Is Male Circumcision An Acceptable And Feasible Intervention To Reduce HIV Transmission In Papua New Guinea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,913.00
Summary
In PNG, Australia's nearest neighbour, 76 000 people live with HIV with predictions of up to 500 000 by 2025. African studies show 60% reduction in HIV if men are circumcised. Because relatively few men in PNG are circumcised, promoting circumcision may save thousands of lives. This study examines an NHMRC research priority area in Global Health by analysing social, cultural and religious aspects of circumcision. The study will assess if circumcision is an acceptable way to reduce HIV in PNG.
The Role Of MiRNAs In The Regulation Of Sperm Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,157.00
Summary
Male infertility is an extremely common condition affecting 1 in 20 Australian men. One of the major reasons for this pathology is that the spermatozoa have lost their ability to recognize the egg, a function that is acquired during epididymal maturation. In this project we shall investigate the regulation of epididymal sperm maturation and thus provide new and powerful insights into the causes of male infertility, with practical implications for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Cysteine-rich Secretory Protein Regulation Of Ion Channels In Male Fertility And Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,309.00
Summary
Diagnosis of the precise causes of male infertility and the development of male contraceptives requires improved understanding of sperm function. The Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins (CRISPs) are produced in the male reproductive tract where they regulate sperm function. Our project will demonstrate the essential requirement for CRISPs in sperm function and investigate their role in other tissues of the reproductive tract, including the prostate where they may be involved in prostate cancer.
Understanding The Molecular Basis Of Epididymal Maturation: How Does The Epididymis Modify Spermatozoa, Allowing Them To Recognise The Egg ?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,898.00
Summary
Male infertility is a significant clinical problem affecting one in twenty Australian men. A common feature of this condition is the sperm’s inability to recognize the egg. Sperm gain this property as they transit an organ known as the epididymis. We have produced genetically modified mice with a specific epididymal defect that prevents sperm-egg recognition. This study will examine the structure of these defective sperm to generate new insights into the molecular basis of sperm-egg interaction.
Understanding Sperm Motility For Infertility And Contraceptive Purposes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
Male infertility is a significant clinical problem affecting one in twenty Australian men. The most common feature associated with this condition is defects in sperm motility. Regulation of sperm motility occurs through the epididymis and upon ejaculation. This study will examine how two kinases, essential for flagella bending, regulate sperm motility. Through the tools developed, we will investigate further defectives in infertile individuals with impaired sperm motility.
Production Of Humanised Mouse Models For Haemoglobin E And 0-thalassaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,693.00
Summary
The proposed study aims to identify and characterise genes critical to male fertility using two mouse models of infertility: 1) Joey mouse line: an ENU induced model of sperm abnormalities. Following linkage analysis, candidate genes will be selected for sequencing to identify the causal mutation. 2) Ggn knockout mice. The role of the testis-specific gene, Ggn will be characterised through a phenotypic analysis of Ggn knockout mice and a series of expression and biochemical analyses. Both models ....The proposed study aims to identify and characterise genes critical to male fertility using two mouse models of infertility: 1) Joey mouse line: an ENU induced model of sperm abnormalities. Following linkage analysis, candidate genes will be selected for sequencing to identify the causal mutation. 2) Ggn knockout mice. The role of the testis-specific gene, Ggn will be characterised through a phenotypic analysis of Ggn knockout mice and a series of expression and biochemical analyses. Both models will be of direct value in the identification of commercially relevant contraceptive targets, as well as furthering our understanding of male reproductive function.Read moreRead less
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Hepatitis B Vaccine Completion In Injecting Drug Users
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,355.00
Summary
This randomised trial will examine strategies to increase hepatitis B vaccination in drug users by comparing 1) usual clinical care; 2) enhanced outreach; and 3) financial incentive payments and assessing the proportion in each group who a) complete all 3 doses and b) develop immunity. Results will provide policy-makers and clinicians with important data on effectiveness, including cost effectiveness, and will help scientists and affected communities prepare for clinical trials of new vaccines.