Sperm ciliary gating and midpiece formation – a novel player and process. We have identified CCDC112 an essential player in mammalian sperm tail development and male fertility. This project aims to define the role of CCDC112 in 1) the formation of the core to the sperm tail, the axoneme, and 2) the packaging of mitochondria into the midpiece. Within this Discovery Project we will define the mechanism(s) of CCDC112 functions and the consequences of its dysfunction. Insights from this grant will b ....Sperm ciliary gating and midpiece formation – a novel player and process. We have identified CCDC112 an essential player in mammalian sperm tail development and male fertility. This project aims to define the role of CCDC112 in 1) the formation of the core to the sperm tail, the axoneme, and 2) the packaging of mitochondria into the midpiece. Within this Discovery Project we will define the mechanism(s) of CCDC112 functions and the consequences of its dysfunction. Insights from this grant will be of significance to fertility across mammals and may ultimately benefit the selection of highly fertile males within the agricultural sector.Read moreRead less
Decoding microtubule remodelling in sperm production. All eukaryotic cells possess a dynamic microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton, which requires constant remodelling to satisfy its many essential cellular roles. Emerging data suggests modifications to the MT surface (the tubulin code) may act as instructional signposts for remodelling. This project aims to define a fundamental component of the tubulin code, glutamylation, and define how this directs MT severing. It also aims to define the cellular fun ....Decoding microtubule remodelling in sperm production. All eukaryotic cells possess a dynamic microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton, which requires constant remodelling to satisfy its many essential cellular roles. Emerging data suggests modifications to the MT surface (the tubulin code) may act as instructional signposts for remodelling. This project aims to define a fundamental component of the tubulin code, glutamylation, and define how this directs MT severing. It also aims to define the cellular functions of MT-severing enzyme FIGNL1 and key MT glutamylation enzymes (CCP1, CCP5 and TTLL1). Insights will be generated using sperm production as a model system and will thus inform the mechanisms by which fertile sperm are built, in addition to being relevant to cell biology across eukaryotic species. Read moreRead less
Life-saving chemo/radio-therapy commonly renders women and girls who survivor cancer infertile or sterile. We have discovered a new means of preserving the fertility of female mice exposed to chemo/radio therapy. In this project we will apply these advances to human ovarian tissue/eggs for the first time. We have access to these rare tissues for research purposes. This project will develop new approaches to fertility preservation for cancer survivors.