Cell & Reproductive Biology Laboratory - Honours in 2009
An Honours project undertaken in this lab would be administered by the Discipline of Anatomy & Histology.
The work in this lab is centred around reproductive biology and medicine and in particular the biology of the uterus, uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation and hormonal influences on the uterus. We are interested in how it is that the uterus manages to tightly regulate those times during the reproductive cycle when it will allow the blastocyst to attach but to prevent attachment and the beginning of a pregnancy at other times. We are particularly interested in uterine epithelial cells and the molecular interactions that occur between the surface of these cells and the implanting blastocyst.
A variety of methods are available including light & electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and PCR. The work uses both animal and human tissues and involves basic cell biological research as well as work on human tissues of direct relevance to the human menopause and to In vitro fertilisation (IVF) programmes.
The laboratory also has extensive contacts with The School of Biological Sciences and the Electron Microscope Unit (EMU) which involves a major project on the evolution of viviparity (live birth) and the development of the placenta. This work involves study on mammals and lizards in particular but also other animals to understand the biology of different types of placentas.
We also have an interest in one of the major diseases of the uterus which affects over a million Australian women endometriosis - and have collaborations with Westmead hospital to study this disease.
Female reproduction and structural cell biology
Supervisor + contact details:
- Professor Chris Murphy
- Dr Laura Lindsay
In 2009 we would accept students interested in mammalian reproduction and/or students interested in working on an aspect of the evolution of live birth and placentation. An honours place in conjunction with the EM Unit could also be arranged.
