Optical imaging of dynamics and processes in mammalian reproduction and development

From the egg and sperm to an implanted embryo, and to a fully functional organism, the processes of reproduction and development are fascinating and complex. In mammals, such fundamental processes are foundational for understanding the fertilization, pregnancy, embryo growth, and the associated disorders and diseases, such as ectopic pregnancy and birth defects. However, studying these processes is extremely challenging, due to the lack of imaging methods. To address this challenge, we developed high-resolution optical imaging approaches in the mouse model to reveal and assess the hidden reproductive and developmental dynamics that were previously inaccessible. On the reproduction side, our in vivo 4D (3D+time) imaging uncovered how the oviduct (fallopian tube) transports the oocyte and preimplantation embryo towards natural fertilization and pregnancy, providing the essential understanding of oviduct biomechanics in critical reproductive events. In relation to development, we established longitudinal 4D imaging of the beating embryonic heart during cardiac looping, highlighting the never-before-seen cardiodynamics and hemodynamics in the growth and remodeling of the early mammalian heart.

Shang is currently an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. His lab develops novel optical imaging methods to study fundamental biological processes that are traditionally difficult or impossible to approach, with a focus on the biomechanical processes. The work of his lab can be found at www.shangwanglab.org