GIASSETTI LAB

We are exploring the phylogenetic cellular and molecular pathways related to male fertility and infertility in mammals.

Welcome

Visit our site to learn more about our research, stay updated on our discoveries, and find opportunities to join our team.

Our Research

Sperm production—known as spermatogenesis—is essential for reproduction and development, yet even minor disruptions can cause infertility. Our lab uses cutting-edge tools such as gene editing and integrative multi-omics analyses to uncover how spermatogenesis is intrinsically and extrinsically regulated at the molecular and cellular level across both model and non-model mammals.

But our work goes beyond basic biology. By deepening our understanding of these processes, we aim to drive real-world advances: improving infertility treatments for patients, protecting biodiversity, strengthening livestock genetics, and fueling innovation in biotechnology.

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Evaluate the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Male Germ Cell Fate of Development Through Phylogenetics.

The mammalian testis contains a diverse array of cell types essential for sperm production, including germ cells at various stages of development and supportive somatic cells. By comparing testicular cell populations and regulatory pathways across species, we aim to understand the initiation of meiosis and germ cell differentiation, as well as spermiogenesis.

Understanding the Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Influencing Male Infertility in Model and Non-Model Mammalian Species

Spermatogenesis relies on complex communication between germ cells and neighboring somatic cells. We're using advanced techniques, such as multi-omics analysis and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, to uncover the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and interactions that drive sperm production. Our goal is to understand these mechanisms, pinpointing specific molecular regulators unique to germ cells. We then aim to replicate and manipulate these targets in laboratory settings or living organisms, applying these discoveries to enhance reproductive technologies and fertility.

Determine the Paternal Impact of Male Fertility and Early Embryonic Development in Animals

Paternal factors impact early embryonic development. We are using reproductive techniques like IVF, ICSI, and embryo culture to evaluate the paternal effect in mice and non-model species. We also analyze molecular pathways involved in paternal effects through transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Our objective is to better understand the role of paternal factors in reproductive outcomes, which can impact fertility.

Publications

GIASSETTI, M.I., MIAO, D., LAW, N.C. ET AL. ARRDC5 expression is conserved in mammalian testes and required for normal sperm morphogenesis. Nat Commun 14, 2111 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37735-y

CICCARELLI M, GIASSETTI M, MIAO M, OATLEY MJ, ROBBINS C, LOPEZ-BILADEAU B, WAQAS S, TIBARY A, WHITELAW B, LILLICO S, PARK CH, PARK KE, TELUGU B, FAN Z, LIU Y, REGOUSKI M, POLEJAEVA I, OATLEY JM. Donor-derived spermatogenesis following stem cell transplantation in sterile NANOS2 knockout males, PNAS, 2020 117 (39) 24195-24204; first published September 14, 2020; https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2010102117

DEQIANG MIAO, MARIANA IANELLO GIASSETTI, MICHELA CICCARELLI, BLANCA LOPEZ-BILADEAU, JON M OATLEY. Simplified pipelines for genetic engineering of mammalian embryos by CRISPR-Cas9 electroporation. Biology of Reproduction, Volume 101, Issue 1, July 2019, Pages 177–187, https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioz075

MARIANA I. GIASSETTI, MICHELA CICCARELLI, AND JON M. OATLEY Spermatogonial Stem Cell Transplantation: Insights and Outlook for Domestic Animals. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Vol. 7:385-401 (Volume publication date February 2019), https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-animal-020518-115239

CHRISTINE M. DEPOMPEO DVM MARIANA IANELLO GIASSETTI DVM, PHD MAHMOUD M. ELNAGGAR BVSC, MVSC, PHD JON M. OATLEY PHD WILLIAM C. DAVIS PHD BOEL A. FRANSSON DVM, PHD. Isolation of canine adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells from falciform tissue obtained via laparoscopic morcellation: A pilot study. Veterinary surgery, vol. 49, issue s1, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13267

GOISSIS, M.D., GIASSETTI, M.I., WORST, R.A., MENDES, C.M., MOREIRA, P.V., ASSUMPÇÃO, M.E.O.A., VISINTIN, J.A. Spermatogonial stem cell potential of CXCR4-positive cells from pre-pubertal bovine testis, Anim. Repro. Sci. 2018 Sep;196:219-229. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.014.

GIASSETTI, M.I., DE BARROS, F.R.O., MENDES, C.M., GOISSIS, M.D., MARIA, F.S., SIQUEIRA, A.F.P., SIMÕES, R., ASSUMPÇÃO, M.E.A., VISINTIN, J.A. In vitro culture of ovine mammary gland cells expressing beta-lactoglobulin and beta-casein. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, 54(2), 188-196. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2017.125590

GIASSETTI, M.I., GOISSIS, M.D., DE BARROS, F.R.O., MOREIRA, P.V., ASSUMPÇÃO, M.E.O.A, VISINTIN, J.A. Effect of age on expression of spermatogonial markers in bovine testis and isolated cells, Animal Reproduction Science (DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.04.004)

GIASSETTI, M.I., GOISSIS, M.D., DE BARROS, F.R.O., BRUNO, A.H., ASSUMPÇÃO, M.E.O.A, VISINTIN, J.A. Comparison of spermatogonial stem cell markers after diverse differential plating methods of bovine testicular cells, Reproduction in Domestic Animals (doi: 10.1111/rda.12641).

MARQUES, M.G, DE BARROS, F.R.O., GOISSIS, M.D, GIASSETTI, M.I., ASSUMPÇÃO, M.E.O.A, VISINTIN, J.A. Effect of oocyte recovery techniques on in vitro production of swine embryos. Open Journal of Animal Sciences, In Press.Q

YANG, MI GIASSETTI, AD EALY. Fibroblast growth factors activate mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways to promote migration in ovine trophoblast cells, Reproduction, 141 (5) 707-714. 2011.

GIASSETTI, M. I.; PONTES, E. O.; NIEMEYER, C.; SIQUEIRA, A. F. P.; FEDOZZI, F.; LIMA, M.C.O; MARQUES, V.; BERTAN, C.M.; MIGLINO, M.A.; ARRUDA, R. P.; PAPA, P.C.; BINELLI, M. Characterization of interferon-tau protein expression during the critical period for the pregnancy recognition in cattle. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, v. submit, p. 00-00, 2008.

NIEMEYER, C.; SIQUEIRA, A.F.P.; GIASSETTI, M.I.; PONTES, E.O.; FEDOZZI, F.; LIMA, M.C.O.; BERTAN, C.M.; ARRUDA, R.P.; MIGLINO, M.A.; BINELLI, M. Protein profile of uterine washings of cyclic and pregnant cows from days 14 to 18 post-estrus. Animal Reproduction, v. 4, p. 77-87, 2007.

Meet Mariana

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Education

Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza – Zaragoza, Spain (2011-2015).

Ph.D., Reproductive Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo – Sao Paulo, Brazil (2011-2015).

Master of Science, Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo – Sao Paulo, Brazil (2009-2011).

D.V.M. Degree, Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine - University of Sao Paulo – Sao Paulo, Brazil (2004- 2008).

Fluency: English, Spanish, and Portuguese

Biography

Dr. Mariana Ianello Giassetti is a veterinarian with a Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology from the University of Zaragoza, Spain. She leads a research group focused on phylogenetic multi-Omics analysis, male reproductive health, fertility, gene-edited animals, and the paternal influence on offspring.

Combining her veterinary background with a passion for biotechnology, Mariana pursued a Postdoctoral fellowship at Washington State University, studying spermatogenesis and embryogenesis, and honing skills in embryology, gene editing, genomics, and bioinformatics. Her primary focus is on the molecular mechanisms governing male fertility and mammal reproductive health, investigating spermatogenesis and paternal effects on development using CRISPR/Cas9 and multi-omics analysis. Mariana also fosters interdisciplinary collaborations bridging veterinary medicine, biotechnology, and embryology, and maintains strong partnerships across South and Central America, Europe, and Africa.

Previously, she worked as an embryologist in the Biotech Industry, applying Reproductive Techniques for endangered species and developing gene editing tools for mammoths, using techniques like Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to initiate embryo development.

Teaching

Welcome to Our Lab

The Giassetti Lab occupies ~900 sq. ft. of positive-pressure tissue culture space on the second floor, A-wing, of Baylor’s Basic Science Building (BSB). Located in the research corridor, the lab sits alongside other Biology and CMHD faculty laboratories, including those of Drs. Joseph Taube, Jonathan Kelber, Dwayne Simmons, Leigh Greathouse, Aaron Wright, and Myeongwoo Lee.

Giassetti lab (Department of Biology - BSB A258) Equipment Inventory

3-Axis Course Micromanipulation Set (Narashige) – BSB A258 – Embryo micromanipulation and ICSI
3D Rotator Waver (VWR) – BSB A258 – General
Aitostainer 360 (Epredia) – BSB A258 – Automated immunohistochemistry
Analytical and Precision Balances (VWR) – BSB A258 – General
Biosafety Cabinet Class II A2 (VWR) – BSB A258 – Sterile processing
Cabinet Fridge (BSI) – BSB A258 – General
Centrifuge 5425 R (Eppendorf) – BSB A258 – General
Centrifuge 5804R (Eppendorf) – BSB A258 – General
Chemic Doc MP (Bio-Rad) – BSB A258 – Gel and blot imaging
Cryogenic Storage Vessels Biocane 34 (Thermo) – BSB A258 – Long-term sample storage
Digital General Purpose Water Bath (VWR) – BSB A258 – General
Electroporator and Cell Fusion BTX 2001 – BSB A258 – Gene editing of embryos and cells
Flex 3 Water Purification System (Purelab) – BSB A258 – General
Leica DM6000 Fluorescence Microscope – BSB A258 – High-resolution imaging, IHC
Horizontal Gel Electrophoresis Systems (VWR) – BSB A258 – DNA/RNA separation
Incubator CellXpert C170i (Eppendorf) – BSB A258 – Cell and embryo culture
Incubator CO2 (PHCBi) – BSB A258 – Cell and embryo culture
Mastercycler X40 (Eppendorf) – BSB A258 – General PCR
Microscope (Motic) – BSB A258 – General
Leica RM2125 RTS Microtome – BSB A258 – Histological sectioning
Mixer Motor for Pestle (VWR) – BSB A258 – General
Multi-Parameter Meters (VWR) – BSB A258 – pH/Conductivity/DO measurements
Oven (VWR) – BSB A258 – General
PCR Workstation (VWR) – BSB A258 – DNA/RNA handling
Power Supply 500V (VWR) – BSB A258 – General
Stereoscope (Motic) – BSB A258 – Embryo observation
Ultra Freezer (PHCBi) – BSB A258 – Storage
Vortex Mixer (VWR) – BSB A258 – General
Qubit and NanoDrop Systems – BSB A258 – Nucleic acid quantification
Mac Studio and Workstation PCs – BSB A258 – Bioinformatics, data analysis, image processing

Unique Research Capabilities: The Giassetti Lab at Baylor University utilizes state-of-the-art tools, including CRISPR gene editing, generation of model and non-model gene edited species, single-cell transcriptomics integration, and multi-omics analytics, to tackle crucial challenges at the intersection of basic science, reproduction, and the biomedical field. With a focus on gametogenesis in model and non-model mammals, the effects of embryogenesis on testis development, and predictive models of species resilience, the lab connects cutting-edge research with practical applications.

Baylor University/BSB - Collaborative Equipment Network for Teaching and Research (CENTR)

Center for Microscopy and Imaging

AFM (Atomic Force Microscope)
CLSM – Olympus (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope)
CLSM – Zeiss
Computer Workstation
Critical Point Dryer
Cryomicrotome
EBL (Electron Beam Lithography)
FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscope)
Fluorescence Microscope
Light Microscope
Sample Processor
Sputter Coater
Stereomicroscope
Tabletop SEM
TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope)
TEM (Spectra 3000)
TEM Single Electron Detector & EELS (Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy)
Trimmer
Ultramicrotome
Vibrating Blade Microtome

Mass Spectrometry Center

Agilent ICP-MS 7900
Agilent LC-MS/MS 6420
Progensis Processing PC
Thermo DSQ-GC/MS
Thermo Orbitrap Discovery
Thermo Orbitrap Fusion
Thermo Orbitrap Q-Exactive
Thermo Processing PC
Thermo TSQ Evo 8000 GC-MS/MS
Waters Synapt G2S HDMS
Waters Xevo TQ-S

Molecular Biosciences Center

ABI QuantStudio 6 qPCR
Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer
BD FACSMelody Cell Sorter
Beckman Avanti JXN-26 (centrifuge)
Beckman Optima XPN1000 (ultracentrifuge)
BioRad GelDoc EZ Imager
BioTek ELx800 Absorbance Plate Reader
Biotek Lionheart FX (imaging)
Thermo Varioskan LUX Multimode Plate Reader
BD FACSVerse Flow Cytometer
Cell Culture Facilities (multiple BSCs)
GE LAS 4000 Chemi Imager
GE Typhoon FLA9000 Phosphor/Fluoro Imager

Center for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)

Bruker 400 MHz NMR
Bruker 300 MHz Fourier NMR
Bruker 600 MHz NMR
Bruker EMX Plus EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance)
Varian 500 MHz NMR

Instrumental Analysis & Chemical Stockroom

Agilent 100 HPLC
Atomic Absorption Spectrometer iCE3400
CH Instruments Electrochemistry Station
Fluorescence Spectrophotometer Hitachi 551
SCIEX P/ACE MDQ-Plus (capillary electrophoresis)
Thermo Ultimate 3000 HPLC
Thermo/Nicolet iS-10 FT-IR
UV-Visible Spectrometer Agilent 8453
Chemical Stockroom (shared resource)

Lab Safety

All lab safety records are maintained on the [SciShield] (login required). It is your responsibility to keep your training current; both you and I will receive notifications when retraining is needed.

In case of emergencies, please review the following documents:

Chemical Higine Plan
Laboratory Emergency Response Guide
Chemical Spill Instruction Sheet
Fire Extinguisher Notes

For chemical waste disposal, use the online waste pickup forms to request collection.

Quick Access Links:

Laboratory Emergency Response Guide
Chemical Spill Instruction Sheet
Fire Extinguisher Notes

Please learn more about BU Institutional Biosafety Committee using the link - https://universitycommittees.web.baylor.edu/committee-directory/institutional-biosafety-committee

Meet The EvoGenOMICs Team

Interested in joining our lab?

Contact Mariana Giassetti: mariana_giassetti@baylor.edu

Postdoctoral Researcher

I am Wilkister Nabulindo, a veterinarian and animal reproductive biologist specializing in reproductive biotechnology, stem cell culture, and genome editing. I earned my Doctorate from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, where my research focused on the generation of genetically edited surrogate sires (goats), involving spermatogonial stem cell culture and intratesticular transplantation. My research interests include in vitro embryo production (IVF and ICSI), genome editing, stem cell culture, and genomics in reproductive biology.

As a postdoctoral fellow, my current research explores the molecular mechanisms regulating early-stage mammalian development, with a particular focus on male reproductive development and spermatogenesis. I integrate phylogenetic multi-omics approaches to investigate fertility and its association with developmental biology.

Beyond research, I am passionate about mentoring students in STEM and advancing science policy to bridge research and global impact.

Doctoral Students and Candidates

My name is Melissa Patton, and I am a Graduate student at Baylor University in the Biology PhD program and an active member of the Giassetti lab studying topics related at male fertility and developmental biology. My educational background stems off a Bachelors in Biological science from Arizona State University along with a background in healthcare being licensed as a vocational nurse since 2013. I am Army retired and a mother of 3 amazing children which has not only given me an organized and structured mindset but the patience to maneuver my way through trials and errors in research. I am excited to spend each day digging deep into topics related to embryology, evolutionary medicine, and reproductive biology.

My name is Melanie L. Salas, and I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Philosophy from Syracuse University. During my studies, I conducted research under Dr. Latha Ramalingam and Dr. Alaji Bah, investigating the effects of fish oil supplementation on paternal obesity and its connection to the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) in Fragile X Syndrome. Currently, as a Ph.D. student in Dr. Mariana Ianello Giassetti's lab at Baylor University, I am focused on cancer models and exploring an Evolutionary multiomics approach in mammals. My research delves into the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis across mammalian species, aiming to uncover insights into reproductive health and infertility..

My name is Qiyang, also known as Q. I’m an international student from Sichuan, China who is now pursuing a biology PhD degree at Baylor University. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022 (Hook 'em🤘). I then joined a cancer lab at Baylor College of Medicine for my post-bachelor research, where we studied the relationship between circadian disruption and liver cancer. I was fascinated by the topic of development biology in my undergraduate and would like to develop more in related fields during my PhD study.

Undergraduate Students

Julia McNeal, Biology Major (2021– 2025) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Fall 2024 - Spring 2025
Om Patel, Biology Major (2022–2025) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Fall 2024-Summer 2025
Paige Gosset (2021–2025) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
Rhett Cox Rodabaugh (2022–2025) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
Ava Kwan (2023–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Spring 2025
Melissa Ratcliffe (2023–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Spring 2025 - present
Peter Yao (2023–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Spring 2025 – present
Ali Omar (2023–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Summer 2025 – present
Enzo Henry (2023–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Summer 2025 – present
Sophia Vega(2024–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Summer 2025 – present
Zuleika Botello (2023–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Summer 2025 – present
Ruth Gelista (2022–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R and McNair Scholarship, Summer 2025 – present
Stella Park (2022–present) – Enrolled in BIO 3V9R, Fall 2025 – present

Honorary Members

We've been lucky to have Tica, Indy, and Duke as honorary members of our team since 2014.

We are hiring!

Join the EvoGenOMICS team as a Lab Manager in the Giassetti Lab at the Department of Biology. The role focuses on multi-omics integration, gene editing, and animal gametes & preimplantation embryos.

Apply now!

In the news:

"Dr. Mariana Giassetti is an assistant professor at Baylor and an expert in animal reproduction and biosciences. When it comes to the three dire wolf cubs, Giassetti argues that they may be like their ancient ancestors.

“The dire wolf that they have right now will not be a 100% match,” Giassett said. “That’s why it’s a functional de-extinction because we recreate the phenotypes. But they will have genes … that will create phenotypes that will resemble a dire wolf. Giassetti said this entire ordeal is closer to a “proof of concept” for Colossal Bioscience and that the company still has a long way to go in terms of their technology. But it’s a great place to start, she said.”