Cell & Reproductive Biology Lab
Chris Murphy
Incorporating The Endometriosis Research and Treatment Centre of New South Wales
The work in this lab is centred around reproductive biology and medicine and in particular the biology of the uterus, implantation of the blastocyst 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 the plasma membrane of uterine epithelial cells and the molecular interactions that occur between the surface of these cells and the implanting blastocyst. Methods we use are mostly morphological - light & electron microscopy - and we employ a variety of histochemical, enzymological and immunochemical methods in our studies. 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 has extensive contacts with the Electron Microscope Unit and the School of Biological Sciences which includes a major project on the evolution of viviparity (live birth) and the development of the placenta. This work involves study on mammals and Australian lizards in particular but also other animals to understand the biology of different types of placentas. Our clinical interests include one of the major diseases of the uterus which affects over a million Australian women - endometriosis - and we have collaborations with Westmead hospital to study this disease.
Personnel
- Professor C R Murphy, D.Sc.
- Dr Susan Adams, Postdoctoral Fellow
- Dr Suzanne Ollerenshaw, Honorary Associate
- Ms Megan Nicholson, PhD student
- Ms Laura Lindsay, PhD student/Lab Manager
- Ms Rebecca Stewart, PhD student
- Ms Romina Ilad, PhD student
- Ms Humaira Badar, Honours student