Male-female Sperm Signalling - A Novel Pathway For Peri-conceptual Health?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,920.00
Summary
This project will investigate a new biological process in reproduction, whereby sperm delivered to the cervix at coitus transmit signalling molecules called microRNAs that influence the female immune response, to increase the chances of conception and pregnancy. We will define the molecular details of this signalling pathway in mouse models, and then determine whether human sperm have a comparable function in ‘priming’ the female body to conceive.
A Population-based Record Linkage Study Of The Impact Of Chlamydia Infection On Reproductive Health In Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,114.00
Summary
Chlamydia is the most commonly notified infection in young Australian women and reports of cases are increasing. While chlamydia is thought to result in infertility and ectopic pregnancy in later life, the evidence for this is limited. This will be the largest, most comprehensive study in the world to determine the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy following chlamydia infection. The results will provide vital information to more cost-effectively plan strategies to control chlamydia in Au ....Chlamydia is the most commonly notified infection in young Australian women and reports of cases are increasing. While chlamydia is thought to result in infertility and ectopic pregnancy in later life, the evidence for this is limited. This will be the largest, most comprehensive study in the world to determine the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy following chlamydia infection. The results will provide vital information to more cost-effectively plan strategies to control chlamydia in Australia.Read moreRead less
Periconceptual Foundations For A Healthy Start To Life.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$11,022,802.00
Summary
Preconception and early pregnancy is a critical time for a women's health and that of her future child. New research suggests that a woman's genetic potential, her lifestyle and the physical and socioeconomic environment in which she lives, and her biological and social relationship with her male partner, all impact on the long term health of her baby. Abnormal events around the time of conception and in early pregnancy can predispose a newborn to later occurrence, in adult life, of conditions i ....Preconception and early pregnancy is a critical time for a women's health and that of her future child. New research suggests that a woman's genetic potential, her lifestyle and the physical and socioeconomic environment in which she lives, and her biological and social relationship with her male partner, all impact on the long term health of her baby. Abnormal events around the time of conception and in early pregnancy can predispose a newborn to later occurrence, in adult life, of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and stroke. These adverse events originate in the way that eggs and sperm develop, the uterus is prepared for implantation, the attachment of the early embryo to the lining of the uterus and subsequent growth of the placenta. This Program will study the early life events that promote or limit development of a baby's true potential for successful and healthy life. A better understanding of how lifestyle and environment interact with genes and biology to facilitate optimal growth of the fetus will underpin new preventative measures and therapeutic treatments for infertility, miscarriage and other reproductive disorders. The knowledge gained will inform health policy and clinical practise to improve reproductive health in all Australian women and promote healthy development in all Australian children. The team of researchers is a world-class group of clinicians, scientists and epidemiologists who have made major contributions to our understanding of this area. This team will interface with clinics and hospitals that engage with women prior to and during pregnancy, while having the influence to alter clinical and health practices as well as public health policies. The team will utilize the latest, most technologically advanced laboratory methods and clinical skills, including gene profiling, imaging of early pregnancy, randomised clinical trials and access to the best epidemiological and statistical assessments.Read moreRead less
Development Of Engineered Novel Growth Factors For Infertility Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,439.00
Summary
Infertility comes at an enormous social and financial cost to Australian society. The aim of this proposal is to improve the success rate of an innovative technology that matures eggs in the laboratory and so eliminates the need for the hormones normally used in IVF. To achieve this a newly discovered egg-secreted protein first has to be produced in the laboratory.
Sexual And Reproductive Health And Behaviours Of Young Offenders (14-18 Years) In NSW & Qld
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$869,730.00
Summary
Young Indigenous and non-Indigenous offenders in Australia aged 14 and 15 years have never been systematically surveyed regarding their sexual and reproductive health in Australia. Thus we have little information on which to base education and policy initiatives. To address this knowledge gap we will systematically survey young people in contact with the juvenile justice system aged 14-18 years to provide a comprehensive picture of their sexual and reproductive behaviours and needs.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100304
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Biomimetic systems for species preservation and fertility restoration. Using a novel 3-D culture system the project will examine the biomechanics of ovary follicle and egg development in vitro, generating new knowledge with directly translatable research outcomes. In vitro egg production has implications for human fertility and threatened species preservation, significantly benefitting health and biodiversity in Australia.
Dissecting the impact of stress on reproduction: Novel peptide mediates inhibitory effects of stress on female reproduction. This research proposal offers a pioneering opportunity to develop treatments that overcome the negative impact of stress on reproduction. Specifically, knowledge generated in this project will be vital in the development of strategic defences against the impact of stress on reproduction. This project fundamentally addresses Research Priority 2: Promoting and maintaining go ....Dissecting the impact of stress on reproduction: Novel peptide mediates inhibitory effects of stress on female reproduction. This research proposal offers a pioneering opportunity to develop treatments that overcome the negative impact of stress on reproduction. Specifically, knowledge generated in this project will be vital in the development of strategic defences against the impact of stress on reproduction. This project fundamentally addresses Research Priority 2: Promoting and maintaining good health. Given that suppression of reproduction by stress occurs in all mammalian species including humans, domestic animals and wildlife, being able to prevent or overcome stress-induced reproductive dysfunction will generate significant health, social, economic and ecological benefits. Read moreRead less
Peri-conception Determinants Of Reproductive And Pregnancy Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,560,520.00
Summary
Reproductive and pregnancy disorders are common in Australian men and women, with 6% couples seeking infertility services and another 30% experiencing recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia or preterm birth, often resulting in life-time health problems for children, and sometimes stillbirth. This research will investigate the immune causes of these conditions, and the results will contribute to new health tools, diagnostics and medical treatments to support maternal and infant health.
Molecular mechanisms for seminal fluid signalling in reproduction. Male seminal fluid regulation of the female reproductive process influences fertility and fecundity in humans and animal species. Infertility and impaired reproductive function is a major economic constraint in livestock industries, and carries a substantial social and public health cost in humans. This research will identify the active signalling molecules in seminal fluid and quantify their importance in reproductive success ....Molecular mechanisms for seminal fluid signalling in reproduction. Male seminal fluid regulation of the female reproductive process influences fertility and fecundity in humans and animal species. Infertility and impaired reproductive function is a major economic constraint in livestock industries, and carries a substantial social and public health cost in humans. This research will identify the active signalling molecules in seminal fluid and quantify their importance in reproductive success and health of offspring. The outcomes will inform development of new diagnostic assays for male fertility, and underpin strategic design of novel fertility treatments and products with applications in the human health and animal breeding industries. Read moreRead less
Decoding tissue-specific components of cereal grain development. This project aims to investigate how barley flowers produce cells that deliver nutrients into developing seeds. This project expects to generate new knowledge through international collaboration and technical improvements in cell biology and genetics, overcoming current methodological limitations to precisely influence seed size, shape and quality, which are traits of agricultural relevance to the Australian cereal industry. Expect ....Decoding tissue-specific components of cereal grain development. This project aims to investigate how barley flowers produce cells that deliver nutrients into developing seeds. This project expects to generate new knowledge through international collaboration and technical improvements in cell biology and genetics, overcoming current methodological limitations to precisely influence seed size, shape and quality, which are traits of agricultural relevance to the Australian cereal industry. Expected outcomes include strengthened international partnerships, leveraged funding and increased knowledge of plant reproduction. This should provide significant benefits, including upskilled researchers, improved research capacity and genetic targets to optimise seed production in challenging climatic conditions. Read moreRead less