Understanding Epigenetic Modification During Oogenesis For Novel Treatments Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Infertility affects about 10% of Australian women and the success rates of current infertility treatments are low due to our poor knowledge of eggs development. The numbers of obese and older women trying to conceive are increasing; fertility treatments are even less effective for them. I have generated mouse models to elucidate the pathways regulating egg development. I will study for alterations in these pathways in the mouse models which perfectly mimic the obesity and aging in women.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453630
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$274,692.00
Summary
High-Speed Confocal Microscope Live Cell Recording System. The high-speed confocal microscope live cell recording system we are establishing represents new generation equipment. It allows quality imaging of selected subcellular regions of live cells combined with simultaneous electrophysiological recording at rates and sensitivity hitherto not possible. This equipment provides a window of opportunity for major research advances in that it allows real-time two and three-dimensional imaging of fun ....High-Speed Confocal Microscope Live Cell Recording System. The high-speed confocal microscope live cell recording system we are establishing represents new generation equipment. It allows quality imaging of selected subcellular regions of live cells combined with simultaneous electrophysiological recording at rates and sensitivity hitherto not possible. This equipment provides a window of opportunity for major research advances in that it allows real-time two and three-dimensional imaging of fundamental cellular activities that previously could not be viewed. It will allow major advances in priority health-related research and will provide an ideal research tool to introduce young scientists and students to cutting edge research.Read moreRead less
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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100082
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
FACSAria III - Fluorescence activated cell sorter. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. The FACSAria III cell sorter will be used to establish a core facility for sorting cells. The outcomes from using this technology are a better understanding cellular and genetic understanding of cancer, respiratory diseases, reproduction and ....FACSAria III - Fluorescence activated cell sorter. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. The FACSAria III cell sorter will be used to establish a core facility for sorting cells. The outcomes from using this technology are a better understanding cellular and genetic understanding of cancer, respiratory diseases, reproduction and birth. Read moreRead less
Mechanisms of infertility induced in mice by vaccination with murine zona pellucida 3. This research investigates the means by which a novel immunocontraceptive vaccine induces an infertile state in female mice. The vaccine stimulates an autoimmune condition which resembles certain naturally occurring ovarian diseases. By investigating how ovarian cellular interactions are maintained in normal ovaries and disrupted by the immunocontraceptive vaccine, we will learn a great deal about ovarian fu ....Mechanisms of infertility induced in mice by vaccination with murine zona pellucida 3. This research investigates the means by which a novel immunocontraceptive vaccine induces an infertile state in female mice. The vaccine stimulates an autoimmune condition which resembles certain naturally occurring ovarian diseases. By investigating how ovarian cellular interactions are maintained in normal ovaries and disrupted by the immunocontraceptive vaccine, we will learn a great deal about ovarian function in health and disease. Ultimately this information will be applied to improving the reproductive health of women.
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Regulation of tissue morphogenesis in reproductive function and metastatic cancer. Infertility, endocrine and metabolic disorders and reproductive cancers are all increasing medical problems and principal contributors to morbidity and mortality in the Australian community. This research takes the novel approach of investigating the mechanisms of dynamic remodeling in reproductive organs. Novel hormonally controlled mechanisms of tissue remodeling unique to reproductive organs and cancers in ad ....Regulation of tissue morphogenesis in reproductive function and metastatic cancer. Infertility, endocrine and metabolic disorders and reproductive cancers are all increasing medical problems and principal contributors to morbidity and mortality in the Australian community. This research takes the novel approach of investigating the mechanisms of dynamic remodeling in reproductive organs. Novel hormonally controlled mechanisms of tissue remodeling unique to reproductive organs and cancers in adults have been discovered. The results are being applied to new medical alternatives for infertile patients and new diagnostics and therapeutics for patients with metastatic cancers. The information is also being applied to improve reproductive efficiency in animal production industries.Read moreRead less
Maximizing male fertility: the role of CRISP proteins. This project aims to investigate the function of cysteine rich secretory protein (CRISP) family members in fertility. It is expected to generate new knowledge on the role CRISP1 and 4 play in sperm competition in vivo, and thus, evolutionary processes; to define the role seminal plasma CRISPs play in fertility; and identify the mechanism underpinning their biological activities. This will be achieved using a range of innovative, state-of-the ....Maximizing male fertility: the role of CRISP proteins. This project aims to investigate the function of cysteine rich secretory protein (CRISP) family members in fertility. It is expected to generate new knowledge on the role CRISP1 and 4 play in sperm competition in vivo, and thus, evolutionary processes; to define the role seminal plasma CRISPs play in fertility; and identify the mechanism underpinning their biological activities. This will be achieved using a range of innovative, state-of-the-art approaches. Expected outcomes and benefits include an enhanced knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning fertility and infertility, enhanced collaboration and research knowhow, and an evidence base for future applied projects aimed enhancing fertility in agricultural species.Read moreRead less
Improving the efficiency of bovine oocyte maturation in vitro. For the dairy and beef industries, the hundreds of eggs (oocytes) in a high value cow's ovary that fail to produce a pregnancy are a wasted genetic resource. A key technology to unlocking this resource is in vitro maturation of oocytes, but the process is inefficient. One possible cause is that the current approaches to maturing oocytes in vitro do not adequately mimic the natural process in vivo. We will design new systems to matu ....Improving the efficiency of bovine oocyte maturation in vitro. For the dairy and beef industries, the hundreds of eggs (oocytes) in a high value cow's ovary that fail to produce a pregnancy are a wasted genetic resource. A key technology to unlocking this resource is in vitro maturation of oocytes, but the process is inefficient. One possible cause is that the current approaches to maturing oocytes in vitro do not adequately mimic the natural process in vivo. We will design new systems to mature cow oocytes in vitro by altering the chemical composition of maturation medium, thus improving the efficiency of laboratory embryo production and related technologies.Read moreRead less
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
Role Of The Anaphase-Promoting Complex Activator Cdh1 In Oocyte Maturation And Meiotic Aneuploidy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,878.00
Summary
Eggs containing an incorrect number of chromosomes are described as aneuploid. This project sets out to examine the molecular causes of aneuploidy and why it increases with female age. We focus on the protective role of the protein Cdh1 in this process. The outcome would be to better understand the origins of aneuploidy so as to find methods of decreasing it as women age. This is highly significant given aneuploidy is the leading cause of early embryo loss and produces Down Syndrome babies.