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Izumo1 And Its Role In Male Infertility And Male Contraception
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,371.00
Summary
The project will study the role of the essential sperm-egg fusion protein Izumo1. Without some infertile men, this protein fails to move to the correct location in spermatozoa.
Simultaneous Targeting Of Contraception And Sexually Transmitted Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$681,380.00
Summary
This research will generate a completely novel topical contraceptive agent that becomes activated on contact with semen and will simultaneously protect the user against both unwanted fertility and sexually transmitted disease. A prototype compound has already been developed and patented. This research is aimed at the chemical optimization of this reagent, analysis of its mechanism-of-action and characterization of its anti-microbial activity against chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes simplex and HIV
Novel Analogues Of Human INSL3 As Antagonists And Probes Of Testicular Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,888.00
Summary
The hormone, insulin-like peptide 3, has recently been shown to act directly on male and female germ cells to cause their maturation. It has considerable promise as a therapeutic agent for the regulation of fertility. Drugs based on the peptide may be used to assist in cases of infertility, and drugs that block its action have great potential as male and female contraceptives. Towards these goals, our project aims to understand how this peptide exerts its unique biological effects.
I am a reproductive biologist focused on women’s reproductive health. I am studying the reasons why some women are infertile have spontaneous abortions and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia. My research will define the roles of molecules that are critical in the establishment of pregnancy and the formation of a health placenta and therefore a healthy baby.
Menstrual Fluid Factors In The Control Of Progestin Mediated Endometrial Bleeding
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$379,845.00
Summary
Uterine bleeding associated with progestin-only contraceptives is the main reason for discontinuation of these highly effective items. For bleeding to occur the endometrial blood vessels and overlying epithelium must undergo simultaneous breakdown. We do not know the mechanism behind breakdown under progestin exposure. We propose novel directions to understand the molecular cues underlying epithelial fragility/breakdown and novel treatments to stop bleeding thus enhancing contraceptive complianc ....Uterine bleeding associated with progestin-only contraceptives is the main reason for discontinuation of these highly effective items. For bleeding to occur the endometrial blood vessels and overlying epithelium must undergo simultaneous breakdown. We do not know the mechanism behind breakdown under progestin exposure. We propose novel directions to understand the molecular cues underlying epithelial fragility/breakdown and novel treatments to stop bleeding thus enhancing contraceptive compliance.Read moreRead less
Increasing The Use Of Long-acting Reversible Contraception: The Australian Contraceptive ChOice PRoject (ACCORd)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$726,144.00
Summary
Of all reversible contraceptive methods, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as intrauterine devices and hormone implants, are by far the most highly effective at preventing pregnancy. However, the prescription and use of LARCs amongst Australian women who are at risk of pregnancy is very low. To increase the uptake of LARCs, our study will trial a complex intervention that involves providing counselling to women and developing rapid referral pathways to LARC insertion.
Manipulating Ovarian Follicle - Oocyte Communication To Control Reproductive Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,424.00
Summary
Ovarian follicles provide the environment supporting oocyte (egg) development. Communication between cells of the follicle and oocytes modulate this environment. We discovered new cell surface molecules that receive the signals from the oocyte and we identified a class of drug compounds that can modulate this signalling. This discovery offers a unique potential to therapeutically intervene in this signalling process and both improve infertility therapies and develop new non-steroidal contracepti ....Ovarian follicles provide the environment supporting oocyte (egg) development. Communication between cells of the follicle and oocytes modulate this environment. We discovered new cell surface molecules that receive the signals from the oocyte and we identified a class of drug compounds that can modulate this signalling. This discovery offers a unique potential to therapeutically intervene in this signalling process and both improve infertility therapies and develop new non-steroidal contraceptives.Read moreRead less
HIV incidence remains exceptionally high in young South African women. I will leverage samples collected during two funded clinical studies in South Africa to investigate the relationships between female reproductive tract inflammation, microbiome communities and function, contraceptive use and HIV acquisition. This study will improve our understanding of the factors that influence HIV infection in this key population, as well as HIV incidence globally.
Studies Of The Paracrine Role Of Inhibin A/activin A In Ovulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,320.00
Summary
This project aims to study the biochemical processes associated with normal egg maturation and release. Two mouse models will be used. One will involve culturing mouse ovarian tissue and inducing ovulation to study the processes. The other will involve study of gene expression in a mouse ovary around ovulation. The progressive accumulation of knowledge about the processes of ovulation will greatly improve our ability as doctors to manipulate ovulation in clinical practice. This will make an enor ....This project aims to study the biochemical processes associated with normal egg maturation and release. Two mouse models will be used. One will involve culturing mouse ovarian tissue and inducing ovulation to study the processes. The other will involve study of gene expression in a mouse ovary around ovulation. The progressive accumulation of knowledge about the processes of ovulation will greatly improve our ability as doctors to manipulate ovulation in clinical practice. This will make an enormous difference to women s health in the following areas: contraception, the possibility of development of new methods of contraception that block egg release without affecting the normal ovarian cycle endocrinology; fertility treatment, better methods of obtaining mature oocytes without subjecting women to high dose gonadotrophin treatment and the accompanying sequelae; improving knowledge of the factors that promote satisfactory oocyte maturation and embryo development so that with improved implantation rates, fewer embryos need be replaced to achieve a pregnancy.Read moreRead less
Focus On The Uterus: Basic And Translational Research Strategies To Address Key Issues In Women’s Health. Fertility, Infertility, Endometrial And Pregnancy Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,085,790.00
Summary
My work focuses on the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, into which the embryo implants to establish pregnancy. When the endometrium does not function correctly, the woman is usually infertile. Other disorders of the endometrium include endometriosis, menstrual bleeding problems and cancer. My studies have defined the molecular basis for much endometrial dysfunction. I am now developing non-invasive tests for these problems and rationales for new treatments.