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
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.
Kisspeptin And Its Receptor Mastermind Reproduction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,979.00
Summary
Reproduction is controlled by the brain and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary stimulatory factor. Finding critical regulators of GnRH has remained the most important goal for reproductive endocrinologists for over 30 years. The brain peptide hormone called kisspeptin and its receptor Kiss1R appear vital in the control of reproduction. This project will detail the role kisspeptin and Kiss1R play in controlling hormones from the brain that govern puberty and reproduction.
Why We Have Two Estrogen Receptors: The Role Of ERbeta In Folliculogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,053.00
Summary
The female hormone estrogen acts via receptors ERalpha and ERbeta. Little is known about the genes and proteins regulated by ERbeta. Ovarian granulosa cells and granulosa cell tumours express ERbeta. By studying the biology of normal and malignant granulosa cells we hope to understand the role that ERbeta plays in granulosa cells. These studies will identify areas for the development of new therapeutics or treatment strategies for a range of female-specific conditions including ovarian cancer.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is vital for egg development, female fertility and health, and is widely used in assisted reproduction technology. But high levels of FSH are associated with premature infertility and menopause, and may lead to diseases like ovarian cancer. Understanding the biological pathways activated by elevated FSH may lead to new treatments for infertility and ovarian diseases (eg. cancer), as well as advancing new strategies for contraception.
Discriminating The Roles Of Inhibin A And B In Reproductive Systems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,576.00
Summary
Inhibin A and B are essential for the regulation of fertility based on their dual inhibitory actions on follicle stimulating hormone secretion by the pituitary and egg and sperm production in the gonads. An understanding of the mechanisms involved in inhibin A and B actions will: (1) identify novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of reproductive disorders (2) enhance the management of reproductive disorders (3) identify targets for the development of therapeutic means of modulating fertility
Molecular Characterization Of Unique Recognition Sites On The Surface Of Human Spermatozoa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,036.00
Summary
Developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human sperm function is central to the clinical management of male infertility, attempts to develop novel forms of male contraception and strategies for the introduction of transgenes into the male germ line. Defective sperm function is the largest single defined cause of human infertility. Despite the prevalence of this condition we have no idea how most cases of male infertility arise nor, in a vast majority of patients, do ....Developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human sperm function is central to the clinical management of male infertility, attempts to develop novel forms of male contraception and strategies for the introduction of transgenes into the male germ line. Defective sperm function is the largest single defined cause of human infertility. Despite the prevalence of this condition we have no idea how most cases of male infertility arise nor, in a vast majority of patients, do we understand which particular aspect of sperm biochemistry is defective. As a consequence we have not been able to develop sensitive biochemical diagnostic tests for the infertile male nor do we have any rational methods of treatment that address the cause of this condition. Similarly no new methods of male fertility regulation have been introduced since vasectomy despite the major advances that have been made in the field of female contraception over the same period of time. Clearly if we are to develop sensitive methods for the diagnosis of defective sperm function, introduce protocols for the treatment and prevention of male infertility and discover novel approaches to male contraception, we must first understand the cellular mechanisms that enable these highly specialized cells to perform their unique function. In this study we shall focus on one of the most important attributes of sperm function the capacity of these cells to recognize the egg. Once the biochemical basis of this fundamental recognition process is understood, it should pave the way for the development of clinical applications that target this signaling system with implications for a range of disciplines including reproductive toxicology, occupational medicine, family planning, infertility and biotechnology.Read moreRead less