The Mechanism Of Spermatid Differentiation - A Link To Tumour Suppression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$506,425.00
Summary
To discover novel regulators of male fertility, we have screened libraries of mutant mice generated by a chemical mutagen. This project aims to define the function of the mutated gene identified in a male-specific infertile mutant mouse line. The mutated gene has been proposed to play a role in regulating cell death and suppress lung tumour formation. Our data may reveal novel options for male infertility treatment and for the development of male contraception and lung cancer biomarkers.
Characterisation Of The Pathways Leading To DNA Demethylation In The Embryo.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$634,573.00
Summary
Complex living creatures like humans have specialised cells that co-operate to form important organs like brains and reproductive organs. Specialised cells have specific genes locked on or off. When a sperm fertilises an egg, all the switches of the genes that are locked on or off get reset to neutral so that the fertilised egg can divide and grow into all cell types in the body. We do not know how this resetting happens in the egg. This project seeks to discover the mechanism involved.
A New Model Of Asthenospermia And A Candidate Gene For Multiple Ciliopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$629,039.00
Summary
Though the analysis of a unique mouse strain (Mot1) we have identified a previously unknown cause of male infertility and lung disease. We hypothesis that the Mot1 line is a model of human primary cilia dyskinesia and that the Mot1 protein is involved in cilia function. Within this project we will define the consequences of a loss of Mot1 protein function, we will define its binding partners and we will screen for mutations in the corresponding human gene.
RNA Binding Protein Musashi: Role In Folliculogenesis And Oocyte Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,223.00
Summary
Women in Australian have opted for social and economic reasons to delay both marriage and childbirth. Both infertility and congenital abnormality is associated with advancing maternal age as the ovarian pool of oocytes declines in number and quality. In this project we aim to gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning healthy oocyte development. Insights gained have the potential to alleviate miscarriage, infertility and congenital abnormalities in Australian families.
The Early Life Origins Of Impaired Testicular Function: A Prospective Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,277.00
Summary
There is a widespread public perception that sperm counts are diminishing. This theory can only be tested by using a representative sample of young men, rather than biased populations (such as men presenting as sperm donors). We have the unique opportunity to test this theory, and to determine any early life events which may lead to reduced sperm counts, such as being growth restricted at birth, exposed to high levels of maternal oestrogens or smoking or being overweight in adolescence.