The Giassetti lab investigates how spermatogenesis, the process of sperm formation, affects male fertility and offspring development through evolutionary pathways in model and non-model animals.
Explore our site to find out more about what we do, keep up to date with our latest discoveries, and look for opportunities to join our team.
So, come on this journey with us, and let's unlock the wonders of mammalian male fertility together!
Get to know our Research
Join us as we unravel the mysteries of male reproductive health in mammals! Our mission? To discover the hidden and evolutionary conserved secrets behind sperm production and find new solutions for male infertility across the species.
Sperm production, or spermatogenesis, is crucial for successful reproduction, but disruptions can lead to infertility. With cutting-edge techniques like gene editing and integrative OMICS data analysis, we're diving deep into the molecular world of spermatogenesis in wild and domesticated animals. But our research isn't just about understanding biology—it's about making a real-world impact.
By uncovering these secrets, we can protect biodiversity, improve livestock genetics, and even enhance endangered species’ reproductive health.
So, come on this journey with us, and let's unlock the wonders of mammalian male fertility together!
Understanding Paternal Influence: From Mice to Non-Model Species in Reproductive Health and Beyond
Unveiling the Phylogenetic Molecular Mechanisms of Male Germ Cell Development
Exploring Germ Cell Diversity Across Species The mammalian testis is a complex environment housing various cell types crucial for sperm production, including germ cells at different developmental stages and supportive somatic cells. Through comparative analyses of testicular cell populations across species, we aim to decipher how sperm differentiation evolves and initiates meiosis.
Deciphering Modulators of Male Infertility in Mammal
Spermatogenesis relies on a complex communication between germ cells and neighboring somatic cells. We're using advanced techniques like multi-omics analysis and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to uncover the genetic pathways and interactions driving sperm production. Our goal is to understand these mechanisms thoroughly, pinpointing specific molecular regulators unique to germ cells. Then, we aim to replicate and manipulate these targets in laboratory settings or living organisms, with the aim of applying these discoveries to help non-model animals.
Unraveling the Paternal Impact: Male Fertility and Early Embryonic Development
Paternal factors impact early embryonic development. We'll use reproductive techniques like IVF, ICSI, and embryo culture to evaluate paternally-derived gametes in mice and non-model species. We'll 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 biodiversity conservation.
Publications
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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.
About
My name is Mariana Ianello Giassetti, and I am an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biology at Baylor University.
As a veterinarian and scientist, I am dedicated to solving the mysteries of animal reproduction. I have a Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and another in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology from the University of Zaragoza, Spain; I am equipped with a unique blend of expertise to lead my dynamic research team.
Embryology, Evolutionary Medicine & Reproductive Biology: Unlocking Insights for Health & Biotech
Education
Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza – Zaragoza, Spain (2012-2015).
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
Experience
Meet Dr. Mariana Ianello Giassetti, a veterinarian and scientist on a mission to unravel the phylogenetic mysteries of animal reproduction. Mariana has been an Assistant Professor in Evolutionary Medicine at the Biology Department at Baylor University, Waco, Texas, since January 2024.
With a Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and another in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology from the University of Zaragoza, Spain, Mariana brings a unique blend of expertise to her vibrant research group. Driven by her passion for animal biotechnology, Mariana explores the intricate world of male reproductive health and gene editing in non-model animals.
Her journey led her to a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington State University, where she delved into the higher-impact publications in spermatogenesis and embryogenesis, improving her skills in embryology, gene editing, integrative OMICS, and bioinformatics.Mariana's research focuses on uncovering the hidden molecular mechanisms behind male fertility and reproductive health in mammals. Using state-of-the-art technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and multi-omics analysis, she seeks to understand how evolutionary conserved genes influence spermatogenesis and embryonic development.
Beyond her research, Mariana advocates collaboration and diversity in STEM fields. She has forged strong partnerships across the globe, from South and Central America to Europe and Africa, to further her research goals and drive innovation in animal biotechnology.
Previously, Mariana worked as an embryologist in the Biotech Industry, where she applied advanced techniques to assist endangered species and develop novel gene editing tools. Her dedication extends to mentorship and education, where she inspires the next generation of scientists and promotes diversity and inclusion in biotechnology and reproductive biology.With an unwavering commitment to advancing molecular biotechnology, Mariana Giassetti continues to push boundaries, driving transformative discoveries that deepen our understanding of animal reproduction and embryonic development. Through her work, she aims to make a lasting impact on conservation efforts, agricultural technology, and the future of reproductive biology.
Explore Useful Resources That Have Enhanced Our Work.
Webinars
IETS webinarshttps://www.iets.org/Foundation/Webinars
SSR webinars http://ssr.org/webinars/page/2/ASRM webinars https://connect.asrm.org/srbt/resources/webinars?ssopc=1
The International IVF Initiative webinarshttps://ivfmeeting.com/collections/lectures
ASA webinarhttps://andrologysociety.org/video-library/
Courses
Here is the link for the Frontier of Reproduction (FIR) that occurs every year in Woods Hole, MA.
Online Tools
Gene structure and descriptions:
GeneCards: https://www.genecards.org
Ensembl: http://useast.ensembl.org/index.html
NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/
Functional-OMICS and animal model descriptions:
UniProt: https://www.uniprot.orgExpression (RNA and protein)
Human RNA: https://www.gtexportal.org/home/
Human protein: https://www.proteinatlas.org
MGI: https://www.informatics.jax.org/javawi2/servlet/WIFetch?page=expressionQFexpandedKO models:
JAX https://www.informatics.jax.org/home/strainPathways:
Gene ontology:Panther: https://www.pantherdb.org
String https://string-db.org
Join Us on Our Journey to Unlocking the Secrets of Reproductive Health
Interested in joining our lab?
Contact Mariana Giassetti: mariana_giassetti@baylor.edu
Meet Our
Team
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.
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 women in STEM and advancing science policy to bridge research and global impact.
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.