Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infer ....Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infertility and how species-specific differences in sperm form are achieved. Such insights may ultimately lead to improved agricultural efficiencies and job creation.Read moreRead less
Targeted Disruption Of Lipoxygenase Enzymes To Prevent Oxidative Stress-mediated Pathologies In The Male Germline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
An estimated 80 million individuals suffer from infertility globally with at least 50% of these cases due to defects in sperm function. Unfortunately, due to a severe lack of knowledge surrounding sperm biology and dysfunction, no successful curative or preventative measures have been established. My project will study why sperm cells die and investigate new ways to limit cellular stress so we can develop new therapeutic strategies to mitigate the growing problems in male reproductive health.
Metabolic And Molecular Basis Of Embryo Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,836.00
Summary
Cells in the body are powered by mitochondria that essentially generate the energy required for development. This grant will determine how the environment affects the mitochondria in the developing embryo and determine the impacts to the embryo and pregnancy if a mitochondria is partially shut down.
Improving the efficiency of bovine oocyte maturation in vitro. For the dairy and beef industries, the hundreds of eggs (oocytes) in a high value cow's ovary that fail to produce a pregnancy are a wasted genetic resource. A key technology to unlocking this resource is in vitro maturation of oocytes, but the process is inefficient. One possible cause is that the current approaches to maturing oocytes in vitro do not adequately mimic the natural process in vivo. We will design new systems to matu ....Improving the efficiency of bovine oocyte maturation in vitro. For the dairy and beef industries, the hundreds of eggs (oocytes) in a high value cow's ovary that fail to produce a pregnancy are a wasted genetic resource. A key technology to unlocking this resource is in vitro maturation of oocytes, but the process is inefficient. One possible cause is that the current approaches to maturing oocytes in vitro do not adequately mimic the natural process in vivo. We will design new systems to mature cow oocytes in vitro by altering the chemical composition of maturation medium, thus improving the efficiency of laboratory embryo production and related technologies.Read moreRead less
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.
Battle of the sexes: can surroundings differentially affect male and female mammalian preimplantation embryos. Equality between the sexes is an issue even at conception. The environment surrounding the embryo can bias the development of one sex over another. This project will assist in the understanding of how male and female embryos differ and will improve assisted reproductive technologies for domestic animal breeding programs, endangered animal conservation and human infertility treatment.
Mechanistic basis of a reproductive lesion in transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb1) null mutant mice. Null mutation in the gene encoding the cytokine transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb1) causes infertility in male and female mice. In recent experiments we have found that TGFb1 deficiency is associated with impaired ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis, arrested development of pre-implantation embryos and disrupted mammary gland morphogenesis. The aims of the current project are to un ....Mechanistic basis of a reproductive lesion in transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb1) null mutant mice. Null mutation in the gene encoding the cytokine transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb1) causes infertility in male and female mice. In recent experiments we have found that TGFb1 deficiency is associated with impaired ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis, arrested development of pre-implantation embryos and disrupted mammary gland morphogenesis. The aims of the current project are to unravel the mechanistic basis of the reproductive lesion in TGFb1 null mutant mice and to determine the effect of exogenous systemic delivery of TGFb1 in alleviating this lesion. It is expected that the project will provide new insight into key roles for TGFb1 in governing male and female fertility, and shed light on the prospects for exogenous supplementation of TGFb1 for improving reproductive performance in wild-type animals. This knowledge has potentially important applications in the livestock breeding industry, in devising novel contraceptive vaccine strategies, in the human pharmaceutical industry, and in devising novel contraceptive vaccine strategies.Read moreRead less