Macrophages In Developmental Programming Of Reproductive Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,386.00
Summary
Programming of reproductive health in women begins long before sexual maturity. Development during childhood, puberty and adulthood produces a fully functional reproductive system capable of conceiving, gestating and nurturing a child. This project will investigate the role of immune cells known as macrophages in the reproductive system, and investigate how their disruption might influence developmental programming and have lifetime consequences for the reproductive health of the individual.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is vital for egg development, female fertility and health, and is widely used in assisted reproduction technology. But high levels of FSH are associated with premature infertility and menopause, and may lead to diseases like ovarian cancer. Understanding the biological pathways activated by elevated FSH may lead to new treatments for infertility and ovarian diseases (eg. cancer), as well as advancing new strategies for contraception.
Studies Of The Paracrine Role Of Inhibin A/activin A In Ovulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,320.00
Summary
This project aims to study the biochemical processes associated with normal egg maturation and release. Two mouse models will be used. One will involve culturing mouse ovarian tissue and inducing ovulation to study the processes. The other will involve study of gene expression in a mouse ovary around ovulation. The progressive accumulation of knowledge about the processes of ovulation will greatly improve our ability as doctors to manipulate ovulation in clinical practice. This will make an enor ....This project aims to study the biochemical processes associated with normal egg maturation and release. Two mouse models will be used. One will involve culturing mouse ovarian tissue and inducing ovulation to study the processes. The other will involve study of gene expression in a mouse ovary around ovulation. The progressive accumulation of knowledge about the processes of ovulation will greatly improve our ability as doctors to manipulate ovulation in clinical practice. This will make an enormous difference to women s health in the following areas: contraception, the possibility of development of new methods of contraception that block egg release without affecting the normal ovarian cycle endocrinology; fertility treatment, better methods of obtaining mature oocytes without subjecting women to high dose gonadotrophin treatment and the accompanying sequelae; improving knowledge of the factors that promote satisfactory oocyte maturation and embryo development so that with improved implantation rates, fewer embryos need be replaced to achieve a pregnancy.Read moreRead less
Cumulus Cell Invasive Migration: Clearing A Path For The Oocyte
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,684.00
Summary
Ovulation is the process by which the egg is released from a female�s ovary, but it is not known how this process is controlled. We found that cells surrounding the egg are motile and similar to cancer cells; thus we hypothesize that this enables the egg to _invade� its way out of the ovary. We will test this idea in mice and determine whether similar processes are happening in women. The results will provide new information about how to stop ovulation and aid women who experience infertility.
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.
This study is aiming to develop an unique mouse model in which to study the question whether testosterone plays an essential role in female reproductive and general health. It will develop a genetic mouse model for a biological state of complete resistance to the effects of androgens. Such mice and humans are well known among genetic males but this cannot occur naturally among genetic female mammals. By creating such a mouse line, this project will be able to test for the first time indetail whe ....This study is aiming to develop an unique mouse model in which to study the question whether testosterone plays an essential role in female reproductive and general health. It will develop a genetic mouse model for a biological state of complete resistance to the effects of androgens. Such mice and humans are well known among genetic males but this cannot occur naturally among genetic female mammals. By creating such a mouse line, this project will be able to test for the first time indetail whether testosterone has an impotant role in the development and function of the ovary and of other female tissues such as bone, muscle and the brain.Read moreRead less
Interleukin 11 And Leukemia Inhibitory Factor: Pivotal Regulators Of Uterine Receptivity And Placental Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,294.00
Summary
Infertility, spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia are major clinical problems. Interleukin (IL)-11 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) are critical for embryo implantation in mice but their mechanisms of action in women are not well defined. We will define their roles in the establishment of pregnancy and provide new critical information on their potential as targets for diagnostic and therapeutic tools for infertility and major diseases associated with pregnancy.
Xenobiotics - Oxidative Stress In The Mammalian Ovary
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$377,922.00
Summary
Synthetic chemicals called xenobiotics in the environment are capable of interfering with female fertility. Xenobiotics can trigger oocyte depletion of the ovary and infertility. Exhaustion of the oocyte population results in the menopause, loss of ovarian hormones and profoundly affects female health through increasing susceptibility to heart and bone disease. This research will characterise xenobiotic effects on the ovary and will lead to significant advances in reproductive healthcare.