WSU Researcher Seeks to Discover Cause of Tumors that Lead to Infertility

PULLMAN, Wash. — Human infertility remains a complex and challenging condition for scientists like Washington State University researcher John Nilson, one of the nation’s leading molecular endocrinologists, who knows that the formation of tumors in the pituitary—a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain—is a leading cause of infertility.

Nilson, director of the WSU School of Molecular Biosciences, is among the researchers dedicated to the discovery of the underlying causes of such tumors. With research continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 1980, he has focused recent efforts on examining hormonal regulation of pituitary genes. He hopes to one day identify the complete genetic network that leads to the creation of the tumors. Completion of such research will pave the way for development of drugs to attack cancer cells.

“Unlocking the Secrets of Infertility” will be the topic of the Oct. 27 presentation at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 1400 6th Ave., Cirrus Room, 35th Floor, in downtown Seattle. Tickets are $40 per person and include lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. To register online, visit https://www.wsu.edu/theinnovators/. Registration will continue until capacity is reached.

Part of Nilson’s current efforts focus on deciphering critical elements and factors responsible for correct temporal, spatial and hormonal regulation of genes in the pituitary that regulate fertility in males and females.

Most recently, Nilson has capitalized on the information gained from these studies to construct transgenic mice with functional ovarian hyperstimulation that leads to graunolsa cell tumors, mammary cancer and pituitary adenomas. All of these tumorigenic events are preceded by hormone-dependent cell growth.

His long-term goal is to identify the complete genetic network necessary and sufficient for the genesis of all of these tumors.