Male fertility requires sufficient production of healthy sperm in the testis. This project builds on our discovery that testicular cells communicate via the wnt family of proteins during sperm development, and that interruption of their activities reduces fertility in mice. We propose to use mouse models to study the precise steps in sperm production affected by Wnt signalling and how it works.
Characterisation Of Cumulus Cell Molecular Mediators Of Oocyte Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,896.00
Summary
Many women are poorly fertile because of poor egg quality due to age, disease and lifestyle. IVF can assist, but requires large doses of hormone, which can lead to significant health risks. IVM is an alternative lab technique to IVF, but has very poor success. We discovered that synthetic proteins copied from recently discovered egg proteins can be added to the egg and substantially increase IVM success. Answering why will further will aid treatment for infertile women