#18 in OB-GYN NIH Research Funding
$5,017,347 in NIH Funding in 2021
*Source: Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research
CU Division of Reproductive Sciences
Research Cures Disease
A Message from the Division Chief
Welcome to the Division of Reproductive Sciences, a collaborative and creative environment for scientific discovery! Our vision is a future where specific and effective treatments are available for major disorders affecting women's reproductive health, including ovarian cancer, infertility, pregnancy complications, and pelvic floor disorders. Our mission is to improve the reproductive health of women through innovative, mechanistic and translational research and through excellence in mentorship of the next generation of reproductive scientists.
The guiding principle for our Division is “research cures disease”, a belief that motivates our work every day. We have a strong emphasis on teamwork, collaboration and integration with the long-term goal to eliminate barriers between basic scientists, clinical researchers and physicians caring for patients to achieve a seamless transition from bench to bedside.
Our research activities are diverse and span a range of women's reproductive health issues and include:
- Determining the molecular mechanisms underlying pelvic prolapse
- Developing novel therapies for ovarian cancer
- Investigating the impact of obesity on female reproductive function
- Understanding gonadotropin biology
- Exploring the role of gasotransmitters in myometrial contractility and preterm labor
- Studying the regulation of utero-placental blood flow, maternal metabolism and placental function at high altitude, in maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, and fetal growth restriction
Thomas Jansson, MD, PhD
Florence Crozier Cobb Endowed Professor
Chief, Division of Reproductive Sciences
Vice Chair of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Endocrinology and Infertility
The reproductive endocrinology laboratories employ multi-disciplinary approaches and state-of-the-art methodologies including elegant mouse models, to explore mechanisms of gonadotropin synthesis and secretion and how gonadotropins regulate gonadal and bone function, mechanisms linking obesity and infertility in women, molecular control of oocyte number and egg quality, and genetic causes of premature ovarian failure.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Our research explores the molecular underpinnings of pregnancy complications and the mechanisms linking adverse events during pregnancy and lactation to the future health of the mother and her child, which will lead to novel intervention strategies to treat these conditions and prevent major diseases in the next generation.
Urogynecology
Our research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the remodeling of the connective tissue and smooth muscle of the pelvic floor support structures. Our goal is to create better prevention strategies and new treatment options for women who are suffering from pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse and incontinence.
The Division of Reproductive Sciences hosts a number of education events and lectures for faculty, fellows and students. Select a link below for information:
Representing 11 Countries
Our diverse faculty, students and staff represent 11 countries.Recent Awards
Jayne Martin Carli, PhD, recently received an NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award.
Theresa Powell, PhD, recently was awarded an NICHD R01 in July 2022 for 5 years.