Jackson Laboratory

Ewelina Bolcun-filas, Ph.D.

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.
Alisha Tillman

Postbaccalaureate Intern

Investigating Chk1 Function During DNA damage in oocytes

Selected Publications

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Research HighlightJanuary 16, 2019
The rapid evolution of cancer cells under attack
JAX Associate Professor Jeff Chuang tracks the effects of chemotherapy on different subpopulations of cancer cells. The results indicate ways to improve therapy administration in human patients.
Press ReleaseJanuary 09, 2019
Linking therapy to an asthma-driving molecule
Armed with a $2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, JAX Assistant Professor Adam Williams, Ph.D., is studying the role of molecules called long, non-coding RNAs in asthma.
Press ReleaseDecember 27, 2018
New Alzheimer's mouse models give insight into how human diversity affects disease onset
A new genetically diverse mouse population is opening possibilities for translational research into Alzheimer’s disease that accurately recreates human disease symptoms and progression.
Blog PostDecember 11, 2018
Nesting dolls and Narnia
Research has yielded fascinating discoveries in genomics, but just when it looks like we might come to a more complete understanding, we instead find more layers of complexity to explore.

Minute to UnderstandingJanuary 11, 2019
Minute to Understanding: What is gene therapy?
Mutations in our genes can cause life-threatening diseases, and sometimes there is no drug or surgery available for your doctor to prescribe. Enter gene therapy.
- Precision medicine
- Genetics and Genomics
Press ReleaseJanuary 08, 2019
JAX researcher lands Department of Defense grant to study endometriosis
Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense, Elise Courtois is researching the genetic mechanisms underlying endometriosis, a painful disease with no non-surgical treatment.
Research HighlightDecember 11, 2018
The unexpected advantages of outbred mice in research
Recently developed outbred mouse populations, such as the diversity outbred (DO) mice at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX), have created research options that parallel or even exceed human genetic diversity. Research with DO mice offers a full range of genetic diversity, and therefore more generalizability of responses across populations.
Blog PostNovember 27, 2018
Efficient and effective methods to use family history data for risk assessment
As 1 in 10 people are at increased risk for cancer, but often go undetected, knowing who these people are can lead to personalized management and better health outcomes.
- Cancer/Tumors
- Cancer