Katherine Roby, PhD

Dr. Katherine F. Roby is a Research Professor of Anatomy & Cell Biology and Obstetrics & Gynecology and the Director of the Andrology Laboratory in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Dr. Roby received a PhD in Physiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center where she focused her research in ovarian biology and ovarian follicle development and ovulation. She carried out post-doctoral fellowships studying the immunology of pregnancy and placental biology.

Dr. Roby serves as Director of the Andrology Laboratory, a part of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Advanced Reproductive Medicine clinic. The Laboratory supports patients of the Advance Reproductive Medicine clinic and physicians and clinics across the Kansas City region.

The Ovary: Dr. Roby’s research is primarily focused on furthering our understanding of the cellular and molecular events controlling normal ovarian function. Studies include the use of rodent, human and in vitro model systems. Overall goals are to understand conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency and provide strategies for intervention. Recent studies focused on the estrogen receptor system in the ovary have identified a novel role for estrogen in regulating primordial follicle activation and implicates novel mechanisms related to premature ovarian insufficiency. At the other end of the process of follicle development these studies have led to the identification of novel peptides that appear to have a role in maturation of heathy and competent oocytes. These studies are progressing in both rodent and human systems and are, in part, assessing novel protocols for in vitro maturation of oocytes. In additional studies, we are examining the biological and molecular effects of testosterone exposure in ovaries collected from transgender men and we are developing protocols optimizing fertility preservation using these ovaries.
Ovarian Cancer: A second major focus in the lab relates to ovarian cancer. Nearly 20 years ago we developed a syngeneic mouse model for ovarian cancer. The major strength of this model is it involves the use of immune-competent mice and thus is amenable to the study the immune system in ovarian cancer biology and treatment. Recent studies related to pre-clinical cancer drug development have focused toward personalized medicine and understanding variations in cancers that are likely key in designing a successful treatment for each patient individually. Dr. Roby is director of the tumor graft models for ovarian cancer program. A key aspect of the program is the development of patient-derived xenograft models whereby primary tumors are propagated in severely immune-deficient mice. This is a cutting-edge approach to defining both molecular characteristics of individual tumors and to identifying efficacious personalized treatment regimens.
Sperm/male fertility: Although Dr. Roby’s primary research emphasis is on the ovary, her role as director of an andrology-focused clinical laboratory has provided opportunities for both basic and translational research related to sperm and male fertility. Some recent studies include defining semen quality in transgender women prior to gender affirming therapy with a long-range goal of optimizing protocols ensuring fertility preservation. In the realm of translational studies related to male fertility, we are currently a part of a world-wide clinical trial testing a novel male contraceptive. This is a major trial sponsored by NIH/NICHD and the Population Council.