Dr. Peter Donovan is a distinguished Program Director and Professor specializing in the molecular genetics of germ cell and stem cell development. As a leading expert featured on pets.edu.vn, his research significantly contributes to our understanding of critical aspects of germ cell and stem cell biology.
A key focus of Peter Donovan’s lab is understanding the regulation of developmental potency within the mammalian germline and pluripotent stem cells. This includes embryonic germ cells (EG cells) and embryonic stem cells (ES cells). His research explores methods to maintain EG or ES cells in an undifferentiated state for a prolonged period of time, and crucially, to avoid the tumorigenic potential of these cells when transplanted into animals. This work is vital for advancing safe and effective stem cell therapies.
Another major research area for Peter Donovan is identifying the factors that control the survival of human embryonic stem cells (hES cells). His investigations have led to improved techniques for genetically modifying hES cells. Utilizing these techniques, his lab conducts high-throughput screens to pinpoint pathways that regulate stem cell survival and proliferation. These pathways are not only critical for enabling large-scale hES cell growth necessary for research and therapeutic applications, but also for understanding the reasons behind aneuploidy in cell culture.
Peter Donovan Ph.D., Program Director and Professor specializing in stem cell and germ cell biology research.
Furthermore, Peter Donovan addresses the critical safety concerns associated with stem cell transplantation. His research employs models to determine how genomic imprinting, karyotype, and developmental potency may be affected by cell culture. He also studies how transplanted ES cells and EG cells behave upon transplantation, aiming to ensure the safety and efficacy of future stem cell-based treatments.
In a separate yet related area of research, Peter Donovan delves into meiosis, a fundamental aspect of germline differentiation. His laboratory has made significant strides in identifying key molecules that regulate meiosis in mammals. Notably, they identified Cdc25B, a dual-specificity phosphatase, as a key regulator of meiotic maturation in female mammals. Ongoing research in Peter Donovan’s lab is dedicated to understanding the intricate regulation of Cdc25B activity and identifying the proteins that interact with Cdc25B to control its function, offering deeper insights into reproductive biology.
Recent Publications
- Easley, C.A., Ben-Yehudah, A., Redinger, C.J., Oliver, S.L., Varum, S.T., Eisinger, V.M., Carlisle, D.L., Donovan, P.J. and Schatten, G.P. (2010) mTOR-mediated Activation of p70 S6K Induces Differentiation of Pluripotent Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Cellular Reprogramming, 12(3):263
- Denham, M., Leung, J., Tay, C., Wong, R.C.B., Donovan, P.J., Dottoir, M. and Pebay, A. (2009). A new feeder-free technique to expand human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. The Open Stem cell Journal. 1, 76-82.
- Acharya, M.M., Christie, L.A., Lan, M, Donovan, P.J., Cotman, C.W., Fike, J.R..and Limoli, C.L. (2009). Rescue of radiation-induced cognitive impairment through cranial transplantation of human embryonic stem cells. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA). 106(45):19150-5
- Shuda, K.M., Schindler, K., Ma, J., Schultz, R.M. and Donovan, P.J. (2009). Aurora Kinase B regulates modulates chromosome alignment in mouse oocytes. Mol. Reprod. 76 (11):1094-105.
- Zeng, W., de Greef, J.C., Chen, Y-Y., Chien, R., Kong, X., Gregson, H.C., Winokur, S.T., Pyle, A., Robertson, K.D., Schmiesing, J.A., Kimonis, V. E., Balog, J., Frants, R.R., Ball, A.R., Lock, L.F., Donovan, P.J., van der Maarel, S. M. and Yokomori, K. (2009). Specific loss of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation and HP1γ/cohesin binding at D4Z4 repeats is associated with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). PLOS Genetics. 5(7):e1000559.
Conclusion
Peter Donovan’s impactful research provides invaluable insights into the complexities of stem cell and germ cell biology. His ongoing contributions are instrumental in advancing the field of stem cell research and deepening our understanding of fundamental developmental processes. For a more comprehensive understanding of his work, readers are encouraged to explore his recent publications detailed above.
