The Formation And Development Of The Ovarian Follicular Membrana Granulosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$351,575.00
Summary
In order for the ovary to be able to release eggs and produce hormones such as oestrogen, follicles must grow within the ovary. Each follicle contains one egg and when the follicle is large and filled with fluid it can rupture, releasing the fluid and egg in the process of ovulation. A key part of the structure of the follicle is a non-cellular layer called the basal lamina. This basal lamina encapsulates the inner cells, the egg and the fluid in the follicle. Each women has millions of follicle ....In order for the ovary to be able to release eggs and produce hormones such as oestrogen, follicles must grow within the ovary. Each follicle contains one egg and when the follicle is large and filled with fluid it can rupture, releasing the fluid and egg in the process of ovulation. A key part of the structure of the follicle is a non-cellular layer called the basal lamina. This basal lamina encapsulates the inner cells, the egg and the fluid in the follicle. Each women has millions of follicles prior to her birth, ten of thousands in her reproductive years, and none at the menopause. Since she only ovulates about 500 in her lifetime most follicles die in the process of growing to ovulatory size. This project will examine the structure of the follicle wall and the cells that make up that wall. How these cells replicate during follicle growth has never been discovered. This research has important implications for the many women who have polycystic ovarian disease, whose follicles fail to grow to full size. We will be examining these ovaries directly. The research also has importance in the next phase of IVF developments.Read moreRead less
Studies Of The Dynamic Changes In The Ovarian Follicular Basal Lamina
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$305,557.00
Summary
In order for the ovary to be able to release eggs and produce hormones such as oestrogen, follicles must grow within the ovary. Each follicle contains one egg and when the follicle is large and filled with fluid it can rupture, releasing the fluid and egg in the process of ovulation. A key part of the structure of the follicle is a non-cellular layer called the basal lamina. This basal lamina encapsulates the inner cells, the egg and the fluid in the follicle. Each women has millions of follicle ....In order for the ovary to be able to release eggs and produce hormones such as oestrogen, follicles must grow within the ovary. Each follicle contains one egg and when the follicle is large and filled with fluid it can rupture, releasing the fluid and egg in the process of ovulation. A key part of the structure of the follicle is a non-cellular layer called the basal lamina. This basal lamina encapsulates the inner cells, the egg and the fluid in the follicle. Each women has millions of follicles prior to her birth, ten of thousands in her reproductive years, and none at the menopause. Since she only ovulates about 500 in her lifetime most follicles die during the process of growing to ovulatory size. This project will examine the follicular basal lamina in order to determine its role during follicle growth and development, and when follicles die. This has important implications for the many women who have polycystic ovarian disease, whose follicles fail to grow to full size. We will be examining these ovaries directly. The research also has importance in the next phase of IVF developments.Read moreRead less
Hormonal Influences In The Pathogenesis Of Ovarian Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$264,601.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting the female reproductive system. We have found that two types of tumour of the ovary produce a hormone called inhibin; these tumours are also known to produce the steroid hormone estrogen. In these studies we are seeking to determine the genetic changes in the tumours that cause the production of these hormones. We suspect that these genetic changes are also the same changes which contribute to the development of the cancers. In orde ....Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting the female reproductive system. We have found that two types of tumour of the ovary produce a hormone called inhibin; these tumours are also known to produce the steroid hormone estrogen. In these studies we are seeking to determine the genetic changes in the tumours that cause the production of these hormones. We suspect that these genetic changes are also the same changes which contribute to the development of the cancers. In order to identify these genes we will draw on our knowledge of the genes that are important in the controlof growth and hormone secretion in normal ovarian cells. To assist this molecular analysis we will use two ovarian cell lines in culture that have many of the features of the primary tumours including inhibin secretion. We will also use new techniques to scan over 500 genes involved in tumours in general to see whether we detect any unusual or distinctive patterns in this sub-group of tumours. A genome wide scanning technique will be used to seek changes in the DNA of the tumours, inparticular loss of genetic material or amplification of regions. Identification of the genetic changes within these tumours should enable better systems of classification, enhance prognostication and provide specific targets for the development of appropriate treatment strategies.Read moreRead less
Molecular Determinants Of Advanced Disease In Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,244.00
Summary
Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary (GCT) represent 5-10% of malignant ovarian cancers. They are distinct from the more common epithelial tumours and although considered to have a much better prognosis, they have a propensity to late recurrence. Recurrent or aggressive GCT have a poor prognosis. These studies will investigate the molecular basis of recurrence and aggressive behaviour in GCT. This will provide both prognostic information and also potential therapeutic targets.
Why We Have Two Estrogen Receptors: The Role Of ERbeta In Folliculogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,053.00
Summary
The female hormone estrogen acts via receptors ERalpha and ERbeta. Little is known about the genes and proteins regulated by ERbeta. Ovarian granulosa cells and granulosa cell tumours express ERbeta. By studying the biology of normal and malignant granulosa cells we hope to understand the role that ERbeta plays in granulosa cells. These studies will identify areas for the development of new therapeutics or treatment strategies for a range of female-specific conditions including ovarian cancer.
Antioxidant Enzymes Counter Reactive Oxygen Species From Steroidogenic Cytochrome P450 Enzymes In The Ovary To Limit Aneuploidy Of Embryos
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,978.00
Summary
Many birth defects are due to damage sustained by the eggs before ovulation. Aging allows more damage, hence the advice to have babies earlier in life. However, we believe we have identified a source of damage that happens during late development of the follicle in the weeks before ovulation. Proving this will enable us define when an egg is most at risk of damage and to devise strategies to lower the risk.
Manipulating Ovarian Follicle - Oocyte Communication To Control Reproductive Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,424.00
Summary
Ovarian follicles provide the environment supporting oocyte (egg) development. Communication between cells of the follicle and oocytes modulate this environment. We discovered new cell surface molecules that receive the signals from the oocyte and we identified a class of drug compounds that can modulate this signalling. This discovery offers a unique potential to therapeutically intervene in this signalling process and both improve infertility therapies and develop new non-steroidal contracepti ....Ovarian follicles provide the environment supporting oocyte (egg) development. Communication between cells of the follicle and oocytes modulate this environment. We discovered new cell surface molecules that receive the signals from the oocyte and we identified a class of drug compounds that can modulate this signalling. This discovery offers a unique potential to therapeutically intervene in this signalling process and both improve infertility therapies and develop new non-steroidal contraceptives.Read moreRead less