Studies Of The Dynamic Changes In The Ovarian Follicular Basal Lamina
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$305,557.00
Summary
In order for the ovary to be able to release eggs and produce hormones such as oestrogen, follicles must grow within the ovary. Each follicle contains one egg and when the follicle is large and filled with fluid it can rupture, releasing the fluid and egg in the process of ovulation. A key part of the structure of the follicle is a non-cellular layer called the basal lamina. This basal lamina encapsulates the inner cells, the egg and the fluid in the follicle. Each women has millions of follicle ....In order for the ovary to be able to release eggs and produce hormones such as oestrogen, follicles must grow within the ovary. Each follicle contains one egg and when the follicle is large and filled with fluid it can rupture, releasing the fluid and egg in the process of ovulation. A key part of the structure of the follicle is a non-cellular layer called the basal lamina. This basal lamina encapsulates the inner cells, the egg and the fluid in the follicle. Each women has millions of follicles prior to her birth, ten of thousands in her reproductive years, and none at the menopause. Since she only ovulates about 500 in her lifetime most follicles die during the process of growing to ovulatory size. This project will examine the follicular basal lamina in order to determine its role during follicle growth and development, and when follicles die. This has important implications for the many women who have polycystic ovarian disease, whose follicles fail to grow to full size. We will be examining these ovaries directly. The research also has importance in the next phase of IVF developments.Read moreRead less
I am a reproductive physiologist investigating the nature and actions of hormones, particularly steroids and transforming growth factor-? superfamily members, regulating follicle growth and oocyte quality in the ovary, implantation and breakthrough bleedi
This study is aiming to develop an unique mouse model in which to study the question whether testosterone plays an essential role in female reproductive and general health. It will develop a genetic mouse model for a biological state of complete resistance to the effects of androgens. Such mice and humans are well known among genetic males but this cannot occur naturally among genetic female mammals. By creating such a mouse line, this project will be able to test for the first time indetail whe ....This study is aiming to develop an unique mouse model in which to study the question whether testosterone plays an essential role in female reproductive and general health. It will develop a genetic mouse model for a biological state of complete resistance to the effects of androgens. Such mice and humans are well known among genetic males but this cannot occur naturally among genetic female mammals. By creating such a mouse line, this project will be able to test for the first time indetail whether testosterone has an impotant role in the development and function of the ovary and of other female tissues such as bone, muscle and the brain.Read moreRead less
Women are born with a limited supply of eggs and are unable to make new eggs after birth. Because of this, the number and health of eggs established within the ovary early in life influence the length of time for which a female will be fertile, her age at menopause, and the health of her offspring. This project aims to shed some light on the mechanisms that control egg supply and reproductive longevity in women by investigating the role of the cell death protein Bid within the ovary.
Androgen Receptor Mechanims In Female Reproductive Physiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,773.00
Summary
Infertility occurs in one in six Australian couples with 50% attributable to females, thus, enhancing our understanding of ovarian and uterine function is of great importance. This project tests the proposal that androgens (steroid hormones) play a major role in regulating female reproductive physiology through their interaction with the androgen receptor. We have developed novel mouse models which we will use to determine the roles of androgens in regulating female reproductive function.
I am a basic scientist with an interest in the cellular biology of the ovary, and the roles of the matrix between cells of the ovary in controlling fertility and hormone synthesis.
Infertility affects one in six couples and is an extremely distressing, expensive and frustrating experience for those that it afflicts. Through gaining a better understanding of the molecular and cellular processes governing ovulation and early embryo development, this team will devise new therapeutic strategies to improve the reproductive health of Australian women.
Determinants Of Reproductive Health: Basic And Translational Studies In Fertility.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$12,530,124.00
Summary
Reproductive health is an issue of national and international significance yet there are considerable unmet needs in the key areas of infertility and contraception. The health of each adult is strongly affected by very early events in development, including the effects of genetics and environment on sperm and eggs, and of the intra-uterine environment. This program will use a combination of advanced technologies to address these issues and will translate findings to the clinic, thus improving th ....Reproductive health is an issue of national and international significance yet there are considerable unmet needs in the key areas of infertility and contraception. The health of each adult is strongly affected by very early events in development, including the effects of genetics and environment on sperm and eggs, and of the intra-uterine environment. This program will use a combination of advanced technologies to address these issues and will translate findings to the clinic, thus improving the quality of reproductive health care and the long-term health of Australians.Read moreRead less
This research aims to advance my novel discoveries of mechanisms through which hormones and enzymes control and coordinate optimal female fertility. The findings are being applied to novel technologies in reproductive medicine. This work further aims to characterize mechanisms of growth and metastasis in reproductive organ cancers. New diagnostics and therapeutics for patients with metastatic reproductive cancers are arising from this research.
Progesterone Receptor-mediated Coordination Of Oocyte-oviduct Communication During Ovulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,128.00
Summary
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples, often due to failed release of an egg from the ovary. The hormone progesterone is essential for this process. Our goal is to determine how progesterone signals the egg to ensure its correct release into the oviduct where fertilization may occur. To identify these signals, experiments will analyse ovary cells and eggs of mice, including mice that do not respond to progesterone. The results will provide much needed information about female reproductive health.