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The Negative Transgenerational Impacts Of Paternal Obesity Are Inherited Through Aberrant Methylation And MicroRNA Conetent Of Germ Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
We have shown that obese fathers have reduced sperm function that negatively impacts upon their offspring’s health. But we do not understand the underlying alterations to sperm DNA that cause offspring to inherit poor health from an obese father, and whether these offspring also exhibit the same alterations. My project aims to identify alterations made to sperm DNA and RNA caused by obesity that are inherited by the next generation, ‘programming’ them for poor metabolic and reproductive health.
I am a reproductive biologist working to define key mechanisms for sperm development and function; and by extension the causes of human male infertility.
Toll-like Receptor And MyD88 Signalling In The Testis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,411.00
Summary
Infertility affects one in seven couples desiring children. A proportion (5-10%) of the male partners in these couples have immunological reactions against their own sperm. The testes, where sperm are made, and the immune system normally exist in a balanced, beneficial relationship, but sometimes this relationship goes wrong. This can also lead to chronic pain and increased risk of testicular cancer. The project investigates this relationship in order to provide assistance for these men and thei ....Infertility affects one in seven couples desiring children. A proportion (5-10%) of the male partners in these couples have immunological reactions against their own sperm. The testes, where sperm are made, and the immune system normally exist in a balanced, beneficial relationship, but sometimes this relationship goes wrong. This can also lead to chronic pain and increased risk of testicular cancer. The project investigates this relationship in order to provide assistance for these men and their partners.Read moreRead less
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.