The Role Of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9) In Human Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,811.00
Summary
IVF comes at a substantial financial burden to the Australia health system through Medicare. There is mounting evidence to suggest that egg quality is the key limiting factor in female fertility. The aim of this proposal is to produce a key egg-secreted protein which is critical for the ability of the egg to be fertilized and to develop a diagnostic assay to measure egg quality to improve the treatment of infertility.
Progesterone Receptor-mediated Coordination Of Oocyte-oviduct Communication During Ovulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,128.00
Summary
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples, often due to failed release of an egg from the ovary. The hormone progesterone is essential for this process. Our goal is to determine how progesterone signals the egg to ensure its correct release into the oviduct where fertilization may occur. To identify these signals, experiments will analyse ovary cells and eggs of mice, including mice that do not respond to progesterone. The results will provide much needed information about female reproductive health.
I am a reproductive biologist whose research is focussed around understanding how the early events of conception and embryo development are controlled. Critical aspects of my research are to determine the consequences to pregnancy and adult health if the
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of women worldwide, yet its origins remain unknown. Androgens are implicated in the development of PCOS, but the decisive, invasive studies needed to confirm and elucidate their roles are not feasible in women. Hence, using our innovative mouse models of androgen resistant female mice, this study will determine the role of androgens in PCOS aiming to better understand, and identify new treatments for this common female reproductive disorder.
The Importance Of The Blood-testis Barrier In Human Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,953.00
Summary
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) shields developing sperm from the circulation and immune system, which would see them as ‘foreign’. Loss of BTB function leads directly to infertility. Curiously, how the BTB ‘opens’ and ‘closes’ to allow entry without causing a ‘leak’ is unknown. We believe that activin A is the main gatekeeper, but this growth factor is also important in inflammation. Our goals are to show how activin A allows sperm cells entry, and how inflammatory diseases impact the BTB.