This laboratory has a focus on the role hormones, growth factors, cytokines and their binding proteins play in the regulation of reproductive physiology in both male and female mammals. We are particularly interested in the transforming beta family of proteins which includes the activins and the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their binding proteins such as follistatin. We are also interested in how metabolic hormones such as leptin, ghrelin, cortisol and insulin influence the reproductive system. Our laboratory also has an active interest in applied research particularly in the area of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

A range of research projects under the laboratories general directions is available which can be in the broad areas of human health or livestock production. The following projects areas will provide training in the use and design of immunoassays, protein chemistry, molecular biology, data analysis and general physiology. The laboratory is accredited with the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and students will be trained in laboratory quality control and quality assurance processes.

Pregnancy: The retention of developing the foetus within the mother, which is dependent on maternal support throughout development, is a remarkable process restricted to mammals. A successful pregnancy requires metabolic support from the mother but is closely regulated by the endocrine system. The role of hormones such as progesterone during this process has been well studied; however there is increasing evidence that many other hormones and proteins are also important. We have recently isolated a protein (UTMP) secreted by the endometrium during pregnancy that binds activin. The role this protein plays in regulating activin action has yet to be determined.

Leptin Physiology: Leptin was originally identified as a hormone secreted by fat cells. A complete absence of leptin is not developmentally lethal but results in morbid obesity, a compromised immune system and infertility. Leptin has now been found to be made in many other tissues apart from fat and to be involved in may physiological systems including the reproductive system. Leptin has many binding proteins in plasma which interfere in assays for leptin making interpreting the data very difficult. We have recently developed a leptin ELISA which cross reacts with leptin from all species and is not interfered with by binding proteins. This tool has allowed us explore the physiology of leptin in the sheep, mouse and humans and lead to a number of controversial conclusions. Some the questions we need to answer are. Is fat the major source of leptin in plasma? Is leptin involved in the onset of puberty? Does leptin in plasma have an endocrine role in reproductive tissues?

Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis: Luteinizing hormone binds to receptors on the Leydig cell within the testis and stimulates testosterone production. Thus the production of testosterone appears very straightforward. However over the last decade it has been shown that many other hormones and growth factors can modulate the action of LH. More recently we have shown that LH might in fact not act directly to stimulate testosterone production but rather causes the release of an autocrine factor that then binds cell surface receptors to stimulate testosterone production. This autocrine factor remains to be identified.

Production of PMSG by Pregnant Mares: PMSG is extracted from the blood of pregnant mare donors and is widely used in livestock industries to manipulate reproductive behaviour and in AI and ET programs. However, the concentration of PMSG in the blood of pregnant mares is highly variable ranging from undetectable to over 200iu/ml. This degree of variation place a substantial cost on the industry. A number of projects could be developed in this area. For example "what is the relationship between stress and PMSG production". Nutrition may also play an important role.