The Miller Laboratory studies the cell adhesion and signaling mechanisms of sperm storage in the oviduct and subsequent fertilization. This process is complex and variable among different species. Beyond the satisfaction of understanding a basic and essential foundation of life, knowledge of these processes could prove very useful. Applications in the fields of human medicine and agriculture stand to benefit from a clearer understanding of reproduction at the cellular and molecular level. The ability to improve fertility of farm animals, endangered species and humans and the technology to control fertility depend on knowledge about sperm storage and fertilization. For example, the development of technologies that improve sperm lifespan in the oviduct might improve fertility or uncouple the requirement for synchronizing semen deposition with ovulation. In addition, methods of lengthening sperm storage times in liquid form between semen collection and AI would also be helpful for situations in which semen is not frozen-stored.
The Miller Lab is part of the Animal Sciences Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Animal Sciences Department is located within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Our research focuses on molecular aspects of sperm storage and fertilization in cattle, pigs and humans. We also use mice for our research because they are more amenable to genetic approaches. For a more detailed summary of our studies, click the “Research” button on the left. Research in our lab is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Institutes of Health.
Information on this site is intended as a general introduction to our research, personnel and university. Any remaining questions may be e-mailed to Dr. Miller at djmille@illinois.edu.