Female Reproductive Health Preservation By Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) And Sirtuin2 (SIRT2)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,983.00
Summary
Cancer treatment can be severely toxic to women’s eggs. Increasing numbers of women who survive cancer therefore become infertile and prematurely deprived of hormonal support whilst still in their reproductive years. This project will use state-of-the-art techniques to interrogate newly uncovered pathways that can protect eggs from treatment-induced injury thereby greatly improving the quality of life for female cancer survivors.
Facilitating Endometrial Receptivity To Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$734,252.00
Summary
The womb prepares itself in each menstrual cycle for pregnancy and the implantation of an embryo. In some women, the endometrium may not prepare itself adequately and this can lead to infertility. We have identified small RNA that may be useful in predicting which women are not adequately prepared for implantation and may be used to develop treatments for infertile women, for which there are currently no treatments.
Interferon Epsilon, A Key Cytokine In The Pathophysiology Of The Female Reproductive Tract Mucosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$793,303.00
Summary
The female reproductive tract is a complex environment, which permits pregnancy but protects against infections, all under the influence of hormones and the resident microbial flora. We have discovered a novel protein called interferon epsilon that acts on cells in the female reproductive tract to regulate protection against infections. We aim to discover how this new protein works and will determine its therapeutic potential in infections and inflammatory diseases affecting women's health.
Male-female Sperm Signalling - A Novel Pathway For Peri-conceptual Health?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,920.00
Summary
This project will investigate a new biological process in reproduction, whereby sperm delivered to the cervix at coitus transmit signalling molecules called microRNAs that influence the female immune response, to increase the chances of conception and pregnancy. We will define the molecular details of this signalling pathway in mouse models, and then determine whether human sperm have a comparable function in ‘priming’ the female body to conceive.
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.
We propose to determine if a recently discovered biological mechanism plays crucial roles in the development of eggs and sperm. To achieve this, we will remove or mutate this pathway specifically in developing eggs and sperm , then examine the effect. Preliminary results indicate that the mechanism does play important roles mutated eggs fail to complete maturation. These studies will tell us more about what makes a healthy egg and sperm, and are relevant to female and male fertility.
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.
Uptake of fertility preservation procedures (eg. egg and embryo freezing) prior to cancer treatment is increasing and women will return to use these to try to conceive. Radiation may damage the uterus and there is insufficient evidence to guide the management of those exposed to intermediate doses. The aim is to improve understanding of radiation effects on the uterus which will assist clinicians with deciding whether it can support a pregnancy, or if surrogacy should be advised.
I am a reproductive biologist focused on women’s reproductive health. I am studying the reasons why some women are infertile have spontaneous abortions and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia. My research will define the roles of molecules that are critical in the establishment of pregnancy and the formation of a health placenta and therefore a healthy baby.