Defining The Role Of Activin C In Gonadal And Adrenal Tumorigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,511.00
Summary
Activins are members of the inhibin/TGF_ superfamily of growth and differentiation factors. Our published work implicates one of them, activin-_C as a regulator of activin A synthesis and/or its action. To test our hypothesis we will cross activin-_C over-expressing mice (ActC++ ) with inhibin a subunit knock-out mice (_-KO) that develop gonadal and adrenal tumourigenesis and is caused by increased activin A. We predict that if correct, we will prevent or delay reproductive and adrenal tumourige ....Activins are members of the inhibin/TGF_ superfamily of growth and differentiation factors. Our published work implicates one of them, activin-_C as a regulator of activin A synthesis and/or its action. To test our hypothesis we will cross activin-_C over-expressing mice (ActC++ ) with inhibin a subunit knock-out mice (_-KO) that develop gonadal and adrenal tumourigenesis and is caused by increased activin A. We predict that if correct, we will prevent or delay reproductive and adrenal tumourigenesis and prolong survival.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of Immune Responses In The Adult Testis And Male Reproductive Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,857.00
Summary
This project investigates the main inflammatory cell, the macrophage, in male fertility and reproductive health. These studies investigate the macrophages found in the testes and the regulation of their functions required to protect and support the developing sperm. Understanding these processes will lead to new methods for treating male infertility, chronic pain and reproductive tract infections, as well as broader understanding of inflammatory disease, transplantation and autoimmunity.
I seek the knowledge required to improve prevention, diagnosis and therapy for men with testicular pathologies by studying what controls early sperm development. My research will delineate how cellular signalling molecules lay the foundation for adult fertility, using animal studies, cell culture and clinical samples. Testis samples from testicular cancer patients will be used to test interventions that may kill tumour cells or offer a therapeutic option to men with impaired spermatogenesis.
The Importance Of The Blood-testis Barrier In Human Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,953.00
Summary
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) shields developing sperm from the circulation and immune system, which would see them as ‘foreign’. Loss of BTB function leads directly to infertility. Curiously, how the BTB ‘opens’ and ‘closes’ to allow entry without causing a ‘leak’ is unknown. We believe that activin A is the main gatekeeper, but this growth factor is also important in inflammation. Our goals are to show how activin A allows sperm cells entry, and how inflammatory diseases impact the BTB.