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
Manipulating Ovarian Follicle - Oocyte Communication To Control Reproductive Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,424.00
Summary
Ovarian follicles provide the environment supporting oocyte (egg) development. Communication between cells of the follicle and oocytes modulate this environment. We discovered new cell surface molecules that receive the signals from the oocyte and we identified a class of drug compounds that can modulate this signalling. This discovery offers a unique potential to therapeutically intervene in this signalling process and both improve infertility therapies and develop new non-steroidal contracepti ....Ovarian follicles provide the environment supporting oocyte (egg) development. Communication between cells of the follicle and oocytes modulate this environment. We discovered new cell surface molecules that receive the signals from the oocyte and we identified a class of drug compounds that can modulate this signalling. This discovery offers a unique potential to therapeutically intervene in this signalling process and both improve infertility therapies and develop new non-steroidal contraceptives.Read moreRead less
Much of our current knowledge on development of external genitalia (ExG), the penis and clitoris, comes from 20 &70 year-old studies (1); but with significant developments in contemporary imaging and new mouse models, we have new data. The overall goal of this project is to prove the hypothesis that penile and clitoral development is estrogen- (and androgen-) dependent and, to show that the administration of exogenous endocrine disrupting chemicals that alter the balance between estrogen and and ....Much of our current knowledge on development of external genitalia (ExG), the penis and clitoris, comes from 20 &70 year-old studies (1); but with significant developments in contemporary imaging and new mouse models, we have new data. The overall goal of this project is to prove the hypothesis that penile and clitoral development is estrogen- (and androgen-) dependent and, to show that the administration of exogenous endocrine disrupting chemicals that alter the balance between estrogen and androgen will disrupt ExG development.Read moreRead less
P-glycoprotein: A New Player In The Placental Glucocorticoid Barrier
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,711.00
Summary
Adequate growth and development of the fetus are crucial for survival of the newborn. The placenta plays a central role in these processes, providing the fetus with appropriate nutrients and hormonal signals. The placenta also regulates the maternal-fetal passage of hormones, some of which have the capacity to limit fetal growth. These include glucocorticoid hormones from the mother's adrenal gland (eg cortisol) which are normally prevented from passing through the placenta to the fetus due to t ....Adequate growth and development of the fetus are crucial for survival of the newborn. The placenta plays a central role in these processes, providing the fetus with appropriate nutrients and hormonal signals. The placenta also regulates the maternal-fetal passage of hormones, some of which have the capacity to limit fetal growth. These include glucocorticoid hormones from the mother's adrenal gland (eg cortisol) which are normally prevented from passing through the placenta to the fetus due to the 'placental glucocorticoid barrier'. The primary focus of this proposal is the investigation of a potential new contributor to this barrier called P-glycoprotein (P-gp), recently shown to limit access of glucocorticoids to the brain. We propose that because the placenta expresses significant amounts of P-gp, it may help prevent maternal glucocorticoids from reaching the fetus and causing growth retardation. We will determine whether P-gp is a significant contributor to the placental glucocorticoid barrier, and measure how much P-gp is present in normal placentas throughout pregnancy. We will also assess whether there is less P-gp present in placentas of growth-retarded fetuses. Understanding how P-gp affects the passage of glucocorticoids across the placenta could help to treat certain cases of fetal growth retardation.Read moreRead less
Modulation Of MicroRNA Activity In The Testis: A New Paradigm For Male Fertility?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,170.00
Summary
Sperm production in the testis is driven by the reproductive hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone. In this grant, we will investigate how a new class of molecules, called microRNAs, act to transmit the signals from FSH and testosterone to the cellular machinery of the testis, particularly at junctions between cells. This information has the potential to impact on our understanding of the causes of male infertility.
Therapeutic Potential Of Transforming Growth Factor-beta Proteins For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$942,961.00
Summary
We discovered and manufactured a growth factor produced uniquely by the egg. We named this growth factor cumulin. It is a powerful regulator of ovarian function and egg quality. This project will study the basic mechanisms of how cumulin works in the ovary. We will then develop an assay to measure it as a biomarker of human egg quality and quantity. New approaches in fertility preservation for cancer survivors will be developed using cumulin.
Prevention Of Placental Oxidative Stress And Inflammation By Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,970.00
Summary
Several pregnancy disorders that result in low birthweight involve aberrant function of the placenta. In this project we will examine one of the key mechanisms underlying placental dysfunction, namely oxidative stress, and determine whether its adverse effects can be limited by supplementation with dietary omega 3 fatty acids. The outcomes of this project will help guide future clinical studies on the possible beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy.