Therapeutic Potential Of Transforming Growth Factor-beta Proteins For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$942,961.00
Summary
We discovered and manufactured a growth factor produced uniquely by the egg. We named this growth factor cumulin. It is a powerful regulator of ovarian function and egg quality. This project will study the basic mechanisms of how cumulin works in the ovary. We will then develop an assay to measure it as a biomarker of human egg quality and quantity. New approaches in fertility preservation for cancer survivors will be developed using cumulin.
Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.
Development Of Engineered Novel Growth Factors For Infertility Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,439.00
Summary
Infertility comes at an enormous social and financial cost to Australian society. The aim of this proposal is to improve the success rate of an innovative technology that matures eggs in the laboratory and so eliminates the need for the hormones normally used in IVF. To achieve this a newly discovered egg-secreted protein first has to be produced in the laboratory.
Dr Gilchrist is a reproductive biologist studying factors that regulate the intrinsic quality of unfertilised eggs. He has developed a new form of hormone-free infertility treatment which he will test in a clinical trial over the next 5 years.
Molecular Characterization Of Unique Recognition Sites On The Surface Of Human Spermatozoa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,036.00
Summary
Developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human sperm function is central to the clinical management of male infertility, attempts to develop novel forms of male contraception and strategies for the introduction of transgenes into the male germ line. Defective sperm function is the largest single defined cause of human infertility. Despite the prevalence of this condition we have no idea how most cases of male infertility arise nor, in a vast majority of patients, do ....Developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human sperm function is central to the clinical management of male infertility, attempts to develop novel forms of male contraception and strategies for the introduction of transgenes into the male germ line. Defective sperm function is the largest single defined cause of human infertility. Despite the prevalence of this condition we have no idea how most cases of male infertility arise nor, in a vast majority of patients, do we understand which particular aspect of sperm biochemistry is defective. As a consequence we have not been able to develop sensitive biochemical diagnostic tests for the infertile male nor do we have any rational methods of treatment that address the cause of this condition. Similarly no new methods of male fertility regulation have been introduced since vasectomy despite the major advances that have been made in the field of female contraception over the same period of time. Clearly if we are to develop sensitive methods for the diagnosis of defective sperm function, introduce protocols for the treatment and prevention of male infertility and discover novel approaches to male contraception, we must first understand the cellular mechanisms that enable these highly specialized cells to perform their unique function. In this study we shall focus on one of the most important attributes of sperm function the capacity of these cells to recognize the egg. Once the biochemical basis of this fundamental recognition process is understood, it should pave the way for the development of clinical applications that target this signaling system with implications for a range of disciplines including reproductive toxicology, occupational medicine, family planning, infertility and biotechnology.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9) In Human Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,811.00
Summary
IVF comes at a substantial financial burden to the Australia health system through Medicare. There is mounting evidence to suggest that egg quality is the key limiting factor in female fertility. The aim of this proposal is to produce a key egg-secreted protein which is critical for the ability of the egg to be fertilized and to develop a diagnostic assay to measure egg quality to improve the treatment of infertility.