I am a reproductive biologist whose research is focussed around understanding how the early events of conception and embryo development are controlled. Critical aspects of my research are to determine the consequences to pregnancy and adult health if the
The Importance Of The Blood-testis Barrier In Human Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,953.00
Summary
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) shields developing sperm from the circulation and immune system, which would see them as ‘foreign’. Loss of BTB function leads directly to infertility. Curiously, how the BTB ‘opens’ and ‘closes’ to allow entry without causing a ‘leak’ is unknown. We believe that activin A is the main gatekeeper, but this growth factor is also important in inflammation. Our goals are to show how activin A allows sperm cells entry, and how inflammatory diseases impact the BTB.
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.
A BubR1-centred Network For Non-invasively Measuring Human Oocyte Quality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,207.00
Summary
Oocyte quality is the most important determinant of pregnancy outcome. Selecting the best oocytes for fertility treatments like IVF would therefore greatly improve success rates and reduce costs. We have identified master oocyte regulators and have applied novel digital technology to measure these regulators in a single oocyte. This project will apply this expertise to develop new approaches for evaluating an oocyte’s potential thereby informing its suitability for use in fertility treatment.
Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins (Crisp) Are Ion Channel Regulators With Essential Roles In Male Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,696.00
Summary
Male infertility affects 1 in 20 Australian men and for the majority of other men, contraception is an issue at some point in their lives. Despite this, relatively little is known about the processes of sperm production and fertilization. As such, there is an urgent need for futher research if we are to hope to develop diagnostics, targeted therapeutics and to take advantage of the growing awareness by pharmaceutical companies of the market for male gamete based contraceptives. The cysteine rich ....Male infertility affects 1 in 20 Australian men and for the majority of other men, contraception is an issue at some point in their lives. Despite this, relatively little is known about the processes of sperm production and fertilization. As such, there is an urgent need for futher research if we are to hope to develop diagnostics, targeted therapeutics and to take advantage of the growing awareness by pharmaceutical companies of the market for male gamete based contraceptives. The cysteine rich secretory proteins (Crisps) are a group of proteins which show a remarkable bias to the male reproductive tract. All four are incorporated into sperm. Recently published data from us indicates that they have the ability to regulated calcium flow in sperm and as such sperm activity. The aim of the current proposal is to explore the biological relevance of one domain of Crisp proteins using animal models, in vitro sperm tests and through an analysis of ion flux and phosphorylation status under conditions of altered Crisp-1 and -2 content. The data generated from this project will make a significant contribution to the development of novel male gamete based contraceptives for use by either men or women. In addition, through the attainment of a greater understanding of sperm development and function, we will be able to more precisely define types of infertility, thus allowing for the development of more targeted therapies. The development of Crisp agonists or antagonists may also be of value in the treatment of other cilia disorders including primary cilia dykinesia and cystic fibrosis.Read moreRead less
Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.