Defining The Role Of Activin C In Gonadal And Adrenal Tumorigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,511.00
Summary
Activins are members of the inhibin/TGF_ superfamily of growth and differentiation factors. Our published work implicates one of them, activin-_C as a regulator of activin A synthesis and/or its action. To test our hypothesis we will cross activin-_C over-expressing mice (ActC++ ) with inhibin a subunit knock-out mice (_-KO) that develop gonadal and adrenal tumourigenesis and is caused by increased activin A. We predict that if correct, we will prevent or delay reproductive and adrenal tumourige ....Activins are members of the inhibin/TGF_ superfamily of growth and differentiation factors. Our published work implicates one of them, activin-_C as a regulator of activin A synthesis and/or its action. To test our hypothesis we will cross activin-_C over-expressing mice (ActC++ ) with inhibin a subunit knock-out mice (_-KO) that develop gonadal and adrenal tumourigenesis and is caused by increased activin A. We predict that if correct, we will prevent or delay reproductive and adrenal tumourigenesis and prolong survival.Read moreRead less
Studies Of The Paracrine Role Of Inhibin A/activin A In Ovulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,320.00
Summary
This project aims to study the biochemical processes associated with normal egg maturation and release. Two mouse models will be used. One will involve culturing mouse ovarian tissue and inducing ovulation to study the processes. The other will involve study of gene expression in a mouse ovary around ovulation. The progressive accumulation of knowledge about the processes of ovulation will greatly improve our ability as doctors to manipulate ovulation in clinical practice. This will make an enor ....This project aims to study the biochemical processes associated with normal egg maturation and release. Two mouse models will be used. One will involve culturing mouse ovarian tissue and inducing ovulation to study the processes. The other will involve study of gene expression in a mouse ovary around ovulation. The progressive accumulation of knowledge about the processes of ovulation will greatly improve our ability as doctors to manipulate ovulation in clinical practice. This will make an enormous difference to women s health in the following areas: contraception, the possibility of development of new methods of contraception that block egg release without affecting the normal ovarian cycle endocrinology; fertility treatment, better methods of obtaining mature oocytes without subjecting women to high dose gonadotrophin treatment and the accompanying sequelae; improving knowledge of the factors that promote satisfactory oocyte maturation and embryo development so that with improved implantation rates, fewer embryos need be replaced to achieve a pregnancy.Read moreRead less
An Evaluation Of Inhibin And Activin As Early Markers Of Pre-eclampsia And Fetal Growth Restriction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,921.00
Summary
Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth problems are among the major causes of maternal and perinatal death in Australia. One of the most pressing difficulties in the management of these conditions is our present inability to accurately predict those women who are destined to have one or other of these serious complications. Unfortunately, this means that the conditions are often detected late with little or no time to offer effective treatments. This project builds on exciting preliminary evidence that ....Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth problems are among the major causes of maternal and perinatal death in Australia. One of the most pressing difficulties in the management of these conditions is our present inability to accurately predict those women who are destined to have one or other of these serious complications. Unfortunately, this means that the conditions are often detected late with little or no time to offer effective treatments. This project builds on exciting preliminary evidence that suggests that a simple blood test from the mother in early pregnancy may be able to identify the women who will subsequently develop high blood pressure in late pregnancy, or the babies that will suffer impaired growth before delivery. In the future, such knowledge might then allow these women to receive more effective care, thereby improving their chance of a successful pregnancy. The project will also define the best time in pregnancy to perform the blood test and, if successful, could alter the very way women are currently looked after during their pregnancy.Read moreRead less