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.
The Role Of Oocyte-secreted Proteins In Primate Follicular Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$176,320.00
Summary
Mammalian eggs grow and develop in fluid filled sacks in the ovary called follicles. These structures nurture the egg for prolonged periods preparing it for ovulation and fertilisation. It has been known for some time that the quality of the follicular environment determines, in part, the developmental potential of the egg. Recent studies in mice have shown that the interaction between the egg and the follicle is in fact a two-way process, and that the egg is able to influence development of the ....Mammalian eggs grow and develop in fluid filled sacks in the ovary called follicles. These structures nurture the egg for prolonged periods preparing it for ovulation and fertilisation. It has been known for some time that the quality of the follicular environment determines, in part, the developmental potential of the egg. Recent studies in mice have shown that the interaction between the egg and the follicle is in fact a two-way process, and that the egg is able to influence development of the follicle. This project proposes to investigate these processes further in the laboratory mouse using new reagents available to us, and to extend these findings by investigating this communication pathway for the first time in a primate species. Because of the difficulty of undertaking such research using human material, we will use the marmoset monkey as a model. This exciting new development has important implications for women's health because it may help us understand why some women suffer from premature menopause or cystic ovaries, and in the longer term could help in the development of new types of contraceptives.Read moreRead less
Epigenetic Regulation Of Cell Lineage Differentiation In The Early Embryo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$440,983.00
Summary
Exposure of embryos to a range of stresses can increase the predisposition to chronic diseases of adulthood. Stressing embryos at critical stages of development cause errors in reorganization of the nucleus that are required for normal gene expression. These errors are propagated into adulthood. This project will map the normal processes of nuclear reorganization and define how stress to the embryo changes this process, allowing an understanding of the causes of some important chronic diseases.
Epigenetic Reprogramming Within The Pluripotent Lineage Of The Early Embryo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,050.00
Summary
Cells of the early embryo have the remarkable capacity to form all of the different tissues and organs in the body. This property requires re-organisation of the embryo’s genetic material in a manner analogous to re-booting a computer. This project will define the properties of this rebooting process. This information will allow much better strategies for building spare parts for regenerative medicine and provide the information required to reduce the incidence of inborn defects.
Role Of Snail Family Proteins In Male Fertility And Testicular Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,076.00
Summary
Male fertility requires production of healthy sperm in the testis. This project builds on our discoveries that testicular cells regulate gene activity via the Snail family of proteins during sperm development, and that interruption of their activities reduces fertility in mice and fruitflies. Snail proteins are also active in cancer cells. We propose to study the precise steps in sperm production affected by Snail proteins and how they affect the progression of testicular cancer.
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.