Dr. MacLean’s research focuses on the regulation of gene expression during gonad development and gametogenesis. His dissertation work identified and characterized novel serine proteinase inhibitors produced by the trophoblast of cattle and sheep involved in maternal-fetal interaction. Dr. MacLean conducted his post-doctoral training at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX where he performed the pioneered studies on the regulation and function of Pem (now Rhox5) in granulosa cells of the ovary. He discovered that Pem was the central member of a new large cluster of X-linked homeobox genes. These RHOX factors are normally restricted to reproductive tissues, but several exhibit aberrant expression in cancers of divergent lineages. In July of 2020, Dr. MacLean joined the School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology (where he is now Associate Director) after 13 years on the faculty at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
Affiliate and Adjunct Appointments
- Adjunct, Center for Reproductive Biology
Education
- Post-doctoral Fellow, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2001-2007
- PhD, The University of Missouri-Columbia (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), 2000
- BS, The University of Missouri-Columbia (Biology), 1991
Research Interest
- Human and animal physiology, molecular biology, and reproductive biology including spermatogenesis, ovulation, and the reproductive tract.
- Characterizing the role of the Reproductive homeobox X-linked (RHOX) transcription factor family in gonad development and fertility using transgenic mouse models.
- Tissue-specific and cell-type specific gene regulation of transcription factors by hormone receptors (e.g., AR, PGR, ESR1) that coordinate developmental and reproductive biology processes and how this may become corrupted as cells become cancerous.
- Examining the impact of conditional ablations of insulin receptors in male and female reproductive tissues to characterize the role of insulin signaling plays in gamete maturation, fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, and parturition.
- The molecular basis underlying fertility complications in individuals with metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes) to provide insight towards developing new treatments to improve reproductive outcomes.
Publications
Professional Service
- Organizing Committee (co-chair), Northwest Reproductive Sciences Symposium, 2022
- Frontiers in Endocrinology – Board of Reviewing Editors, 2021-Present
- Society for the Study of Reproduction – Awards Committee, 2021-Present
- NIH Peer Review Committee: CMIR, standing member (co-chair 2022), 2020-Present
- Society for the Study of Reproduction – Publications Committee, 2020-Present
- Kiwanis International – Carbondale, IL Chapter, 2016–2020
- Society for the Study of Reproduction – Bylaws Committee (chair 2018-2020), 2016–2020
- NIH Peer Review Committee: ICER, ad hoc reviewer, 2014-2019
- Biology of Reproduction – Board of Reviewing Editors, 2018 – Present
- Society for the Study of Reproduction – Membership Committee, 2011-2014
- Organizing Chair, Illinois Symposium on Reproductive Sciences (ISRS), 2014, 2018
- Regular Member, Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), 2007-Present
Honors and Awards
- Top Reviewing Editor – Biology of Reproduction, 2020
- ALTANA Pharma Award for Outstanding Research Publication from MDACC, 2005
- Lalor Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowship in Reproductive Biology, 2003-2004
- NIH T32 Postdoctoral fellowship (Univ. Texas Reproductive Sciences), 2001-2003