Is Calcium part of the mechanism used in glucose signalling in embryogenesis. A vital stage in the development of the embryo is formation of the blastocyst about 4 days after conception. For this to happen the embryo must receive glucose from the mother. We believe that rather being used by the embryo to generate energy, this glucose acts as a signal to switch on the developmental pathway leading to blastocyst formation. Without this signal there is no blastocyst and the pregnancy fails. The pr ....Is Calcium part of the mechanism used in glucose signalling in embryogenesis. A vital stage in the development of the embryo is formation of the blastocyst about 4 days after conception. For this to happen the embryo must receive glucose from the mother. We believe that rather being used by the embryo to generate energy, this glucose acts as a signal to switch on the developmental pathway leading to blastocyst formation. Without this signal there is no blastocyst and the pregnancy fails. The project investigates this signal mechanism. The results will advance understanding of the mechanisms regulating development and in particular link the mother's nutritive status to her fertility during very early pregnancy.Read moreRead less
Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Responding to industry calls for improved methods of detecting and managing infertility in both stallions and mares, this project aims to provide a platform for competitive collaborations between universities, biotechnology companies and horse breeders: the end-users of technological developments in equine reproduction. The Thoroughbred and Standardbred bree ....Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Responding to industry calls for improved methods of detecting and managing infertility in both stallions and mares, this project aims to provide a platform for competitive collaborations between universities, biotechnology companies and horse breeders: the end-users of technological developments in equine reproduction. The Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries contribute over $6.5 billion per annum to the Australian economy and employ thousands of staff across their value chains. However, these industries suffer from breeding program inefficiencies that amount to over $800 million in annual losses. Expected outcomes are novel reproductive technologies and specialised research capabilities that will make the Australian equine industry a global leader.Read moreRead less
Chemical principles underpinning a spermostatic-microbiostatic agent capable of preventing pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted disease. This project explores the development of a method for simultaneously controlling fertility while preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. A novel aspect of the approach, that will dramatically influence product development, is that the active principles will only be generated on contact with seminal plasma.
Enhancing the efficiency of equine reproduction: relevant to the Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries. The purpose of this project is to link the equine breeding industry with a major centre of reproductive research at the University of Newcastle. By creating this unique nexus, major efficiency gains will be achieved for this industry that will not only secure its international competitiveness but also significantly enhance its profitability.
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.
Redox Cycling Of Quinones By Human Spermatozoa: A Potential Strategy For The Dual Regulation Of Fertility And STDs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,625.00
Summary
The purpose of this research project is to develop a novel form of contraception that could meet the dual objectives of fertility regulation and prevention of sexually transmitted disease (STD). A particularly novel feature of this proposed spermicide-microbicide is that it has to be activated by spermatozoa i.e the formulation comprises a pro-spermicide that only generates the active principle on contact with sperm. This aspect of the method sets it apart from all other forms of topical contrac ....The purpose of this research project is to develop a novel form of contraception that could meet the dual objectives of fertility regulation and prevention of sexually transmitted disease (STD). A particularly novel feature of this proposed spermicide-microbicide is that it has to be activated by spermatozoa i.e the formulation comprises a pro-spermicide that only generates the active principle on contact with sperm. This aspect of the method sets it apart from all other forms of topical contraception because unlike barrier methods and vaginal creams or foams, its use will not be coitus related. Ultimately it is envisaged that the product could be incorporated into a soft pliable vaginal sponge and left in situ until such time as it becomes activated following intercourse. Such a method should be particularly acceptable to young women who are vulnerable to both STDs and unwanted pregnancy as indicated by (a) the relatively high rates of STDs in adolescent girls, particularly in the indigenous community, and (b) the fact that 50% of all recorded pregnancies to Australian women under 19 years of age end in abortion. The method exploits the susceptibility of human spermatozoa and pathogenic organisms responsible for STDs to oxidative stress and, in effect, mimics a naturally occurring cause of male infertility. If successful, this project would produce a female centred method of contraception and STD prevention that would revolutionize reproductive health care for young women worldwide, as well as generating intellectual property of considerable potential value to the nation.Read moreRead less
Use of quinone adducted peptides in the regulation of fertility. This project describes a novel strategy for the non-surgical induction of sterility in male and female mammals with applications in the fields of biotechnology, veterinary medicine and the humane control of pest animal species. The approach is dependent upon the known sensitivity of the germ line to oxidative stress. The strategy rests upon the demonstration that quinone-adducted peptides will selectively bind to non-renewable cel ....Use of quinone adducted peptides in the regulation of fertility. This project describes a novel strategy for the non-surgical induction of sterility in male and female mammals with applications in the fields of biotechnology, veterinary medicine and the humane control of pest animal species. The approach is dependent upon the known sensitivity of the germ line to oxidative stress. The strategy rests upon the demonstration that quinone-adducted peptides will selectively bind to non-renewable cell types in the ovary and testis and redox cycle at the cell surface generating a highly localised state of oxidative stress. This stress will then recapitulate the impact of radiation on reproductive tissues by selectively compromising the viability of the germ line, inducing a state of sterility.Read moreRead less