Fertile research

VP Research & Innovation Stan Shapson recently presented Chun Peng with a framed Premier’s Research Excellence Award certificate. The certificate was in recognition of her cutting-edge research in the areas of molecular endocrinology and female reproduction, especially regulation of ovarian and placental functions.

Currently, Peng is examining how hormones and growth factors, particularly activin and transforming growth factor-beta, regulate egg maturation and pregnancy. She is zeroing in on why they are important for normal fertility and the maintenance of pregnancy in humans. She will also be trying to determine if there is a link between dysfunction of activin and fertility. Information from the research could have an impact on what therapies are developed for treating infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy-related diseases.