Hanne Hoffmann, PhD

Hanne Hoffmann

Contact Me

Phone:
517-353-1415

Email:

Education

  • D. 12/2010 - Neurobiology, Montpellier University 2, France, European mention
  • D. 12/2010 - Biochemistry, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain, Cum Laude
  • Postdoc 06/11-03/17 - Department of Reproductive Medicine, UC San Diego.

Research

Dr. Hoffmann’s research program is focused on understanding the molecular pathways and brain circuitry regulating function of the hypothalamus and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the major pacemaker of the body, and how their impaired function affects hormone release, behavior, fertility and pregnancy. Uncoordinated hormone release, as seen in shift workers and people sitting in front of bright screens late into the night, is a growing health concern and affects more than 20% of the US population. Not only do impaired circadian rhythms increase the risk of endocrine disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, but they also affect mental health and lead to infertility and appear to be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. To further our understanding of the importance of circadian rhythms in endocrine-related disorders and fertility, Dr. Hoffmann has developed novel mouse models allowing her to understand the central and peripheral control of reproductive function. The two main focuses of our research are:

  • Understanding how shiftwork and circadian disruption impacts ovulation and fertility
  • The role of circadian rhythms in pregnancy, specifically focusing on uterine and placental function

Dr. Hoffmann’s current projects use numerous molecular biology approaches, including novel transgenic mouse models, reporter mice (Per2::luciferase, TdTomato, etc), and recordings from live cells and tissues, in combination with behavioral studies.

Research topics

  • Reproduction
  • Pregnancy
  • Preterm Labor
  • Neuro-endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Circadian rhythms
  • Development
  • Receptor-induced signaling

Awards

2014 - Early Career Forum Travel award for ICE/ENDO 2014 in Chicago, IL (Women in Endocrinology)

2015 - Endocrine Society Outstanding Abstract Award (ENDO 2015)

2016 - Neena Schwartz Young Investigator Award in Basic Science (Women in Endocrinology)

2016 - Early Investigators Award supported by Merck & Co., Inc. (Endocrine Society)

2017 - New Investigator Award (Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology)

2019 – Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Awards (March of Dimes)

2022 - 2021 Biology of Reproduction Most Popular Research Article Award (Biology of Reproduction).

NCBI-My Bibliography

Lab Website

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