Publications

Gamete preservation.

Gamete preservation.

Cancer Treat Res. 2010;156:25-39

Authors: Barrett SL, Woodruff TK

PMID: 20811823 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Designing follicle-environment interactions with biomaterials.

Designing follicle-environment interactions with biomaterials.

Cancer Treat Res. 2010;156:11-24

Authors: Smith RM, Woodruff TK, Shea LD

PMID: 20811822 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Zinc availability regulates exit from meiosis in maturing mammalian oocytes.

Zinc availability regulates exit from meiosis in maturing mammalian oocytes.

Nat Chem Biol. 2010 Sep;6(9):674-81

Authors: Kim AM, Vogt S, O'Halloran TV, Woodruff TK

Abstract

Cellular metal ion fluxes are known in alkali and alkaline earth metals but are not well documented in transition metals. Here we describe major changes in the zinc physiology of the mammalian oocyte as it matures and initiates embryonic development. Single-cell elemental analysis of mouse oocytes by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) revealed a 50% increase in total zinc content within the 12-14-h period of meiotic maturation. Perturbation of zinc homeostasis with a cell-permeable small-molecule chelator blocked meiotic progression past telophase I. Zinc supplementation rescued this phenotype when administered before this meiotic block. However, after telophase arrest, zinc triggered parthenogenesis, suggesting that exit from this meiotic step is tightly regulated by the availability of a zinc-dependent signal. These results implicate the zinc bolus acquired during meiotic maturation as an important part of the maternal legacy to the embryo.

PMID: 20693991 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Sex and sensitivity: the continued need for sex-based biomedical research and implementation.

Sex and sensitivity: the continued need for sex-based biomedical research and implementation.

Womens Health (Lond Engl). 2010 Jul;6(4):511-6

Authors: Tingen CM, Kim AM, Wu PH, Woodruff TK

Abstract

The phrase 'women's health research' embraces women as part of the biomedical research engine while categorizing women as separate. Before personalized medicine can become a reality, we must first ensure that basic physiological differences between the sexes are clearly delineated. In this article we argue that research into sex differences should be encouraged at the most fundamental levels of the biomedical sciences. Moreover, appropriate representation of both sexes as participants in clinical studies is still critically needed. Academic and governmental organizations must continue to articulate strong policy in order to ensure inclusion and analysis of sex as a critical variable. Focused attention on sex as a contributing factor to health, disease and therapeutic activity will increase our fund of knowledge regarding our everyday health, increase the pace of clinical research and ensure a healthier population.

PMID: 20597615 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Sex bias in trials and treatment must end.

Sex bias in trials and treatment must end.

Nature. 2010 Jun 10;465(7299):688-9

Authors: Kim AM, Tingen CM, Woodruff TK

PMID: 20535184 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Setting the course: leadership at the NICHD.

Setting the course: leadership at the NICHD.

Biol Reprod. 2010 Jul;83(1):163-4

Authors: Woodruff TK

PMID: 20505167 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The Oncofertility Consortium--addressing fertility in young people with cancer.

The Oncofertility Consortium--addressing fertility in young people with cancer.

Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2010 Aug;7(8):466-75

Authors: Woodruff TK

Abstract

The number of young cancer survivors is increasing owing to advances in cancer therapeutics, but many face infertility as a result of their treatment. Technologies that already exist for cancer patients concerned about their future fertility include sperm banking for men and hormonal intervention followed by in vitro fertilization and embryo cryopreservation for women. However, logistical barriers to timely patient referral and coordination of care between specialties can limit patient access to all the available options. Moreover, there are few alternatives for young women and girls who cannot delay their cancer treatment, or who are unable to undergo hormonal intervention. The Oncofertility Consortium is a network of researchers, physicians and scholars who are advancing fertility preservation options for young cancer patients. Research into the societal, ethical, and legal implications is also an important part of the work performed by the Oncofertility Consortium, which is providing new perspectives on patient decision-making about how to access these emerging reproductive technologies. Experts in the fields of oncology, reproductive medicine, the social sciences, law, education, and the humanities are working together to develop next-generation reproductive interventions and promote communication between scholars, clinicians, patients, and the public to ensure that young cancer patients are equipped with the most appropriate information and options for having a family in the future.

PMID: 20498666 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Using decision trees to enhance interdisciplinary team work: the case of oncofertility.

Using decision trees to enhance interdisciplinary team work: the case of oncofertility.

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2010 May;27(5):227-31

Authors: Gardino SL, Jeruss JS, Woodruff TK

Abstract

PURPOSE: Oncofertility, an emerging discipline at the intersection of cancer and fertility, strives to give cancer patients options when they are confronting potential infertility as a consequence of cancer treatment. Fertility preservation decisions must be made before treatment begins, adding stress to the decision-making process.

METHODS: Healthcare providers need to be aware of the intricacies involved in oncofertility decision making, and the often tight time line that patients face when making these decisions. Cancer patient's perspectives may also change, as the dual burden of a cancer diagnosis and potential infertility can cause great flux in emotions.

RESULTS: A provider-facing decision tree was created to enhance patient decision-making capacities and outline the multiple potential intervention points.

CONCLUSIONS: Decision trees, which highlight the important decision points during which providers can approach patients, can be a useful tool to help providers in counseling patients on fertility preservation.

PMID: 20386978 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Phylogenomic analyses reveal the evolutionary origin of the inhibin alpha-subunit, a unique TGFbeta superfamily antagonist.

Phylogenomic analyses reveal the evolutionary origin of the inhibin alpha-subunit, a unique TGFbeta superfamily antagonist.

PLoS One. 2010;5(3):e9457

Authors: Zhu J, Braun EL, Kohno S, Antenos M, Xu EY, Cook RW, Lin SJ, Moore BC, Guillette LJ, Jardetzky TS, Woodruff TK

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) homologues form a diverse superfamily that arose early in animal evolution and control cellular function through membrane-spanning, conserved serine-threonine kinases (RII and RI receptors). Activin and inhibin are related dimers within the TGFbeta superfamily that share a common beta-subunit. The evolution of the inhibin alpha-subunit created the only antagonist within the TGFbeta superfamily and the only member known to act as an endocrine hormone. This hormone introduced a new level of complexity and control to vertebrate reproductive function. The novel functions of the inhibin alpha-subunit appear to reflect specific insertion-deletion changes within the inhibin beta-subunit that occurred during evolution. Using phylogenomic analysis, we correlated specific insertions with the acquisition of distinct functions that underlie the phenotypic complexity of vertebrate reproductive processes. This phylogenomic approach presents a new way of understanding the structure-function relationships between inhibin, activin, and the larger TGFbeta superfamily.

PMID: 20209104 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Noninvasive index of cryorecovery and growth potential for human follicles in vitro.

Noninvasive index of cryorecovery and growth potential for human follicles in vitro.

Biol Reprod. 2010 Jun;82(6):1180-9

Authors: Barrett SL, Shea LD, Woodruff TK

Abstract

Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is commonly used to preserve fertility. However, women undergoing cancer treatment may not have the time or may not be good candidates for these options. Ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation and subsequent tissue transplant has been proven successful yet inefficient in preserving larger secondary follicles, and is not recommended as a fertility preservation option for women with certain cancers. We evaluated cryopreservation of individual follicles as an alternative option in rodents, nonhuman primates, and human primates. Under optimal conditions, cryopreserved mouse secondary follicles were able to reestablish granulosa cell-oocyte interactions, which are essential for subsequent follicle growth. Individual secondary follicles survived cryopreservation, were able to be cultured in a three-dimensional alginate hydrogel matrix to the antral stage, and the enclosed oocytes were competent for fertilization. Using a vital imaging technique (pol-scope) employed in many fertility centers, we were able to bioassay the thawed, cultured follicles for the presence of transzonal connections between the somatic and germ cells. Perturbations in these linkages were shown to be reversed when follicles were cryopreserved under optimal freezing conditions. We applied the optimized cryopreservation protocol to isolated rhesus monkey and human secondary follicles, and using the birefringent bioassay, we were able to show good correlation between early follicle growth and healthy somatic cell-oocyte connections. Our results suggest that ovarian follicles can be cryopreserved, thawed, and analyzed noninvasively, making follicle preservation an additional option for young cancer patients.

PMID: 20200211 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]