Does Mobile DNA Activity Contribute To Reproductive Failure?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$389,076.00
Summary
One in four pregnancies in Australia will end in miscarriage. Infertility affects about 15% of Australian couples and is highly correlated with increasing maternal age. In this study, we will use cutting edge single-cell genomic approaches to investigate the activity of mobile DNA elements or “jumping genes” as a previously unexplored cause of reproductive failure, including spontaneous miscarriage and age-related female infertility.
Most pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth, stem from poor development of the placenta early in pregnancy. Restricted fetal growth in the uterus increases the babies risk of cardiovascular and other disorders in later life. This research will investigate whether Corin, an enzyme discovered in the heart, helps the mothers uterus prepare for pregnancy. Disruptions in Corin production during early pregnancy is likely to be involved in ....Most pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth, stem from poor development of the placenta early in pregnancy. Restricted fetal growth in the uterus increases the babies risk of cardiovascular and other disorders in later life. This research will investigate whether Corin, an enzyme discovered in the heart, helps the mothers uterus prepare for pregnancy. Disruptions in Corin production during early pregnancy is likely to be involved in major pregnancy complications and loss.Read moreRead less
Decidual-trophoblast Interactions Critical For Optimal Pregnancy Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,927.00
Summary
This proposal seeks to identify the critical maternal and embryonic placental factors that regulate the formation of a healthy placenta and thus a healthy pregnancy and baby. Currently there is no way of identifying whether the placenta is forming adequately. The proposed studies are a necessary first step in identifying therapeutic targets for diseases associated with a poorly formed placenta, such as preeclampsia.