I am a reproductive biologist working to define key mechanisms for sperm development and function; and by extension the causes of human male infertility.
Differentiation Of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells To The Female Germ Line
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,342.00
Summary
In this project we aim to establish techniques to obtain viable and developmentally competent eggs from embryonic stem (ES) cells for studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of sex cell production. We expect to achieve ES cell derived eggs with similar fertilization and developmental potential as eggs developed naturally. Sterility resulting from cancer treatments and from genetic and non-genetic malformations can benefit from this ES cell therapy.
The normal processes of development of the embryo require that the information encoded in chromosomes be reprogrammed soon after fertilization. This process is rather fragile and disturbance of the early embryo can upset it. Recent studies for the chief investigator's provide new understanding of the normal processes of reprogramming. The project will explore and validate the implications of these new discoveries and provide a basis for future alleviation of abnormalities to development.
Seafood CRC: Visiting Expert: Dr Standish Allen - Enhancement Of Tetraploid And Triploid Production In The Australian Pacific Oyster Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$14,200.00
Summary
SCL’s overall goal with regard to tetraploid technology is to make it work as effectively as anywhere in the world. In some ways, SCL is ahead of the game already, with dedicated facilities and technicians to pursue this goal. The objective of this Visiting Expert project is to get SCL fully on this path and to continue the improvement of tetraploid technology in Australia, and by example, the world.
There is currently only a hand full of commercial operations producing natural trip ....SCL’s overall goal with regard to tetraploid technology is to make it work as effectively as anywhere in the world. In some ways, SCL is ahead of the game already, with dedicated facilities and technicians to pursue this goal. The objective of this Visiting Expert project is to get SCL fully on this path and to continue the improvement of tetraploid technology in Australia, and by example, the world.
There is currently only a hand full of commercial operations producing natural triploids and even fewer assessing breeding technologies required to enhance the breeding of tetraploid populations.
At SCL, commercial production of natural triploid oysters in Australia has been successful for a number of years. The regeneration of tetraploids through large mass populations of tetraploids are accomplished each year by SCL research staff. We also have the know-how for the production of both natural mass spawning of tetraploids and chemical induction of tetraploids.
The opportunity exists to enhance our tetraploid lines through the infusion of genetics from the industry owned breeding program (Australian Seafood Industries). This request from industry is based on the following two, and likely very distinct, traits. 1. Specific resistance to OsHV-1 µVar 2. Increase fitness in general oyster populations to combat mortalities in South Australia or Tasmania probably due to the high metabolism of triploids in food poor waters.
Objectives: 1. Evaluating tetraploid spawns, including single pair crosses, mass spawns, and/ or mass selected spawnings, for the development of breeding lines and long term breeding objectives 2. Production of a range of ASI triploids lines for progeny testing, both natural and chemical 3. Assessing the commercial application of producing selectively bred tetraploids utilising a method described by McCombie et al. 2009 4. Expert input to Penny Miller PhD with detail analysis of results to meet project objectives 5. Collaborate with CSIRO in the future enhancement of breeding plans for tetraploid pacific oysters using selectively bred lines from the ASI breeding program 6. Develop a long-term breeding and tetraploid maintenance plan to secure supplies of high quality tetraploids long into the future Read moreRead less
Experimental Production Of Tetraploid Oysters For Use As Broodstock For Commercial Hatchery Production Of Triploids
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$186,362.94
Summary
Objectives: 1. The experimental production of tetraploid (4n) oyster embryos, larvae & Spat 2. On-growing of 4n oyster spat to adulthood and reproductive capability 3. Hybridisation of 2n gametes (from 4n broodstock) with n gametes (form "normal" 2n broodstock) to produce 3n embryos, larvae and spat
Transplantation of frozen ovarian tissue is being used by young patients at risk of losing ovarian function. This study aims to maximize the likelihood that patients who have ovarian tissue collected, frozen and returned will acheive the desired outcome of returning ovarian hormonal cyclicity, ovulation, or fertility.
Male Infertility And Defective Sperm-oocyte Interaction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$244,614.00
Summary
Infertility affects 15% of people and although not usually ill, they are extremely distressed by the condition. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with normal sperm and intracytoplasmic sperm injection for sperm defects, can assist such patients have a family, but these treatments are expensive and not always successful. The causes of male infertility are largely unknown, diagnostic methods are crude and there is usually no treatment to promote natural conception. Conventional semen analysis provides ....Infertility affects 15% of people and although not usually ill, they are extremely distressed by the condition. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with normal sperm and intracytoplasmic sperm injection for sperm defects, can assist such patients have a family, but these treatments are expensive and not always successful. The causes of male infertility are largely unknown, diagnostic methods are crude and there is usually no treatment to promote natural conception. Conventional semen analysis provides limited information on fertilising ability. Our work over 15 years has shown that many patients go undiagnosed, particularly those with defects impairing fertilisation. During human fertilisation, sperm bind to the zona pellucida, a coat around the egg, via the membrane over a cap like structure on the sperm head called the acrosome. Binding of a sperm triggers the acrosome reaction, the process by which the membranes covering the acrosome fuse and the acrosomal contents are released. The sperm then penetrates the zona pellucida, binds to the membrane of the egg and is taken into the cytoplasm. We have developed tests to assess sperm binding to the zona pellucida and the acrosome reaction using eggs that failed to fertilise during clinical IVF. These tests show defects of sperm binding to the zona pellucida and the zona pellucida induced acrosome reaction are present in over 25% of patients without other obvious causes for their infertility. The men are severely infertile but have normal sperm by conventional tests. In this project we will determine if there are changes in membrane proteins in sperm which do not bind to the zona pellucida or undergo the acrosome reaction. We will categorise patients on the responses of their sperm to activation of key enzymes and other regulatory molecules involved in the fertilisation process. This will allow us to select subjects for further examination of protein abnormalities and genetic causes of the conditions.Read moreRead less
SCRC: PhD 6.06 – Capturing And Maintaining Genetic Variation When Initiating Selective Breeding Programs For Aquaculture
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Industry need: The following projects have stated the need for establishing sustainable selective breeding programs; • Development of a genetic management and improvement strategy for temperate marine finfish (2008/723). • Scope and economic analysis of options for a nationally unified breeding program for abalone aquaculture (2008/722). • Development of a genetic management strategy for cultured Barramundi (2008/758).
SCRC: PhD 6.08 Molecular Assessment Of Spawning Cues In Temperate Abalone
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
The spawning of cultured abalone for Australia’s expanding abalone industry is a ‘numbers game’ with hatcheries required to mature and induce more individuals than needed as gamete release is not under full control. While this is acceptable for commercial production the advent of selective breeding programs (SBPs) emerging across the industry means that increased spawning efficiency is crucial to provide for the spawning of highly valuable selected individuals on cue ensuring that the greatest g ....The spawning of cultured abalone for Australia’s expanding abalone industry is a ‘numbers game’ with hatcheries required to mature and induce more individuals than needed as gamete release is not under full control. While this is acceptable for commercial production the advent of selective breeding programs (SBPs) emerging across the industry means that increased spawning efficiency is crucial to provide for the spawning of highly valuable selected individuals on cue ensuring that the greatest genetic gains in production traits are realised. Greater control over spawning is key to ensuring maximum efficiency in the implementation of SBPs and also in producing the highly marketable interspecies hybrid between Haliotis rubra and H. laevigata.
The aim of this project is to unravel the signalling cues that regulate spawning and/or maturation processes in abalone. This will allow on farm interventional strategies to be developed. Peptide hormones are a complex set of messenger molecules controlling a wide diversity of regulatory functions including a multitude of physiological processes and behaviours within an organism. The latest mass spectrometry methods will enable the detection, identification and characterisation of these important signalling molecules. While there is currently a limited genetic resource available for Haliotis species in the absence of a reference genome, molecular genetic approaches will also be utilised alongside the peptide discovery process to address this shortfall in knowledge. By undertaking sampling at variable time points during the gonad conditioning and spawning process it will provide valuable insight into which of the peptides are involved in facilitating spawning cues. This is likely to result in the ability to develop external stimuli and/or methods that will enable spawning of temperate abalone on cue.Read moreRead less