Shannon Stephens, PhD

Over 10% of women in the U.S. have impaired fecundity, but the causes of these fertility issues are multi-faceted and remain poorly understood. Using transgenic mouse models, my research broadly focuses on how the brain controls reproduction and how this reproductive regulation may differ between females and males. My current research examines: 1) the regulation and potential reproductive functions of Kiss1 neurons outside of the hypothalamus (such as in the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and/or lateral septum); and 2) how the amygdala, a brain region known to regulate social behavior, stress, and emotions, influences reproduction and fertility. Our research utilizes a variety of approaches, including molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, immunoprecipitation, RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization), genetics (primarily using transgenic mouse models), immunohistochemistry, targeted stereotaxic injections, neuronal tract tracing, microscopy, and in vivo behavioral and fertility assessments. In addition to providing a better understanding of how the brain regulates reproduction, our research may provide potential therapeutic targets for infertility and impaired fecundity.