Exercise In Males Born Growth Restricted To Restore Sperm Function Preventing Adverse Offspring Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$708,363.00
Summary
Males born growth restricted transmit heart disease and diabetes to their children. The mechanism of this transmission is unknown, but is likely due to altered sperm function. We aim to determine the impact growth restriction has on sperm function in men and rats, and establish the optimal window for rat exercise intervention to prevent disease transmission. We expect that exercise in juvenile life will prevent, whereas exercise in adults may ameliorate disease outcomes by improving the sperm.
The Role Of Oxygen Sensing In The Regulation Of Trophoblast Invasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,323.00
Summary
Normal fetal development requires the placenta to successfully invade the mother's uterus so that the baby can be appropriately nourished. It is well known that a failure of normal placental development is associated with two major complications of pregnancy: pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. This study is designed to discover whether placental cells have special oxygen sensing mechanisms that help them home in to areas where there is high oxygen.
Therapeutic Potential Of Transforming Growth Factor-beta Proteins For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$942,961.00
Summary
We discovered and manufactured a growth factor produced uniquely by the egg. We named this growth factor cumulin. It is a powerful regulator of ovarian function and egg quality. This project will study the basic mechanisms of how cumulin works in the ovary. We will then develop an assay to measure it as a biomarker of human egg quality and quantity. New approaches in fertility preservation for cancer survivors will be developed using cumulin.
Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.
Dr Gilchrist is a reproductive biologist studying factors that regulate the intrinsic quality of unfertilised eggs. He has developed a new form of hormone-free infertility treatment which he will test in a clinical trial over the next 5 years.
The Role Of Placental Transcription Factors In The Pathogenesis Of Fetal Growth Restriction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,582.00
Summary
We must understand the role of growth control genes in the growth of the human placenta. The reason is that in several significant placental disorders, placental formation is abnormal and prevents the placenta from functioning efficiently. This in turn, impacts on the growth of the developning fetus. A variety of established and innovative methods described in this project will determine the functions of the placental growth control genes and may lead to novel therapeutic targets.
The Importance Of The Blood-testis Barrier In Human Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,953.00
Summary
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) shields developing sperm from the circulation and immune system, which would see them as ‘foreign’. Loss of BTB function leads directly to infertility. Curiously, how the BTB ‘opens’ and ‘closes’ to allow entry without causing a ‘leak’ is unknown. We believe that activin A is the main gatekeeper, but this growth factor is also important in inflammation. Our goals are to show how activin A allows sperm cells entry, and how inflammatory diseases impact the BTB.
The Role Of Transcription Factors In Regulating The First Round Of Gene Expression In The Early Embryo.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,931.00
Summary
Assisted reproductive technologies result in a high incidence of multiple births. This is and adverse outcome that requires correction. It stems from the common transfer of several embryos due to the low chance of an individual embryo made by IVF resulting in a baby. This project will determine the normal pattern of gene expression in the embryo and define: (1) how it is adversely changed as a consequence of IVF; and (2) the extent that these changes are a cause of the low embryo viability.
Mechanisms Of P53 Induced Embryopathy After In Vitro Fertilisation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,737.00
Summary
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cause many embryos not to survive to birth. We have shown that IVF causes increased expression of protein normally involved in stopping cells from dividing. This is a major cause of embryo death after IVF. This project will determine how this protein acts to cause embryonic death and assess strategies to prevent it.