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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.
Robert McLachlan is an internationally recognised clinician-scientist in male reproductive health. His basic research examines the genetic & endocrine regulation of sperm production. His clinical studies span male fertility regulation, the use of assisted reproductive treatments, and the evidence-based use of androgen replacement. As Director of Andrology Australia, he has a leading national role in professional and community education, developing research capacity and male health advocacy.
Facilitating Endometrial Receptivity To Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$734,252.00
Summary
The womb prepares itself in each menstrual cycle for pregnancy and the implantation of an embryo. In some women, the endometrium may not prepare itself adequately and this can lead to infertility. We have identified small RNA that may be useful in predicting which women are not adequately prepared for implantation and may be used to develop treatments for infertile women, for which there are currently no treatments.
Role Of The Histone Variant H3.3 In Germ Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,223.00
Summary
Over their life cycle, germ cells are unique in undergoing a large scale reformatting of their gene or DNA control systems, required for their own development, and for the development of the fertilized egg. We think that the protein ïhistone H3.3Í is crucial to this reformatting process. We will test this possibility by determining how much H3.3 is present in germ cells. Also, we will make mice which lack this protein in germ cells to see if this affects the reformatting process.
Interferon Epsilon, A Key Cytokine In The Pathophysiology Of The Female Reproductive Tract Mucosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$793,303.00
Summary
The female reproductive tract is a complex environment, which permits pregnancy but protects against infections, all under the influence of hormones and the resident microbial flora. We have discovered a novel protein called interferon epsilon that acts on cells in the female reproductive tract to regulate protection against infections. We aim to discover how this new protein works and will determine its therapeutic potential in infections and inflammatory diseases affecting women's health.
BH3-only Proteins Are Critical For The Developmentally Programmed Death Of Oocytes: Impact On Ooctye Quality And The Fertile Lifespan
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$273,537.00
Summary
The ability of women to have healthy children, and the age at which menopause occurs, are largely dependent on the number and quality of the eggs stored in their ovaries. For unknown reasons, around two-thirds of all eggs die very shortly after they are made. We are unraveling the genes involved in determining whether an egg will live or die, and are investigating the role of these genes as _quality control sentinels", responsible for ensuring that only the highest quality eggs are ovulated.
The Consequences Of Innate Immune Inflammatory Responses During Early Pregnancy And Their Effect On Reproductive Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,788.00
Summary
The mother's immune system can tolerate the growth of an ostensibly foreign fetus during pregnancy, yet remain vigilant to pathogenic challenge. We will investigate whether exposure to viral infections during early pregnancy leads to maternal and fetal inflammation which then impacts adversely on reproductive outcomes including fetal development and life-long health of offspring. Answers to these questions will contribute in designing effective interventions to limit the potential for detrimenta ....The mother's immune system can tolerate the growth of an ostensibly foreign fetus during pregnancy, yet remain vigilant to pathogenic challenge. We will investigate whether exposure to viral infections during early pregnancy leads to maternal and fetal inflammation which then impacts adversely on reproductive outcomes including fetal development and life-long health of offspring. Answers to these questions will contribute in designing effective interventions to limit the potential for detrimental outcomes.Read moreRead less
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