I.Profile
       Department of Reproductive Biology now has 38 researchers on payroll at all levels, belonging to 5 research groups, namely, Epigenomics Research Group that Prof. Runsheng Li takes charge, Molecular Andrology Research Group that Prof. Huijuan Shi takes charge, Heredity and Development Research Group that Prof. Zhaogui Sun takes charge, Molecular Reproductive Toxicology Research Group that Prof. Weihua Li Takes charge, and Clinical Research Group that Prof. Yan Che takes charge. These five professors are also the principal investigators of Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University.
       II.Personnel Structure of the Laboratory
       Director of the Laboratory: Researcher Li Runsheng
       PI: Researcher Li Runsheng; Researcher Sun Zhaogui; Researcher Shi Huijuan; Researcher Li Weihua; Researcher Che Yan
       The number of senior researchers is 17.
       The number of intermediate researchers is 14.
       The number of junior researchers is 7.
       III.Research Orientations
       Main research of the Department of Reproductive Biology focus on discovery of functions of the genes in the reproductive biology and developmental biology, such as gametogenesis, fertilization and blastocyst implantation, eventually providing theoretical support for contraception and birth control together with infertility treatment. Additionally, mechanisms of some diseases related to reproduction are also probed into, such as infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortion and prostate cancer. The department also carries out several applied research, including studies on in vitro contraceptives and new sperm quality biomarkers.
       Main duties of the Department of Reproductive Biology are to assume studies of national, provincial and ministerial level projects. In 2016, it presided over or participated in 30 projects in total supported by the National Natural Science Foundation, the National Key Basic Research Program (973) and the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, etc.. Additionally, it also holds and takes part in 3 internal cooperation programs. Based on these projects, scientific research personnel of the Reproductive Biology Laboratory published 18 SCI papers in 2016 as responsible authors.
       IV.Postgraduate Education
       Currently, the Department of Reproductive Biology has six doctoral supervisors of Fudan University (Profs. Jian Wang, Runsheng Li, Zhaogui, Sun, Huijuan Shi, Weihua Li and Jing Du), two master’s supervisors (Profs. Yan Che and Hua Diao). In the year of 2016, they directed seven Ph.D candidates and eleven postgraduate students. Among them, five of them graduated this year.
       V.Contact Information
       Contact Person: Prof. Hua Diao 
       Contact No.: 021-64437447
       E-mail: diaohua@sippr.org.cn
       VI.Laboratory Composition

       Epigenomics Research Group
       i.Main Research Orientations
       From the perspective of epigenetics, not only is the mechanism of spermatogenesis studied, but epigenetics basics according to which environmental factors lead to reduction in sperm quality are probed into. Now, it puts emphasis on exploring effects of DNA hydroxymethylation in mouse spermatogenesis and human sperm quality evaluation. Besides, fundamental and applied basic research on PCa are conducted.
       The Group probes into proteomics of seminal plasma in asthenozoospermia patients in the early phase. The 2014 Excellent Paper Award was given by Asian Journal of Andrology to it because of relevant papers published.
Wang J, Wang J, Zhang HR, Shi HJ, Ma D, Zhao HX, Lin B, Li RS. Proteomic analysis of seminal plasma from asthenozoospermia patients reveals proteins that affect oxidative stress responses and semen quality. Asian J Androl. 2009 Jul;11(4):484-91. doi: 10.1038/aja.2009.26. Epub 2009 May 18.
       ii.Main Research Achievements
       NDRG3 gene expression is much higher in prostate and testis than in any other organs. The group reported functions and mechanisms of NDRG3 in prostate cancer progression and spermatogenesis for the first time, respectively.
Reveal complicated epigenetics basics of sperm quality reduction occurring in populations exposed to BPA;
       Report rare opposite functions of miR-204/XRN1 axis in prostate neuroendocrine cancer cells and adenocarcinoma cells; and, reveal new paths to clinical recurrence of PCa.
       iii.Personnel Structure of the Research Group
       PI: Prof. Runsheng Li
       The number of senior researchers is 2.
       The number of intermediate researchers is 4.
       The number of junior researchers is 2.
       iv.Major Projects under Study
       Preside over projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation: Functions and mechanisms of UHRF1 in spermatogenesis (2016-2019);
       Preside over projects supported by Biochemistry Science and Technology Support Plan of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality: Construction and study on new oncolytic virus of the targeted metastatic prostate cancer (2016-2018);
       Preside over projects supported by the Laboratory Animal Program of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality: Establishment and study on a new model of mice with azoospermia and oligospermia (2015-2017);
       Participate in the Program 973, known as “A study on epigenetic regulation mechanism of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation” (2014-2018).

       Molecular Andrology Research Group
       i.Main Research Orientations
       Impacts of gene, epigenetic and novel protein post-translational modification (PTM) on reproductive ability of the sperm and their regulating effects on sperm functions; findings and applications of small molecule compounds that regulate sperm functions; new methods and techniques for sperm function evaluation.
       ii.Main Research Achievements
       The Group starts from human testis-specific protein 411 and human epididymal β-defensin family to perform their molecular andrology researches. Not only are key effects of protein 411 in the process of round sperm transformation into spermatid uncovered, but general bactericidal activity, lectin-like functions and the bacterial endotoxin neutalizing activity of β-defensins in reducing inflammation degree are found, so that the signal transduction mechanisms of β-defensins in anti-inflammation are partially revealed. Corresponding research achievements have been published in specialized periodicals such as J Biol Chem, Reproduction and Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, etc..
       Its research extends to impacts of epigenetics and protein post-translational modification on the reproductive ability of sperm together with their regulating effects on sperm functions. Through cooperation with Researcher Wu Ligang from Chinese Academy of Sciences, dynamic changes and biological functions of small RNA during early development of embryo of mice have been systematically analyzed. Relevant findings are published in Science Advance, a serial subordinate to an internationally famous academic journal of Science. As revealed by preliminary omics study on multiple protein post-translational modifications of human sperm, post-translational modification plays important regulating roles on sperm functions and the achievements related have appeared in Molecular and Cellular Proteomics, a top journal of omics. 
       Research of the Group stretch into new methods and techniques for sperm function evaluation as well as small molecule compound screening and applications for sperm function regulation. In addition, the group explore the feasibility to adopt new techniques such as flow cytometry, lectin microarray, monoclonal antibody and aptamer, etc. to assess sperm functions. Multiple methods for sperm quality evaluation have also been set up. It is found that a 4-DD mutation of β-defensin 126 gene has the potential to radically alter glycosyl modification on the human sperm membrane that further gives rise to infertility. Regarding relevant research results, they have been published in Fertility & Sterility, Antioxid Redox Signal and Scientific Reports. Small molecule compound screening targeting sperm movement has made great progress. In comparison with the spermicides in clinic use, these compounds can generate better effects but lower epithelial cell toxicity, which indicates better druggability. Therefore, their patent medicine prospects are very promising. Such a project has been funded by multiple grants of national, provincial and ministerial scientific and technological research plans.
       Successively, the Group presides over 1 subject of the National 973 Project, 1 subject supported by the National Science and Technology Support Plan of 12th Five Year Plan, 5 subjects of the general program funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, 2 subjects of the Youth Fund supported by the National Natural Science Foundation, 3 special sub-topics of the National Basic Scientific and Technological Work, 1 subject of Science and Technology Support Plan of Shanghai, 1 subject of Talent Fund of Shanghai, 1 subject of “Pujiang Talent” Program and multiple other subjects supported by Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality and Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning. Besides, it also participates in several subjects of the National 973 Project, national major scientific projects such as the national “13th Five Year Plan” key research and development program, and many scientific research projects at provincial/ministerial/municipal level through cooperation.
       The Group presides over the formulation of 1 medical device industry standard and  participates in the formulation of 1 medical device industry standard that has been issued.
       Among multiple national patents for invention and patents for utility models that it applies for and has been authorized, 3 diagnostic products have acquired medical equipment registration certificates. Additionally, studies on 3 male fertility in vitro diagnostic kits, a semi-quantitative sperm density screening kit (gold-labelled antigen detection method), an AZF microdeletion kit and a defensin 126 microdeletion kit proceed into their substantial transformation stages.
       iii.Personnel Structure of the Research Group
       PI: Prof. Huijuan Shi.
       Associate PI: Prof. Hua Diao
       Counselor: Academician Zhang Yonglian
       The number of senior researchers is 7.
       The number of intermediate researchers is 4.
       The number of junior researchers is 1.

       Heredity and Development Research Group
       i.Main Research Orientations
       Pathogenesis of diseases related to female reproduction.
       Functions and detection techniques of cytokines related to oocytes, early embryogenesis and blastocyst implantation.
       Molecular genetic mechanisms of follicular development and blastocyst implantation.
       ii.Main Research Achievements
       The Group participates in the National 973 Project (3 subjects) and presides over 5 subjects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation, to carry out a series of studies on functions of genes related to blastocyst implantation. As a result, not only have some factors about blastocyst implantation been found, but leading molecule screening for anti-embryo implantation drugs is conducted specifically to the corresponding target sites. Relevant achievements have gained the second prize (as the second participant organization) of the Science and Technology Achievement Award granted by the National Health and Family Planning Commission. Based on an animal model of gene knockout and a cytological model of in vitro co-culture, clinical specimens are utilized to systematically investigate function and effect signal pathways of genes associated with blastocyst implantation. Focusing on the genes, some valuable conclusions were achieved. By virtue of 5 subjects supported by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology that it presides over and completes, effective animal models have been established for low reproduction incurred by physical factors, immune factors and endocrine factors. In addition, it further makes use of proper animal models to perform experimental studies on drug therapies and clinical interventions. Resultantly, gene expression and molecular biological changes involved in diseases such as endometriosis and premature ovarian failure, etc. are uncovered on one hand; on the other hand, related genetic mechanics are explored as well. Now, it presides over 3 subjects and participates in 2 general projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation.
       Relevant research accomplishments have been principally published in journals including Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Fertility and Sterility, Reproduction Fertility and Development, Reproduction, Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, Contraception, etc..
       iii.Personnel Structure of the Research Group
       PI: Profs. Zhaogui Sun; Jing Du
       The number of senior researchers is 5.
       The number of intermediate researchers is 1.
       The number of junior researchers is 2.

       Molecular Reproductive Toxicology Research Group
       i.Main Research Orientations
       Research and Development of novel vaginal contraceptives and microbicides.
Using model organism zebrafish to study the reproductive and developmental toxicity (including infertility and birth defects) of environmental chemicals and its mechanism
Molecular reproductive toxicity research of environmental pollutants.
       ii.Main Research Achievements
       The Research Group has undertaken more than 30 research projects, including the sub-projects of the Chinese National “11th Five Year Plan”, “12th Five Year Plan” and “13th Five Year Plan” Science and Technology Support Project, known as Development of Novel Vaginal Contraceptive Drugs and Dosage-forms, the sub-projects of Chinese National Infectious Diseases Major Programs, known as Study on Drug Carrier and Dosage-form of Microbicide, two projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation, namely, A Fundamental Research on Local Mucosal Immune Inflammatory Responses to Vaginal drugs and A Study on Epigenetic Mechanism of Trans-generational Male Reproductive Birth Defects Caused by DBP, key projects of Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Pujiang Talent Program, Sci-tech Morning Star Talent Program of Shanghai, Shanghai Youth Sailing Program and other projects funded by Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning. Up to now, more than a dozen projects have been identified as scientific research achievements of Shanghai. The Group has published more than 60 Chinese and English research papers and has been granted over 10 Chinese patents.
       1.The Group has devoted itself to the research and development of vaginal drugs for more than 15 years, including novel vaginal contraceptive drugs, microbicides to prevent HIV transmission through sex, and vaginal lubricants, etc., and is leading the domestic research in this field in China. The Group has developed a series of new birth-control and reproductive health products, such as Phentolamine Mesylate Capsule that has acquired new drug certificates issued by SFDA and has been transferred to Shanghai Livzon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for launching in the market. Besides, the Group has obtained the clinical approval of SFDA for Benzalkonium Chloride Vaginal Contraceptive Gel and has completed its phase II clinical trial. The Group has developed a vaginal acid gel lubricant through cooperation with enterprise, and the marketing authorization has been granted.
       2.The Group has established the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity Test Laboratory, using model organism zebrafish to study the reproductive and developmental toxicity of the Environmental Endocrine Disruptors (EEDs) and the relevant mechanism. So far, research on zebrafish developmental toxicity of byproducts produced by cholorination of drinking water, and the investigation on epigenetic mechanism of the trans-generational reproductive toxicity of DBP have been completed. Also, the Group has cooperated with Nagoya University for a long time to study the impacts of 1-bromopropane on the health of occupational populations. Research results illustrated that 1-bromopropane can lead to reduction in tibial nerve conduction velocity, prolonged latent phase of nerve conduction, cognitive disorders and pallesthesia delay of the workers, which is consistent with former animal experiment results. It is for the first time for researchers to prove that 1-bromopropane can cause dose-dependent nerve function damage in humans. Based on the above research, the Group have proposed a reference value of lower than 10 ppm as the occupational exposure limit of 1-bromopropane. Nearly 20 papers regarding bromopropane research have been published so far, and many of them are published in the international academic journals, such as Environmental Health Perspectives, JOEM and American Journal of Industrial Medicine.
       iii.Personnel Structure of the Research Group
       PI: Prof. Weihua Li, Ph.D.
       Counselors: Professor DING Xuncheng; Professor JIANG Shibo; Professor KAN Haidong
       The number of senior researchers is 4.
       The number of assistant researchers is 4.

       Clinical Research Group
       i.Main Research Areas
       Epidemiology research on family planning and reproductive health
       Clinical trials for new-type contraceptive drugs and devices
       Prevention of unintended pregnancy and induced abortion
       Studies on fertility informatics
       ii.Main Research Achievements
       The Clinical Research Group focuses on clinical studies on maternal and child health promotion, including clinical trials of contraceptives and maternal and infant health care technologies, postpartum and post-abortion unintended pregnancy and repeated abortion prevention, birth defect prevention, promotion of appropriate technologies and fertility informatics investigations. The Group has certain influencing power in the reproductive and contraception research fields of China. Former Group Leader Professor Cheng Li’nan was granted with Honorary Fellow by Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in 2011. Following the late Professor Song Hongzhao who was the well-known expert in gynaecology and obstetrics and academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, she is another obstetrician and gynaecologist receiving this honor in Mainland China. Furthermore, she was elected as a member of the International Contraceptive Research Council, United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) after academician Xiao Bilian. In addition, she used to be the chairman in Chinese Society of Family Planning (CSFP), the Chinese Medical Association (CMA), one of the major starters and spreaders of Post-Abortion Care (PAC)provided by Chinese Society of Family Planning, the Chinese Medical Association, and one of the principal makers of domestic guidelines to PAC. Now, Researcher Che Yan holds the office of director. He graduated from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), University of London, as a PhD majoring in epidemiology and public health. Moreover, he has achieved his post doctorate from LSHTM and University of Ghent (Belgium). Posts taken by him at present are as follows, an assessment expert in the National Natural Science Foundation, Shanghai Natural Science Foundation and Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China, a guest assessment expert in CFDA Center for Drug Reevaluation and an assessment expert in National Administration Center for Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, team leader of fertility informatics research group affiliated to the CSFP, CMA and a member of Expert Committee, the Chinese Medicine Education Association (CMEA). His research findings have been adopted by national and local governments so as to turn into important basis of government policies. The Group also won the second prize of Science and Technology Progress Award of Shanghai.
Accomplished studies in 2016
       1.A Study to Evaluate the Contraceptive Effectiveness during the Third, Fourth and Fifth Year of Sino-implant (II) Use and the Pharmacokinetics over Five Years of use in Chinese Women ,FHI360，as a sponsor；
       2.Integrating Post-Abortion Family Planning Services into China's existing abortion   service in hospital settings, the seventh framework program of Europe Union, as a major participant.
       Subjects under study in 2017
       A Study on Genetic Risk Factors of Venous Thromboembolism in Chinese Pregnant and Postpartum Women (held), the Natural Science Foundation of China.
       A Study on Contraceptive Safety and Efficacy of GyneFix PP Intrauterine Device Placed Immediately after Delivery (held).
       A Study on Occurrence Mechanism of Adverse Effects of Contraceptive Methods and Personalized Application of Evaluation Biomarker (major participant, responsible for the part of clinical epidemiology), Key Laboratory of Birth Control Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China.
       Intervention and Policy Transformation for Unintended Pregnancy Prevention among Postpartum Women in China, Science and Technology “Climbing” Plan of Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR).
       iii.Personnel of the Research Group
       PI: Prof. Yan Che 
       Senior researcher: 2
       Intermediate researchers : 3.
       Postgraduate student: 1.