"Shining Light at Early Development and Reproduction"

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 a developing in vivo imaging study of developmental and reproductive events within the mouse fallopian tube using an intravital dynamic optical coherence tomography, focusing on the process of ovulation, egg/embryo movements, spermatozoa tracking, and motile cilia analysis. A novel functional method for studying cilia coordination within the fallopian tube will be introduced. The method is based on spatiotemporal mapping of the phase of ciliary beat calculated based on intensity fluctuations in OCT images. I will show unexpected findings about the physiological dynamics of eggs, sperm, and motile cilia within the fallopian tube revealed through in vivo observation, setting a platform for a variety of future investigations of normal physiological reproductive function and reproductive disorders.

Bio:

Dr. Irina V. Larina is a Professor and the Kyle and Josephine Morrow Endowed Chair in the Department of Integrative Physiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Originally trained in physics at Saratov State University in Russia, she transitioned into biomedical research during her Ph.D. studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, USA. Her research work bridges physics and biology, focusing on the development of advanced optical imaging technologies to study mammalian embryonic development, cardiovascular dynamics, and reproductive biology. Dr. Larina is a recipient of numerous honors including the most recent Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. Excellence in Research Award. Dr. Larina is a Fellow of the OPTICA Society and a Senior Member of the SPIE Society.