Research Scientist
Reproductive Biology and Stem Cell Core
Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences
ecurnow@wanprc.org
Dr. Curnow is the head of the Reproductive Biology and Stem Cell Core within the division. The program focuses on the derivation, characterization, manipulation and distribution of non-human primate (NHP) embryonic stem cells (ESC) for basic science and translational medicine research. Dr. Curnow provides intellectual and resource support for the development and application of ESC-dependent in vitro and in vivo NHP model systems for local, national and international collaborators. The ESC lines are produced from Macaca fascicularis (Mf) and Macaca nemestrina (Mn) embryos and represent the only Mf and Mn lines in 8 National Primate Research Centers. The Mn lines are also the first fully characterized lines produced world-wide.
Nonhuman primate stem cells represent an important bridge between human and rodent stem cells due to the unique scientific, technical and ethical challenges of stem cell research. Accordingly, NHP ESC are of special importance as these cells are more similar to human cells than established pluripotent stem cell lines from other large animal species. With respect to the development of safe and functional cell and tissue replacements, in vivo studies using NHP ESC will assist in reducing the current knowledge gap, thus complementing insights from human ESC research. Current projects underway in Dr. Curnow’s lab, in conjunction with our collaborators, include the development of transgenic NHP ESC lines for the generation of NHP models of Cystic Fibrosis and Fragile X.
Dr. Curnow also has an active research program focused on the basic science of NHP gamete biology and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) directed to the cellular and developmental biology of NHP gametes, embryos and infants. This research facilitates the core and division activities by providing the opportunity to develop and employ NHP ARTs as models for both translational research and clinical medicine. The possibility exists that global dysregulation of gene methylation occurs as a result of ART, inducing subtle changes in epigenetic regulation. Aberrant expression (hyper- or hypo-methylation) of imprinted genes can impact pregnancy and post-natal outcomes in various ways from embryonic demise to the disruption of fetal growth and development, with subsequent influence on neurologic and metabolic function during infancy and adult life. By elucidating treatment effects in the absence of underlying infertility, efforts to minimize these effects can begin by examining their mechanisms and developing new safer strategies for infertility treatment.
Several national and international collaborations have been established to develop and test aspects of clinical ART in a NHP model with specific emphasis on in vitro oocyte maturation, oocyte vitrification and fertilization.