Research Team: Team of Hormonal Action and Mechanisms

Place of Work: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research

Keywords: Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), Sperm functional assays, Follicular fluid, Granulosa cells, Gamete Communication, Reproductive Biology, Invitro fertilization (IVF)

Research Focus:

Rooted in a strong foundation in agricultural animal sciences and molecular biology, my academic journey began with in vitro studies investigating cellular toxicology—an experience that sparked a broader interest in the molecular mechanisms underlying health and disease. During my M.Sc., I transitioned into developmental genetics and in vivo disease modeling, using zebrafish to functionally validate genetic variants and to explore the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.

From decoding the genetic roots of developmental conditions to probing the microscopic messengers of fertility, my PhD research bridges molecular biology and reproductive science. Currently, I focus on how molecular messengers—specifically extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by follicular cells—influence sperm function and fertilization. By integrating expertise in both in vitro and in vivo systems, I aim to bridge critical gaps in our understanding of gamete communication. Using the bovine model, my research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which EVs modulate sperm acrosome reaction, capacitation, and survival, ultimately enhancing the fertilization process. More broadly, this work seeks to elucidate how the female reproductive environment naturally shapes male gamete performance. By harnessing this knowledge, I aim to contribute to the development of EV-based strategies for sperm modulation—advancing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and offering translational insights to address subfertility and infertility in both animal and human reproductive medicine.

Relevant Publications and Presentations:

• Oral Presentation: “Granulosa cell-derived extracellular vesicles as potential modulators of sperm function” — awarded diploma for outstanding oral presentation in the Reproductive Physiology and Pathophysiology panel at the 12th International Conference of Young Physiologists, May 2025.
• Oral Presentation: “Granulosa cell-derived extracellular vesicles” at the International Conference on Uterine Disorders and Corpus Luteum Function, September 2024, Wroclaw, Poland.

International Experience:

• NAWA-Funded Internship: Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
• Erasmus+ Internship: Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia