Denise Laskowski

I am a researcher and lecturer in reproduction at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). My PhD project (2011–2017) focused on metabolic imbalance and embryo development in dairy cows. Since then, I have conducted research using various in vitro embryo models within the field of reproductive toxicology.

Since 2017, I have been a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR) in Reproduction and Reproductive Biotechnology. My research interests include equine reproduction and reproductive biotechnology. I currently supervise one PhD student and one ECAR resident.

My special interests include ultrasonographic diagnostics, reproductive biotechnologies such as IVF/IVP, embryo transfer, ovum pick-up (OPU), and molecular genetic techniques, including genetic analyses.

At the Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, SLU in Uppsala, I am part of a research group that uses an in vitro model of early embryo development (IVF) to investigate how various treatments and conditions affect fertility and early embryonic development in cattle and pigs.

Oocyte maturation is a critical period during which different stressors, such as metabolic factors and toxic substances, can significantly influence the viability of the future embryo. Successful oocyte development is essential for reproductive performance in dairy cattle, as impaired oocyte quality can result in reduced fertility, prolonged time to pregnancy, and early embryonic loss.

To better understand the physiological and pathological processes occurring during early embryonic development, a wide range of advanced techniques has been developed in recent years to study gene expression, including transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses of early embryos.

In addition to my laboratory-based research, I maintain a clinical focus on mare gynecology and equine reproduction through my supervision activities, with a particular emphasis on equine endometritis.

I teach veterinary students in years 4 and 5 in the field of reproduction, primarily through clinical training in cattle and equine reproduction, as well as case-based seminars. I also supervise and examine veterinary students during their final year (year 6).

My teaching responsibilities further include continuing professional education for veterinarians, such as courses in artificial insemination in cattle and horses.

MSc Projects

Lindgren, Ida (2014). Effect of Insulin During Oocyte Maturation In Vitro on Bovine Early Embryo Development: Partially Evaluated by Novel Fluorescent Staining. Co-supervisor.
Ekelund, Johan (2018). Effect of Ovarian Transport Temperature on Embryo Development and Lipid Structure In Vitro. Main supervisor.
Eriksson, Erik Oscar (2020). Effects of PCB126 In Vitro on Early Embryonic Development in Cattle. Main supervisor.

Postgraduate Supervision

ECAR Resident: Olga Sajecka, Equine Reproduction (Supervisor since 2023).
PhD Student: Olga Sajecka (Co-supervisor since 2025).

I hold a position at Växa Sverige, where I work as a specialist in knowledge development and innovation within dairy cow fertility and reproductive management.

2009 – Degree of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany.
2009–2011 – District Veterinarian, Distriktsveterinärerna, Karlshamn.
2010 – Swedish certification in artificial insemination (cattle and horses).
2011–2017 – PhD Candidate, SLU, Uppsala. Research project: “Insulin and the Early Bovine Embryo.”
2017 – ECAR Diplomate in Reproductive Biotechnology.
2017–2023 – Clinical Assessor, Swedish Medical Products Agency.
Since 2018 – Researcher and Lecturer, SLU.
Since 2023 – Specialist, Växa Sverige.

Papers in peer reviewed journals:

In vitro maturation of bovine and porcine oocytes as a versatile model for toxicity and metabolism studies I Hallberg, D Laskowski, YCB Sjunnesson, Biology of Reproduction, (2025) ioaf137, https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaf137

Sperm quality and in vitro fertilizing ability of boar spermatozoa stored at 4° C versus conventional storage for one week. I Hallberg, J Morrell, P Malaluang, A Johannisson, Y Sjunnesson, D Laskowski (2024). Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1444550.

Bovine oocyte exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) induces phenotypic, transcriptomic, and DNA methylation changes in resulting embryos in vitro. I Hallberg S Persson M Olovsson M Moberg P Ranefall D Laskowski P Damdimopoulou MA Sirard J Ruegg Y Sjunnesson (2022) Reproductive Toxicology 109, 19-30

DNA methylation pattern of bovine blastocysts associated to hyperinsulinemia in vitro. D Laskowski, P Humblot, MA Sirard, Y Sjunnesson, N Jhamat, R Båge, G Andersson, G. (2018). Molecular Reproduction and Development.85 (7), 599-611

Lipid profile of bovine blastocysts exposed to insulin during in vitro oocyte maturation. D Laskowski, G Andersson, P Humblot, MA Sirard, Y Sjunnesson, CR Ferreira, V Pirro, R Båge (2018). Reproduction, Fertility and Development. Apr 16. doi: 10.1071/RD17248. 

Insulin during in vitro oocyte maturation has an impact on development, mitochondria, and cytoskeleton in bovine day 8 blastocysts. D Laskowski, R Båge, P Humblot, G Andersson, MA Sirard, Y Sjunnesson. Theriogenology 101 (2017): 15-25.

The functional role of insulin in fertility and embryonic development – what can we learn from the bovine model? D Laskowski, Y Sjunnesson, P Humblot, G. Andersson, H. Gustafsson, R. Båge. Theriogenology July 1, 2016 Volume 86, Issue 1, Pages 457–464. 

Insulin concentrations used in in vitro embryo production systems: a pilot study on insulin stability with an emphasis on concentrations measured in vivo.  D Laskowski, Y Sjunnesson, H Gustafsson, P Humblot, G Andersson, R Båge. (2016). Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 58(1), 66.

Insulin exposure during in vitro bovine oocyte maturation changes blastocyst gene expression and developmental potential. D Laskowski, Y Sjunnesson, P Humblot, MA Sirard, G Andersson, H Gustafsson and R Båge. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. (2016) Feb 29. DOI: 10.1071/RD15315

Changes in bull sperm kinematics after single layer centrifugation.Yulnawati, Y., Abraham, M. C., Laskowski, D., Johannisson, A., & Morrell, J. M. (2014). Reproduction in domestic animals, 49(6), 954-956.

Abstracts:

Gene expression in vitrified bovine in vitro produced blastocysts.
Valdez Magaña G, Velthut-Meikas A, Helmestam M, Persson S, Båge R, Laskowski D, Kunovac Kallak T, Sjunnesson Y. (2025). Abstract presented at the 28th Annual Conference of the European Society for Domestic Animal Reproduction (ESDAR) and 3rd European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR) symposium, 11–13 September 2025, Albena Resort, Bulgaria. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 60 (Suppl 3): e70096, P46. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70096

Development and mitochondrial activity after vitrification of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro.
Helmestam M, Valdez Magaña G, Hallberg I, Persson S, Båge R, Laskowski D, Wallander S, Kunovac Kallak T, Sjunnesson Y. (2025). Abstract presented at the 28th Annual Conference of the European Society for Domestic Animal Reproduction (ESDAR) and 3rd European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR) symposium, 11–13 September 2025, Albena Resort, Bulgaria. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 60 (Suppl 3): e70096, P46. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70096

In vitro production of cattle and pig embryos as models for evaluating cadmium-induced developmental toxicity.
Persson S, Laskowski D, Örn S, Beronius A, Törnkvist E, Sjunnesson Y. (2025). Abstract presented at the 13th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences, 31 August–4 September 2025, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Quality and fertility in IVF of boar spermatozoa stored at 4°C for 6 or 7 days.
Malaluang P, Sjunnesson Y, Hallberg I, Johannisson A, Laskowski D, Morrell J. (2022). Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 57. ISSN: 0936-6768, eISSN: 1439-0531.

Insulin effect during in vitro oocyte maturation on insulin and IGF-receptor gene expression in bovine blastocysts.
Laskowski D, Andersson G, Humblot P, et al. (2019). 8th Perinatal Biology Symposium, Snowmass, CO, USA, 24–27 August 2019. Perinatal Exposures: Intersecting Mechanisms Leading to Developmental Outcomes.

Insulin treatment during in vitro oocyte maturation leads to different gene expression and methylation patterns of key genes associated with metabolism and steroid synthesis in the bovine blastocyst.
Laskowski D, Humblot P, Sirard MA, Sjunnesson Y, Andersson G, Båge R. (2017). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 29, 108. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/RDv29n1abs. Presented at IETS (International Embryo Technology Society), Austin, USA, January 2017. (Published abstract, poster and oral communication).

Addition of insulin during bovine in vitro oocyte maturation has an impact on methylation pattern of imprinted genes.
Laskowski D, Humblot P, Sjunnesson Y, Andersson G, Sirard M-A, Båge R. (2017). Proceedings of the Fourth World Congress of Reproductive Biology, Okinawa, Japan, September 2017.

Genes associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome in women (PCOS) are changed in bovine blastocysts deriving from insulin treated oocytes.
Laskowski D, Humblot P, Sjunnesson Y, Sirard M, Andersson G, Båge R. (2016). Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 51 (Suppl 2), 66–153. DOI: 10.1111/rda.12801. Presented at ESDAR 2016, Lisbon, Portugal. (Published abstract and poster).

Addition of insulin during oocyte maturation impacts the epigenome of Day 8 bovine blastocysts.
Laskowski D, Humblot P, Sirard M-A, Andersson G, Sjunnesson Y, Båge R. (2016). Epiconcept Conference Proceedings – Epigenetics and Periconception Environment, Italy, September 2016. (Published abstract and poster).

Pathways and cellular functions influenced by insulin treatment during oocyte maturation – a transcriptome study of in vitro produced Day 8 blastocysts.
Laskowski D, Sjunnesson Y, Båge R, Sirard MA, Gustafsson H, Andersson G, Humblot P. (2015). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 27, 93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/RDv27n1abs. IETS (International Embryo Transfer Society), Versailles, France. (Published abstract, poster and oral communication; student competition finalist, 2nd place).

A comparison study of insulin concentrations in follicular fluid, serum and in vitro production of bovine embryos – risks of generating unfavourable metabolic conditions during early development.
Laskowski D, Sjunnesson Y, Gustafsson H, Humblot P, Andersson G, Båge R. (2015). Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 57 (Suppl 1): P5. DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-57-S1-P5. Animal Obesity Conference, Uppsala, Sweden, June 2015. (Poster and published abstract).

Hyperinsulinemia during in vitro oocyte maturation changes gene expression of insulin signaling in bovine Day-8 embryos.
Laskowski D, Gustafsson H, Humblot P, Sjunnesson Y, Andersson G, Sirard MA, Båge R. (2015). Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 57 (Suppl 1): O10. DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-57-S1-O10. Animal Obesity Conference, Uppsala, Sweden, June 2015. (Published abstract and oral communication; Winner of Young Scientist Award).

Lipid profile analysis of bovine in vitro blastocysts deriving from insulin treated oocytes by DESI-MS (Desorption Electrospray Ionization).
Laskowski D, Pirro V, Ferreira CR, Sjunnesson YCB, Andersson G, Humblot P, Gustafsson H, Cooks GR, Båge R. (2015). Animal Reproduction, 12(3), 800. ISSN 1984-3143. http://revistas.bvs-vet.org.br/animreprod/article/view/28631. AETE (European Embryo Technologies Association), Ghent, Belgium, September 2015. (Published abstract and poster).

Impact of insulin on mitochondrial function and anti-oxidative stress response in bovine Day 8 blastocysts.
Laskowski D, Sjunnesson Y, Andersson G, Humblot P, Sirard MA, Gustafsson H, Båge R. (2015). Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 50 (Suppl 3), 62. DOI: 10.1111/rda.12581. ESDAR, Albena, Bulgaria, September 2015. (Published abstract and poster).

Insulin during oocyte maturation induces changes in the transcriptome and epigenome of Day 8 bovine blastocysts.
Laskowski D, Sjunnesson Y, Sirard MA, Gustafsson H, Båge R, Andersson G, Humblot P. (2014). Epiconcept Workshop, Las Palmas, Spain. Epigenetics and Periconception Environment. (Published abstract and poster).

Insulin during oocyte maturation alters gene expression and development rates in in vitro produced Day 8 bovine blastocysts.
Laskowski D, Sjunnesson Y, Sirard MA, Gustafsson H, Båge R, Andersson G, Humblot P. (2014). New Sciences, New Practices Conference, Westport, Ireland. Animal, 8 (Suppl 1). (Published abstract and poster).

Insulin during oocyte maturation induces changes in the transcriptome of bovine blastocysts in vitro.
Laskowski D, Humblot P, Sirard MA, Båge R, Gustafsson H, Andersson G, Sjunnesson Y. (2014). Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 49, 79. ESDAR, Helsinki, Finland. (Published abstract, poster and oral communication; Winner of Best Poster Award – PhD Student Competition).

Influence of insulin on oocyte maturation of in vitro produced bovine embryos.
Laskowski D, Humblot P, Gustafsson H, Båge R, Andersson G, Abraham C, Sjunnesson Y. (2013). Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 48, 66. ESDAR, Bologna, Italy. (Published abstract and oral communication).

Influence of insulin on oocyte maturation of in vitro produced bovine embryos.
Laskowski D, Humblot P, Gustafsson H, Båge R, Andersson G, Abraham C, Sjunnesson Y. (2013). Veterinärkongress, Uppsala, Sweden. (Poster session).

Others/ popular science:

Dräktighetsproblemens gåta D Laskowski; AGRONOMEN 1-2015

Embryofrysning på Friedrich Löffler Institut D Laskowski; AGRONOMEN 1-2017

Högt insulin är skadligt för embryot D Laskowski; HUSDJUR 1-2017