Hudson | eNews

 

Congratulations to PhD student Penny Whiley from the Testis Development and Male Germ Cell Biology Research group, who was awarded the German Society for Andrology (DGA) Lecture Prize (500 EUR) in the experimental field for her oral presentation, titled: “Activin A modulates the pace of germ cell development at the onset of spermatogenesis”. 

 

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the 3-day conference was held digitally for the first time late last year and included over 700 andrologists from around the world.

 

Penny’s studies demonstrated that during fetal life, elevated levels of the growth factor activin A reduces sperm precursor (germ cell) numbers by half, but surprisingly the remaining cells that are destined to form sperm are developmentally advanced. Elevated activin A levels during pregnancy have been identified in conditions of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and infection. 

 

This discovery may help explain the increasing rates of infertility and testicular cancer, helping us to understand how conditions arising during pregnancy may affect the future fertility of baby boys.

“I was so surprised and excited to win this award. It was very unexpected and I’m extremely grateful to have my work acknowledged” Penny said. “A big thank you to my 3 amazing supervisors who have supported and encouraged me throughout my first year.”

Penny is studying for her PhD in the Centre for Reproductive Health, under the supervision of Prof Kate Loveland, and Associate Professors Robin Hobbs and Peter Stanton.