Hollinshead Lab

The Hollinshead Laboratory is committed to advancing the field of artificial reproductive technologies, contraception, in vitro production of hormones to manipulate the reproductive cycle, and novel therapeutics. At the heart of our research is the belief that a comprehensive understanding of basic reproductive processes transcends species boundaries and holds the key to transformative advancements in veterinary medicine and beyond.

Our lab is founded on several key philosophies and goals that drive our research and guide our interactions within and beyond the scientific community which include:

  • A comparative reproduction research program in which we work with a diverse array of species including canine, feline, equine, bovine, and wildlife species
  • We are dedicated to bridging the gap between bench-top discoveries and clinical applications to improve veterinary and reproductive operations, foster advancements in reproductive success, and benefit animal health and well-being.
  • We are committed to improving the well-being of animals and contributing positively to the sustainability of our environment. Our research explores ways to enhance animal health and reproduction, with a broader impact on conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.
  • We are dedicated to the development and optimization of effective and novel in vitro models to serve as invaluable tools for studying reproductive diseases and testing the efficacy of potential biological therapeutics. Importantly, this allows reduced reliance on live animals in research, offering ethical alternatives that advance scientific understanding.
  • Collaboration is the cornerstone of scientific progress and key to the success of our research program. By working collaboratively, we leverage diverse expertise and resources to address complex questions and challenges in reproductive physiology.
  • A core goal of our lab is to equip undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral fellows with the latest scientific techniques and methodologies, as well as clinical skills and knowledge necessary to tackle new research questions and challenges in an inclusive, supportive, collaborative, and enjoyable research environment that promotes creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas.
research project

Equine chorionic girdle (CG) organoids and their in vitro production of equine chronic gonadotropin (eCG) (bioreactor)

The equine chorionic girdle is a unique placental structure in the mare that is composed of specialized invasive trophoblast cells that will form endometrial cups and secrete the glycoprotein hormone equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), also known as pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG).

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research project

Canine endometrial organoids as a model to study endometrial disease and investigate therapeutics

Canine endometrial organoids are used to enhance our understanding of common reproductive pathologies in the bitch without the need for research animals.

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research project

Canine sperm sexing, cryopreservation, and novel therapeutics to improve reproductive performance in working dog breeding programs

Sperm sexing technology is based on the difference in DNA content between X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm.

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research project

Contraception

Our goals are to: 1) demonstrate that extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as those produced by organoids, display tropism toward their tissue of origin and 2) establish gene editing by EVs loaded with CRISPR-cas9 ribonucleoproteins in vitro using an oviductal organoid model and in vivo in a mouse model.

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research project

Laboratory Areas of Expertise and Research Projects

View more of the laboratory's projects along with additional information on the lab's areas of expertise.

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Publications

Production of mare chorionic girdle organoids that secrete equine chorionic gonadotropin.

RE Thompson, M Meyers, J Palmer, D N Rao Veeramachaneni, C Magee, AM De Mestre, DF Antczak, FK Hollinshead (2023). Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 9538. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119538

Bovine oviductal organoids: a multi-omics approach to capture the cellular and extracellular molecular response of the oviduct to heat stress.

Menjivar NG, Gad A, Thompson RE, Meyers MA, Hollinshead FK, Tesfaye D. BMC Genomics 2023; 24(1):646. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-023-09746-y

Generation and cryopreservation of feline oviductal organoids.

Thompson RE, Meyers MA, Premanandan C, Hollinshead FK (2023). Theriogenology 2023;196, 167-173. PMID: 36423511 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.020

Production of extracellular vesicles from equine embryo-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.

Tasma Z, Hou W, Damani T, Seddon K, Kang M, Ge Y, Hanlon D, Hollinshead FK, Hisey CL (2022). Reproduction 2022; Aug 25;164(4):143-154. PMID: 35938796 https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0215

Evaluation of growth, viability, and structural integrity of equine endometrial organoids following cryopreservation

Thompson RE, Meyers MA, Pukazhenthi BS, Hollinshead FK (2021). Cryobiology 2021; 104, 56-62. PMID: 34788682 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.11.003

more publications
39 Undergraduates, graduates, and theriogenology residents mentored
$1.6 million grants and awards funded
11 manuscripts in scientific journals published

People

Fiona Hollinshead, BVSc (Hons), Ph.D., Diplomate ACT

Lab Principal Investigator (PI)
Associate Professor
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Melinda Meyers, M.S.

Senior Research Technician
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory

Riley Thompson, D.V.M., Ph.D., Diplomate A.C.T.

Postdoctoral Fellow
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory
Funding: NIH K01

Brandi Dunn, D.V.M., M.S.-Ph.D. Student

Graduate Fellowship
Funding: USDA-NNF

Alex Horner, D.V.M.

Clinical Resident in Theriogenology
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Companion Animal Theriogenology Residency Training Program
Funding: AKC-CHF-TF

Charissa Ehresman

Undergrad Student
2023 - 2024

Marcie Jung

Undergrad Student
2022 - 2024

Arianna Hamilton

Undergrad Student
2023 - 2024

Lila Motley

Undergrad Student
2022 - 2023

Jenny Hoang

Undergrad Student
2022 - 2023

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contact information

Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory
3105 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80521

(931) 303-1338