BME Distinguished Seminar Series: Irina V. Larina, Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine

Title: "Decoding the Mysteries of Female Reproductive Physiology through Biophotonic Investigation"

Abstract: Developmental processes within the female reproductive system are highly complex and dynamic. However, our understanding of these processes remains limited due to restricted imaging access to the mammalian reproductive system. I will present an in vivo imaging study of developmental and reproductive events within the mouse female reproductive system using intravital dynamic optical coherence tomography, focusing on ovulation, egg and embryo movement, spermatozoa tracking, and motile cilia analysis. A novel functional method for studying cilia coordination within the fallopian tube will be introduced. I will present unexpected findings regarding the physiological dynamics of eggs, sperm, and motile cilia within the fallopian. I will discuss how basic science discoveries can contribute to clinical investigations, providing a platform for a wide range of future studies of normal reproductive physiology and reproductive disorders in mice. Finally, I will present an example of how a basic science project can unexpectedly evolve into the development of a clinical diagnostic method, with the hope of inspiring the next generation of biomedical scientists.