Clémence Belleannée, PhD

Clémence Belleannée, PhD

Associate Professor, Université Laval

research axis 1

Role of primary cilia in the controle of epididymis development and homeostasis Role of small non-coding RNA in the control of post-testicular sperm maturation in the epididymis

Phone: 418 525-4444 Ext. 47789

E-mail: Clemence.Belleannee@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Address

418 525-4444 Ext. 47789
Clemence.Belleannee@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca
http://clemencebelle.wixsite.com/labbelleannee
Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec
Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l’enfant
2705, boul. Laurier,
Local T3-48
Québec, QC, G1V 4G2

Fax: 418 654-2783

Research interests

Role of small non-coding RNA in the control of post-testicular sperm maturation in the epididymis
Role of primary cilia in the controle of epididymis development and homeostasis

The epididymis plays important roles in the acquisition of sperm motility and fertilizing abilities. This organ is thus essential to the control of male fertility. Our laboratory is interested in the different intercellular communication systems that ensure proper sperm maturation in the epididymis. In particular, we study two signaling pathways important to the control of reproductive functions:

– one mediated by the small non-coding RNAs transported by the extracellular vesicles secreted in the epididymal fluid

– another mediated by the primary cilia located on the surface of epididymal cells and acting as a biological antenna.

These studies are carried out using complementary techniques in imaging (confocal and electronic microscopy, fluidic imaging), molecular and cellular biology (PCR, Western blotting, organotypic air-liquid culture), on cell models, transgenic mice and human samples. All this work will enable us to identify the molecular and cellular factors important to sperm maturation and to ultimately develop new tools for the control of male fertilizing ability applicable to livestock and human health.