Dr. James Godkin
Professor

Education

Post Doc. in Biochemistry, University of Florida
Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology, University of Massachusetts
M.S. in Reproductive Physiology, University of Massachusetts
B.S. in Animal Science, University of Massachusetts

Professional Interest: Reproductive Physiology

Research in reproduction is a means for scientists to improve the fertility and fecundity of mammalian species, reduce birth defects and lessen the incident of adult-onset diseases, develop safe and effective methods of contraception and increase the supply of food animals through improved livestock reproductive efficiency.

Early embryonic mortality is the major cause of reproductive failure in cattle and other domestic ruminants. Embryonic wastage in livestock has been documented to occur in about 40% of pregnancies, resulting in fewer animals born, impeded genetic progress and significant financial loss to the livestock industry. The great majority of embryonic mortality occurs during the first three weeks of pregnancy. The maintenance of early pregnancy is dependent upon coordinated interactions and signaling between the maternal reproductive environment and its occupant, the conceptus. Failure of the maternal unit or embryo to provide or respond to the appropriate signals, results in pregnancy failure.

Research in the Godkin lab is designed to identify the signaling molecules, originating from the embryo and the uterus, that function in the maintenance of pregnancy. Specifically, we investigate the embryonic signals that alter maternal endocrinology resulting in pregnancy maintenance and the uterine signals that support embryonic growth, development and implantation. Molecules of interest include lipid mediators and the enzymes that produce them, cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, retinoid-associated proteins and biogenic amines. The long range goal of this work is to identify the function and mechanisms of these signaling molecules, then apply this knowledge to develop novel therapies for regulation of important reproductive events such as estrous cycling, early embryonic survival, pregnancy maintenance and parturition.

Select Publications:

• Godkin JD, Roberts MP, Guan W, Elgayyar M, Tithof, PK. 2008. Phospholipase A2 regulation of bovine endometrial (BEND) cell prostaglandin production. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 6:44-53.
• Livingston T, Rich, K, MacKenzie S, Godkin, JD. 2009. Glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme expression in in vivo matured sheep oocytes.  An Reprod Sci (in press)
• Livingston TE, Eberhardt DM, Edwards JL, Godkin JD. 2005.  Retinol improves bovine embryonic development in vitro. Biol Reprod Endocrinol 2: 83-89.
• Godkin JD, Smith SE, Johnson RD, Dore JJE. Role of trophoblast interferons in maintenance of pregnancy in ruminants. 1997 Am J Reprod Immunol 37: 137-143.
• Sakura T, Godkin JD, Imakawa K et al 2009 Induction of endogenous tau interferon gene transcription by CDX2 and high acetylation in bovine non-trophoblast cells. Biol Reprod (in press).
• Tithof PK, Roberts MP, Guan, W, Elgayyar M,  Godkin, JD. 2007. Distinct phospholipase A2 enzymes regulate prostaglandin E2 and F2a production by bovine uterine endometrial epithelial cells. Biol Reprod & Endocrinol 5: 16-28.