I am a reproductive physiologist investigating the nature and actions of hormones, particularly steroids and transforming growth factor-? superfamily members, regulating follicle growth and oocyte quality in the ovary, implantation and breakthrough bleedi
Endometrial Receptivity For Embryo Implantation: Proprotein Convertase 6 And Plasma Membrane Remodeling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,344.00
Summary
Implantation of an embryo into the uterus is a key step in establishing pregnancy; it requires a receptive uterus (fertile soil) and a healthy embryo (seed). Implantation failure causes pregnancy loss and infertility, and is also a major limiting factor in IVF. We have established that proprotein convertase 6 (PC6) is a master regulator of uterine receptivity for implantation. We will investigate how PC6 works in a woman’s uterus, and how we can use this knowledge to improve implantation in IVF.
Successful establishment of pregnancy requires a viable embryo and a receptive uterus. The contribution that reduced uterine receptivity makes to human infertility is unknown. IVF patients with implantation failure will be investigated using different approaches to identify gene pathways that are altered in reduced uterine receptivity. This study could lead to a clinical test for uterine receptivity and help to improve fertility treatment options for women with repeated implantation failure.
Infertility affects one in six couples and is an extremely distressing, expensive and frustrating experience for those that it afflicts. Through gaining a better understanding of the molecular and cellular processes governing ovulation and early embryo development, this team will devise new therapeutic strategies to improve the reproductive health of Australian women.
Interleukin 11 And Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor: Important Regulators Of Embryo Implantation And Placentation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$346,117.00
Summary
Infertility, spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia are major clinical problems. Interleukin (IL)-11 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) are critical for embryo implantation in mice but their roles in women are unknown. I will define their roles in the establishment of pregnancy and provide new critical information on their potential as targets for diagnostic and therapeutic tools for infertility and major diseases associated with pregnancy.
I am a reproductive biologist - reproductive immunologist investigating the role of the female immune response and its cellular and molecular agents in establishing pregnancy. My research spans basic science and clinical and commercial transfer, and aims to improve our understanding of the factors determining optimal reproductive health in women leading to better treatments for infertility and pathologies of pregnancy, and the best possible health outcomes for babies and children.
Changes In Protein Glycosylation Promote Endometrial Receptivity Leading To Successful Implantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,198.00
Summary
~15% of couples are unable to have children. Their reliance on reproductive technologies (eg, IVF) has increased 4 fold over the past decade. One reason for infertility is that the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is not able to allow an embryo to attach – a key event in establishing healthy pregnancy. There is no test to assess whether the endometrium is ‘receptive’ to an embryo. We will develop special assays for a test and provide a basis for treatment without recourse to IVF.
Uptake of fertility preservation procedures (eg. egg and embryo freezing) prior to cancer treatment is increasing and women will return to use these to try to conceive. Radiation may damage the uterus and there is insufficient evidence to guide the management of those exposed to intermediate doses. The aim is to improve understanding of radiation effects on the uterus which will assist clinicians with deciding whether it can support a pregnancy, or if surrogacy should be advised.