MS - Animal Science, Texas Tech Univ. My research interests are directed toward increasing our understanding of reproductive function in the female. The primary focal point of this research is to develop methods to modulate steroidogenesis by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum forms on the ovary after ovulation and secretes the steroid hormone progesterone.
Progesterone is required for the maintenance of pregnancy in virtually all mammals.
Molecular biology techniques have allowed the quantitation of mRNA encoding these and other crucial enzymes. These methodologies, in conjunction with cell and tissue culture techniques, have permitted the design of experiments, which lend insight into mechanisms, which regulate these enzymes at the genomic level. The physiological relevance of this research is twofold. The second is to develop strategies to reduce the translation or increase the degradation of mRNA encoding these two steroidogenic enzymes which would serve as a contraceptive by reducing progesterone synthesis and secretion. Selected Publications Hawkins, D. E., M. K. Petersen and M. G. Thomas.