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The Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception at the University of Washington is dedicated to basic and clinical research focused primarily on the male reproductive system. Under the auspices of the Center, fifteen project investigators are working to understand the biology of this complex system and to apply their findings to problems of infertility and contraceptive development. Their research ranges from the biophysics of cell signaling to clinical trials of hormonal contraceptives. Other important goals are to train young scientists in the methods of reproductive biology and medicine and to maintain cooperative research with institutions in developing countries.

Together, the scientists and trainees of the CRRC are addressing some of the most challenging scientific problems as well as the most pressing social issues of our time.

NEWS FROM CRRC

<	Center investigator Robert E. Braun, Ph.D., and his colleagues have identified a gene in the mouse, ZFP145, that is the first to be linked to the functioning of the adult germ stem cells that produce sperm in mammals. The study, published electronically by Nature Genetics on May 23, 2004, may have implications for both infertility studies and contraceptive development. More information.
<	William J. Bremner, M.D., Ph.D., director of the CRRC, has received the 2003 Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Washington Medical Alumni Association. This award recognizes a graduate whose professional achievements have brought personal distinction, enhanced the profession, improved the welfare of the general public, and brought honor to the School of Medicine.
<	The University of Washington was recently awarded a $9.5 million grant from the NICHD Cooperative Contraceptive Research Centers Program to establish a new interdisciplinary research center at UW to focus on male reproductive biology and contraception. William J. Bremner, M.D., Ph.D., is director of the new Center.
<	Center Director William J. Bremner, M.D., Ph.D., is serving as president of the American Society of Andrology through mid-2005. The 2005 annual meeting of the ASA will be held in Seattle April 2-5.
<	Center investigator Bertil Hille, Ph.D., was awarded the 1999 Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in recognition of his work in elucidating the functional and structural architecture of ion channel proteins. Dr. Hille is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics.

   Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception                                   Phone 206.616.1818 - Fax 206.616.0499
   University of Washington - Box 357138                                                               pgarcia@u.washington.edu
   Seattle, WA 98195-7138                                                                                       http://depts.washington.edu/popctr