Novel Roles For Follistatin In Reproductive Biology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,916.00
Summary
The follistatin protein has important functions throughout the body. Recent studies using mutant mice have identified key roles for follistatin in the development and function of the female reproductive system (ovary, uterus). We will now undertake detailed studies to determine how follistatin regulates these processes. This is relevant to our understanding of the mechanisms causing infection and inflammation in the reproductive tract.
Regulation Of Endometrial Angiogenesis And Lymphangiogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,273.00
Summary
Unlike almost all other parts of the adult body, the blood vessels of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grow and breakdown each month as part of the menstrual cycle. The endometrium also has a very unusual distribution of lymph vessels, which are responsible for removing excess fluid from the tissues and also have an important role in the immune system. The overall aim of this research is to understand how growth and regression of these vascular systems are controlled in the endometrium. Th ....Unlike almost all other parts of the adult body, the blood vessels of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grow and breakdown each month as part of the menstrual cycle. The endometrium also has a very unusual distribution of lymph vessels, which are responsible for removing excess fluid from the tissues and also have an important role in the immune system. The overall aim of this research is to understand how growth and regression of these vascular systems are controlled in the endometrium. The information will have immediate relevance to a number of clinical problems in which abnormal changes in the blood and lymph vascular systems are observed (e.g. tumour growth, wound healing). This includes a number of significant problems relevant to women's health. Non-menstrual bleeding (often termed breakthrough bleeding) is one of the most common gynaecological problems suffered by women, and can be particularly worrying as it may be a symptom of more serious diseases such as uterine cancer. Breakthrough bleeding can occur under a wide range of hormonal conditions and is thought to be due, at least in part, to faulty uterine blood vessel growth. Endometrial cancer is another serious disease and is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy of the female reproductive system. When diagnosed early, this cancer responds well to therapy. However, treatment of this disease is much more difficult when an increase in blood vessel growth is observed and the tumours interact with the lymphatic vascular system. An aim of this research is to investigate changes in uterine blood and lymph vessel growth associated with breakthrough bleeding and endometrial cancer.Read moreRead less
Chemoradiation And Adjuvant Chemotherapy Versus Radiation Alone In High Risk And Advanced Endometrial Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,832.00
Summary
This trial is evaluating whether adding chemotherapy during and after radiotherapy is better than giving radiotherapy alone in patients who have advanced or high risk endometrial cancer. One group of patients will be treated after surgery with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy, followed by additional cycles of chemotherapy and the other group will receive the standard treatment which is pelvic radiation alone. This study may result in a change in the management of these patients.
Progenitor Origin And Regulation In Endometrial Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$847,583.00
Summary
The endometrium is the lining of the uterus and regenerates each month during a woman's reproductive years. Stem and progenitor cells in the endometrium are thought to be responsible for this regeneration. We have identified a genetic marker for stem and progenitor cells in the endometrium of mice and will use this to understand endometrial regeneration. This work will address infertility as well as overactive endometrial growth in diseases such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
Endometrial cancer (uterine or womb cancer) is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer in Australia. Each year more than 1400 women are affected by the condition, and death is common amongst a subset with more aggressive disease. We plan to conduct a national study of endometrial cancer to identify options for prevention of the disease. No previous studies have looked at risk factors for endometrial cancer in Australian women. In particular, we hope to identify modifiable risk factors for ....Endometrial cancer (uterine or womb cancer) is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer in Australia. Each year more than 1400 women are affected by the condition, and death is common amongst a subset with more aggressive disease. We plan to conduct a national study of endometrial cancer to identify options for prevention of the disease. No previous studies have looked at risk factors for endometrial cancer in Australian women. In particular, we hope to identify modifiable risk factors for endometrial cancer, and identify genes that make some women particularly susceptible to the disease. There are at least two main types of endometrial cancer and limited evidence suggests that they may have different causes. Few studies have examined the two different types separately, and there is virtually no information regarding risk factors for the more aggressive forms. In addition, little is known about genetic factors that predispose women to endometrial cancer. In the present study, we will investigate which genes cause endometrial cancer in women who have a strong family history of the disease. We will also identify genes that are related to endometrial cancer in women with no obvious family history of cancer, and investigate how these genes interact with environmental factors (such as hormone replacement therapy and obesity) to cause disease. National epidemiological studies of other cancers are currently being conducted by our research groups within QIMR. In the present proposal, we will use our experience to build on the infrastructure and procedures already in place to conduct a new study on endometrial cancer. As one of the largest population-based studies of endometrial cancer ever conducted, it will be able to answer many of the questions that are currently unresolved. Moreover, answers will be relevant to Australian women and clinicians as well as to inform prevention strategies.Read moreRead less
Mechanistic And Translational Studies In Female Reproductive Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
The womb is essential for a health pregnancy. This research aims to determine how the womb interacts with embryos to ensure a healthy pregnancy forms. Cells in the womb can also grow abnormally and result in endometrial cancer. New treatments for endometrial cancer will also be tested in this research.
I am a cancer epidemiologist, specialising in molecular epidemiology. I investigate the genetic and environmental causes of gynaecological cancers, and their consequences (prognosis, survival, quality of life, economic).