Pedrana Martinez, Graciela María

Research interests

The current lines of research include:
Effects of maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and lactation on the testes of adult offspring. This study uses rat models and focuses on insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), ETV5, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and molecules involved in testicular glucose transport.
Effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy and lactation on the testes. This study uses rat models and is being conducted in collaboration with McMaster University, Canada.
Effects of paternal obesity on epigenetic markers in the testes of adult offspring. This study is being conducted in collaboration with McMaster University, Canada.
Effects of maternal supplementation on epigenetic markers and gene expression in the testes, epididymides, and semen of rams. This study will analyze epigenetic markers, such as global DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as gene expression in the testes and semen of sheep at 140, 180, and 220 days of age, whose dams were supplemented during gestation from day 70 until parturition. Morphological aspects of the testes, epididymis, and semen, as well as lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, will also be analyzed.
All these studies are framed within the concept of Fetal Programming and Early Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD).

Working area

My area of ​​work focuses on Biological Sciences, particularly in the field of Veterinary Medicine, with an emphasis on Developmental Biology, Histology, and Embryology. Additionally, my research encompasses animal production and reproductive physiology and fetal programming and the DOHaD concept: studies of the developmental origins of health and disease in various species, including horses, sheep, cattle, and dogs. Additionally, I conduct research in the developmental biology of bee larvae and the expression of heat shock and apoptotic proteins. I also conduct research in the health field, especially in breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ocular tumors. My work includes the study of cellular and immunohistochemical aspects, as well as heat shock regulatory proteins, apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, cell growth and proliferation factors (such as IGF-I, GDNF, ETV5), and steroidogenic enzymes, inhibin, and glucose transporters. I use a variety of techniques in my research, including image analysis, ultrastructural microscopy, molecular analysis, and epigenetics.