Robert W. McGaughey – Emeritus
Mammalian Development and Reproduction
Dr. McGaughey's research centers on the cellular and molecular biology of mammalian gametes and preimplantation embryos. Past emphasis was on the cytogenetics and hormonal regulation of mammalian oocyte maturation and the influence of the cytoskeleton on fertilization, on cleavage and on early differentiation of trophectoderm in the mammalian embryo. Dr. McGaughey has collaborated with other Life Sciences faculty to study the effects of anti-HIV agents on human placental tissues and on mammalian embryonic tissues. Current research is exploring developmental genetics approaches to study the control of mammalian oocyte maturation at the level of gene regulation. Dr. McGaughey directs the laboratory activities of a clinical program in assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which he performs the laboratory procedures associated with in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian tube transfer, zygote tubal transfer, cryopreservation of human semen and embryos and intracytoplasmic sperm injection by means of micromanipulation. Clinically related research includes analysis of endocrine parameters of ART procedures, correlation of oocyte quality and parameters of ovarian hyperstimulation with pregnancy by ART treatments, analysis of human sperm motility and studies of varied methods on the success of cryopreservation of mammalian eggs and spermatozoa. The long-term goals of Dr. McGaughey's basic and clinical research are to better understanding the mechanisms regulating function of mammalian gametes and embryos in order to solve questions relating to infertility, congenital defects and contraception.
Selected Publications
McGaughey, R.W., K. Kotlarczyk, N. Frost, A. Rawls, J. Wilson-Rawls and J. Rhee. 2000. Gene expression in immature mammalian oocytes. Abstract for the 40th American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting, December, 2000. A236
Johnson, J., R.W. McGaughey, A. Rawls and J. Wilson-Rawls. 2001. Notch pathway genes are expressed in developing mammalian ovarian follicles.
McGaughey, Robert W. 1998. Yolk Sac. In, "Encyclopedia of Reproduction", Volume 4, Eds., Knobil and Neill. Academic Press, New York, pp. 8-12.
Gallicano, G.I., R.W. McGaughey and D.G. Capco. 1997. Activation of Protein Kinase C after Fertilization is Required for Remodeling the Mouse Egg into the Zygote. Molecular Reprod. and Develop.46:587-601.
V. Usaha, R.D. Wattier, and R.W. McGaughey. 1995. Oocytes of rodents mature in the presence of an inhibitor of histone h1 kinase but not in the presence of H-89, an inhibitor of other kinases. 35th Annual Meeting, The American Society for Cell Biology, abstract 525.
Schwarz, S.M., G. Ian Gallicano, Robert W. McGaughey, David G. Capco. 1995. A role for intermediate filaments in the establishment of the primitive epithelia during mammalian embryogenesis. Mechanisms of Develop.53:305-321.
Gallicano, G.I., R.W. McGaughey and D.G. Capco. 1995. Protein Kinase M, the cytosolic counterpart of protein kinase C remodels the internal cytoskeleton of the mammalian egg during activation. Developmental Biology 167:482-501.
Gallicano, G.I., S.M. Schwarz, R.W. McGaughey, and D.G. Capco. 1994. Cytoskeletal sheets in mammalian eggs and early embryos provide an assembled form of intermediate filaments used later in development. 34th Annual Meeting, The American Society for Cell Biology, abstract 2050.
Gallicano, G.I., C.A. Larabell, R.W. McGaughey and D.G. Capco. 1994. Novel cytoskeletal elements in mammalian eggs are composed of a unique arrangement of intermediate filaments. Mechanisms of Development. 45:211-226
Wattier, R.D., V. Usaha, G.I. Gallicano, S.T. Shors, D.G. Capco, B.L. Jacobs and R.W. McGaughey. 1993. Preimplantation development in mice is enhanced lethal effects of AZT decreased by mouse interferon-B through induction of an interferon-specific protein. 33rd. Annual Meeting, The American Society for Cell Biology, abstract H26.
Gallicano, G. Ian, S.M. Schwarz, R.W. McGaughey and D.G. Capco. 1993. Protein kinase C, a pivotal regulator of hamster egg activation, functions after elevation of intracellular free calcium. Developmental Biology 156:94-106.
Gallicano, G.I., R.W. McGaughey and D.G. Capco. 1993. Ontogeny of the cytoskeleton during mammalian oogenesis. Micro. Research and Technique.27:134-144.
Capco, D.G., G. Ian Gallicano, R.W. McGaughey, K.H. Downing, and C.A. Larabell. 1993. Cytoskeletal sheets of mammalian eggs and embryos: A lattice-like network of intermediate filaments. Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton 24:85-99.