The Faculty in Reproductive Biology at Illinois

Matthew B. Wheeler

Animal Sciences
Ph.D., Colorado State University

To e-mail Dr. Wheeler use: mbwheele@uiuc.edu

The research interests of my laboratory focus on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the development differentiated function in ovarian and embryonic cells. We use swine, cattle, and mice as model systems. Using transgenic animal technology, we are examining: (1) methods to increase the efficiency of production of transgenic animals, (2) vector systems which would allow tissue specific expression of 'foreign' genes in the transgenic genome, and (3) development and characterization of gene expression in embryonic stem cells. Currently, I am studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of differentiation during early embryonic development. This has allowed development of an elegant system for embryonic differentiation using embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from swine embryos. We have used this system to produce the first chimeric pigs. We are examining signals which initiate differentiation in ES cells and characterization of the first genes that are expressed during this differentiation. In addition, we are studying the fate (fate mapping) of ES cells as they are incorporated into differentiated tissues of the embryo and fetus. Studies are being conducted to determine the feasibility of utilizing swine ES cell nuclei in nuclear transfer or cloning technologies. Finally, vector systems which would allow tissue specific expression of 'foreign' genes in the transgenic genome, specifically into reproductive tissues including milk, are being studied.

Selected Publications:

Davis, A.M., W.G. Pond, M.B. Wheeler, K. Ishimura-Oka, D.R. Su, C.M. Li, , H.J. Mersmann, 1998. Distribution of alleles of the cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7) gene in pigs selected for high or low plasma total cholesterol. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 217:466-470.

Bleck, G.T, B.R. White, D.J. Miller, M.B. Wheeler. 1998. Production of Bovine a-Lactalbumin in the Milk of Transgenic Pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 76:3072-3078.

Cotta, M.A., T.R. Whitehead, M.B. Wheeler. 1998. Identification of a Novel Adenylate Cyclase in the Ruminal Anaerobe Prevotella Ruminicola D31D. FEMS Microbiology Letters 164:257-260.

Carambula, S.F., Goncalves, P.B.D., Costa, L.F.S., Figueiredo, J. R., Neves, J.P., Mondadori, R.G., Wheeler, M.B. 1999. Fetal Age and Collagenase Treatment on the Recovery of Preantral Follicles from Bovine Ovaries. Theriogenology 52:563-571.

Miller, K.D., G.T. Bleck, T. Wang, R. Feltes, L.B. Schook, F.K. McKeith, M.B. Wheeler, M. Ellis. 2000. Association of the porcine a-lactalbumin gene to growth, carcass, meat quality and reproductive traits. J. Appl. Anim. Res. 17:109-124.

White, B.R., R.W. Gerfen, E.M. Walters, M. B. Wheeler. 2000. Culture of Chinese Meishan pig embryos in vitro: Effects of protein supplementation and developmental comparisons with Yorkshire embryos. J. Appl. Anim. Res. 17:76-90.

Rahal, P., Latronico, A.C., Kohek, M.B.F, de Lucia, R.F.S., Millazotto, M.P., Wheeler, M.B., Ferraz, J.B.S., Eler, J. P., Garcia, J.F. 2000. Polymorphisms in the Bos taurus/indicus follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene. Animal Genetics 31:1-2.

Wheeler, M.B., 2000. Pig Embryo Manipulation Technologies, Theriogenology (in press).

Boston WS, GT Bleck, JC Conroy, MB Wheeler and DJ Miller. 2001. Short Communication: Effects of increased expression of a-lactalbumin in transgenic mice on milk yield and pup growth. J Dairy Sci 84:620-622.

Donovan, S.M., M.H. Monaco, G.T. Bleck, J.B. Cook, M.S. Noble, W.L. Hurley, and M.B. Wheeler. 2001. Transgenic over-expression of bovine a-lactalbumin and human insulin-like growth factor-I in porcine mammary gland. J. Dairy Sci. 84(E. Suppl.):E216-E222.

Glasgow, I.K., Zeringue, H.C., Beebe, D.J., Choi, S.-J., Lyman, J., Chan, N.G., Wheeler, M.B. 2001. Handling Individual Mammalian Embryos Using Microfluidics. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineer. (in press).

Last updated August 25, 2001

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