We study how germ cells differentiate to form egg and sperm. We are particularly interested in how the post-transcriptional control of mRNA facilitates two distinct stages of development:

(i) spermatogonial stem cell differentiation into mitotically dividing progenitors and

(ii) germ cells’ initiation of meiosis, the specialized cell division that halves the genome to produce egg and sperm.

We use single-cell sequencing to overcome the developmental complexity differentiating egg and sperm precursors. At the same time, in the testis, where all stages of sperm development are present at the same time, we use a specialized approach that developmentally synchronizes spermatogenesis. By combining these approaches with genetics, biochemistry, functional genomics, and bioinformatics, we are able to make powerful insights into germ cell development within the ovary and testis.

Understanding the molecular foundations of egg and sperm differentiation will provide new opportunities to treat and prevent female and male infertility and gonadal cancers. Over the long term, the insights made from these fundamental studies have the potential to improve technologies to produce sperm and egg in a dish. The application of this technology in regenerative medicine will revolutionize the treatment of infertility.