Inhaltspezifische Aktionen

Our mission

RESEARCH - PROJECT OVERVIEW


Second funding period

This programme investigates common reproductive health disorders in men, including infertility (often accompanied by dysfunction of the testis and epididymis) and disorders of the prostate. The research focuses on four common regulatory mechanisms that contribute to their pathogenesis of these disorders (local factors incl. activin/TGFβ, inflammation and immunity, sex steroid hormones and genes/epigenetics) and uses an interdisciplinary approach to define the therapeutic relevance of these findings to human disease.

It has arisen from the first JLU-MU IRTG partnership, drawing together a unique wealth of experience, previous data and research tools. In this previous collaboration, in each project, the regulatory mechanisms involved in the health disorder have been identified. The continuing projects now extend these findings, to further define the genes, proteins and cell types involved, with the goal of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to better manage men with disorders of the testis, epididymis and prostate.

 

First funding period

The main objective of International Research Training Group (IRTG) in “Molecular Pathogenesis of Male Reproductive Disorders” between Justus Liebig University Giessen and Monash University Melbourne, Australia, is to equip young scientists with experimental expertise, intellectual depth and international collaborations to address the medical problems of men that relate specifically to their reproductive function.

The collaboration is focused on the following key thematic areas: activin/TGFβ superfamily, fertility/infertility, inflammation and immunity and reproductive hormones/local factor. Eleven (firstly nine) scientific projects, always covering several of the key themes, were developed by the investigators. Each project is jointly worked on by Australian-German investigator pairs. Consequently, all students recruited to this programme will be mutually supervised by scientists from Monash University and Justus-Liebig University. PhD studies will require a reciprocal visit to the partner institution of at least 12 months, and as a hallmark of the programme, each student will receive a joint-badged PhD awarded by both universities.

Importantly, the research training programme builds on strong translational/clinical exposure in Germany and advanced biomolecular, cell biological and transgenic mouse model opportunities with relevance for male reproduction in Australia.

The JLU Giessen - Monash University partnership links two of the world leading centres in male reproductive research and education.