The Role Of Stem-progenitor Cells In Regeneration Of Mouse Endometrium.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,938.00
Summary
The endometrium (lining of the uterus) undergoes breakdown and re-growth each month as part of the menstrual cycle. This restorative process is not well understood. For the first time stem cells have been identified within human endometrium that are likely to be responsible for its remarkable regeneration. The aim of this project is to identify stem cells within the mouse endometrium, to use as a model to understand how the endometrium restores each month after menstruation.
Differentiation Of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells To The Female Germ Line
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,342.00
Summary
In this project we aim to establish techniques to obtain viable and developmentally competent eggs from embryonic stem (ES) cells for studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of sex cell production. We expect to achieve ES cell derived eggs with similar fertilization and developmental potential as eggs developed naturally. Sterility resulting from cancer treatments and from genetic and non-genetic malformations can benefit from this ES cell therapy.
Determing Whether Breast Stem Cells Mediate The Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$433,894.00
Summary
Whilst the outcomes for women with breast cancer have improved significantly, the incidence of breast cancer continues to increase. Research needs to focus on prevention now to try to stop the increase. Apart from age, our reproductive behaviour is the largest risk factor for breast cancer. If a woman does not bear children, or has them after 35 years of age, she is at 25-50% increased risk of breast cancer. We would like to determine whether the breast stem cells play a role in this and why.
Growth Factors And Regulatory Genes Controlling Male Spermatogonial Proliferation And Differentiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,536.00
Summary
In newborn and prepubertal boys the testis contains germ cells which are at a premature stage of development and very suseptible to degeneration especially if the testes fail to descend to the scrotum. The molecules which are responsible for the health of these germ cells have been unknown and only recently the way has been opened for direct study of these factors. This has been made possible by a new assay, developed in our labarotory, in which we can grow these germ cells under defined conditi ....In newborn and prepubertal boys the testis contains germ cells which are at a premature stage of development and very suseptible to degeneration especially if the testes fail to descend to the scrotum. The molecules which are responsible for the health of these germ cells have been unknown and only recently the way has been opened for direct study of these factors. This has been made possible by a new assay, developed in our labarotory, in which we can grow these germ cells under defined conditions. This step forward has highlighted some areas of knowledge which need further research such as identification of the processes which stimulate gonocytes to grow and divide. We need to test growth factors, somatic cell factors and also isolate new genes which are associated with germ cells and their growth. This knowledge will have outcomes in two major areas. First, the new findings could be applied to treatment of infertility resulting from undescended testes in which a stimulus could be given to make the germ cells grow again. Second, work in developing longer term culture of germ cells coupled with introduction of mutations will enable us to make mutant mice with a specific gene abnormality, similar to transgenic or gene knockout mice. This technological development would prove less expensive and time consuming with more reproducible and direct outcomes. Mutant mouse technology is a powerful tool to determine the effects of individual genes in the whole animal (mouse).Read moreRead less
Epigenetic Regulation Of Cell Lineage Differentiation In The Early Embryo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$440,983.00
Summary
Exposure of embryos to a range of stresses can increase the predisposition to chronic diseases of adulthood. Stressing embryos at critical stages of development cause errors in reorganization of the nucleus that are required for normal gene expression. These errors are propagated into adulthood. This project will map the normal processes of nuclear reorganization and define how stress to the embryo changes this process, allowing an understanding of the causes of some important chronic diseases.