Therapeutic Potential Of Transforming Growth Factor-beta Proteins For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$942,961.00
Summary
We discovered and manufactured a growth factor produced uniquely by the egg. We named this growth factor cumulin. It is a powerful regulator of ovarian function and egg quality. This project will study the basic mechanisms of how cumulin works in the ovary. We will then develop an assay to measure it as a biomarker of human egg quality and quantity. New approaches in fertility preservation for cancer survivors will be developed using cumulin.
Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.
Development Of Engineered Novel Growth Factors For Infertility Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,439.00
Summary
Infertility comes at an enormous social and financial cost to Australian society. The aim of this proposal is to improve the success rate of an innovative technology that matures eggs in the laboratory and so eliminates the need for the hormones normally used in IVF. To achieve this a newly discovered egg-secreted protein first has to be produced in the laboratory.
Dr Gilchrist is a reproductive biologist studying factors that regulate the intrinsic quality of unfertilised eggs. He has developed a new form of hormone-free infertility treatment which he will test in a clinical trial over the next 5 years.
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.
Function Of A Novel Interferon In Reproductiona And Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$507,270.00
Summary
It is important to understand the factors responsible for maintaining fertility, pregnancy and to prevent infection of the developing fetus and the uterus. The latter is an important general problem in women. We have identified a new protein that our current evidence suggests is involved in reproduction, embryonic or fetal development. This new protein is related tot he interferon family of proteins that are best characterised by their important functions in protecting the host from viral infect ....It is important to understand the factors responsible for maintaining fertility, pregnancy and to prevent infection of the developing fetus and the uterus. The latter is an important general problem in women. We have identified a new protein that our current evidence suggests is involved in reproduction, embryonic or fetal development. This new protein is related tot he interferon family of proteins that are best characterised by their important functions in protecting the host from viral infections and cancer. We propose to undetake a detailed study to determine when and where the new interferon is produced in the reproductive tract and during pregnancy and its importance in the maintenance of pregnancy and in protection against fetal-uterine infection.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms And Utilisation Of IFN-epsilon-mediated Protection Against Chlamydia Reproductive Tract Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,486.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia ST ....Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia STDs.Read moreRead less
A Novel Reproductive Tract Factor That Protects Against Chlamydia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,133.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia ST ....Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia STDs.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9) In Human Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,811.00
Summary
IVF comes at a substantial financial burden to the Australia health system through Medicare. There is mounting evidence to suggest that egg quality is the key limiting factor in female fertility. The aim of this proposal is to produce a key egg-secreted protein which is critical for the ability of the egg to be fertilized and to develop a diagnostic assay to measure egg quality to improve the treatment of infertility.