Roles Of TGFbeta Receptor TGFBR3 (Betaglycan) In Testis Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,660.00
Summary
Diseases of the reproductive tract are major health issues. At lease 1 in 100 live births display some sort of gonadal defects. Later in adulthood, one in six couples are affected by infertility, and cancers of the reproductive tract which result in a significant number of deaths each year. This project focuses on understanding the role of the transformation growth factor beta receptor3 (Tgfbr3) in the embryonic and neonatal testis and its impact on adult male reproductive capacities and health.
Evolution and function of sex chromosomes and genes in mammalian reproduction. This project will ensure Australian leadership in research of reproductive biology and genomics in platypus and echidna. As our most distant relatives, these iconic species provide an understanding of human genes contributing to medical conditions involved in sexual development, infertility and ovarian cancer.
Constructing an embryo. This project investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying temporal and spatial organisation in the eutherian preimplantation embryo. It will examine: the relative roles of cell cycle and circadian clocks in developmental timing; the molecular mechanism by which intercellular adhesion patterns influence spatial organisation; the extent to which marsupials use similar timing and spatial localisation mechanisms to eutherians; the impact of in-vitro manipulat ....Constructing an embryo. This project investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying temporal and spatial organisation in the eutherian preimplantation embryo. It will examine: the relative roles of cell cycle and circadian clocks in developmental timing; the molecular mechanism by which intercellular adhesion patterns influence spatial organisation; the extent to which marsupials use similar timing and spatial localisation mechanisms to eutherians; the impact of in-vitro manipulations over the first 5 days of mouse pregnancy on embryonic temporal and spatial organisation.Read moreRead less
Role of Musashi in the regulation of cell cycle proteins. We have identified a protein family that directs cell fate and maintains male fertility. This project will provide new avenues for generation of contraceptives in male animals and to regulate stem cells for production of specialised cell types in biotechnological applications.
Impairment of virilisation is one of the most common developmental defects in humans, yet over half the cases cannot be explained by our current knowledge. Studies of these processes is hindered because in most mammals virilisation occurs in the early fetus. Our recent studies using marsupials, where virilisation occurs after birth show that this process is mediated by 5-alpha-androstanediol, a hormone with previously undetermined physiological function. We will conduct experiments using tammar ....Impairment of virilisation is one of the most common developmental defects in humans, yet over half the cases cannot be explained by our current knowledge. Studies of these processes is hindered because in most mammals virilisation occurs in the early fetus. Our recent studies using marsupials, where virilisation occurs after birth show that this process is mediated by 5-alpha-androstanediol, a hormone with previously undetermined physiological function. We will conduct experiments using tammar wallabies and rabbits, to test 3 hypotheses about 5-alpha-androstanediol and specific enzymes in the developing reproductive tissues that either convert this hormone to active and inactive forms. The results of these experiments will direct testing for corresponding gene mutations in our collection of over 200 specimens from patients with defects of virilisation (pseudohemaphroditism) whose causes are still unknown. It is our expectation that the findings in these studies will provide insight not only into the pathways by which testicular hormones masculinize the developing male, but will also explain instances of male pseudohemaphroditism of unknown aetiology in humans.Read moreRead less
Hormonal Regulation Of Reproduction In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,580,681.00
Summary
Achieving the goal of reproductive health for all is a public health issue and is limited by factors including, problems of infertility, inadequacies of the fertility-regulating methods and the high incidence of reproductive tract diseases, including cancers. The overall objective of this Program Grant is to discover, understand and apply new knowledge about reproductive processes in health and disease to alleviating infertility, improving contraceptive choice and efficacy and combating diseases ....Achieving the goal of reproductive health for all is a public health issue and is limited by factors including, problems of infertility, inadequacies of the fertility-regulating methods and the high incidence of reproductive tract diseases, including cancers. The overall objective of this Program Grant is to discover, understand and apply new knowledge about reproductive processes in health and disease to alleviating infertility, improving contraceptive choice and efficacy and combating diseases in the reproductive organs.Read moreRead less