Wendy Ingman

The role of macrophages in mammary gland development
Macrophages are central players in the generation and execution of immune system responses, however they are also critical for development of the reproductive tract tissues during early life. This research seeks to understand the significance of macrophages in precise stages of mammary gland development, including effects on epithelial cells and extracellular matrix.

The essential role of the cytokine TGFB1 in female reproductive health
Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFB1) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in many aspects of reproductive biology. Our research investigates the roles of TGFB1 in ovarian function, early embryo development and mammary gland morphogenesis. We have extensively utilised the Tgfb1 null mutant mouse model for these studies, and found that TGFB1 has essential non-redundant roles in many aspects of female reproductive biology. Current research dissects the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the necessity of TGFB1 for normal reproductive function.

Physiological role of TGFB1 in erectile function and dysfunction
The cytokine TGFB1 has been implicated in a large variety of reproductive processes including spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and development of secondary male sex organs. We have discovered a novel role for TGFB1 in male erectile function. Current research will decipher the molecular pathways linking TGFB1 with penile nerve function and the neurotransmitter, nitric oxide. These studies will shed new light on the pathophysiological processes leading to sexual dysfunction in aging males.

Publications

Ingman WV , Robertson SA. Mammary gland development in transforming growth factor beta1 null mutant mice: systemic and epithelial effects. Biology of Reproduction (in press)

Ingman WV , Jones RL. Cytokine knockouts in reproduction: The use of gene ablation to dissect the roles of cytokines in reproductive biology. Human Reproduction Update (2008) 14(2):179-192

Ingman WV , Robertson SA. TGFbeta1 null mutation causes infertility in male mice associated with testosterone deficiency and sexual dysfunction. Endocrinology (2007) 148(8):4032-4043

Ingman WV , Robker RL, Woitiez K, Robertson SA. Null mutation in TGF b 1 disrupts ovarian function causing impaired folliculogenesis, oocyte incompetence and early embryo arrest. Endocrinology (2006) 147(2):835-845

Ingman WV , Wyckoff J, Gouon-Evans V, Condeelis J, Pollard JW. Macrophages promote collagen fibrillogenesis around terminal end buds of the developing mammary gland. Developmental Dynamics (2006) 235(12):3222-3229

Ingman W , Wyckoff J, Xue C, Lin EY, Wang W, Goswami S, Pollard J, Condeelis J, Segall JE. “Chapter 3: Imaging invasion and metastasis in vivo.” (2005) In Cell Motility in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (A Wells ed), Springer, Netherlands pg 55-73

Ingman WV , Robertson SA. Defining the actions of transforming growth factor beta in reproduction. BioEssays (2002) 24(10):904-914

Robertson SA, Ingman WV , O'Leary S, Sharkey DJ, Tremellen KP. Transforming growth factor beta – a mediator of immune deviation in seminal plasma. Journal of Reproductive Immunology (2002) 57:109-128

Ingman WV , Owens PC, Armstrong DT. Differential regulation by FSH and IGF-I of extracellular matrix IGFBP-5 in bovine granulosa cells: effect of association with the oocyte. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology (2000) 164:53-58