Ovarian Cell Biology and Embryology

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About ovarian cell biology and embryology

Our team of biomedical researchers is dedicated to advancing female reproductive health through fundamental discoveries in ovarian biology and early embryo development. Our work is uncovering the mechanisms by which a mature egg is ovulated from the ovary and the molecular events that enable fertilisation by sperm and healthy embryo development.

Using both animal models and human clinical samples, our basic science research is aimed at clinical questions, generating new knowledge with real-world applications. We are identifying how environmental conditions such as obesity, aging and toxicant exposure impact the sensitive biology of the ovary and egg, with consequences on fertility and offspring fitness.

On a cellular level, projects investigate mitochondrial biology, gene regulation, telomere reprogramming, cellular signalling and matrix remodelling. Our discoveries have applications for the development of infertility treatments for women, therapies for optimising animal reproduction and new contraceptives, as well as important implications for women’s health policies.

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Understanding the microenvironment of the ovary that determines egg quality and embryo development.

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Identifying the molecular mechanisms that control ovulation towards developing contraceptives.

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Discovering mechanisms of telomere elongation during embryogenesis to ensure offspring health span.

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Identifying therapeutic targets to reverse the detrimental effects of obesity and aging on ovarian function and embryo development.

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Investigating the roles of immune cells in the ovary and changes with obesity and aging.

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Discovering mechanisms within the egg and embryo that set offspring mitochondrial inheritance and how obesity, age and toxicant exposure influence this biology.

Explore Ovarian Cell Biology and Embryology

The Ovarian Cell Biology and Embryology laboratory, led by Professor Rebecca Robker, is recognised for its discoveries in female reproductive biology, with a particular focus on understanding the mechanisms that regulate ovarian function and preimplantation embryo development. Based within a collaborative biomedical research environment, the lab integrates molecular biology, physiology, and translational science to address fundamental questions about how eggs within the ovary are released at ovulation, how environmental signals of parents are transmitted to embryos and how this biology is altered by modern issues such as obesity, aging, toxicant exposure and new reproductive technologies.

Recent discoveries include:

These discoveries are facilitated by long-standing collaborations with clinicians and global research partners. Beyond scientific contributions, the Ovarian Cell Biology and Embryology team places strong emphasis on training, mentorship and fostering the next generation of researchers.

Professor Rebecca Robker
Dr Yasmyn Winstanley
  • Discovering how oocytes mature within the ovary and how PFAS toxicants affects their embryonic capacity.
  • Discovering mechanisms within the oocyte that set offspring mitochondrial inheritance and how obesity, age and Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) influence this biology.
  • Identifying therapies, both pharmaceutical and lifestyle, to reverse the detrimental effects of obesity and age on early embryo development.
  • Identifying the oocyte’s role in regulating embryo telomere elongation connecting maternal and offspring physiology, to transform our understanding of maternal influences on offspring health.
  • Determining why maternal obesity and age impair ovulation and diminish oocyte developmental competence.
  • Investigating how immune cells influence ovarian function.
  • Identifying the molecular mechanisms that control ovulation.

Contact Ovarian Cell Biology and Embryology

Location

Location
Ovarian Cell Biology and Embryology
Adelaide University
Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, 4 North Terrace Adelaide, SA 5005

Telephone

Phone: +61 8 8313 8159

Email

Email: rebecca.robker@adelaide.edu.au

Contact us

Robinson Research Institute

Location

Location
Robinson Research Institute
Adelaide University
Ground Floor, Norwich House
55 King William Road
North Adelaide, SA 5006

Email

Email: robinsonresearch@adelaide.edu.au