Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infer ....Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infertility and how species-specific differences in sperm form are achieved. Such insights may ultimately lead to improved agricultural efficiencies and job creation.Read moreRead less
Enhancing the efficiency of equine reproduction: relevant to the Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries. The purpose of this project is to link the equine breeding industry with a major centre of reproductive research at the University of Newcastle. By creating this unique nexus, major efficiency gains will be achieved for this industry that will not only secure its international competitiveness but also significantly enhance its profitability.
Dissecting the impact of stress on reproduction: Novel peptide mediates inhibitory effects of stress on female reproduction. This research proposal offers a pioneering opportunity to develop treatments that overcome the negative impact of stress on reproduction. Specifically, knowledge generated in this project will be vital in the development of strategic defences against the impact of stress on reproduction. This project fundamentally addresses Research Priority 2: Promoting and maintaining go ....Dissecting the impact of stress on reproduction: Novel peptide mediates inhibitory effects of stress on female reproduction. This research proposal offers a pioneering opportunity to develop treatments that overcome the negative impact of stress on reproduction. Specifically, knowledge generated in this project will be vital in the development of strategic defences against the impact of stress on reproduction. This project fundamentally addresses Research Priority 2: Promoting and maintaining good health. Given that suppression of reproduction by stress occurs in all mammalian species including humans, domestic animals and wildlife, being able to prevent or overcome stress-induced reproductive dysfunction will generate significant health, social, economic and ecological benefits. Read moreRead less
Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Responding to industry calls for improved methods of detecting and managing infertility in both stallions and mares, this project aims to provide a platform for competitive collaborations between universities, biotechnology companies and horse breeders: the end-users of technological developments in equine reproduction. The Thoroughbred and Standardbred bree ....Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Responding to industry calls for improved methods of detecting and managing infertility in both stallions and mares, this project aims to provide a platform for competitive collaborations between universities, biotechnology companies and horse breeders: the end-users of technological developments in equine reproduction. The Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries contribute over $6.5 billion per annum to the Australian economy and employ thousands of staff across their value chains. However, these industries suffer from breeding program inefficiencies that amount to over $800 million in annual losses. Expected outcomes are novel reproductive technologies and specialised research capabilities that will make the Australian equine industry a global leader.Read moreRead less
The Role of C-kit and Selected TGF beta Family Members in Recruitment. The recruitment of primordial follicles into the growth phase is central to female reproductive function, however the control of this process to date, has been poorly understood due to inadequate technologies. Our team has recently developed novel recruitment models and a new and innovative method of isolating primordial follicles which will enable us to identify the role of c-kit and selected TGF beta family members in recru ....The Role of C-kit and Selected TGF beta Family Members in Recruitment. The recruitment of primordial follicles into the growth phase is central to female reproductive function, however the control of this process to date, has been poorly understood due to inadequate technologies. Our team has recently developed novel recruitment models and a new and innovative method of isolating primordial follicles which will enable us to identify the role of c-kit and selected TGF beta family members in recruitment. This work will provide cornerstone scientific knowledge about the control of female reproduction and provide the impetus for the development of more effective contraception and superovulation strategies in mammals.Read moreRead less
Who determines gestation length - mother or fetus? This project will extend our knowledge of a key biological process - pregnancy. Variation of gestation length by 10% is generally deleterious to the offspring, and smaller babies have been shown to be more susceptible to later life diseases. Therefore, extension of the information gained from this project will likely impact researchers in species conservation, pest control, and the livestock industries, as well as human, obstetric care and pract ....Who determines gestation length - mother or fetus? This project will extend our knowledge of a key biological process - pregnancy. Variation of gestation length by 10% is generally deleterious to the offspring, and smaller babies have been shown to be more susceptible to later life diseases. Therefore, extension of the information gained from this project will likely impact researchers in species conservation, pest control, and the livestock industries, as well as human, obstetric care and practice. Specifically, knowledge gained from this project may lead to means of limiting (pest control) as well as enhancing (endangered species) species survival.Read moreRead less
A novel microtubule severing protein involved in male germ cell biology. The project aims to better understand the cellular and biochemical mechanisms underlying a key component of male fertility. Microtubules are a fundamental component of all cells. A mechanism that is increasingly recognised as essential for microtubules regulation is severing. It has been discovered that an uncharacterised microtubule severing protein, KATNAL2, has a key role in male germ cell development. This project aims ....A novel microtubule severing protein involved in male germ cell biology. The project aims to better understand the cellular and biochemical mechanisms underlying a key component of male fertility. Microtubules are a fundamental component of all cells. A mechanism that is increasingly recognised as essential for microtubules regulation is severing. It has been discovered that an uncharacterised microtubule severing protein, KATNAL2, has a key role in male germ cell development. This project aims to define the mechanisms underlying KATNAL2 function in the male germ line. It is expected that these data will generate a comprehensive picture of KATNAL2 function and provide foundation data of relevance across multiple species and tissues. In the longer term, it may also reveal a rational strategy for fertility enhancement or suppression.Read moreRead less
Defining the impact of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors on the sustainability of
Australia’s Native Marsupials. Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDs) from introduced plants, pesticides and wastewater are dramatically increasing in the Australian environment. EEDs have been shown to cause dramatic reproductive and developmental abnormalities in vertebrates ranging from fish to humans. This project plans to investigate the impact that these chemicals might have on marsupial devel ....Defining the impact of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors on the sustainability of
Australia’s Native Marsupials. Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDs) from introduced plants, pesticides and wastewater are dramatically increasing in the Australian environment. EEDs have been shown to cause dramatic reproductive and developmental abnormalities in vertebrates ranging from fish to humans. This project plans to investigate the impact that these chemicals might have on marsupial development. Marsupials have a unique reproductive strategy and how this might affect their ability to respond to EEDs is unknown. This project aims to define the effects of three of the predominant EED risks for marsupials in the Australian environment; estradiol, genistein and atrazine.Read moreRead less