Facilitating Endometrial Receptivity To Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$734,252.00
Summary
The womb prepares itself in each menstrual cycle for pregnancy and the implantation of an embryo. In some women, the endometrium may not prepare itself adequately and this can lead to infertility. We have identified small RNA that may be useful in predicting which women are not adequately prepared for implantation and may be used to develop treatments for infertile women, for which there are currently no treatments.
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
Endogenous Oestrogen Is A Key Missing Link In Urethral Hypospadias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,467.00
Summary
Defects in penis development are among the most common birth abnormalities, and affect around 1 in every 150 live male births in Australia. Development of the penis is known to be driven by male hormones (androgens), but we have recently shown that oestrogen also plays a role in this process. This project will define the role of estrogen in penis development and how a loss or gain of estrogens can cause developmental defects.
Role Of The Histone Variant H3.3 In Germ Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,223.00
Summary
Over their life cycle, germ cells are unique in undergoing a large scale reformatting of their gene or DNA control systems, required for their own development, and for the development of the fertilized egg. We think that the protein ïhistone H3.3Í is crucial to this reformatting process. We will test this possibility by determining how much H3.3 is present in germ cells. Also, we will make mice which lack this protein in germ cells to see if this affects the reformatting process.
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.
The Consequences Of Innate Immune Inflammatory Responses During Early Pregnancy And Their Effect On Reproductive Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,788.00
Summary
The mother's immune system can tolerate the growth of an ostensibly foreign fetus during pregnancy, yet remain vigilant to pathogenic challenge. We will investigate whether exposure to viral infections during early pregnancy leads to maternal and fetal inflammation which then impacts adversely on reproductive outcomes including fetal development and life-long health of offspring. Answers to these questions will contribute in designing effective interventions to limit the potential for detrimenta ....The mother's immune system can tolerate the growth of an ostensibly foreign fetus during pregnancy, yet remain vigilant to pathogenic challenge. We will investigate whether exposure to viral infections during early pregnancy leads to maternal and fetal inflammation which then impacts adversely on reproductive outcomes including fetal development and life-long health of offspring. Answers to these questions will contribute in designing effective interventions to limit the potential for detrimental outcomes.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Novel Common Genetic Risk Factors For Endometriosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,783.00
Summary
Multiple genetic factors underlie susceptibility to endometriosis—a common gynaecological disease associated with severe pelvic pain and sub-fertility. Through the identification of novel genetic risk factors and pathway-based analyses, this project will increase our understanding of the underlying genetic architecture and complex molecular pathways of endometriosis and lead to the development of diagnostic tests and rational treatment strategies.
Acupuncture To Improve Live Birth Rates For Women Undergoing IVF: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,285.00
Summary
We will undertake a randomised controlled of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF treatment. Acupuncture will be compared to a placebo group and standard care group to examine the clinical effect on live births. We will also examine if the cost effectiveness of IVF can be improved with acupuncture. We will undertake in-depth interviews with the participants to understand the personal and social context of acupuncture, illuminate reasons why the acupuncture may or may not have worked, and identify ot ....We will undertake a randomised controlled of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF treatment. Acupuncture will be compared to a placebo group and standard care group to examine the clinical effect on live births. We will also examine if the cost effectiveness of IVF can be improved with acupuncture. We will undertake in-depth interviews with the participants to understand the personal and social context of acupuncture, illuminate reasons why the acupuncture may or may not have worked, and identify other effects of acupuncture.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Testis-specific Markers Of Male Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,008.00
Summary
Infertility affects 1 in 20 men, and carries major health and financial burdens. Patient management is difficult because there are no tests to monitor testicular function. While sperm number is normally used, their absence in the ejaculate provides no information whether sperm are present in the testis suitable for IVF, or if sperm production could be ‘kick-started’ with hormones. Our goal is to identify new markers of testis function in blood, and then use them to help treat infertile men.