Characterisation Of Cumulus Cell Molecular Mediators Of Oocyte Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,896.00
Summary
Many women are poorly fertile because of poor egg quality due to age, disease and lifestyle. IVF can assist, but requires large doses of hormone, which can lead to significant health risks. IVM is an alternative lab technique to IVF, but has very poor success. We discovered that synthetic proteins copied from recently discovered egg proteins can be added to the egg and substantially increase IVM success. Answering why will further will aid treatment for infertile women
Re-energising The Preimplantation Embryo To Extend Lifetime Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,156,936.00
Summary
Diseases of aging are associated with shortening at the ends of chromosomes called telomeres. The length of an individual’s telomeres is established during embryo development, and in situations where embryo development is compromised such as with maternal obesity the normal process of telomere lengthening may not occur. We will determine how such disruptions in embryo telomere lengthening contribute to poor health in adulthood and test ways to restore the natural process.
Advancing maternal age is associated with the progressive loss of fertility, increased miscarriage and a greater risk of bearing children with birth defects. These adverse reproductive outcomes result, in part, from the loss of egg quality with age. We aim to identify and characterise genes involved in the age-related decline in egg quality. The long-term goal of this research is to develop novel strategies to improve fertility outcomes for women who chose to delay pregnancy until later in life.
Dynamic Imaging Of The Immune Response In Lymph Nodes By Two-photon Microscopy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,514.00
Summary
Despite the enormous contribution of vaccination to the prevention of human disease and suffering, little is known about the laws that govern the selection and survival of B cells during the response to infection or vaccination. Our research projects aim to integrate several cutting-edge technologies, including two-photon microscopy, in order to understand the cellular and molecular basis of immunity.
Optimising Female Fertility: Controlling Ovulation And Promoting Embryo Developmental Potential
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
A good quality egg at the right time is required to make a healthy embryo, influencing its lifetime health trajectory. My research aims to determine how the female ovary produces a good quality egg and releases it at the right time. This is essential for improving reproductive health in women and will identify how maternal health influences egg quality and the earliest stages of embryo growth, providing the healthiest start to life.