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.
A Novel Procedure For Efficacious Gonadotrophin-free Infertility Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,328.00
Summary
Infertility is common and is associated with health risks and is expensive. Using laboratory animals, we have developed a unique procedure, which has comparable success rates to IVF but crucially, it eliminates the need for ovarian hormone therapy used in IVF. A clinical trial using this method has started in Brussels and in this project we will examine cells from that trial and from animals to investigate the underlying mechanisms to enable safe and rapid clinical implementation.
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
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
Obesity And Infertility: Effects Of Diet-induced Insulin Resistance On Oocyte Quality.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$533,510.00
Summary
The health of an embryo (and subsequently child) is largely determined by the health of the mother. It is well documented that women who have poor pre-pregnancy health due to obesity are more likely to have difficulty conceiving due to irregular ovulations and early embryo loss. My research using obese mice has found that these fertility problems are partly due to alterations in the oocytes (eggs) within the ovary. Its surrounding cells and fluid provide the oocyte with all of its required nutri ....The health of an embryo (and subsequently child) is largely determined by the health of the mother. It is well documented that women who have poor pre-pregnancy health due to obesity are more likely to have difficulty conceiving due to irregular ovulations and early embryo loss. My research using obese mice has found that these fertility problems are partly due to alterations in the oocytes (eggs) within the ovary. Its surrounding cells and fluid provide the oocyte with all of its required nutrients. I hypothesize that this follicular environment is altered in females that are obese leading to inappropriate nutritional signals and suboptimal development of the oocyte. The goals of my research are to use obese mice to 1) pinpoint exactly which metabolic alterations lead to decreased oocyte development; 2) determine how these metabolic alterations change the oocyte and the cells surrounding it; 3) use the information gained to analyse ovarian cells of women and see if these same alterations occur in women who are obese. The findings will be highly significant because they will 1) provide a greater understanding of how the maternal environment communicates nutritional information to the oocyte, which ultimately forms the developing embryo. 2) expand our knowledge of the optimal nutritional conditions for oocyte and early embryo development. 3) identify biological mechanisms that are altered during obesity and lead to decreased female fertility. 4) aid in the development of improved agents for use at fertility clinics, for instance the development of solutions most closely mimicking the critical components of the normal ovarian environment, for use in the culture of oocytes and embryos. 5) provide a strong public health message to women of reproductive age: to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight prior to becoming pregnant.Read moreRead less
Insulin Resistance In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And The Role Of Skeletal Muscle And Adipose Tissue
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$416,115.00
Summary
11% of women have polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS), characterised by insulin resistance, irregular periods and infertility. These women are prone to obesity, diabetes and potentially, heart disease. Treatments include lifestyle modifications +-- medical therapy. Lifestyle is first line, yet the best diet-exercise prescription is unclear. This study will provide insights into the cause of PCOS, will inform on the role of exercise in therapy and may identify targets for future therapies.
One in five Australian couples experience infertility and poor egg quality is a major contributing factor. Developing eggs in the ovary are surrounded by helper cells and we have discovered a new form of communication between these cells and the egg that regulates egg quality. This project will investigate the details of this dialogue and how it improves egg quality. New knowledge gained from this project will improve our understanding and treatment of infertility and reproductive diseases.