Jackson Laboratory

The Bolcun-Filas Lab

Principal Investigator: Ewelina Bolcun-Filas, Ph.D.

The Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, ME

Contact me at: 207-288-6985

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Researching meiosis, the mechanisms of DNA damage detection and repair during normal development of gametes, and implications for fertility of cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy.

our research focus

Germ cells are the only cell type that must endure extensive DNA damage in the form of programmed meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs) during their normal development. Paradoxically, the absence of DSBs during meiosis as well as persisting unrepaired breaks are detrimental and typically result in meiotic arrest and infertility. Our research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of healthy gametes and how misregulation of these mechanisms can lead to reproductive disorders. In particular, we are interested in meiotic "quality checkpoints" operating in germ cells, which ensure that the correct and intact genetic information is transmitted to the next generation.

The same checkpoint that monitors DSB repair during meiosis is responsible for high sensitivity of oocytes to cancer treatment. Chemo and radiation therapies can cause oocyte death and lead to premature ovarian failure and infertility. Disabling the key checkpoint kinase CHK2 preserved fertility in mice exposed to ionizing radiation, thus opening a new avenue for oncofertility research. Our goal is to further dissect the DNA damage response pathway in oocytes, helping identify additional targets for fertility preservation therapies in cancer patients.

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Open Positions

Job	Job Title	Location	Description

Lab Staff

Zachary Boucher

Research Assistant

To help in the goal of discovering the genetic causes of infertility.
Chihiro Emori, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate
Ewelina Bolcun-Filas, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Researching meiosis, the mechanisms of DNA damage detection and repair during normal development of gametes, and implications for fertility of cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy.
Ryan Kurtz

Research Assistant I
Alisha Tillman

Postbaccalaureate Intern

Investigating Chk1 Function During DNA damage in oocytes

Selected Publications

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Blog PostJuly 19, 2019
Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing
Here are 5 of the most common questions about interpreting genetic test results.
- Cancer/Tumors
- Cancer
Research HighlightJuly 17, 2019
JAX postdoc Kira Young lands ASH Scholar Award
JAX postdoctoral associate Kira Young, Ph.D., has received the ASH Scholar Award from the American Society for Hematology to support her research studying “old blood.” Young is using the award to understand the different types of white blood cells that make up the immune system and how they change as we age.
- Aging
- Cancer
Search MagazineJuly 10, 2019
Protecting the most vulnerable from environmental toxins
How much arsenic in drinking water is toxic? JAX's Gary Churchill wants to know.
Search MagazineJune 18, 2019
Connected through Science
When Isabelle Chen, a senior at The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Conn., met Ann Bresnahan ‘69 during a science alumnae panel discussion at Bresnahan’s 50-year high school reunion, the two knew that they shared a passion for science.

Tech CornerJuly 17, 2019
Improved methods, expanded capabilities: Analyzing cells one at a time
Researchers are able to do many things today that were impossible five, three, even one year ago. Some of the new options are science-fiction-level impressive.
Press ReleaseJuly 15, 2019
Research team creates new research models for Snyder-Robinson Syndrome
Two new mouse models created to study neurological developments in Snyder-Robinson Syndrome to advance global understanding of this rare disease.
Search MagazineJuly 02, 2019
Who does what in a lab: scientist job titles explained
Ever wonder who does what in a research lab? We joined the Bolcun-Filas group for a day to learn about the scientists who work together on female fertility.
Tech CornerJune 17, 2019
The genome of Eve (the mouse)
C57BL/6—aka Black 6—is the most widely used mouse strain in research. Its reference genome was published in 2003 and has been carefully curated over the years since.