Eric Walters
Research Assistant Professor
  • B.S. Western Illinois University
  • M.S. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Ph.D. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Post-Doc Training: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign,University of Missouri-Columbia

    • Walterse@missouri.edu

    Research emphasis: In my laboratory there are two main research focuses; 1) Molecular embryology: Our goal is to advance the understanding of basic embryo physiology during early mammalian embryogenesis; particularly in the mouse and porcine models. The efficiency of many assisted reproductive technologies are extremely low, especially those of the porcine model. Currently, the production efficiency of transgenic pigs by nuclear transfer is approximately 1%. By understanding the genetic basis of mammalian embryonic developmental competence and how epigenetic factors influence embryonic development, we can improve the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies. Understanding the factors that influence developmental competence will facilitate improvements in assisted reproductive technologies, making them more similar to the in vivo system.

    2) Cryobiology: Our goal is to develop of a user (e.g. producer) friendly method for boar spermatozoa cryopreservation that will result in post-thaw motility, conception rates, litter sizes, and live born that are comparable to fresh semen. Combining basic science with applied science, we can develop fundamentally sound cryopreservation protocols for both commercial studs as well as genetically modified pigs used for biomedical research.

    Selected publications:

    E. M. Walters, H Men, Y Agca, S. F. Mullen, E. S. Critser, J. K. Critser. 2005. Osmotic Tolerance of Mouse Spermatozoa from Various Genetic Backgrounds: Acrosome Integrity, Membrane Integrity, and Maintenance of Motility. Cryobiology. (in press)

    Wheeler M.B., E.M. Walters, and S.G. Clark. 2003. Transgenic Animals in Biomedicine and Agriculture: Outlook of the Future. Anim Reprod Sci.79(3-4); 265-289.

    S. Raty, E.M. Walters, J. Davis, H.C. Zeringue, D. J. Beebe, S. L. Rodriguez-Zas and M. B. Wheeler. Embryonic Development in the Mouse is Enhanced in Microfluidic Channels. 2004. Lab on a Chip, 4 (3), 186 - 190.

    Swain, J.E., C.L Bormann, S.G. Clark, E.M Walters, M.B. Wheeler, R.L. Krisher 2002. Use of Energy Substrates by Various Stage Preimplantation Pig Embryos Produced In Vivo or In Vitro. Reproduction 123:253-260.

    Wheeler, M.B. and E.M. Walters. 2001. Transgenic Technology and Applications in Swine. Theriogenology 56:1345-1369.