The Role Of Proteinase Inhibitor 9 In Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$820,136.00
Summary
Cytotoxic lymphocytes eliminate virus-infected or cancerous cells from the body. This is achieved by the release of powerful cytotoxins that kill the abnormal cell. Unless carefully targeted these cytotoxins can damage surrounding normal tissue or the cytotoxic lymphocyte itself, and lead to autoimmune disease. One of the most important cytotoxins is a protease called granzyme B. We have discovered a natural inhibitor of granzyme B that is present in cytotoxic cells and testis. Our studies are a ....Cytotoxic lymphocytes eliminate virus-infected or cancerous cells from the body. This is achieved by the release of powerful cytotoxins that kill the abnormal cell. Unless carefully targeted these cytotoxins can damage surrounding normal tissue or the cytotoxic lymphocyte itself, and lead to autoimmune disease. One of the most important cytotoxins is a protease called granzyme B. We have discovered a natural inhibitor of granzyme B that is present in cytotoxic cells and testis. Our studies are aimed at understanding the role of the inhibitor in human immune and reproductive function. We will also design and evaluate synthetic compounds based on the natural inhibitor that will enable us to easily measure granzyme B levels and control its activity.Read moreRead less
Exposing The Mechanisms Underlying Mammalian Meiotic Onset
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,563.00
Summary
Germ cells must undergo a special form of cell division, meiosis, before they can form oocytes in females or sperm in males. We want to know, in detail, how meiosis is triggered in germ cells and what the first steps are in meiotic progression. This information will help us understand the causative factors in infertility (1 in 6 couples of reproductive age are infertile), control fertility (develop new contraceptives) and avoid testicular cancer (the most common tumour type in young men).
Whether we are born as a male or a female affects our sense of social place, behaviour, gender identity, reproductive options, and disease susceptibility. I am a molecular geneticist investigating the biology of gender. I study the mechanisms underpinning sexual development, with an emphasis on identifying the genetic causes of ‘intersex’ and transsex disorders. I am also studying how SRY, a male gene, controls voluntary movement, and its possible link to Parkinson’s disease.
The Role Of Oocyte-secreted Proteins In Primate Follicular Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$176,320.00
Summary
Mammalian eggs grow and develop in fluid filled sacks in the ovary called follicles. These structures nurture the egg for prolonged periods preparing it for ovulation and fertilisation. It has been known for some time that the quality of the follicular environment determines, in part, the developmental potential of the egg. Recent studies in mice have shown that the interaction between the egg and the follicle is in fact a two-way process, and that the egg is able to influence development of the ....Mammalian eggs grow and develop in fluid filled sacks in the ovary called follicles. These structures nurture the egg for prolonged periods preparing it for ovulation and fertilisation. It has been known for some time that the quality of the follicular environment determines, in part, the developmental potential of the egg. Recent studies in mice have shown that the interaction between the egg and the follicle is in fact a two-way process, and that the egg is able to influence development of the follicle. This project proposes to investigate these processes further in the laboratory mouse using new reagents available to us, and to extend these findings by investigating this communication pathway for the first time in a primate species. Because of the difficulty of undertaking such research using human material, we will use the marmoset monkey as a model. This exciting new development has important implications for women's health because it may help us understand why some women suffer from premature menopause or cystic ovaries, and in the longer term could help in the development of new types of contraceptives.Read moreRead less