Exercise In Males Born Growth Restricted To Restore Sperm Function Preventing Adverse Offspring Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$708,363.00
Summary
Males born growth restricted transmit heart disease and diabetes to their children. The mechanism of this transmission is unknown, but is likely due to altered sperm function. We aim to determine the impact growth restriction has on sperm function in men and rats, and establish the optimal window for rat exercise intervention to prevent disease transmission. We expect that exercise in juvenile life will prevent, whereas exercise in adults may ameliorate disease outcomes by improving the sperm.
The Role Of Oxygen Sensing In The Regulation Of Trophoblast Invasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,323.00
Summary
Normal fetal development requires the placenta to successfully invade the mother's uterus so that the baby can be appropriately nourished. It is well known that a failure of normal placental development is associated with two major complications of pregnancy: pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. This study is designed to discover whether placental cells have special oxygen sensing mechanisms that help them home in to areas where there is high oxygen.
The Obesity Prone Oocyte- Causes, Consequences, Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$516,159.00
Summary
Obesity is perpetuated from mothers to offspring, in part due to changes in the oocyte (egg) that affect embryo growth. We have discovered that obesity causes changes in the mitochondria (the energy producers) of the egg. We hypothesise this causes long-lasting changes to embryo metabolism and will test, in mice, novel treatments to reverse the detrimental effects. The project will show how obesity affects embryo metabolism and growth, and determine whether defects can be prevented by drugs or l ....Obesity is perpetuated from mothers to offspring, in part due to changes in the oocyte (egg) that affect embryo growth. We have discovered that obesity causes changes in the mitochondria (the energy producers) of the egg. We hypothesise this causes long-lasting changes to embryo metabolism and will test, in mice, novel treatments to reverse the detrimental effects. The project will show how obesity affects embryo metabolism and growth, and determine whether defects can be prevented by drugs or lifestyle changes.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Placental Transcription Factors In The Pathogenesis Of Fetal Growth Restriction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,582.00
Summary
We must understand the role of growth control genes in the growth of the human placenta. The reason is that in several significant placental disorders, placental formation is abnormal and prevents the placenta from functioning efficiently. This in turn, impacts on the growth of the developning fetus. A variety of established and innovative methods described in this project will determine the functions of the placental growth control genes and may lead to novel therapeutic targets.