This Program Grant investigates a number of important reproductive problems that affect the fertility of men, prostate cancer and the way the mother nurtures and protects the baby during pregnancy. The successful development of sperm requires the proper function of a number of biological processes. This grant investigates the way in which sperm are produced, the genes that are needed to control their development, and the way sperm propel themselves and fertilize the egg. The research also invest ....This Program Grant investigates a number of important reproductive problems that affect the fertility of men, prostate cancer and the way the mother nurtures and protects the baby during pregnancy. The successful development of sperm requires the proper function of a number of biological processes. This grant investigates the way in which sperm are produced, the genes that are needed to control their development, and the way sperm propel themselves and fertilize the egg. The research also investigates how sperm are protected during their development from infection and immunological rejection, achieved in part by a special environment within the tubes in the testis where they grow. It appears that the general mechanisms that the body uses to combat infections are modified within the testis and the way in which this occurs may provide clues that could be applied to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs in general. Some of the substances that control these processes appear to play an important role in the body�s defense against infection. The grant also investigates the processes that are involved in the development of prostate cancer. These changes can occur over many years and the grant will study some substances that appear to be involved. The work will provide new knowledge that may assist in new tests to identify whether a cancer is slow or fast growing, thereby helping each man to decide the most sensible form of treatment. The grant will investigate how a group of proteins, that also are involved in the control of processes discussed above, assist the mother in protecting her baby during pregnancy. The outcomes will assist in the management of disturbances of pregnancy that may put the fetus at risk of survival.Read moreRead less
Infertility affects one in six couples and is an extremely distressing, expensive and frustrating experience for those that it afflicts. Through gaining a better understanding of the molecular and cellular processes governing ovulation and early embryo development, this team will devise new therapeutic strategies to improve the reproductive health of Australian women.
Determinants Of Reproductive Health: Basic And Translational Studies In Fertility.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$12,530,124.00
Summary
Reproductive health is an issue of national and international significance yet there are considerable unmet needs in the key areas of infertility and contraception. The health of each adult is strongly affected by very early events in development, including the effects of genetics and environment on sperm and eggs, and of the intra-uterine environment. This program will use a combination of advanced technologies to address these issues and will translate findings to the clinic, thus improving th ....Reproductive health is an issue of national and international significance yet there are considerable unmet needs in the key areas of infertility and contraception. The health of each adult is strongly affected by very early events in development, including the effects of genetics and environment on sperm and eggs, and of the intra-uterine environment. This program will use a combination of advanced technologies to address these issues and will translate findings to the clinic, thus improving the quality of reproductive health care and the long-term health of Australians.Read moreRead less
Hormonal Regulation Of Reproduction In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,580,681.00
Summary
Achieving the goal of reproductive health for all is a public health issue and is limited by factors including, problems of infertility, inadequacies of the fertility-regulating methods and the high incidence of reproductive tract diseases, including cancers. The overall objective of this Program Grant is to discover, understand and apply new knowledge about reproductive processes in health and disease to alleviating infertility, improving contraceptive choice and efficacy and combating diseases ....Achieving the goal of reproductive health for all is a public health issue and is limited by factors including, problems of infertility, inadequacies of the fertility-regulating methods and the high incidence of reproductive tract diseases, including cancers. The overall objective of this Program Grant is to discover, understand and apply new knowledge about reproductive processes in health and disease to alleviating infertility, improving contraceptive choice and efficacy and combating diseases in the reproductive organs.Read moreRead less