The Role Of MiRNAs In The Regulation Of Sperm Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,157.00
Summary
Male infertility is an extremely common condition affecting 1 in 20 Australian men. One of the major reasons for this pathology is that the spermatozoa have lost their ability to recognize the egg, a function that is acquired during epididymal maturation. In this project we shall investigate the regulation of epididymal sperm maturation and thus provide new and powerful insights into the causes of male infertility, with practical implications for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
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.
Understanding The Molecular Basis Of Epididymal Maturation: How Does The Epididymis Modify Spermatozoa, Allowing Them To Recognise The Egg ?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,898.00
Summary
Male infertility is a significant clinical problem affecting one in twenty Australian men. A common feature of this condition is the sperm’s inability to recognize the egg. Sperm gain this property as they transit an organ known as the epididymis. We have produced genetically modified mice with a specific epididymal defect that prevents sperm-egg recognition. This study will examine the structure of these defective sperm to generate new insights into the molecular basis of sperm-egg interaction.
Modulation Of MicroRNA Activity In The Testis: A New Paradigm For Male Fertility?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,170.00
Summary
Sperm production in the testis is driven by the reproductive hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone. In this grant, we will investigate how a new class of molecules, called microRNAs, act to transmit the signals from FSH and testosterone to the cellular machinery of the testis, particularly at junctions between cells. This information has the potential to impact on our understanding of the causes of male infertility.
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 Function Of Heat Shock Protein 2A In The Regulation Of Human Sperm-egg Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,627.00
Summary
Male infertility is an extremely common condition affecting around 1 in 20 Australian men. One of the major reasons for this pathology is that the spermatozoa have lost their ability to recognize the egg. In this project we shall investigate whether this defect is due to a deficiency in a specific protein (HSPA2). This project will provide new and powerful insights into the causes of male infertility, with practical implications for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Regulation Of Immune Responses In The Adult Testis And Male Reproductive Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,857.00
Summary
This project investigates the main inflammatory cell, the macrophage, in male fertility and reproductive health. These studies investigate the macrophages found in the testes and the regulation of their functions required to protect and support the developing sperm. Understanding these processes will lead to new methods for treating male infertility, chronic pain and reproductive tract infections, as well as broader understanding of inflammatory disease, transplantation and autoimmunity.
Hormonal Responsive Coding And Non-coding Genes In Penile Differentiation And Hypospadias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$835,182.00
Summary
Hypospadias, a failure of the correct formation of the penis, is the second-most common birth defect, occurring in around 1% of boys. It causes distress to both newborn and parents, requiring surgical intervention, and is a burden of cost and is a risk to the child. Furthermore, it is frequently associated with other abnormalities. We have a novel model in which we can induce penis abnormalities and define the link between hormonal exposures and defective penis differentiation.
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
Developing Youth-centred Health Promotion Strategies To Prevent And Mitigate The Adverse Health Impacts Of Adolescent Pregnancy In Papua New Guinea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$702,235.00
Summary
Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health concern in Papua New Guinea, the Asia-Pacific region, and other low and middle income countries, with severe health and socio-economic outcomes for young women. This three-year qualitative study will examine the experiences of early pregnancy among young Papua New Guineans (15-24 years). Project outcomes will include the design of youth health services and community-outreach programs to curb the ongoing harm associated with adolescent pregnancy.