testis | DBT, New Delhi under Indo-US CRHR | 2002-2005 |
| 3. | Teratological studies of an ayurvedic contraceptive: Pippaliyadi vati | MHOFW | 2004-2005 |
| 4. | Role of imprinting cluster on rat chromosome 1 in embryogenesis | DBT, New Delhi | 2006-2009 |
| 5. | Studies to elucidate estrogen mediated mechanism for gametic imprint mark at Igf2-H19 locus in the male germ line | ICMR Innovation fund | 2007–2010 |
| 6. | Molecular mechanism underlying nuclear chromatin condensation: Differential regulation by testosterone and FSH | DST, New Delhi | 2008-2011 |
| 7. | Characterization of placental defects in embryos following paternal tamoxifen treatment | BRNS-DAE | 2010-2013 |
| 8. | Characterization of molecular events during spermiation | DST, New Delhi | 2008 -2011 |
| 9. | Embryo loss due to epigenetic abnormalities in the male germ line: A study in recurrent spontaneous abortions | DBT, New Delhi | 2010-2013 |
| 10. | Studies to elucidate molecular mechanism of estrogen action during spermiation | DST, New Delhi | 2012-2016 |