Lane Christenson
Research
Overview
My research is focused on understanding the molecular processes of reproduction in order to enhance and inhibit fertility. My primary interest has been focused on understanding how post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanisms (i.e., microRNA-mediated, RNA editing, circular RNA) facilitate ovulation and luteinization of the ovarian follicle following the LH surge. More recently, my laboratory has focused on A-to-I RNA editing, this exciting work (NIH-RO1 funded) is implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction within the oocyte, we are also simultaneously pursuing its role in ovarian somatic cell function. My laboratory is also funded by NASA to investigate the effects of microgravity on female fertility and male fertility. Our work in microRNA function within the follicle also led to our studies looking at the role extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microvesicles) in this dynamic tissue and to develop a murine in vivo tissue specific extracellular vesicle tracking system. My laboratory has recently partnered with Dr. Paige Geiger's laboratory to investigate the role of extracellular vesicles in meditating the protective effects of exercise in Alzheimer's patients (NIH-R21).
- Mitochondrial RNA defense pathways in the oocyte, NIH-NICHD RO1, PI
- Female reproductive health: Space flight induced ovarian and estrogen signaling dysfunction, adaptation, and recovery, NASA, PI
- Brachova, P, Alvarez, N., S, Christenson, L., K. 2021. Loss of Cnot6l Impairs Inosine RNA Modifications in Mouse Oocytes.. Int J Mol Sci, 22 (3)
- Brachova, P, Alvarez, N., S, Hong, X, Gunewardena, S, Vincent, K., A, Latham, K., E, Christenson, L., K. 2019. Inosine RNA modifications are enriched at the codon wobble position in mouse oocytes and eggs. Biol Reprod, 101 (5), 938-949
- Hong, X, Choi, S, Rocca, A., E, Alwood, J., S, Tash, J., S, Christenson, L., K. 2021. Effects of spaceflight aboard the International Space Station on mouse estrous cycle and ovarian gene expression.. NPJ – Microgravity
- Hung, W., T, Navakanitworakul, R, Khan, T, Zhang, P, Davis, J., S, McGinnis, L., K, Christenson, L., K. 2017. Stage-specific follicular extracellular vesicle uptake and regulation of bovine granulosa cell proliferation.. Biol Reprod, 97 (4), 644-655
