Endogenous Oestrogen Is A Key Missing Link In Urethral Hypospadias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,467.00
Summary
Defects in penis development are among the most common birth abnormalities, and affect around 1 in every 150 live male births in Australia. Development of the penis is known to be driven by male hormones (androgens), but we have recently shown that oestrogen also plays a role in this process. This project will define the role of estrogen in penis development and how a loss or gain of estrogens can cause developmental defects.
Identification And Analysis Of Novel Genes And Regulatory Regions Associated With Disorders Of Sex Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Children born with a disorder of sex development (DSD) may differ from typical males or females in their chromosomes, hormones or reproductive organs, sometimes resulting in infertility or gonadal cancer. DSDs are the most common birth defect and yet, most cases are unexplained genetically. I hope to identify new genes needed for gonad formation that cause DSD when mutated. This work will provide answers as to how DSDs arise, and allow informed decision-making regarding possible treatments.
Role Of Stem-progenitor Cells In Endometrial Regeneration And Endometriosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,720.00
Summary
We have discovered 2 types of adult stem cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) that are likely responsible for its ability to grow a new lining each month. This project aims to determine if endometrial stem cells are shed into the pelvic cavity during menstruation to cause endometriosis, a common, chronic disorder affecting 6-15% of women during their reproductive years and for which treatments are suboptimal. This knowledge may change how endometriosis will be treated in the future.
Mechanisms And Utilisation Of IFN-epsilon-mediated Protection Against Chlamydia Reproductive Tract Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,486.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia ST ....Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia STDs.Read moreRead less
A Novel Reproductive Tract Factor That Protects Against Chlamydia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,133.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia ST ....Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia STDs.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Novel Common Genetic Risk Factors For Endometriosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,783.00
Summary
Multiple genetic factors underlie susceptibility to endometriosis—a common gynaecological disease associated with severe pelvic pain and sub-fertility. Through the identification of novel genetic risk factors and pathway-based analyses, this project will increase our understanding of the underlying genetic architecture and complex molecular pathways of endometriosis and lead to the development of diagnostic tests and rational treatment strategies.
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.
Reproductive health critically impacts a woman’s wellbeing, irrespective of her choice to have children. The ovary and its hormones govern physiological events regulating health at puberty, across the menstrual cycle, during the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, and in parturition, lactation and menopause. The major health burdens concerning ovaries that we are studying include polycystic ovarian syndrome and assisted reproductive technologies used to treat infertility.
Implantation of an embryo into the uterus & development of a functional placenta are critical to initiate & continue a pregnancy. Implantation failure causes infertility and is a major bottle-neck in IVF. Placental insufficiency leads to pregnancy loss, under-developed fetuses & a life-threatening pregnancy-specific disease preeclampsia. This application will investigate how a woman’s uterus works for implantation and placental development, how to increase IVF success and diagnose & potentially ....Implantation of an embryo into the uterus & development of a functional placenta are critical to initiate & continue a pregnancy. Implantation failure causes infertility and is a major bottle-neck in IVF. Placental insufficiency leads to pregnancy loss, under-developed fetuses & a life-threatening pregnancy-specific disease preeclampsia. This application will investigate how a woman’s uterus works for implantation and placental development, how to increase IVF success and diagnose & potentially treat preeclampsia.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Testis-specific Markers Of Male Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,008.00
Summary
Infertility affects 1 in 20 men, and carries major health and financial burdens. Patient management is difficult because there are no tests to monitor testicular function. While sperm number is normally used, their absence in the ejaculate provides no information whether sperm are present in the testis suitable for IVF, or if sperm production could be ‘kick-started’ with hormones. Our goal is to identify new markers of testis function in blood, and then use them to help treat infertile men.