Effects of manipulating germ cell niche in immature human testis: potential mechanism for protection from chemotherapy-induced damage
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: MRC Centre for Reproductive Health
Abstract
Advanced development of chemotherapeutic drugs has increased the survival rates of childhood cancer patients to 80% (Mariotto et al. 2009). However, following treatment some male survivors willsubsequently become oligospermic or azoospermic, meaning that chances for these patients to father a child in the future are very reduced (Brook et al. 2001). Future fertility for these patients is of great concern and, although sperm cryopreservation for adults is well established, pre-pubertal boys or those who are not yet able to produce sperm are in need of options for fertility preservation (reviewed in Anderson et al. 2015).
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Rod Mitchell (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Gabriele Matilionyte (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR/P502030/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 2141875 | Studentship | MR/P502030/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | Gabriele Matilionyte |
| Description | Bursary for Fertility 2019 |
| Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Society for Reproduction and Fertility |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 01/2019 |
| End | 01/2019 |
| Description | Bursary for Fertility 2020 |
| Amount | £525 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Society for Reproduction and Fertility |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 01/2020 |
| End | 01/2020 |
| Description | Travel Grant for European Testis Workshop 2020 |
| Amount | £650 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Society for Reproduction and Fertility |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 05/2020 |
| End | 05/2020 |
| Description | William Dickson Travelling Fund |
| Amount | £250 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2018 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | Career Exploration Day at Preston Lodge High School - 'What do scientists do? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | We gave a presentation at the careers event for 2 groups of high school students. The presentation explored what scientists do daily and what different career paths are possible if going into a science-related education. After the event I received an email from one of the students inquiring about a short placement at our research institute. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Edinburgh International Science Festival - 'Medical Frontiers: Reproductive development & when cancer strikes' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This drop-in activity was a part of Edinburgh International Science Festival aimed at general public. Our stall discussed various aspects of reproductive health and development and what happens when things go wrong. I engaged people by explaining what chemotherapy does to the testes and why it is important to find fertility preservation options for boys with cancer. Children were curious about learning how to use a microscope and adults were surprised and admitted not realising the adverse effects of chemotherapy on fertility. Some people said the topic was relatable. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | MRC Science Festival - 'Preserving future fertility: a school event' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 28 High school students attended this event that took place in our research institute. It involved 4 different workstations that involved a tour around facilities, hands on activities, talks on career paths in science and a quiz on what was learnt about fertility preservation in boys with cancer during the day. Students showed engagement by asking questions, discussing amongst themselves and lead teachers reporting back saying it was very useful and interesting for their students. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |