Murray, Joanne
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Contact Details Telephone: 020 7911 5000 ext 3566 Fax: 020 7911 5087 Email: J.F.Murray@westminster.ac.uk |
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Background
Summary of qualifications:
1991 PhD University of Sydney
1986 BSc(Agric) (Hons) University of Sydney
Professional experience:
1997-2005 St. George’s University of London: postdoctoral research scientist & lecturer
1994-1997 Royal Veterinary College, London: postdoctoral research scientist & lecturer
1992-1993 Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia: hospital scientist
1991 INRA, Nouzilly, France: postdoctoral research scientist
Expertise:
Reproductive endocrinology and physiology
Research Interests
Joanne's primary research interest is female reproductive physiology; in particular, understanding the regulation of both ovarian folliculogenesis and hypothalamic GnRH activity.
Ovarian folliculogenesis: the role of growth factors in follicle growth and development, the regulation of follicular atresia by members of the bcl-2 gene family and the role of hypoxia in regulating the growth and development of antral follicles.
Hypothalamic GnRH activity: the role of neuropeptides, involved in appetite and food intake regulation, in regulating GnRH activity and therefore LH release.
Current Research / Ongoing Projects
Four projects are currently being done:
- To determine if ovarian follicles are hypoxic and if so to determine the role of hypoxia in follicular growth and development.
- To determine if statins administered to the mother in late gestation can cross the placenta and enter the fetal brain without causing any deleterious effects on fetal well-being.
- To determine the role of hypothalamic melanin concentrating hormone in regulating GnRH cell body activity and hence LH release.
- To determine the role of circulating concentrations of melanin concentrating hormone.
- To determine the role of MC3R in testicular function.
Selected Publications
Leoni, G., Patel, H.B., Sampaio, A.L.F., Gavins, F.N.E., Murray, J.F., Grieco, P., Getting, S.J., Perretti, M. (2008) Inflamed phenotype of the mesenteric microcirculation of melanocortin type 3 receptor null mice after ischaemia-reperfusion. FASEB J, 22, 4228-4238.
Murray, J.F., Hahn, J.D., Kennedy, A., Small, C., Bloom, S.R., Haskell-Luevano, C., Coen, C.W., Wilson, C.A. (2006) Evidence for a stimulatory action of melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) on luteinising hormone release involving MCH1 and melanocortin-5 (MC-5) receptors. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 18, 157-167.
Lea, R.G., Andrade, L.P., Rae, M.T., Hannah, L.T., Kyle, C.E., Murray, J.F., Rhind, S.M., Miller, D.W. (2006) Effects of maternal undernutrition during early pregnancy on apoptosis regulators in the ovine fetal ovary. Reproduction, 131, 113-124.
Lea, R.G., Hannah, L.T., Redmer, D.A., Aitken, R.P., Milne, J.S., Fowler, P.A., Murray, J.F., Wallace, J.M. (2005) Developmental indices of nutritionally-induced placental growth restriction in the adolescent sheep. Pediatric Research , 57, 599-604.
Malik, N., Carter, N.D., Wilson, C.A., Scaramuzzi, R.J., Stock, M.J., Murray, J.F. (2005) Leptin expression in the fetus and placenta during mouse pregnancy. Placenta, 26, 47-52.
Kostourou, V., Troy, H., Murray, J.F., Cullis, E.R., Whitley, G.S., Griffiths, J.R., Robinson, S.P. (2004) Overexpression of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase enhances tumour hypoxia: an insight into the relationship of hypoxia and angiogenesis in vivo. Neoplasia, 6, 401 - 411.
Murray, J.F., Dakin, C.L., Siddiqui, A., Pellatt, L.J., Ahmed, S., Omerod, L.J.A., Swan, A.V., Davies, D.C., Wilson, C.A. (2004) Neonatal 5HT activity antagonises the masculinising effect of testosterone on the luteinising hormone release response to gonadal steroids and on brain structures in rats. European Journal of Neuroscience, 19, 387 - 395.
Small, C.J., Goubillon, M-L., Murray, J.F., Siddiqui, A., Grimshaw, S.E., Young, H., Sivanesan, V., Kalamatianos, T., Kennedy, A.R., Coen, C.W., Bloom, S.R., Wilson, C.A. (2003) Central orexin A has site-specific effects on luteinizing hormone release in female rats. Endocrinology, 144, 3225 - 3236.
Fredericks, S., Bainbridge, K., Murray, J.F., Collinson, P.O., Carter, N.D., Holt, D.W. (2003) Measurement of cardiac troponin I in striated muscle using three experimental methods. Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, 40, 244 – 248.
Conference presentations or/and Other publications
Co-editor (with JL Juengal and MF Smith) of “Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants VI” SRF Volume 64 (2007) Nottingham University Press. ISBN 978-1-904761-47-1
Co-editor (with SK Gupta and K Koyama) of “Gamete Biology: Emerging Frontiers on Fertility and Contraceptive Development” SRF Volume 65 (2007) Nottingham University Press. ISBN 978-1-904761-43-3
Awards and Grants
With Drs C.L. Smith and S.Getting.
Melanocortin 3 receptors (MC3R) in the testes. Small grant proposal: successful, March 2009 (£11,895). 1 year.
The Wellcome Trust
With Dr. S.P. Robinson and Professor N.D. Carter.
Assessment of the role of hypoxia in ovarian follicular development. Project grant proposal: successful, February 2008 (£49,940). 1 year.
University of Westminster
School of Biosciences PhD Studentship. Awarded to Ms. J. Naufahu, October 2006 - September 2010.
Wellbeing of Women
With Professor S. Arulkumaran (St. George’s University of London)
Are “statins” administered to the mother in late gestation harmful to either the fetus or mother? Project grant proposal: successful, August 2006 (£ 74, 876). 2 years.
University of Westminster
Role of hypoxia in ovarian granulosa cell steroidogenesis. Research Funding Start-Up Project: awarded October 2005 (£11,369).
Research Groups / Key Appointments
- Co-ordinator of Life Sciences Education Research Group
- Member of Cell Communication Research Group
- Member of Health and Well Being Research Group