The Bolcun-Filas Lab

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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.

Open Positions

Job

Job Title

Location

Description

Lab Staff

Nathaniel Boechat

Research Intern

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

Jennifer Wright

Research Administrative Assistant I

Providing administrative support to Research Faculty and their staff.

Using prenatal cell-free DNA screening to prepare for a gender reveal

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that both aneuploidy screening and diagnostic testing options be offered to all pregnant women.

5 questions with Katja Brose

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) Science Program Officer Katja Brose visited JAX to speak about CZI and moderate an Alzheimer’s disease research panel discussion at the JAX Healthcare Forum, an annual gathering of leaders in a wide variety of healthcare fields. JAX was able to catch up with Dr. Brose after her sessions.

Andy Greene changes teams

Distinguished biomedical engineer and researcher comes to The Jackson Laboratory

Genetic testing can decrease but not rule out cancer risk

Breast cancer risk assessment is increasingly included in primary care. As a rule of thumb, approximately 5-10% of individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis will be found to carry a pathogenic variant (mutation).

JAX receives $2.5M from The Mark Foundation for breakthrough cancer immunotherapy project

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has received $2.5 million from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research to study in mice the influence of host genetics on response to immunotherapy. The goal of this project is to generate insights that will empower future decisions about the best treatments for cancer patients based on their genetic backgrounds.

The Bolcun-Filas Lab

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

our research focus

Open Positions

Selected Publications

Using prenatal cell-free DNA screening to prepare for a gender reveal

5 questions with Katja Brose

Genomic medicine, a decade later

Mighty mice head to space on important health mission

Andy Greene changes teams

Genetic testing can decrease but not rule out cancer risk

JAX receives $2.5M from The Mark Foundation for breakthrough cancer immunotherapy project

Interview: Cancer evolution and the future of therapy