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Derek McLean Associate Professor Ph.D., Oregon State University Phone: (509) 335-8759 Email: dmclean@wsu.edu

Spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis and Sertoli cell regulation.  Our research program focuses on investigating mechanisms that regulate the biological activity of spermatogonial stem cells and the supporting somatic cells, Sertoli cells, in the mammalian testis.  These cells work together to form the spermatogonial stem cell niche. The active population of spermatogonial stem cells in the testis ensures that sperm can be produced throughout the lifetime of a male. However, the number of cells in this stem cell population is small and little is known about the genes and factors that regulate these cells.  We investigate the mechanisms that regulate spermatogonial stem cell activity in the mouse, bull and pig testis.  Research with mice focuses on identification of factors that regulate spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis – the process that determines if the stem cell will self-renew or differentiate.  In cattle and pigs research focuses on regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation.  Sertoli cells support germ cell differentiation and are essential for sperm production in the testis.  Taken together, our research provides a better understanding of the basic mechanisms regulating sperm production and may lead to the development of new treatments for infertility and novel contraceptive targets.

Selected Publications:

1. Schmidt JA, de Avila JM, McLean DJ.  2007. Analysis of gene expression in bovine testis tissue prior to ectopic testis tissue xenografting and during the grafting period.  In press.
   
2. Schmidt JA, de Avila JM, McLean DJ.  2006. Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor and testis tissue culture on spermatogenesis in bovine ectopic testis xenografts.  Biol Reprod, 75(2):167-75. 
   
3. Schmidt JA, de Avila JM, McLean DJ.  2006. Grafting period and donor age affect the potential for spermatogenesis in bovine ectopic testis xenografts.  Biol Reprod, 75(2):160-6.
   
4. Schmidt JA, de Avila JM, McLean DJ.  2006. Regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 4a1, B-cell translocation gene 2, nuclear receptor subfamily 4a1, and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 by follicle stimulating hormone in the rat ovary. Reprod Fert Develop, 18(7):757-65.
   
5. McLean DJ.  2006. Vertebrate reproductive stem cells: Recent insights and technological advances. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 17(4):534-9.
   
6. McLean, DJ.  2005. Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and testicular function.  Cell Tissue Res. 322(1):21-31.
   
7. Khaira H, McLean D, Ohl D, Smith GD.  2005. Spermatogonial stem cell isolation, storage and transplantation.  J Androl 26(4):442-50.
   
8. Oatley JM, Reeves JJ, McLean DJ.  2005. Establishment of spermatogenesis in neonatal bovine testicular tissue following ectopic xenografting varies with donor age.  Biol. Reprod. 72: 358-364.
   
9. Oatley JM, Tibary A, de Avila DM, Wheaton JE, McLean DJ, Reeves JJ.  2005.  Changes in spermatogenesis and endocrine function in the ram testis due to irradiation and active immunization against LHRH.  J. Anim. Sci. 83:604-612.
   
10. Oatley JM, Reeves JJ, McLean DJ.  2004. Biological activity of cryopreserved bovine spermatogonial stem cells during in vitro culture.  Biol. Reprod. 71:942-947.
    
11. Oatley JM, de Avila DM, Reeves JJ, McLean DJ.  2004. Establishment of spermatogenesis and the seminiferous epithelium in ectopically xenografted bovine testicular tissue.  Biol Reprod, 71:494-501.
    
12. Oatley JM, de Avila DM, Reeves JJ, McLean DJ.  2004.  Testis tissue explant culture supports survival and proliferation of bovine spermatogonial stem cells.  Biol. Reprod. 70:625-631.
    
13. Shima JE, McLean DJ, McCarrey JR, Griswold MD.  2004.  The Murine testicular transcriptome: characterizing gene expression in the testis during the progression of spermatogenesis.  Biol. Reprod. 71:319-330.
    
14. Buaas FW, Kirsh AL, McLean DJ, Morris JL, Griswold MD, de Rooij DG, Braun RE.  2004.  Plzf is required in adult male germ cells for stem cell self-renewal.  Nat. Genetics 36:647-652.
    
15. McLean, D.J., P.J. Friel, D.S. Johnston and M.D. Griswold.  2003.  Characterization of spermatogonial stem cell maturation and differentiation in neonatal mice. Biol. Reprod.  69:2085-2091.
    
16. Jeong DK, McLean DJ, Griswold MD.  2003.  Long-term culture and transplantation of murine testicular germ cells.  J. Androl. 24(5):661-669.
    
17. Li Y, Friel PJ, McLean DJ, Griswold MD.  2003.  Cystatin E1 and E2, New Members of Male Reproductive Tract Subgroup Within Cystatin Type 2 Family.  Biol. Reprod. 69(2):489-500.
    
18. McLean, D.J., P.J. Friel, D. Pouchnik and M.D. Griswold. 2002. Oliogonucleotide microarray analysis of gene expression in FSH-treated rat Sertoli cells. Mol. Endo. 16:2780-2792.
    
19. McLean, D.J., L.D. Russell and M.D. Griswold. 2002. Biological activity and enrichment of spermatogonial stem cells in VAD and hyperthermia exposed testes from mice based on colonization following germ cell transplantation. Biol. Reprod. 66:1374-1379.
    
20. Oatley, J.M., D.M. de Avila, D.J. McLean, M.D. Griswold and J.J. Reeves. 2002. Transplantation of bovine germinal cells into mouse testes.  J. Anim. Sci. 80:1925-31.
    
21. McLean D.J., D.S. Johnston, L.D. Russell and M.D. Griswold. 2001. Germ cell transplantation and the study of testicular function.  Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 12:16-21.