Understanding final oocyte maturation and ovulation in barramundi – a pathway to enhanced animal breeding

Understanding final oocyte maturation and ovulation in barramundi – a pathway to enhanced animal breeding

Advisor/s

A/Prof Ulf Schmitz, Dr Daniel Xing, Prof Andreas Lopata

College or Research Centre

College of Medicine & Dentistry; College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Science

Summary of Project

Join our dynamic research team at JCU and the Townsville Cancer Centre (TCC) for an exciting HDR (Higher Degree by Research) project that merges cutting-edge technology with critical clinical applications. Our umbrella project encompasses two groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes and patient care. Project 1: Enhancing Glioblastoma Treatment with Magnetic Resonance and Radiotherapy Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive brain cancers, with limited survival rates despite recent advances in treatment. Our research focuses on the novel application of tumour treating fields and the integration of a magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MRL) to explore the biological effects of combining magnetic fields with ionizing radiation. We aim to uncover how these combined modalities impact tumour and immune cell interactions, ultimately seeking to improve GBM treatment efficacy. Project 2: Developing Blood-Based Surveillance for HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) presents unique challenges in post-treatment surveillance, particularly for patients in remote regions. Our research aims to develop and validate a blood-based circulating HPV-DNA (cHPV-DNA) test using next-generation sequencing (NGS). This innovative approach will enable earlier detection of recurrent disease, reduce patient burden, and improve survival outcomes for HPV-OPSCC patients.

Reproductive control is a fundamental requirement for the successful commercial production of an aquaculture species and is necessary to reduce operational risk of broodstock facilities. Furthermore, methods to directly control the pairing of superior performing individuals are required for the efficient and effective operation of any genetic improvement program. This project will explore the environmental, physiological and genetic processes underlying final oocyte maturation and ovulation of precocious female barramundi to improve reliability and predictability of access to eggs of elite lines. By doing so, the techniques for obtaining the commercial quantities of fully mature oocytes needed in artificial fertilisation procedures will be developed. The outcomes of this project will allow the rapid integration of precocious female barramundi into ongoing industry breeding programs, helping to increase the rate of genetic gain achieved.

This PhD project is embedded within both The ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Supercharging Tropical Aquaculture through Genetic Solutions, and the ARC Early Career Industry Fellowship - Novel reproductive approaches to de-risk and transform barramundi breeding.

Expression of interest closing date: 30 September 2023

Enquiries to: sta@jcu.edu.au

Key Words

brain cancer; head and neck cancer; radiation oncology; biomarker; bioinformatics next generation sequencing

Would suit an applicant who

We invite motivated students with a passion for oncology, molecular biology, and innovative technology to apply. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative research with the potential to significantly impact patient care and treatment outcomes.

is a PhD candidate (international or domestic). PhD scholarship is available as part of project. Applicants should be familiar with the Higher Degree by Research Requirements.

Updated: 27 Jun 2023