Biology of Reproduction Most Popular Research Article Award

March of Dimes Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Research Award

2014

Awarded for ICE/ENDO 2014 in Chicago, IL (Women in Endocrinology)

Early Career Forum Travel award

Endocrine Society Outstanding Abstract Award

Neena Schwartz Young Investigator Award in Basic Science

2016

Supported by Merck & Co., Inc. (Endocrine Society)

Early Investigators Award

New Investigator Award

Society for Neuroscience (SFN)

The Endocrinology Society (ENDO)

Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (SBN)

Society for Research on Biological Rhythms (SRBR)

Scholars Strategic Network, Michigan Chapter

Start School Later : Ingham County Chapter Leader

Placental circadian lincRNAs and spontaneous preterm birth

Co-alterations of circadian clock gene transcripts in human placenta in preeclampsia

Transcriptional interaction between cFOS and the homeodomain-binding transcription factor VAX1 on the GnRH promoter controls Gnrh1 expression levels in a GnRH neuron maturation specific manner

Deletion of Vax1 from Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurons Abolishes GnRH Expression and Leads to Hypogonadism and Infertility

Dopamine D1-histamine H3 receptor heteromers provide a selective link to the map-kinase signalling in gabaergic neurons of the direct striatal pathway

Cocaine disrupts histamine H3 receptor modulation of dopamine D1 receptor signaling: σ1-D1-H3 receptor complexes as key targets for reducing cocaine's effects

Interactions between intracellular domains as key determinants of the quaternary structure and function of receptor heteromers

Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Michigan State University

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 and reproductive competence. 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 preterm labor. To further our understanding of the importance of circadian rhythms in endocrine-related disorders, Dr. Hoffmann has developed novel mouse models allowing her to understand the central and peripheral control reproductive function.

The major goal of Dr. Hoffmann’s research is to understand how abnormal SCN function leads to desynchronization of hormone release and how this relates to cellular function, for example through receptor expression and localization. Her long-term goal is to identify novel drug targets for the treatment of arrhythmia, infertility and preterm labor.

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.

Light Contamination

Impact of Light on Physiology

Development

Molecular Biology

Preterm Labor

Reproduction

Neuro-endocrinology

Circadian Rhythms

Shift-work

Michigan State University Faculty Profile

Michigan State University Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program Profile

Hoffmann Lab Website

Hanne Hoffmann's Bibliography

Google Scholar Profile

ResearchGate Profile

LinkedIn Profile

ORCID Profile

[Pregnancy] Blood test may flag women at risk for premature birth

[Mental Health] Will Seasonal Affective Disorder Be Worse This Year Because of COVID-19? Here's What Experts Say

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Unexpected Impact of light-shift directionality on female reproductive function

Circadian timing in pregnancy

Dual receptor targeting as a novel strategy to improve labor- regulating drug efficacy

The Role of Circadian Clocks in Reproduction

Circadian and neuroendocrine control of reproduction

identifying-mothers-at-risk-of-preterm-births

Assistant Professor of Animal Science; Expert in Neuroendocrinology

One in ten babies is born prematurely in the United States, but a blood test during a routine prenatal visit could reveal if a woman is at risk of a preterm delivery, according to a Michigan State University researcher.

“Preterm births are common,” said Hanne Hoffmann, an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “If we know the mother is at risk for a preterm birth, her doctor can monitor her more closely.”   Hoffmann’s research was published  in the Journal Biology of Reproduction. Hoffmann and her colleagues studied 157 healthy mothers with no history of preterm births, among them 51 who subsequently gave birth preterm. Researchers looked at second trimester data for evidence of biomarkers that could signal preterm delivery.

“How often do you find the needle in the haystack?” Hoffmann said. “We were excited to discover lower mRNA levels in the CRY2 and CLOCK genes.”

The CRY2 and CLOCK genes belong to a family of genes responsible for cell circadian rhythms. Hoffmann said that each human cell has its own 24-hour clock that keeps track of time inside the cell. Low levels of mRNA, or messenger DNA, in those two genes is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, suggesting these genes provide information as to when labor should start.

 
Decreased levels of mRNA in the mother's blood become present during the second trimester of pregnancy when most women have an important 20-week prenatal appointment to screen for Down syndrome. This presents the ideal time to also test for the risk of preterm delivery.

The next step is to determine if the CRY2 and CLOCK genes are coming from the mother, placenta or fetus. The researchers also want to see how the mRNA levels in healthy women compare with levels in women with underlying conditions or a history of preterm births to determine if this blood test could be helpful for these at-risk mothers, too.
 

“If we could measure women’s mRNA levels and tell them for their second or third pregnancies, that they aren’t at risk for a preterm birth because their levels are higher (in a normal/healthy range), that would be such a comfort to the mothers who previously had a preterm birth,” Hoffmann said.  The researchers are also interested in looking at other genes such as another circadian clock gene, called PER3, that in combination with CRY2 and CLOCK levels could indicate other pregnancy complications such a preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. 
 

“If I can help one baby make it to full term who wasn’t supposed to, that would make my day,” said Hoffmann.   This is an important topic – and if you are a journalist looking to cover this story – then let our experts help.

Dr. Hoffmann’s research program is focused on how light changes your well being, motivation, fertility and pregnancy success. She is available to speak with media – simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.

Dr. Hoffmann’s is an expert in neuroendocrinology motivation, fertility and pregnancy success. She is available to speak with media – simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.


Identifying mothers at risk of preterm births

seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-let-our-experts-shine-a-light-on-some-remedies-and-solutions

It’s that time of year again. The days are shorter, colder and gloomier - and as the seasons change, many across America are impacted.  

“Seasonal affective disorder is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. Another 10 percent to 20 percent may have mild SAD. SAD is four times more common in women than in men. The age of onset is estimated to be between the age of 18 and 30. Some people experience symptoms severe enough to affect quality of life, and 6 percent require hospitalization. Many people with SAD report at least one close relative with a psychiatric disorder, most frequently a severe depressive disorder (55 percent) or alcohol abuse (34 percent).” Psychology Today  The numbers are a lot larger than many assume and it’s why the experts from Michigan State University are offering up their solutions to beat back the symptoms this year.

“If you think you might be at risk of SAD (or lack of energy and reduced motivation in the winter) therapeutic light treatment will most likely benefit you and prevent or reverse SAD,” said Dr. Hanne M. Hoffman, an assistant professor of Neuroscience at Michigan State University.  They symptoms of SAD are serious:

Feelings of hopelessness and sadness Thoughts of suicide Hypersomnia or a tendency to oversleep A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods Weight gain A heavy feeling in the arms or legs A drop in energy level Decreased physical activity Fatigue Difficulty concentrating Irritability Increased sensitivity to social rejection Avoidance of social situations  If you are suffering – seeing a medical professional is advised.

If you are a journalist covering SAD – the let our experts help.

Dr. Hoffmann’s research program is focused on how light changes your well being, motivation, fertility and pregnancy success. She is available to speak with media – simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Let our experts shine a light on some remedies and solutions

Depending on where you live, you may barely notice the changing seasons, or you might be highly attuned to the amount of daylight you are or aren't getting as temperatures decrease. And it can have a direct impact on your mental health, sometimes resulting in depression. Dr. Hanne Hoffmann, a specialist in neurology and assistant professor at Michigan State University, speaks about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how symptoms can appear progressively, without you even noticing.  She also explains how to manage symptoms through light therapy and whether the pandemic is affecting the number of cases as more people spend more time inside.

Learn more about Hanne Hoffman's expertise and media appearances here:
https://expertfile.com/experts/hannem.hoffmann

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Dr. Hanne Hoffmann on Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

In recognition of Sleep Awareness Week and Daylight Savings Time, which both begin March 12, Michigan State University expert Hanne Hoffmann explains why teenagers need more sleep than other age groups.

MSU Expert: Why do teenagers need more sleep?

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