Jing Xu is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, and the Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health &Science University (OHSU). She earned her Ph.D. degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, and obtained her postdoctoral training in neuroscience and reproductive science at OHSU. She was appointed as a BIRCWH (NIH/ORWH and NICHD Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health) Scholar and became a faculty member at OHSU in 2012.

Using a nonhuman primate model, her research investigates the production and direct actions of paracrine/autocrine factors, including peptide hormones (e.g., anti-Müllerian hormone, activin and vascular endothelial growth factor) and steroids (e.g., androgen and vitamin D), in ovarian follicles developed in vitro and in vivo. The goal is to unravel their roles in controlling follicular cell proliferation, differentiation and function. Data generated from the nonhuman primate studies could portend novel therapeutic approaches via manipulating local factors to regulate folliculogenesis clinically in women with ovarian dysfunction, including polycystic ovary syndrome.

For in vitro studies, her laboratory developed three-dimensional culture techniques to grow ovarian tissue and follicles achieving function in production of steroid hormones and peptide factors, as well as oocyte maturation for subsequent in vitro fertilization and early embryonic development. The culture system provides a valuable model to monitor and manipulate molecular signaling pathways and related factors to obtain knowledge of their roles and importance on ovarian follicle growth and steroidogenic/gametogenic functions. For in vivo studies, her research team uses intraovarian infusion technique achieving local delivery of target agents to study their actions in regulating follicle growth and selection in the ovary during the spontaneous menstrual cycle. Genetic manipulation approaches can be applied locally precluding complex systemic effects. The dynamics of the follicular development is monitored and evaluated chronologically via high-resolution transabdominal Doppler 3D ultrasonography.

While improving conditions for nonhuman primate ovarian tissue and follicle culture, translational efforts are made on human in vitro follicle maturation in collaboration with Dr. Tanja Pejovic in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, OHSU. By achieving the goal of producing competent oocytes, this technique may offer a means to enhance fertility preservation options in female patients facing ovarian toxic medical treatment, including cancer therapies.