• BVSc and AH (1983, Punjab Agril. University of India)
• MVSc (1986, Punjab Agril. University of India)
• PhD (1997, University of Saskatchewan, Canada)

Dr. Singh's teaching expertise is in the area of microscopic anatomy and reproductive science with special interest in ovarian follicle and oocyte development, and early embryonic development. He has taught microscopic anatomy to first year veterinary students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine since 1999. His graduate teaching includes physiology and endocrinology of reproduction in mammals, techniques in reproduction, and ultrastructural cytology. He has co-directed nine continuing-education reproductive ultrasonography and embryo transfer training workshops during his academic career. He has supervised or co-supervised 13 MSc, 8 Ph.D. and more than 40 undergraduate students, and has hosted 3 post-doctoral fellows and 9 faculty members from around the World.

 

Dr Singh’s research program is focused on factors that influence an oocyte’s ability to develop into an embryo during first 7 days of life (i.e., oocyte competence). Over the past decade, his research team has established and validated the bovine model of maternal reproductive aging for the study of ovarian function in humans. His current and past research has been directed towards studying the ultrasonographic, morphologic and biochemical kinetics and endocrine control of ovarian follicles. He focuses on to investigate the developmental competence of oocytes contained in these follicles for refining controlled breeding programs (e.g. fixed-time artificial insemination and superovulation procedures) to improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle and to help with assisted reproduction in humans. His particular interest is in direct in vivo imaging of cumulus oocyte complexes using ultrasound biomicroscopy, echotexture analysis, and 3D visualization of cellular organelles in oocytes. Recently, his research group has examined the role of alterations in granulosa cell transcriptome during follicular and maternal aging. His research program has been funded by the discovery grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for the past 15 years and by support from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Canadian Light Source, EmbryoGENE Network, Prostate Canada, Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation, Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, and Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. He has published more than 100 original research articles or review papers in scientific journals, 175 abstracts and presented more than 20 Invited talks. His current research projects extend from the study the basic molecular, cellular and endocrine control of ovarian follicles (neuroendocrine control pathways in the bovine hypothalamus, follicle development and oocyte competence during pre- and peripubertal period) to field experiments for optimizing reproductive efficiency and health in cattle (e.g., 7-day FSH protocol for superovulation; effect low-levels of ergot alkaloid in animal feed on reproductive performance of beef cows and breeding bulls) and to the development of domestic animal models for the study of human disorders (canine models of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer in men, and endometriosis in women). His research group maintains the Oocyte Competence Laboratory and the Molecular and Live-cell imaging facility at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

 

• Alfoteisy, B., Singh, J., Anzar, M.  2020.  Natural honey acts as a nonpermeating cryoprotectant for promoting bovine oocyte vitrification.  PLoS ONE, 15(9): e0238573.  https://www.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238573   

• Aulakh, G.K., Brocos Duda, J.A., Guerrero Soler, C.M., Snead, E., Singh, J.  2020.  Characterization of low-dose ozone-induced murine acute lung injury.  Physiological Reports, 8(11): e14463.  https://www.doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14463

• Awang-Junaidi, A.H., Singh, J., Honaramooz, A.  2020.  Regeneration of testis tissue after ectopic implantation of porcine testis cell aggregates in mice: Improved consistency of outcomes and in situ monitoring.  Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 32(6): 594-609.  https://www.doi.org/10.1071/RD19043

• Beck, K., Singh, J., Dar, M.A., Anzar, M.  2020.  Angiogenesis and follicular development in ovarian tissue of cattle following vitrification and post-warming culture on chicken chorioallantoic membrane.  Animal Reproduction Science, 212: 106254.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106254

• Carrasco, R.A., Leonardi, C.E., Hutt, K., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2020.  Kisspeptin induces LH release and ovulation in an induced ovulator.  Biology of Reproduction, 103(1): 49-59.  https://www.doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaa051

• Fayaz, M.A., Awang-Junaidi, A.H., Singh, J., Honaramooz, A.  2020.  Validation of ultrasound biomicroscopy for the assessment of xenogeneic testis tissue grafts and cell implants in recipient mice.  Andrology, 8(5): 1332-1346.  https://www.doi.org/10.1111/andr.12771

• Fayaz, M.A., Awang-Junaidi, A.H., Singh, J., Honaramooz, A.  2020.  Long-term monitoring of donor xenogeneic testis tissue grafts and cell implants in recipient mice using ultrasound biomicroscopy.  Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 46(11): 3088-3103.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.07.010

• Krause, A.R.T., Dias, F.C.F., Adams, G.P., Mapletoft, R.J., Singh, J.  2020.  Effect of dose and duration of FSH treatment on ovarian response in prepubertal calves.  Animal Reproduction Science, 219: 106471.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106471

• Leonardi, C.E.P., Dias, F.C.F., Adams, G.P., Araujo, E.R., Singh, J.  2020.  Kisspeptin induces ovulation in heifers under low plasma progesterone concentrations.  Theriogenology, 141: 26-34.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.033

• Singh, J., Dhindsa, R.S., Misra, V., Singh, B.  2020.  SARS-CoV2 infectivity is potentially modulated by host redox status.  Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, 18: 3705-3711.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.016

• Caunce, S.L., Dadarwal, D., Adams, G.P., Brar, P., Singh, J.  2019.  An objective volumetric method for assessment of ovarian follicular and luteal vascular flow using colour Doppler ultrasonography.  Theriogenology, 138: 66-76.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.039

• Cowan, V., Grusie, T., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B., Singh, J.  2019.  Arterial responses in periparturient beef cows following a 9-week exposure to ergot (Claviceps purpurea) in Feed.  Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6: 262.  https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00262

• Pfeifer, L.F.M., Mapletoft, R.J., Dardawal, D., Singh, J.  2019.  Effect of injectable progesterone on follicular development in lactating beef cows treated with estradiol plus a low-concentration progesterone device.  Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, 55(2): e136924.  https://www.doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2018.136924

• Singh, N., Brar, R.S., Chavan, S.B., Singh, J.  2019.  Scientometric analyses and visualization of scientific outcome on Nipah virus.  Current Science, 117(10): 1574-1584.  https://www.doi.org/10.18520/cs/v117/i10/1574-1584

• Beck, K., Singh, J., Dar, M.A., Anzar, M.  2018.  Short-term culture of adult bovine ovarian tissues: Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) vs. traditional in vitro culture systems.  Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 16(1): 21.  https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0337-y

• Bogle, O.A., Carrasco, R.A., Ratto, M.H., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2018.  Source and localization of ovulation-inducing factor/nerve growth factor in male reproductive tissues among mammalian species.  Biology of Reproduction, 99(6): 1194-1204.  https://www.doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioy149

• Carrasco, R.A., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2018.  Distribution and morphology of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the hypothalamus of an induced ovulator – The llama (Lama glama).  General and Comparative Endocrinology, 263: 43-50.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.011

• Carrasco, R.A., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2018.  The relationship between gonadotropin releasing hormone and ovulation inducing factor/nerve growth factor receptors in the hypothalamus of the llama.  Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 16(1): 83.  https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0402-6

• Cowan, V.E., Neumann, A., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B.R., Grusie, T.J., Singh, J.  2018.  Arterial responses to acute low-level ergot exposure in Hereford cows.  Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5: 240.  https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00240

• Dias, F.C.F., Khan, M.I.R., Sirard, M.A., Adams, G.P., Singh, J.  2018.  Transcriptome analysis of granulosa cells after conventional vs long FSH-induced superstimulation in cattle.  BMC Genomics, 19(1): 258.  https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s12864-018-4642-9

• Grusie, T., Cowan, V., Singh, J., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B.  2018.  Assessment of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) exposure in pregnant and postpartum beef cows.  Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 98(4): 688-700.  https://www.doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2017-0098

• Grusie, T., Cowan, V., Singh, J., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B.  2018.  Proportions of predominant Ergot alkaloids (Claviceps purpurea) detected in Western Canadian grains from 2014 to 2016.  World Mycotoxin Journal, 11(2): 259-264.  https://www.doi.org/10.3920/WMJ2017.2241

• Leonardi, C.E.P., Dias, F.C.F., Adams, G.P., Singh, J.  2018.  Effect of Kisspeptin-10 on plasma luteinizing hormone concentrations and follicular dynamics during the luteal phase in cattle.  Theriogenology, 119: 268-274.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.06.023

• Riaz, U., Hassan, M., Husnain, A., Naveed, M.I., Singh, J., Ahmad, N.  2018.  Effect of timing of artificial insemination in relation to onset of standing estrus on pregnancy per AI in Nili-Ravi buffalo.  Animal Reproduction, 15(4): 1231-1235.  https://www.doi.org/10.21451/1984-3143-AR2017-0015

• Varughese, E.E., Adams, G.P., Leonardi, C.E.P., Malhi, P.S., Babyn, P., Kinloch, M., Singh, J.  2018.  Development of a domestic animal model for endometriosis: Surgical induction in the dog, pigs, and sheep.  Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, 10(2): 95-106.  https://www.doi.org/10.1177/2284026518773942

• Dadarwal, D., Dias, F.C.F., Adams, G.P., Singh, J.  2017.  Effect of follicular aging on ATP content and mitochondria distribution in bovine oocytes.  Theriogenology, 89: 348-358.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.039

• Grusie, T., Cowan, V., Singh, J., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B.  2017.  Correlation and variability between weighing, counting and analytical methods to determine ergot (Claviceps purpurea) contamination of grain.  World Mycotoxin Journal, 10(3): 209-218. https://www.doi.org/10.3920/WMJ2016.2174

• Gupta, A., Singh, J., Dufort, I., Robert, C., Dias, F.C.F., Anzar, M.  2017.  Transcriptomic difference in bovine blastocysts following vitrification and slow freezing at morula stage.  PLoS ONE, 12(11): e0187268.  https://www.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187268

• Carrasco, R., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2016.  The dynamics of trkA expression in the bovine ovary are associated with a luteotrophic effect of ovulation-inducing factor/nerve growth factor (OIF/NGF).  Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 14(1): 47.  https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s12958-016-0182-9

• Gupta, A., Singh, J., Anzar, M.  2016.  Effect of cryopreservation technique and season on the survival of in vitro produced cattle embryos.  Animal Reproduction Science, 164: 162-168.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.11.026

• Khan, D.R., Fournier, É., Dufort, I., Richard, F.J., Singh, J., Sirard, M.-A.  2016.  Meta-analysis of gene expression profiles in granulosa cells during folliculogenesis.  Reproduction, 151(6): R103-R110.  https://www.doi.org/10.1530/REP-15-0594

• Khan, M.I.-U.-R., Dias, F.C.F., Dufort, I., Misra, V., Sirard, M.-A., Singh, J.  2016.  Stable reference genes in granulosa cells of bovine dominant follicles during follicular growth, FSH stimulation and maternal aging.  Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 28(6): 795-805.  https://www.doi.org/10.1071/RD14089

• Mirhosseini, N.Z., Knaus, S.J., Bohaychuk, K., Singh, J., Vatanparast, H.A., Weber, L.P.  2016.  Both high and low plasma levels of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D increase blood pressure in a normal rat model.  British Journal of Nutrition, 116(11): 1889-1900.  https://www.doi.org/10.1017/S0007114516004098

• Montgomery, J.E., Wesolowski, M.J., Wolkowski, B., Chibbar, R., Snead, E.C.R., Singh, J., Pettitt, M., Malhi, P.S., Barboza, T., Adams, G.  2016.  Demonstration of synchrotron x-ray phase contrast imaging computed tomography of infiltrative transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic urethra in a dog.  Journal of Medical Imaging, 3(1): 15504.  https://www.doi.org/10.1117/1.JMI.3.1.015504

• Yapura, M.J., Mapletoft, R.J., Pierson, R.A., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2016.  Synchronization of ovulation in cattle with an aromatase inhibitor–based protocol.  Theriogenology, 85(8): 1382-1389.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.12.012

• Adams GP, Singh J (2015)  Ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics in cattle (Book Chapter) In Bovine Reproduction Ed. Hopper RM, pp 219-244 first Edn. John Wiley & Sons Inc. IOWA USA

• Dias FCF, Khan MIR, Adams GP, Sirard MA, Singh J (2014) Granulosa cell function and oocyte competence: Super-follicles, super-moms and super-stimulation in cattle Animal Reproduction Science 149: 80-89.

• Dadarwal D, Honparkhe M, Dias FCF, Alce T, Lessard C, Singh J (2014)  Effect of superstimulation protocols on nuclear maturation and distribution of lipid droplets in bovine oocytes Reproduction, Fertility and Development doi.10.1071/RD13265

• Dias FCF, Khan MI, Sirard MA, Adams GP, Singh J  (2013)  Differential gene expression of granulosa cells after ovarian superstimulation in beef cattle Reproduction 146: 181–191

• Malhi PS, Adams G and Singh J  (2005)  Bovine Model for the Study of Reproductive Aging in Women: Follicular, Luteal and Endocrine Characteristics  Biology of Reproduction 73: 45-53.

• Singh J, Pierson R A and Adams G P  (1997)  Ultrasound image attributes of the bovine corpus luteum: structural and functional correlates  Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 109: 35-44.