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.
Development Of A Specific Activin Antagonist For Therapeutic Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,287.00
Summary
Activin is a key regulator of homeostasis in several organs and tissues, including ovaries, testes, liver and skin, and alterations in activin�s activity can result in fibrosis, cachexia and cancer. In this grant we propose to develop a specific activin antagonist by modifying the activin A propeptide. This novel reagent could be used to promote liver growth in severe hepatic disease and prevent fibrosis in numerous tissues.
Discriminating The Roles Of Inhibin A And B In Reproductive Systems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,576.00
Summary
Inhibin A and B are essential for the regulation of fertility based on their dual inhibitory actions on follicle stimulating hormone secretion by the pituitary and egg and sperm production in the gonads. An understanding of the mechanisms involved in inhibin A and B actions will: (1) identify novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of reproductive disorders (2) enhance the management of reproductive disorders (3) identify targets for the development of therapeutic means of modulating fertility
Biomarkers For The Treatment And Prognosis Of Sight-threatening Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,305.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a highly specific vascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with prevalence strongly related to the duration of diabetes. Clinic biomarkers of DR have become the basis for preventive medicine. In this project, we aim to evaluate possible biomarkers in both Chinese and Australian diabetic populations at different stages of DR. We will also investigate pathological mechanisms and novel drugs to treat DR in animal models.
The Role Of FSH And FF-MAS In The Induction Of Meiotic Resumption In The Oocyte
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
About one in six couples of reproductive age suffer from reproductive disorders. In a significant proportion of cases, reproductive failure is attributable to a variety of chromosomal and cellular anomalies displayed by the egg, which interfere with the process of fertilization or the capacity of the embryo to grow, implant or develop to term. Because the chances of success of each individual egg are very low, women undergoing IVF therapy are subjected to ovarian stimulation with drugs in order ....About one in six couples of reproductive age suffer from reproductive disorders. In a significant proportion of cases, reproductive failure is attributable to a variety of chromosomal and cellular anomalies displayed by the egg, which interfere with the process of fertilization or the capacity of the embryo to grow, implant or develop to term. Because the chances of success of each individual egg are very low, women undergoing IVF therapy are subjected to ovarian stimulation with drugs in order to produce many eggs, thereby increasing the success rate per treatment cycle. But stimulation of ovarian function involves a number of drawbacks including cost of fertility drugs, continued monitoring, discomfort and risk of complications (eg. ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). It is evident that novel methods for the production of mature eggs in vitro in the absence of ovarian stimulation would mark a breakthrough, making assisted reproduction a more friendly discipline. In general, all IVF patients would benefit from in vitro maturation techniques. In particular, in selected patients (eg. those suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome) the advantages of this method might prove to be invaluable, by achieving production of fully viable eggs under controlled conditions, as opposed to in vivo where oocytes generally fail to acquire full competence, having been subjected to an unfavourable hormonal environment. Unfortunately, attempts to treat IVF patients using eggs matured in vitro has been disappointing so far, with only occasional pregnancies reported over the last decade. Clearly, this is due to lack of knowledge of the fundamental events occurring during egg maturation, as well as the paucity of biological material available for experimentation. So, to make in vitro maturation of eggs a successful fertility treatment we undoubtedly need to achieve a more profound insight into the function of the egg, the first step being to focus our attention upon experimental models.Read moreRead less
Thyroid hormones are regulators of development and metabolism. The lack of concordance of thyroid function and disease in identical twins suggests that environmental effects have a significant role. Quantifying epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, has the potential to identify causal effects from the environment. This research will provide a comprehensive database of DNA methylome alterations that will contribute important insights into thyroid function in health and disease.
Identification Of Genetic Variants Regulating Thyroid Function In Health And Disease By Next Generation Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,433.00
Summary
Small differences in thyroid function are associated with important clinical outcomes including longevity and cardiovascular disease. We recently completed a Genome Wide Association Study and identified a novel locus associated with blood levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. In this project we will extend that research to study rare genetic variants and examine their association with thyroid function in health and disease.
Infant Thyroid Hormone Levels And Long-term Child Educational Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,782.00
Summary
Adequate levels of newborn thyroid hormones are essential for brain development.Newborn screening for thyroid hormone deficiency ensures early identification, treatment & prevention of severe intellectual disability.But there is clinical uncertainty in mildly abnormal levels.We will assess thyroid hormone levels & subsequent educational outcomes in 1.5M Australian babies.There is potential to identify infants who, without treatment, may suffer longterm disability & lower educational achievement
Infant Thyroid Hormone Levels And Long-term Child Educational Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,495.00
Summary
Adequate levels of newborn thyroid hormones are essential for brain development.Newborn screening for thyroid hormone deficiency ensures early identification, treatment & prevention of severe intellectual disability.But there is clinical uncertainty in mildly abnormal levels.We will assess thyroid hormone levels & subsequent educational outcomes in 1.5M Australian babies.There is potential to identify infants who, without treatment, may suffer longterm disability & lower educational achievement