Müllerian and vaginal anomalies are congenital malformations of the female reproductive tract resulting from alterations in the normal developmental pathway of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and vagina. The most common of the Müllerian anomalies affect the uterus and may adversely impact reproductive outcomes highlighting the importance of gaining understanding of the genetic mechanisms t...

For many years it was thought that the female reproductive tract was a sterile environment, devoid of immune cells or pathogens. We now know that the immune system represents an important component of reproductive tissues, influencing many of its biological functions. Similarly, bacteria are present within the female reproductive tract as a normal component. Therefore, the female reproductive t...

Mating induces changes in female insects, including in egg production, ovulation and laying, sperm storage, and behavior. Several molecules and effects that induce these changes have been identified, but their proximate effects on females remain unexplored. We examined whether vesicle release occurs as a consequence of mating; we used transgenic Drosophila that allow monitoring of secretory gra...