The Lei Lab’s research focuses on ovarian reserve and its associated ovarian dysfunction and diseases. We are also interested in how declining ovarian function affects women's overall health.
In adult females, normal ovarian function is supported by a pool of dormant primordial follicles known as the ovarian reserve. A diminished ovarian reserve, which can result from genetic factors, environmental factors, certain health conditions, and cancer treatments, leads to ovarian insufficiency. Ovarian insufficiency is associated with many health issues, including infertility, endocrine disruption, and an increased risk of osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular disease in women.
Current research projects in the lab include: understanding how the intercellular transport of organelles during ovarian reserve formation in fetal ovaries influences ovarian function and fertility in adulthood; uncovering organelle-mediated RNA storage in primordial follicles and how it impacts the maintenance and activation of the ovarian reserve; and investigating the cellular origins and microenvironments that contribute to the onset of ovarian cancer. Our findings pave the way for ongoing investigations aimed at developing medical solutions for the early detection and prevention of premature ovarian insufficiency, medical interventions for fertility preservation in female cancer patients, and the early detection of ovarian cancer.
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