Targeted Disruption Of Lipoxygenase Enzymes To Prevent Oxidative Stress-mediated Pathologies In The Male Germline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
An estimated 80 million individuals suffer from infertility globally with at least 50% of these cases due to defects in sperm function. Unfortunately, due to a severe lack of knowledge surrounding sperm biology and dysfunction, no successful curative or preventative measures have been established. My project will study why sperm cells die and investigate new ways to limit cellular stress so we can develop new therapeutic strategies to mitigate the growing problems in male reproductive health.
Production Of Humanised Mouse Models For Haemoglobin E And 0-thalassaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,693.00
Summary
The proposed study aims to identify and characterise genes critical to male fertility using two mouse models of infertility: 1) Joey mouse line: an ENU induced model of sperm abnormalities. Following linkage analysis, candidate genes will be selected for sequencing to identify the causal mutation. 2) Ggn knockout mice. The role of the testis-specific gene, Ggn will be characterised through a phenotypic analysis of Ggn knockout mice and a series of expression and biochemical analyses. Both models ....The proposed study aims to identify and characterise genes critical to male fertility using two mouse models of infertility: 1) Joey mouse line: an ENU induced model of sperm abnormalities. Following linkage analysis, candidate genes will be selected for sequencing to identify the causal mutation. 2) Ggn knockout mice. The role of the testis-specific gene, Ggn will be characterised through a phenotypic analysis of Ggn knockout mice and a series of expression and biochemical analyses. Both models will be of direct value in the identification of commercially relevant contraceptive targets, as well as furthering our understanding of male reproductive function.Read moreRead less
Understanding Epigenetic Modification During Oogenesis For Novel Treatments Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Infertility affects about 10% of Australian women and the success rates of current infertility treatments are low due to our poor knowledge of eggs development. The numbers of obese and older women trying to conceive are increasing; fertility treatments are even less effective for them. I have generated mouse models to elucidate the pathways regulating egg development. I will study for alterations in these pathways in the mouse models which perfectly mimic the obesity and aging in women.
The Role Of Primordial Follicle Activation In Premature Ovarian Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
As women age, both the quality and quantity of their eggs decline and their chances of conceiving plummets. Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a disease of infertility, diagnosed in 3% of all women, defined by the early onset of menopause before age 40. Our poor understanding of the factors that regulate female egg supply remains a major limitation in treating POF. I will study key factors responsible for controlling egg number, with practical implications for POF diagnosis and treatment.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a striking 9-21% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is an important health problem and can affect menstrual cycles, fertility and increase risk of diabetes and mood disorders. There is a lack of longitudinal studies that women with PCOS over time to examine the key determinants of PCOS, long-term impact of obesity and factors contributing to PCOS complications.
The Negative Transgenerational Impacts Of Paternal Obesity Are Inherited Through Aberrant Methylation And MicroRNA Conetent Of Germ Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
We have shown that obese fathers have reduced sperm function that negatively impacts upon their offspring’s health. But we do not understand the underlying alterations to sperm DNA that cause offspring to inherit poor health from an obese father, and whether these offspring also exhibit the same alterations. My project aims to identify alterations made to sperm DNA and RNA caused by obesity that are inherited by the next generation, ‘programming’ them for poor metabolic and reproductive health.