MicroRNA Expression Profiling Of Eutopic Endometrium In Women With Versus Without Endometriosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$224,211.00
Summary
Endometriosis is a medical condition where endometrium grows outside the womb. About 10% of women have this condition that can cause abdominal pain, painful periods and difficulty conceiving a child. Now endometriosis can only be diagnosed by surgical procedure. We believe that the presence of endometriosis causes particular small molecules called microRNAs to be present in the lining of the womb or in the blood only in women with endometriosis, and we could develop a test for endometriosis with ....Endometriosis is a medical condition where endometrium grows outside the womb. About 10% of women have this condition that can cause abdominal pain, painful periods and difficulty conceiving a child. Now endometriosis can only be diagnosed by surgical procedure. We believe that the presence of endometriosis causes particular small molecules called microRNAs to be present in the lining of the womb or in the blood only in women with endometriosis, and we could develop a test for endometriosis without resorting to surgery.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.
The Characterisation Of An Essential Regulator Of Pre-mRNA Splicing Required For Germ Cell Function And Male Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,116,739.00
Summary
The male germ line is a fantastic system within which to define processes of fundamental importance to cell biology and health broadly. Within this grant we will define the role of a poorly described RNA splicing factor in all of stem cell function (spermatogonia), meiosis (spermatocytes) and in the remarkable metamorphosis underlying spermatid maturation. This will be done using a range of phenotypic characterizations, CHIP and RNA Seq technologies and gene sequencing.
Male-female Sperm Signalling - A Novel Pathway For Peri-conceptual Health?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,920.00
Summary
This project will investigate a new biological process in reproduction, whereby sperm delivered to the cervix at coitus transmit signalling molecules called microRNAs that influence the female immune response, to increase the chances of conception and pregnancy. We will define the molecular details of this signalling pathway in mouse models, and then determine whether human sperm have a comparable function in ‘priming’ the female body to conceive.
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.
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.
We propose to determine if a recently discovered biological mechanism plays crucial roles in the development of eggs and sperm. To achieve this, we will remove or mutate this pathway specifically in developing eggs and sperm , then examine the effect. Preliminary results indicate that the mechanism does play important roles mutated eggs fail to complete maturation. These studies will tell us more about what makes a healthy egg and sperm, and are relevant to female and male fertility.