Ovarian somatic cells: guardians of gamete survival and quality . This project will define the DNA repair capacity of granulosa cells in primordial follicles, compared to growing follicles, in the co

Description

Ovarian somatic cells: guardians of gamete survival and quality . This project will define the DNA repair capacity of granulosa cells in primordial follicles, compared to growing follicles, in the context of exogenous and endogenous DNA damage. Longevity, combined with the arrested state of their chromosomes render oocytes and their supporting granulosa cells in primordial follicles vulnerable to DNA damage. As oocytes are irreplaceable, to ensure fertility and health of the future generations it is imperative that the health of these primordial follicles is maintained throughout reproductive life. This discovery research will generate entirely new knowledge regarding the mechanisms underpinning oocyte quality, with implications for improving mammalian female fertility.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3215 - Reproductive Medicine. Lead: Prof Karla Hutt