Jacques J. Tremblay MSc, PhD, LLB

Dr. Tremblay is a scientist in the Reproduction, Mother and Child Health axis of the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec—Laval University, and Full Professor in Laval University’s School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction. His research focuses on the study of various facets of Leydig cells, cells that belong to the endocrine system, with applications for disorders of sexual development, hormone-dependent diseases, cell differentiation, as well as the regulation of gene expression. In 2013, Dr. Tremblay was awarded the prestigious Young Andrologist Award from the American Society of Andrology for his contribution to the field of andrology.

Dr.Tremblay’s research program is at the interface of endocrinology and cellular and molecular biology. His team studies the molecular mechanisms of Leydig cell differentiation and function. Leydig cells are testicular cells involved in the production of the steroid hormone, testosterone. Inadequate levels of steroid hormones are a cause, or at least an aggravating factor, of many human pathologies such as cancers, PCOS, endometriosis, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In addition to male reproductive health, sufficient testosterone levels are essential for male general health. Understanding how this system works in normal conditions by studying Leydig cells will provide essential information that will ultimately lead to better diagnoses and treatments for these problems.