Characterising the genetic profile of gubernacular cells derived from androgen receptor knockout mice (ARKO) during testicular descent
- Research Opportunity
- Honours students
- Number of Honour Places Available
- 1
- Department / Centre
- Paediatrics
- Location
- Royal Children’s Hospital/Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Doctor Gulcan Sarila | gulcan.sarila@mcri.edu.au | 403468027 |
Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Professor John Hutson | john.hutson@mcri.edu.au | Personal web page |
Summary This project will determine the genetic characteristics of the gubernacular cell derived from the androgen receptor knockout mice during the second phase of testicular decent. By creating and maintain cell lines in culture from these mice at the age of embryonic day 17 to day 3 post birth, we will profile the extracellular matrix genes as well as characterise the growth, elongation (mitosis and differentiation) of these cells in vitro.
Project Details
In rodents, the second phrase of testicular descent also known as the androgen dependent phase is completed within the first 2 weeks of neonatal development, whereas in humans this is finalised before birth and the testes move inside the scrotum. Androgen has been demonstrated to play an important role in remodelling the gubernaculum, however the exact molecular mechanism still remains controversial. While the morphological changes that take place during testicular descent have been previously described, very little is still known about the cellular targets of hormones, genes, signalling pathways and the effects of androgen. There has been two main ways in which AR results in cryptorchidism; 1) by the persistence of the mammary gland tissue in males that were treated with the pharmacological anti-androgen inhibitor which prevented the gubernaculum outgrowth, 2) by stimulating the role of AR-signalling in the genitofemoral nerve releasing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). This project will determine the genetic characteristics of the gubernacular cell derived from the androgen receptor knockout mice during the second phase of testicular decent. By creating and maintain cell lines in culture from these mice at the age of embryonic day 17 to day 3 post birth, we will profile the extracellular matrix genes as well as characterise the growth, elongation (mitosis and differentiation) of these cells in vitro. These cells will be compared to adipocytes isolated form the inguinoscrotal fat pad as they are a target tissue for androgen receptors. In addition, by using the CGRP drug we will determine if the molecular signature of the cells can be significantly altered during testicular descent. This study will provide essential evidence between androgen receptor, CGRP, and if we can potential use this as a treatment in children to trigger testicular decent.
Faculty Research Themes
School Research Themes
Research Opportunities
Honours students
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
Department / Centre
Research Node
Royal Children’s Hospital/Murdoch Childrens Research InstituteMDHS Research library
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