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From the Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Urology, and Molecular and Integrated Physiology and Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| Correspondence to: Gary D. Smith, 6428 Medical Sciences I, 1301 E Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0617 (e-mail: smithg{at}umich.edu). |
| Received for publication January 28, 2005; accepted for publication January 28, 2005. |
As a graduate student, I was fortunate to be mentored in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology by Drs Fredrick Stormshak and Jerry Reeves at Oregon State and Washington State Universities, respectively. These individuals made great impressions on me in areas of scientific imagination, rigor, experimental design, and the use of statistical analytical tools. After my doctoral training, I found myself at a crossroad, desiring a quest for scientific knowledge and also the ability to translate these findings to practices that would impact patient care. Quite serendipitously, the opportunity arose to conduct a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr Donald P. Wolf at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center. This amazing experience profoundly molded my passion for basic science studies of gamete and embryo biology with an emphasis on assisted reproductive technologies (ART). At completion of my postdoctoral fellowship I accepted a position at The University of Chicago as a researcher and Director of the Hospital's ART program. In 1998, I moved to the University of Michigan. Currently, I am an associate professor in the Departments of Ob/GYN, Urology, and Molecular and Integrated Physiology within the Medical School. Additionally, I serve as the Director of the hospital's ART laboratories and the Fertility Counseling and Gamete Cryopreservation laboratory in the Comprehensive Cancer Center. I am truly fortunate to have a career that provides the chance to perform both basic and applied research as well as direct interaction with infertility patients.
Andrology, derived from the Greek word andros, or man, is defined as the medical specialty that deals with men's health, particularly relating to problems of the male reproductive system and urological problems unique to men. When one considers this discipline and publications that represent this field in Journal of Andrology, it is easy to appreciate the span of foci within this specialty. Basic-research studies, ranging from investigations of genomic and proteomic regulation of reproductive and urological cancers; endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine regulation of spermatogenesis; and extracellular and intracellular regulation of sperm function are just a few examples of exciting areas within our discipline. As important are those studies aimed at translating basic-science research findings into safe, efficacious, and clinically relevant technologies. Recent findings in the arenas of Y-microdeletions and genetic causes of infertility; therapeutic interruptions of cell signaling in cancerous cell growth; and identification, isolation, and potential utilization of spermatogonial stem cells hold great promise in the future of medicine. Last, application of both basic and translational research findings into clinical practice, and subsequent improvement in health and well-being of those afflicted with andrological disorders are of vital importance. All three of these research directions are obviously important, no one more than another. However, the synergy of basic science, translational science, and clinical application should be a goal of health-related research and thus considered the scientific trinity.
Within the Journal of Andrology's Lab Corner, we desire original articles that discuss timely subjects based on solid translational and basic-science findings. Holding true to the previous direction of the Lab Corner, articles will deal with clinical andrology laboratory issues, policies and procedures, quality control and assurance, and management. Additionally, articles with scientifically based opinions and controversies will fit well within this venue.
The following is a list of the recent (2002–present) subjects addressed within Lab Corner:
Goals in the manuscript review process are that submitted manuscripts will be assigned to 3 anonymous experts in the field. Prompt comment returns will be essential. Decisions on acceptance as is, acceptance with revisions, or rejection will be based on at least 2 reviews. These reviews will be provided to the authors. Our aim is to publish quality works on timely issues without making the process excessively burdensome on authors, reviewers, or editors.
Recall that the Lab Corner welcomes submissions of unsolicited manuscripts, requested reviews, and articles in a debate format. Papers appearing in this section are not considered primary-research reports. All submissions should be sent to the Journal of Andrology Editorial Office. As is always the case, the educational and information-disseminating success of this section will be directly proportional to the number of ideas and efforts provided by you, the readers of Journal of Andrology. Finally, I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to continued success of the Lab Corner.
Footnotes
* Andrology Lab Corner welcomes the submission of unsolicited
manuscripts, requested reviews, and articles in a debate forum. Manuscripts
will be reviewed and edited by the the Section Editor. All submissions should
be sent to the Journal of Andrology Editorial Office. Letters
to the editor in response to articles as well as suggested topics for future
issues are encouraged. 
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