Chemical inhibition: a new approach to investigate the role of a key protease, CtHtrA, from Chlamydia trachomatis. Infertility in women frequently results from infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. This project will develop an inhibitor compound against a important protein from this bacteria. This will establish a new scientific approach to study Chlamydia trachomatis. This project will also contribute to the development of new treatments for infertility.
Chemical principles underpinning a spermostatic-microbiostatic agent capable of preventing pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted disease. This project explores the development of a method for simultaneously controlling fertility while preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. A novel aspect of the approach, that will dramatically influence product development, is that the active principles will only be generated on contact with seminal plasma.
Is SPINT1 a key regulator of placental development? . The placenta is an essential organ required for reproduction in placental species. This project aims to elucidate the fundamental biology of SPINT1 in placental development. It will generate new knowledge about whether the spatial and temporal expression of SPINT1 is conserved across several species; cow, sheep, lizard, mouse and human. It will also define the molecular mechanisms by which SPINT1 directs formation, maturation and expansion o ....Is SPINT1 a key regulator of placental development? . The placenta is an essential organ required for reproduction in placental species. This project aims to elucidate the fundamental biology of SPINT1 in placental development. It will generate new knowledge about whether the spatial and temporal expression of SPINT1 is conserved across several species; cow, sheep, lizard, mouse and human. It will also define the molecular mechanisms by which SPINT1 directs formation, maturation and expansion of the placental exchange interface which is critical for offspring survival.
The project will increase understanding of placental development, enhance collaboration and research knowhow, and promote future applied projects in all species that reproduce via placental support.Read moreRead less
Targeting TGF-beta proteins to control animal reproduction. This project aims to develop a suite of novel biologics to control fertility in female mammals. This project expects to demonstrate that targeting a single class of ovarian proteins will enhance or inhibit egg production. The expected outcomes of this project are to (1) transform the breeding of livestock animals, which should provide significant benefits to the agricultural industry, through increased herd/flock sizes, and (2) provide ....Targeting TGF-beta proteins to control animal reproduction. This project aims to develop a suite of novel biologics to control fertility in female mammals. This project expects to demonstrate that targeting a single class of ovarian proteins will enhance or inhibit egg production. The expected outcomes of this project are to (1) transform the breeding of livestock animals, which should provide significant benefits to the agricultural industry, through increased herd/flock sizes, and (2) provide a non-surgical method of contraception in companion/feral species, which should address the large unmet need for fertility control in these animals.
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Modelling stem cell decisions in mouse germ cells. A fundamental problem in biology is how cells transition from pluripotency to lineage commitment. The aim of this project is to study this problem, in vivo, by dissecting the mechanisms active during normal development of primordial germ cells (PGCs, gamete stem cells) in the mouse fetal testis. Using molecular, cellular and whole animal assays three central hypotheses will be addressed regarding genes likely to be important in the process. This ....Modelling stem cell decisions in mouse germ cells. A fundamental problem in biology is how cells transition from pluripotency to lineage commitment. The aim of this project is to study this problem, in vivo, by dissecting the mechanisms active during normal development of primordial germ cells (PGCs, gamete stem cells) in the mouse fetal testis. Using molecular, cellular and whole animal assays three central hypotheses will be addressed regarding genes likely to be important in the process. This research will reveal the molecular nature of bipotential switches in cell identity and will inform some of the most important biological issues of our time, including tissue regeneration, aging and cancer biology.Read moreRead less
Molecular regulation of the mitosis-to-meiosis switch in germ cells. This project will build on our recent major discoveries to study how sperm and oocyte production begins during fetal life. This issue is critical for understanding fertility and infertility in animal species and humans. The answers generated will lay the groundwork for fertility control in humans, pets, pests and endangered animals.
Towards a new understanding of the reproductive system. The proposed analysis of the reproductive system will provide important new knowledge of gene regulation driving organ development. The insights and technologies developed in this program will be widely applicable in biotechnological and pharmacogenomic research in Australia and worldwide, and assert Australia's leadership in this area of research.
Nanosampling sensors for real-time embryo monitoring. The health potential of every individual is established early in life, during the period when the oocytes mature and embryos are formed. This project will develop a photonic sensing platform capable of monitoring embryos as they develop, which will lead to new insight into the earliest stages of life and improved assisted reproduction technologies.
Investigating spermatogonial stem cell allocation in the fetal testis. This project aims to determine when and how spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are specified, and whether a genetic pathway that is used by in vitro stem cells is also employed, in vivo, by testicular stem cells. The project aims to deliver insight into the mechanisms of adult stem cell specification and regulation, in general. Intended practical outcomes of this work will underpin new methods for fertility management in animal ....Investigating spermatogonial stem cell allocation in the fetal testis. This project aims to determine when and how spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are specified, and whether a genetic pathway that is used by in vitro stem cells is also employed, in vivo, by testicular stem cells. The project aims to deliver insight into the mechanisms of adult stem cell specification and regulation, in general. Intended practical outcomes of this work will underpin new methods for fertility management in animals (in agriculture and conservation of endangered species) and humans. Knowledge gained will inform our understanding of stem cell biology more broadly and guide efforts to treat infertility or control fertility in animals and humans.Read moreRead less
How do mammalian germ cells transition from mitosis to meiosis? This project aims to determine how germ cells are regulated in the mammalian embryo. Germ cells go on to form the sperm and eggs and are, therefore, critical for reproduction. In particular, this project expects to generate new knowledge about the process of meiosis, a cellular process that is specific to the germ cells. Expected outcomes will inform efforts to control fertility and infertility in livestock, humans and other mammali ....How do mammalian germ cells transition from mitosis to meiosis? This project aims to determine how germ cells are regulated in the mammalian embryo. Germ cells go on to form the sperm and eggs and are, therefore, critical for reproduction. In particular, this project expects to generate new knowledge about the process of meiosis, a cellular process that is specific to the germ cells. Expected outcomes will inform efforts to control fertility and infertility in livestock, humans and other mammalian animals (e.g. pets and endangered species). They are also likely to inform the discipline of stem cell biology in general.Read moreRead less