Hesam Eskafi

I am a Research Specialist at the Department of Oncology-Pathology at Karolinska Institutet, working in the Laboratory of Translational Fertility Preservation led by Professor Kenny Rodriguez-Wallberg. My research focuses on fertility preservation, reproductive toxicology, and the development of translational strategies to protect and restore reproductive function after cancer treatment.

I obtained my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Urmia University in 2006 and subsequently worked extensively in reproductive biotechnology, where I contributed to the implementation of advanced reproductive technologies including CASA systems, sperm sorting, cryopreservation, and genomic evaluation programs. I later completed a PhD in Assisted Reproduction Biotechnology at the University of Tabriz, focusing on enhancing spermatogenesis using NMDA receptor modulators in two- and three-dimensional in vitro culture systems.

My current research combines experimental models, multi-omics approaches, biomaterials, and advanced tissue culture systems to investigate gonadotoxicity and fertility preservation in both male and female reproductive tissues. A major focus of my work is understanding the early cellular and mitochondrial mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced damage in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and testicular tissue, as well as identifying biomarkers and protective strategies for fertility preservation in cancer survivors.

In parallel, I am working on the development of novel approaches for ovarian tissue cryopreservation, culture, and transplantation using biomaterial-based scaffolds and three-dimensional culture systems. My current projects aim to improve follicle survival, tissue integrity, vascularization, and long-term functionality of ovarian tissue after cryopreservation and transplantation, with a particular interest in translational applications for young cancer patients at risk of infertility.

Since joining Karolinska Institutet in 2021, I have contributed to interdisciplinary projects integrating reproductive biology, oncology, bioinformatics, biomaterials, and tissue engineering. My long-term goal is to develop clinically applicable fertility preservation strategies that improve reproductive health and quality of life for cancer survivors.

• fertility preservation in cancer patients,
• spermatogonial stem cell biology,
• ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation,
• 3D culture systems and biomaterial scaffolds,
• tissue engineering for reproductive medicine,
• mitochondrial quality control and mitophagy,
• reproductive effects of chemotherapy,
• and translational reproductive biotechnology.