Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development

section heading graphic   Overview

The Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development represents one of the largest aggregations of research scientists working in the field of reproduction and Development. The research programs extend from molecular biology to clinical research applicable to the reproductive health of women and men, babies and children, the development of Australia's agricultural industry, and the preservation of the world's endangered species.

The Institute employs its research knowledge to enhance the education of students, the professional advancement of medical practitioners and scientists, and the community's understanding of these life sciences.

The Monash institute of Reproduction and Development is geared to support an extensive and growing portfolio of leading edge opportunities for new and existing commercial partners.

section heading graphic   Competitive Advantages

Research is conducted with global collaborative partnerships and with a number of Australian biotechnology organisations. The major achievements and current research programs include:

Building on major novel technologies of human IVF pregnancies from frozen embryos and the birth of children following ovum donation women without ovaries, current research focuses on -

  • In vitro maturation of oocytes
  • Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
  • Stem cell biology.

Strong programs in gamete and embryo freezing provide opportunities to freeze ovarian tissue for transplantation.

Following pioneering studies in the early development of human embryonic stem cell lines, major Institute initiatives are underway to determine factors involved early differentiation processes with a view to provide defined stem cell populations for tissue transplantation in the future.

Major research programs on male reproductive biology and medicine focusing on regulatory molecules during sperm production. Specific foci include a search for genetic defects affecting sperm production resulting in infertility.

Program exploring the biology and medical applications of the TGF-beta Superfamily members, inhibins and activins and their binding protein follistatin with particular emphasis on their role in inflammation, prostate biology and cancer and actions on testicular development and function.

Monash Institute scientists identified the gene that causes characteristic facial features and bone/skeletal defects in Down Syndrome. Research programs continue to define genes on chromosome 21 involved in Down Syndrome.

The Institute achieved cloning of two new genes that are important in epithelial cancer such as breast and prostate and research programs are exploring their specific roles.

The Institute leads the world in the application of its expertise in assisted reproductive technologies to the preservation of endangered animal species and has established the award winning Animal Gene Storage Resource Centre of Australia which is building a frozen reserve of tissues of endangered species.

This Institute was the first group in Australia to produce cloned calves for the cattle industry. This talented team leads the world in nuclear transfer techniques for animal breeding and medicine. Programs continue in collaboration with the Cooperative Research Centre for Innovative Dairy Products.

Monash Institute scientists and clinicians were instrumental in the introduction of steroid treatment to assist lung development in anticipated premature births. This breakthrough has significantly reduced the number of deaths in babies born prematurely. Major research programs continue to define controls of lung maturation and factors regulating fetal brain blood flow.

section heading graphic   Technology

Major research areas of the MIRD include -

  • Human embryonic stem cells
  • Male fertility, infertility and contraception
  • Reproductive hormones research
  • Stroke and neurodegeneration
  • Chronic Inflammatory diseases
  • Prostate cancer and disease
  • Reproductive biology and immunology
  • IVF and pre-implantation diagnosis; and
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies for endangered animals and the agricultural industry.

section heading graphic   Corporate Alliances/Partnerships

MIRD is a participant in -

  • The CRC for Innovative Dairy Products
  • The CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Disease
  • The ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development
  • The National Centre for Advanced Cell Engineering; and
  • The Monash Institutes of Health

Close links are established with -

  • The Synchrotron
  • The National Stem Cell Centre
  • Andrology Australia
  • Monash Science Technology Research and Innovation Precinct; and
  • AMREP

Partnering Opportunities

Partnering opportunities at the Institute include -

  • Immunodiagnostic technology for prostate and other cancers;
  • Candidate gene and target gene identification in relation to uterine disorders;
  • Immunosuppressive peptides;
  • New stem cell platforms for tissue development and potential cancer diagnosis and/or new target identification; and
  • Novel targets for treatment of male infertility
Contact Person Kat Hodgins Monash Institute of Reproduction & Development Logo
Job Title Public Relations Co-ordinator
Address Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, MMC
246 Clayton Rd
City/Suburb Clayton
Victoria 3168 Australia
Email kat.hodgins@med.monash.edu.au
Phone +61 3 9594 7138
Fax +61 3 9594 7111
Website Address www.monashinstitute.org

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