Dr Zamira Gibb
ARC Research Fellow
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
- Email:zamira.gibb@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 5637
A many trick pony
Dr Zamira Gibb is a postdoctoral researcher in the field of equine fertility enhancement who works closely with industry to improve reproductive outcomes.
A request by a horse breeder has resulted in Dr Zamira Gibb and a team of researchers at the University of Newcastle working at the cutting edge of applied reproductive technology for livestock and, more recently, aquaculture.
Producing around half of all horses born in Australia and employing hundreds of thousands of people, the Hunter Valley's equine breeding industry is a valuable, sustainable, and culturally significant contributor to the Australian economy.
A combination of external factors such as pollutants, stress and land degradation, plus thousands of years of artificial selection in human sanctioned breeding processes, has seen the fertility of horses decrease over time.
Zamira works with the Thoroughbred racehorse industry - using natural methods only - and the Standardbred racehorse industry - using artificial reproductive technology - to improve fertility and improve reproductive outcomes, with a focus on stallions.
Working closely with several prominent industry groups including Harness Racing Australia, the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre and equine reproductive specialists in both Australia and New Zealand, Zamira is a talented speaker renowned for her ability to present appropriately pitched information to both industry and scientific audiences alike.
Her understanding of the science down to the molecular level, plus depth of knowledge of both the veterinary and breeding industries, uniquely positions Zamira as a powerful conduit for the expedition of improvements in industry practice, as well as a scout for the identification of areas of industry need.
HORSING AROUND
Zamira wasn't born into horses. As a pre-teen living in suburban Sydney, her love of horses was ignited when her parents sent her to a school holiday riding camp. When her interest failed to wane, they brokered a deal with a nearby riding school to exchange her labour for a weekly riding lesson.
"I spent every weekend there, cleaning stables and brushing horses, which was fine because I was happy just to pick up horse manure, and my parents were happy for me to be out of the house," she laughs.
"When I was 11 going on 12, my parents promised that if I worked at the riding school every weekend for twelve months, they would buy me a pony, thinking I would never follow through."
"But I did it for a year and they bought me a pony!"
"Mum always laments, 'Why didn't I buy you a tennis racket?'"
With her interest in horses continuing to grow, a degree in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience from the University of Sydney was the only choice for tertiary study.
Horses weren't available for Zamira's Honours project so she stepped out of her chosen species comfort zone and worked with alpacas. During her PhD studies, Zamira set to creating a commercially viable technology for cryopreserving and sex sorting of horse sperm. This project had mixed results, with its success being limited by accessibility and cost issues.
POACHED
After presenting her PhD work at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology, Zamira was approached by Laureate Professor John Aitken, the Director of the University of Newcastle's Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, who asked her to head up a new team in horse fertility.
Laureate Professor Aitken was the researcher originally approached by the Hunter Valley horse breeder who wondered if the expertise garnered from John's research involving human fertility could translate to horses.
Zamira jumped at the chance to become what she describes as "the person on the ground who deals with the horse farms. It's my job to work out what we need to achieve and what is important for industry."
"One of the beautiful things about working here is that my supervisor is John Aitken, unarguably one of the world's leaders in human sperm research," Zamira confirms.
Although not translating directly due to differences in metabolic processes between horse and human sperm, working alongside a world leader in human fertility is a great advantage for the horse fertility team, as is having access to the relevant research facilities at the University of Newcastle. The availability of the mass spectrometers and flow cytometers for Zamira and her team's work elevates them above many researchers and most practitioners in their field.
Zamira explains: "Most people undertaking horse research are at veterinary schools with limited access to this kind of equipment because they don't have the funding. If they do have access to it, it might be the apex of five years' worth of work, and cost tens of thousands of dollars for them to utilise."
"Molecular biology is not something they taught us in vet school. Having molecular capabilities make us really quite unique."
HERD IMMUNITY
Students working with Zamira are undertaking several fascinating projects, focused on fertilisation or reproduction processes.
One group of students is working with the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, based at the University of Canberra, on a project developing a method of controlling feral horses. Ideally, a single dose sterilisation injection would render the majority of wild brumby herds infertile.
This strategy addresses damage to native plants, animals and ecosystems without necessitating cruel culling regimes which merely leave the newly corrected environments open to repopulation.
The team is also under-taking longitudinal data collection supporting what appears to be a correlation between inhalation of coal dust and damage to the germ line which may manifest as orthopedic disease in the offspring.
A REAL PEARLER
Recently decimated by disease, the oyster industry in Australia is looking for a new and hardy disease-resistant strain. The usefulness of explorative selective crosses is hampered by the amount of time needed for the new breeds to be tested for resilience. Waiting usually means the corresponding gametes have become non-viable.
A student in the team is looking at the storage of oyster eggs, so original eggs are still viable after testing of the selective crosses. This would create the ability to re-cross, strip and send the eggs of the robust cross to oyster farms around the country, remaining viable for weeks at a time, and allowing for repopulation.
RIDING OFF INTO THE SUNSET
Looking to the future, the team is working towards several research goals as well as continuing to advise breeders and government departments on the practical applications of their work in the lab.
The promulgation of strategies that naturally enhance fertility, including nutritional supplementation and management controls, will continue through the team's work with the Throroughbred breeding industry. Immunocontraceptive research will one day ensure the natural mating cycles of feral brumbies are permanently interrupted.
In the Standardbred industry, increasing the efficiency of embryo surrogacy processes is one goal. Another project being undertaken by the team is related to transporting sperm for artificial insemination and has the potential to overhaul assisted reproductive technology practice.
With Zamira at the reins, working as a valuable two-way interface between science and industry, plus shepherding a talented herd of researchers, this team have the winning post well in their sights.
A many trick pony
Dr Zamira Gibb is a postdoctoral researcher in the field of equine fertility enhancement who works closely with industry to improve reproductive outcomes.
Career Summary
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney
- Certificate IV in Horse Industry Applications, TAFE (NSW)
- Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Hon), University of Sydney
Keywords
- Animal Science
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies
- Cell Metabolism
- Cryopreservation
- Equine
- Reproduction
Languages
- English (Mother)
- French (Working)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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310909 | Animal physiology - cell | 100 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Environmental and Life Sciences Australia |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Chapter (1 outputs)
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2017 |
Gibb Z, Aitken RJ, 'Physiological and pathological aspects of sperm metabolism', The Sperm Cell: Production, Maturation, Fertilization, Regeneration, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK 109-125 (2017) [B1]
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Journal article (75 outputs)
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2024 |
Cooke CG, Gibb Z, Grupen CG, Schemann K, Deshpande N, Harnett JE, 'The semen microbiome of miniature pony stallions', Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 36
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2024 |
Cooke CG, Gibb Z, Grupen CG, Schemann K, Deshpande N, Harnett JE, 'Effect of probiotics and prebiotics on the composition of the equine fecal and seminal microbiomes and sperm quality: A pilot study.', J Equine Vet Sci, 135 105032 (2024) [C1]
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2023 |
Perera TRW, Gibb Z, Bromfield EG, Rupasinghe T, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Swegen A, 'Early pregnancy associated changes in systemic lipid profiles of mares revealed by high resolution mass spectrometry', Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 125 104780-104780 (2023) [C1]
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2023 |
Medica AJ, Gibb Z, Aitken RJ, 'A novel method for isolation of functional stallion spermatozoa for artificial insemination', Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 125 104599-104599 (2023)
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2023 |
Morris L, Maclellan L, Bahrami M, Gibb Z, 'The relationship between grade and metabolism for in vivo and ICSI derived embryos', Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 125 104666-104666 (2023)
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2023 |
Lawson EF, Griffin RA, Ghosh A, Gibb Z, Baker MA, Tanwar PS, Swegen A, 'Deciphering the influence of mare oviductal organoid secretions on equine spermatozoa', Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 125 104657-104657 (2023) [C1]
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2023 |
Lawson EF, Ghosh A, Blanch V, Grupen CG, Aitken RJ, Lim R, et al., 'Establishment and characterization of oviductal organoids from farm and companion animals .', Biol Reprod, 108 854-865 (2023) [C1]
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2023 |
Gibb Z, Clulow JR, Maclellan LJ, Morris LHA, Aitken RJ, Swegen A, 'Storing stallion sperm in SpermSafe at 17°C may improve fertility by reducing mPTP formation', Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 125 104589-104589 (2023) [C1]
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2023 |
Waugh SJ, Lawson EF, Gibb Z, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Swegen A, 'Embryo-maternal interactions revealed by phosphoproteomic analysis of endometrial organoids exposed to embryo secretome', Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 125 104794-104794 (2023) [C1]
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2023 |
Griffin RA, Harrison N, Swegen A, Miller K, DeIuliis G, Rebourcet D, et al., 'Age-related DNA damage in stallions: an ongoing investigation', Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 125 104590-104590 (2023) [C1]
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2022 |
Aitken RJ, Bromfield E, Gibb Z, 'The impact of oxidative stress on reproduction: a focus on gametogenesis and fertilization.', Reproduction, 164 F79-F94 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Jamaluddin MFB, Ghosh A, Ingle A, Mohammed R, Ali A, Bahrami M, et al., 'Bovine and human endometrium-derived hydrogels support organoid culture from healthy and cancerous tissues', Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, 'Sperm oxidative stress in the context of male infertility: current evidence, links with genetic and epigenetic factors and future clinical needs.', Minerva Endocrinol (Torino), 47 38-57 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Clulow J, Gibb Z, 'Liquid storage of stallion spermatozoa - Past, present and future', ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE, 247 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Pollard C-L, Younan A, Swegen A, Gibb Z, Grupen CG, 'Insights into the NAD(+) biosynthesis pathways involved during meiotic maturation and spindle formation in porcine oocytes', JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, 68 216-224 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Pollard C-L, Gibb Z, Swegen A, Grupen CG, 'NAD plus , Sirtuins and PARPs: enhancing oocyte developmental competence', JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, 68 345-354 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Medica AJ, Gibb Z, Sheridan A, Harrison N, Aitken RJ, 'Causative mechanisms and functional correlates of MTT reduction in stallion spermatozoa', REPRODUCTION, 163 341-350 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Pena FJ, Gibb Z, 'Oxidative stress and the long-term storage of horse spermatozoa', REPRODUCTION, 164 F135-F144 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Perera TRW, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Gibb Z, Nixon B, Swegen A, 'The Future of Biomarkers in Veterinary Medicine: Emerging Approaches and Associated Challenges', ANIMALS, 12 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Lawson EF, Grupen CG, Baker MA, Aitken RJ, Swegen A, Pollard CL, Gibb Z, 'Conception and early pregnancy in the mare: lipidomics the unexplored frontier', Reproduction and Fertility, 3 R1-R18 (2022) [C1] Lipids are dynamic biological molecules that play key roles in metabolism, inflammation, cell signalling and structure. They are biologically significant in the physiology of conc... [more] Lipids are dynamic biological molecules that play key roles in metabolism, inflammation, cell signalling and structure. They are biologically significant in the physiology of conception and reproduction. Many of the mechanisms surrounding equine conception and the early feto-maternal dialogue are yet to be understood at a biochemical level. Recently, lipidomic technologies have advanced considerably and analytical strategies have been enhanced and diversified. Consequently, in-depth lipidomic exploration now has the potential to reveal new lipid biomarkers and biochemical relationships that improve our understanding of the processes leading to efficient and successful reproduction. This review considers the role of lipids in conception and establishment of pregnancy, providing new insights into the enigmatic pathways governing early reproductive physiology of the mare.
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2022 |
Klein EK, Swegen A, Gunn AJ, Stephen CP, Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, 'The future of assessing bull fertility: Can the 'omics fields identify usable biomarkers? .', Biol Reprod, 106 854-864 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Pollard C-L, Gibb Z, Clulow J, Ruiz A, Sheridan A, Bahrami M, et al., 'Supplemental Nicotinic Acid Elevates NAD(+) Precursors in the Follicular Fluid of Mares', ANIMALS, 12 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Griffin RA, Swegen A, Baker MA, Ogle RA, Smith N, Aitken RJ, et al., 'Proteomic analysis of spermatozoa reveals caseins play a pivotal role in preventing short-term periods of subfertility in stallions .', Biol Reprod, 106 741-755 (2022) [C1]
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2021 |
Medica AJ, Aitken RJ, Nicolson GL, Sheridan AR, Swegen A, Iuliis GND, Gibb Z, 'Glycerophospholipids protect stallion spermatozoa from oxidative damage in vitro', Reproduction and Fertility, 2 199-209 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Cooke CG, Gibb Z, Harnett JE, 'The Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Probiotic Bacteria for Equine Use', Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 99 (2021) [C1] Probiotic bacteria are used widely as nutritional supplements and treatment interventions in the management of livestock and companion animals. The aim of this review is to summar... [more] Probiotic bacteria are used widely as nutritional supplements and treatment interventions in the management of livestock and companion animals. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence reporting on the safety, tolerability and efficacy of probiotic bacteria use in horses. An online search of five databases for studies reporting on the use of probiotic bacteria use in horses which were either healthy or had a gastrointestinal or extraintestinal disease was conducted. A total of 18 articles were eligible for full review. No clear benefits were identified to support supplementation of equids with probiotic bacteria to improve starch and fiber digestion, nor for the treatment of colic or prevention of salmonellosis. Conflicting results were seen with the management of scouring in neonatal foals. Exacerbation of diarrhea and additional adverse events were reported in response to the administration of high doses of novel probiotic bacterial species. Probiotic bacteria given to exercising horses, improved aerobic fitness and stamina. The majority of probiotic bacterial species used in equine studies are bacterial species commonly used for human consumption and indigenous to the human gastrointestinal microbiota. There is a paucity of evidence to support the use of probiotic bacteria in the health maintenance and disease management of horses. While there are unclear and conflicting results associated with probiotic bacteria use for gastrointestinal conditions in both horses and foals, the administration of multistrain bacterial formulations to increase stamina in exercising horses shows promise.
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2021 |
Aitken RJ, Curry BJ, Shokri S, Pujianto DA, Gavriliouk D, Gibb Z, et al., 'Evidence that extrapancreatic insulin production is involved in the mediation of sperm survival', Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 526 (2021) [C1] Evidence is presented for expression of the insulin receptor on the surface of mammalian spermatozoa as well as transcripts for the receptor substrate adaptor proteins (IRS1-4) ne... [more] Evidence is presented for expression of the insulin receptor on the surface of mammalian spermatozoa as well as transcripts for the receptor substrate adaptor proteins (IRS1-4) needed to mediate insulin action. Exposure to this hormone resulted in insulin receptor phosphorylation (pTyr972), activation of AKT (pSer473) and the stimulation of sperm motility. Intriguingly, the male germ line is also shown to be capable of generating insulin, possessing the relevant mRNA transcript and expressing strong immunocytochemical signals for both insulin and C-peptide. Insulin could be released from the spermatozoa by sonication in a concentration-dependent manner but was not secreted in response to glucose, fructose or stimulation with progesterone. However, insulin release could be induced by factors present in human uterine lavages. Furthermore, the endometrium was also shown to possess the machinery for insulin production and action (mRNA, insulin, C-peptide, proprotein convertase and insulin receptor), releasing insulin into the uterine lumen prior to ovulation. These studies emphasize the fundamental importance of extra-pancreatic insulin in regulating the reproductive process, particularly in the support of spermatozoa on their perilous voyage to the site of fertilization.
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2021 |
Pollard CL, Gibb Z, Hawdon A, Swegen A, Grupen CG, 'Supplementing media with nad In vitro maturation (IVM) is an important reproductive technology used to produce embryos in vitro. However, the developmental potential of oocytes sourced for IVM is markedly low... [more] In vitro maturation (IVM) is an important reproductive technology used to produce embryos in vitro. However, the developmental potential of oocytes sourced for IVM is markedly lower than those matured in vivo. Previously, NAD+-elevating treatments have improved oocyte quality and embryo development in cattle and mice, suggesting that NAD+ is important during oocyte maturation. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of nicotinic acid (NA), nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development. Porcine oocytes from small antral follicles were matured for 44 h in a defined maturation medium supplemented with NA, NAM and resveratrol or NMN. Mature oocytes were artificially activated and presumptive zygotes cultured for 7 days. Additionally, oocytes were matured without treatment then cultured for 7 days with NMN. Supplementing the IVM medium with NA improved maturation and blastocyst formation while NAM supplementation improved cleavage rates compared with untreated controls. Supplementing the IVM or embryo culture media with NMN had no effect on maturation or embryo development. The results show that supplementing the maturation medium with NA and NAM improved maturation and developmental potential of porcine oocytes.
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2021 |
Gibb Z, Blanco-Prieto O, Bucci D, 'The role of endogenous antioxidants in male animal fertility', Research in Veterinary Science, 136 495-502 (2021) [C1] Mammalian semen is a physiological fluid composed of a cellular fraction (spermatozoa), and a liquid fraction (seminal plasma). Once delivered to the female genital tract, spermat... [more] Mammalian semen is a physiological fluid composed of a cellular fraction (spermatozoa), and a liquid fraction (seminal plasma). Once delivered to the female genital tract, spermatozoa should be able to capacitate; a process which involves a plethora of biochemical and physiological changes required to fertilize the oocyte. Sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs in the testes, whereby pluripotent spermatogonia differentiate to form the most morphologically specialized cells in the body. Further maturation of spermatozoa occurs in the epididymis, where they are stored prior to ejaculation. During this whole process, spermatozoa are exposed to different environments and cellular processes which may expose them to substantial levels of oxidative stress. To avoid damage associated with the unchecked production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both spermatozoa, and the parts of the male genital tract in which they reside, are furnished with a suite of antioxidant molecules which are able to provide protection to these cells, thereby increasing their chance of being able to fertilize the oocyte and deliver an intact paternal genome to the future offspring. However, there are a host of reasons why these antioxidant systems may fail, including nutritional deficiencies, genetics, and disease states, and in these situations, a reduction or abolition of fertilizing capacity may result. This review paper focuses on the endogenous antioxidant defences available to spermatozoa during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, the site of their production and their physiological role. Furthermore, we revised the causes and effects of antioxidant deficiencies (congenital or acquired during the animal's adulthood) on reproductive function in different animal species.
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2021 |
Pollard C-L, Gibb Z, Swegen A, Lawson EF, Grupen CG, 'Nicotinic acid supplementation at a supraphysiological dose increases the bioavailability of NAD(+) precursors in mares', JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION, 105 1154-1164 (2021) [C1]
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2020 |
Aitken RJ, Gregoriatis D, Kutzera L, Towney E, Lin M, Wilkins A, Gibb Z, 'Patterns of MTT reduction in mammalian spermatozoa', Reproduction, 160 431-445 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Gibb Z, Griffin RA, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, 'Functions and effects of reactive oxygen species in male fertility', Animal Reproduction Science, 220 (2020) [C1] Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in all aspects of cellular functions. While the importance of ROS as signalling molecules is well described, ROS are also associated w... [more] Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in all aspects of cellular functions. While the importance of ROS as signalling molecules is well described, ROS are also associated with stress pathologies. Within the reproduction field, there are associations with reduced fertility as a result of lipid peroxidation, protein dysfunction, premature cell death and DNA damage which readily occur in spermatozoa. These oxidative insults can arise in vivo, or in vitro as a result of sperm storage, purification and processing. Following a brief description of the production, homeostasis and functions of ROS in mammalian sperm function, this review paper will focus on describing the predominant sources of ROS in the ejaculate, the effects of ROS on a cellular and molecular level, and the actions of ROS from the whole animal perspective. There is highlighting of some studies, which have revealed the mechanisms for these observations, along with some strategies to ameliorate or prevent the instigation of the oxidative stress cascade before irreversible damage to spermatozoa occurs.
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2020 |
Griffin RA, Swegen A, Baker M, Aitken RJ, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Rodriguez AS, et al., 'Mass spectrometry reveals distinct proteomic profiles in high- And low-quality stallion spermatozoa', Reproduction, 160 695-707 (2020) [C1] The horse breeding industry relies upon optimal stallion fertility. Conventional sperm assessments provide limited information regarding ejaculate quality and are not individually... [more] The horse breeding industry relies upon optimal stallion fertility. Conventional sperm assessments provide limited information regarding ejaculate quality and are not individually predictive of fertilizing potential. The aim of this study was to harness mass spectrometry to compare the proteomic profiles of high- and low-quality stallion spermatozoa, with the ultimate goal of identifying fertility biomarker candidates. Extended stallion semen (n = 12) was fractionated using Percoll density gradients to isolate low-quality and high-quality sperm populations. Motility and morphological assessments were carried out, and proteomic analyses was conducted using UHPLC-MS/MS. High-quality spermatozoa recorded higher total (95.2 ± 0.52% vs 70.6 ± 4.20%; P = 0.001) and progressive motilities (43.4 ± 3.42% vs 27.3 ± 4.32%; P = 0.05), and a higher proportion of morphologically normal cells (50.2 ± 4.34% vs 38.8 ± 2.72%; P = 0.05). In total, 1069 proteins were quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS, of which 22 proteins were significantly more abundant in the high-quality sperm population (P = 0.05). A-kinase anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) and Hexokinase 1 (HK1) were considered possible biomarker candidates and their differential expression was confirmed by immunoblot. Protein expression was significantly correlated with total (AKAP4 R2 = 0.38, P = 0.01; HK1 R2 = 0.46, P = 0.001) and progressive motilities (AKAP4 R2 = 0.51, P = 0.001; HK1 R2 = 0.55, P = 0.01), percentage rapid (AKAP4 R2 = 0.29, P = 0.05; HK1 R2 = 0.58, P = 0.001), straight-line velocity (HK1 R2 = 0.50, P = 0.01) and straightness (HK1 R2 = 0.40, P = 0.01). Furthermore, AKAP4 was highly susceptible to adduction by 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), which resulted in a global reduction in the phosphorylation profiles following capacitation. In conclusion, the proteomic profiles of high- and low-quality stallion spermatozoa differ substantially, and proteins such as AKAP4 and HK1 could serve as biomarkers of ejaculate quality.
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2019 |
Swegen A, Smith ND, Gibb Z, Curry BJ, Aitken RJ, 'The serine protease testisin is present on the surface of capacitated stallion spermatozoa and interacts with key zona pellucida binding proteins', Andrology, 7 199-212 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Griffin RA, Baker M, Aitken RJ, Swegen A, Gibb Z, 'What makes a fertile sperm? Unique molecular attributes of stallion fertility.', Reproduction (Cambridge, England), 158 R125-R137 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Ortega Ferrusola C, Martin Muñoz P, Ortiz-Rodriguez JM, Anel-López L, Balao da Silva C, Álvarez M, et al., 'Depletion of thiols leads to redox deregulation, production of 4-hydroxinonenal and sperm senescence: a possible role for GSH regulation in spermatozoa.', Biology of Reproduction, 100 1090-1107 (2019) [C1]
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2017 |
Gibb Z, Grupen CG, Maxwell WMC, Morris LHA, 'Field fertility of liquid stored and cryopreserved flow cytometrically sex-sorted stallion sperm', Equine Veterinary Journal, 49 160-166 (2017) [C1] Reasons for performing study: The fertility of sex-sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm must be improved for the sex-sorting technology to be applied commercially. Objectives: To ... [more] Reasons for performing study: The fertility of sex-sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm must be improved for the sex-sorting technology to be applied commercially. Objectives: To optimise the conditions used to liquid store stallion sperm prior to sex-sorting and assess the fertility of sperm following sex-sorting and cryopreservation. Study design: Both in vitro experiment and randomised controlled trial in healthy, client-owned mares. Methods: Stallion ejaculates (n = 9) were diluted in either a skimmed milk (KMT) or BSA (I-BSA) based media to 25 × 106 sperm/ml directly (+SP25) or washed to remove seminal plasma and diluted to 25 or 111 × 106 sperm/ml (-SP25 and -SP111). Sperm were stored for 18 h at 10 to 15°C and -SP25 and +SP25 treatments were centrifuged and resuspended to 111 × 106 sperm/ml. Sperm were incubated under H33342 staining conditions and motility, viability and acrosome integrity assessed. Semen was collected from stallions (n = 4), liquid stored at 10¿15°C for up to 5 h and sperm either cryopreserved directly, sex-sorted and cryopreserved, or sex-sorted and returned to liquid storage until insemination. Low-dose hysteroscopic insemination was performed in 23 mares randomly allocated to the semen preparation group and pregnancy determined following embryo flushing on Day 9 after ovulation, or via transrectal ultrasonography on Day 14 after ovulation. Results: Skimmed milk was superior to I-BSA in maintaining motility, viability and acrosome integrity. Seminal plasma removal did not affect the parameters measured at the concentrations examined. Conception rates did not differ significantly between the groups, although a high incidence of pregnancy loss was observed in both the cryopreserved groups. Conclusions: While the conception rates achieved are among the highest yet reported for sex-sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm, the high incidence of pregnancy loss suggests that the development of the resulting embryos was significantly impaired by the sperm processing treatments.
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2017 |
Swegen A, Grupen CG, Gibb Z, Baker M, de Ruijter-Villani M, Smith ND, et al., 'From Peptide Masses to Pregnancy Maintenance: A Comprehensive Proteomic Analysis of The Early Equine Embryo Secretome, Blastocoel Fluid and Capsule.', Proteomics, 17 1-13 (2017) [C1]
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2017 |
Hall SE, Aitken RJ, Nixon B, Smith ND, Gibb Z, 'Electrophilic aldehyde products of lipid peroxidation selectively adduct to heat shock protein 90 and arylsulfatase A in stallion spermatozoa', BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION, 96 107-121 (2017) [C1]
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2016 |
Gibb Z, Aitken RJ, 'The Impact of Sperm Metabolism during In Vitro Storage: The Stallion as a Model.', BioMed research international, 2016 9380609 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, Baker MA, Drevet J, Gharagozloo P, 'Causes and consequences of oxidative stress in spermatozoa', REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT, 28 1-10 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Gibb Z, Lambourne SR, Curry BJ, Hall SE, Aitken RJ, 'Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Plays a Pivotal Role in the Maintenance of Stallion Sperm Motility', BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION, 94 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Swegen A, Lambourne SR, Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, 'Rosiglitazone Improves Stallion Sperm Motility, ATP Content, and Mitochondrial Function', BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION, 95 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Gibb Z, Aitken RJ, 'Recent Developments in Stallion Semen Preservation', JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE, 43 S29-S36 (2016) [C1]
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2015 |
Varner DD, Gibb Z, Aitken RJ, 'Stallion fertility: A focus on the spermatozoon', Equine Veterinary Journal, 47 16-24 (2015) [C1] Stallion fertility is a vast subject, with a wide array of permutations that can impact reproductive performance in either positive or negative ways. This review is intended to ad... [more] Stallion fertility is a vast subject, with a wide array of permutations that can impact reproductive performance in either positive or negative ways. This review is intended to address a mere segment of the male fertility issue, but the very essence of the male contribution to fertilisation, that of the spermatozoon. Spermatozoal ultrastructure and form-to-function are detailed and spermatozoal metabolism is discussed, with specific reference to distinctive characteristics of stallion spermatozoa. Lastly, methods for assessment of spermatozoal function are considered, with emphasis on spermatozoal motility, the acrosome reaction and spermatozoon-oocyte interactions. Closing comments address the need for development and standardisation of molecular-based assays for use with spermatozoa of stallions whose subfertility cannot be explained with conventional tests.
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Nova | |||||||||
2015 |
Swegen A, Curry BJ, Gibb Z, Lambourne SR, Smith ND, Aitken RJ, 'Investigation of the stallion sperm proteome by mass spectrometry', Reproduction, 149 235-244 (2015) [C1] Stallion spermatozoa continue to present scientific and clinical challenges with regard to the biological mechanisms responsible for their survival and function. In particular, de... [more] Stallion spermatozoa continue to present scientific and clinical challenges with regard to the biological mechanisms responsible for their survival and function. In particular, deeper understanding of sperm energy metabolism, defence against oxidative damage and cell-cell interactions should improve fertility assessment and the application of advanced reproductive technologies in the equine species. In this study, we used highly sensitive LC-MS/MS technology and sequence database analysis to identify and characterise the proteome of Percoll-isolated ejaculated equine spermatozoa, with the aim offurthering our understanding of this cell's complex biological machinery. We were able to identify 9883 peptides comprising 1030 proteins, which were subsequently attributed to 975 gene products. Gene ontology analysis for molecular and cellular processes revealed new information about the metabolism, antioxidant defences and receptors of stallion spermatozoa. Mitochondrial proteins and those involved in catabolic processes constituted dominant categories. Several enzymes specific to ß-oxidation of fatty acids were identified, and further experiments were carried out to ascertain their functional significance. Inhibition of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1, a rate-limiting enzyme of ß-oxidation, reduced motility parameters, indicating that b-oxidation contributes to maintenance of motility in stallion spermatozoa.
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Nova | |||||||||
2015 |
Gibb Z, Lambourne SR, Quadrelli J, Smith ND, Aitken RJ, 'L-carnitine and pyruvate are prosurvival factors during the storage of stallion spermatozoa at room temperature', Biology of Reproduction, 93 (2015) [C1] The spermatozoa of many stallions do not tolerate being cooled, restricting the commercial viability of these animals and necessitating the development of a chemically defined roo... [more] The spermatozoa of many stallions do not tolerate being cooled, restricting the commercial viability of these animals and necessitating the development of a chemically defined room temperature (RT) storage medium. This study examined the impact of two major modulators of oxidative phosphorylation, pyruvate (Pyr) and L-carnitine (L-C), on the storage of stallion spermatozoa at RT. Optimal concentrations of Pyr (10 mM) and L-C (50 mM) were first identified and these concentrations were then used to investigate the effects of these compounds on sperm functionality and oxidative stress at RT. Mitochondrial and cytosolic reactive oxygen species, along with lipid peroxidation, were all significantly suppressed by the addition of L-C (48 h MitoSOX Red negative: 46.2% vs. 26.1%; 48 and 72 h dihydroethidium negative: 61.6% vs. 43.1% and 64.4% vs. 46.9%, respectively; 48 and 72 h 4-hydroxynonenal negative: 37.1% vs. 23.8% and 41.6% vs. 25.7%, respectively), while the Pyr + L-C combination resulted in significantly higher motility compared to the control at 72 h (total motility: 64.2% vs. 39.4%; progressive motility: 34.2% vs. 15.2%). In addition, supplementation with L-C significantly reduced oxidative DNA damage at 72 h (9.0% vs. 15.6%). To investigate the effects of LC as an osmolyte, comparisons were made between media that were osmotically balanced with NaCl, choline chloride, or L-C. This analysis demonstrated that spermatozoa stored in the L-C balanced medium had significantly higher total motility (55.0% vs. 39.0%), rapid motility (44.0% vs. 25.7%), and ATP levels (70.9 vs. 12.8 ng/ml) following storage compared with the NaCl treatment, while choline chloride did not significantly improve these parameters compared to the control. Finally, mass spectrometry was used to demonstrate that a combination of Pyr and L-C produced significantly higher acetyl-L-carnitine production than any other treatment (6.7 pg/106 spermatozoa vs. control at 4.0 pg/106 spermatozoa). These findings suggest that Pyr and L-C could form the basis of a novel, effective RT storage medium for equine spermatozoa.
|
Nova | |||||||||
2015 |
Aitken JB, Naumovski N, Curry B, Grupen CG, Gibb Z, Aitken RJ, 'Characterization of an L-amino acid oxidase in equine spermatozoa.', Biol Reprod, 92 125 (2015) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2014 |
Gibb Z, Lambourne SR, Aitken RJ, 'The paradoxical relationship between stallion fertility and oxidative stress.', Biology of Reproduction, 91 1-10 (2014) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2014 |
Aitken RJ, Lambourne S, Gibb Z, 'The John Hughes Memorial Lecture: Aspects of Sperm Physiology-Oxidative Stress and the Functionality of Stallion Spermatozoa', JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE, 34 17-27 (2014) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2014 |
Bromfield EG, Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, Lambourne SR, Nixon B, 'Capacitation in the presence of methyl-beta-cyclodextrin results in enhanced zona pellucida-binding ability of stallion spermatozoa', REPRODUCTION, 147 153-166 (2014) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2013 |
Gibb Z, Butler TJ, Morris LHA, Maxwell WMC, Grupen CG, 'Quercetin improves the postthaw characteristics of cryopreserved sex-sorted and nonsorted stallion sperm', THERIOGENOLOGY, 79 1001-1009 (2013) [C1]
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2013 |
Gibb Z, Morris LHA, Maxwell WMC, Grupen CG, 'Dimethyl formamide improves the postthaw characteristics of sex-sorted and nonsorted stallion sperm', THERIOGENOLOGY, 79 1027-1033 (2013) [C1]
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2013 |
Druart X, Rickard JP, Mactier S, Kohnke PL, Kershaw-Young CM, Bathgate R, et al., 'Proteomic characterization and cross species comparison of mammalian seminal plasma', Journal of Proteomics, 91 13-22 (2013) Seminal plasma contains a large protein component which has been implicated in the function, transit and survival of spermatozoa within the female reproductive tract. However, the... [more] Seminal plasma contains a large protein component which has been implicated in the function, transit and survival of spermatozoa within the female reproductive tract. However, the identity of the majority of these proteins remains unknown and a direct comparison between the major domestic mammalian species has yet to be made. As such, the present study characterized and compared the seminal plasma proteomes of cattle, horse, sheep, pig, goat, camel and alpaca. GeLC-MS/MS and shotgun proteomic analysis by 2D-LC-MS/MS identified a total of 302 proteins in the seminal plasma of the chosen mammalian species. Nucleobindin 1 and RSVP14, a member of the BSP (binder of sperm protein) family, were identified in all species. Beta nerve growth factor (bNGF), previously identified as an ovulation inducing factor in alpacas and llamas, was identified in this study in alpaca and camel (induced ovulators), cattle, sheep and horse (spontaneous ovulators) seminal plasma. These findings indicate that while the mammalian species studied have common ancestry as ungulates, their seminal plasma is divergent in protein composition, which may explain variation in reproductive capacity and function. The identification of major specific proteins within seminal plasma facilitates future investigation of the role of each protein in mammalian reproduction. Biological significance: This proteomic study is the first study to compare the protein composition of seminal plasma from seven mammalian species including two camelid species. Beta nerve growth factor, previously described as the ovulation inducing factor in camelids is shown to be the major protein in alpaca and camel seminal plasma and also present in small amounts in bull, ram, and horse seminal plasma. © 2013.
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2012 |
Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, Mitchell LA, Lambourne SR, Connaughton HS, De Iuliis GN, 'Sperm motility is lost in vitro as a consequence of mitochondrial free radical production and the generation of electrophilic aldehydes but can be significantly rescued by the presence of nucleophilic thiols', Biology of Reproduction, 87 1-11 (2012) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2012 |
Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, Gibb Z, Baker MA, 'The Simmet lecture: New horizons on an old landscape - oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis in the male germ line', Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 47 7-14 (2012) [C2]
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2011 |
Gibb Z, Morris LHA, Maxwell WMC, Grupen CG, 'Use of a defined diluent increases the sex-sorting efficiency of stallion sperm', Theriogenology, 75 610-619 (2011) [C1] The low efficiency of flow cytometric sex-sorting of stallion sperm has been attributed to the use of an opaque skim milk-based diluent during Hoechst 33342 (H33342) staining. Thr... [more] The low efficiency of flow cytometric sex-sorting of stallion sperm has been attributed to the use of an opaque skim milk-based diluent during Hoechst 33342 (H33342) staining. Three experiments were conducted to formulate an optically clear stallion semen diluent for use during H33342 staining, and to determine whether a clear diluent improved resolution during sorting. For Experiment 1, sperm were incubated at 34 °C in each of five diluents containing either no protein, skim milk, 0.25% Cohn's Fraction V BSA, 0.5% BSA, or 1% BSA, following an 18 h storage (15 °C) period, or shortly after collection. Sperm incubated in both skim milk and 1% BSA-supplemented diluents had equivalent total (47 and 49.5%, respectively) and progressive (4.73 and 5.67%, respectively) sperm motilities after 45 min, and comparable acrosome integrity (65.9 and 67.9%, respectively). For Experiment 2, the protein source was optimised by comparing the characteristics of sperm stored and incubated in five diluents supplemented with skim milk, BSA, fatty acid and endotoxin free BSA (I-BSA), KnockOut¿ Serum Replacement, and ß-lactoglobulin, respectively. The I-BSA diluent was superior to skim milk for motility maintenance during incubation (74.0 vs 63.7%). The effect of diluent on sorting was investigated in Experiment 3 using a range of H33342 concentrations and incubation durations. The clear (1% BSA) diluent improved the split ratio compared with the opaque (skim milk) diluent (0.17 vs 0.08), with an optimum staining time of 45 min using 0.09 mM H33342. In conclusion, a diluent containing 1% fatty acid free, low endotoxin BSA in lieu of skim milk improved the sorting efficiency and motility characteristics of stallion sperm after storage for 18 h. © 2011.
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Show 72 more journal articles |
Conference (43 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2022 |
Griffin RA, Miller K, Colyvas K, De Iuliis G, Aitken RJ, Baker MA, et al., 'Identifying Heat-Susceptible Stallions Using a Novel Environmental and Statistical Modelling System', ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE (2022)
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2022 |
Klein EK, Bahrami M, Gunn AJ, Stephen CP, Swegen A, Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, 'Fertility of Bos indicus bull sperm stored at room temperature in SpermSafe-B for seven days', ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE, Bologna, ITALY (2022)
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2020 |
Griffin R, Miller K, Baker M, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis G, Swegen A, Gibb Z, 'Environmental conditions negatively impact the fertility of select stallions via sperm DNA damage', Online (2020)
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2012 |
Gibb Z, Lambourne SR, Aitken RJ, 'Do spermatozoa from fertile thoroughbred stallions live fast and die young?', Reproduction in Domestic Animals: Proceedings of the 17th International Congress on Animal Reproduction (ICAR), Vancouver, Canada (2012) [E3]
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Show 40 more conferences |
Other (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2017 |
Swegen A, Gibb Z, Aitken RJ, 'Position Paper: Fertility intervention and toxicant technologies for the eradication of rodents on Lord Howe Island', . Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer: NSW State Government (2017)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 29 |
---|---|
Total funding | $6,711,869 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
Highlighted grants and funding
'Equility' - Assessing Stallion Fertility in the Field: Extension and Adoption Activities$264,516
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Doctor Roisin Griffin |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2101314 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
20231 grants / $40,000
Improving Fertility in Older Mares: Can the Effects of Aging be Reversed?$40,000
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Doctor Jennifer Clulow, Dr Christopher Grupen |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2026 |
GNo | G2300638 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
20223 grants / $1,494,699
Improving the Sustainability of Australian Livestock Production Systems$928,919
Funding body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
Funding body | ARC (Australian Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Future Fellowships |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2026 |
GNo | G2101302 |
Type Of Funding | C1200 - Aust Competitive - ARC |
Category | 1200 |
UON | Y |
Reducing the Effects of Heat Stress and Ageing on Sperm DNA damage in Thoroughbred Stallions$301,264
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Associate Professor Geoffry De Iuliis, Doctor Roisin Griffin, Doctor Aleona Swegen |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G2101310 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
'Equility' - Assessing Stallion Fertility in the Field: Extension and Adoption Activities$264,516
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Doctor Roisin Griffin |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2101314 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
20211 grants / $499,271
Development of reproductive technologies in reproductive health$499,271
Funding body: Memphasys Limited
Funding body | Memphasys Limited |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Alison Coutts, Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G2101226 |
Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
Category | 3100 |
UON | Y |
20202 grants / $375,549
Research Project Development of an in vitro culture medium for human spermatozoa $272,006
Funding body: Memphasys Limited
Funding body | Memphasys Limited |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Alison Coutts, Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G2000964 |
Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
Category | 3100 |
UON | Y |
Selection of function in the equine germ line$103,543
Funding body: Memphasys Limited
Funding body | Memphasys Limited |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Alison Coutts, Ms Ashlee Medica |
Scheme | PhD Scholarship |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2000311 |
Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
Category | 3100 |
UON | Y |
20194 grants / $1,223,728
Proteomic and genetic analysis of subfertile bull spermatozoa$497,172
Funding body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
Funding body | ARC (Australian Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Mark Baker, Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Professor Rodney Scott, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Doctor Aleona Swegen |
Scheme | Discovery Projects |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G1800149 |
Type Of Funding | C1200 - Aust Competitive - ARC |
Category | 1200 |
UON | Y |
Developing a novel diagnostic test for early pregnancy in the mare$371,183
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Aleona Swegen, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G1900240 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
A Novel Device for the On-farm Assessment of Stallion Sperm Fertility$300,503
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Doctor Aleona Swegen, Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G1900072 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
IVOS II-Animal-basic for computer assisted analysis of sperm from multiple species$54,870
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Mark Baker, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Doctor Aleona Swegen, Associate Professor Geoffry De Iuliis, Mr BENJAMIN Curry |
Scheme | Equipment Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1900305 |
Type Of Funding | Scheme excluded from IGS |
Category | EXCL |
UON | Y |
20183 grants / $930,799
A novel semen extender to accelerate genetic improvement programs$483,632
Funding body: Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)
Funding body | Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Associate Professor Scott Norman, Dr Allan Gunn, Dr Cyrill Stephen, Professor David Swain, Miss Erin Klein |
Scheme | Project Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G1800171 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
Molecular mechanisms of equine fertility and early recognition of pregnancy$383,167
Funding body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
Funding body | ARC (Australian Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G1700305 |
Type Of Funding | C1200 - Aust Competitive - ARC |
Category | 1200 |
UON | Y |
Understanding and reducing the effects of heat stress on TB stallion fertility$64,000
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Aleona Swegen, Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Miss Roisin Griffin |
Scheme | Research and Development Project |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G1800456 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
20171 grants / $49,966
UON 2017 Researcher Equipment Grant $49,966
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Researcher Equipment Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | G1701162 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20167 grants / $1,073,275
Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries$562,275
Funding body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
Funding body | ARC (Australian Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Dr Christopher Grupen, Dr Lee Morris, Dr Jennifer Clulow, Mr Ross Harricks, Dr Parviz Gharagozloo, Dr Derek Field, Mr Andrew Kelly, Dr Dickson Varner |
Scheme | Linkage Projects |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G1501216 |
Type Of Funding | C1200 - Aust Competitive - ARC |
Category | 1200 |
UON | Y |
Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries$300,000
Funding body: NuSep Ltd
Funding body | NuSep Ltd |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Mr Andrew Kelly, Dr Christopher Grupen, Dr Lee Morris, Dr Jennifer Clulow, Mr Ross Harricks, Dr Parviz Gharagozloo, Dr Derek Field, Clulow, Jennifer, Dr Dickson Varner, Field, Derek, Gharagozloo, Parviz, Grupen, Christopher, Harricks, Ross |
Scheme | Linkage Projects Partner Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G1501361 |
Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
Category | 3100 |
UON | Y |
Future Oysters CRC-P$75,000
Funding body: Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC)
Funding body | Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Miss Rebecca Seeto |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G1601190 |
Type Of Funding | CRC - Cooperative Research Centre |
Category | 4CRC |
UON | Y |
Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries$69,000
Funding body: Texas A&M University
Funding body | Texas A&M University |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Dr Christopher Grupen, Dr Lee Morris, Dr Jennifer Clulow, Mr Ross Harricks, Dr Parviz Gharagozloo, Dr Derek Field, Mr Andrew Kelly, Clulow, Jennifer, Field, Derek, Gharagozloo, Parviz, Grupen, Christopher, Harricks, Ross, Morris, Lee, Dr Dickson Varner, Varner, Dickson |
Scheme | Linkage Projects Partner Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1501360 |
Type Of Funding | C3500 – International Not-for profit |
Category | 3500 |
UON | Y |
Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries$45,000
Funding body: EquiBreed NZ Ltd
Funding body | EquiBreed NZ Ltd |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Mr Andrew Kelly, Dr Christopher Grupen, Dr Lee Morris, Dr Lee Morris, Dr Jennifer Clulow, Mr Ross Harricks, Dr Parviz Gharagozloo, Dr Derek Field, Dr Dickson Varner, Grupen, Christopher, Morris, Lee, Harricks, Ross, Field, Derek, Gharagozloo, Parviz, Clulow, Jennifer |
Scheme | Linkage Projects Partner Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1501363 |
Type Of Funding | C3400 – International For Profit |
Category | 3400 |
UON | Y |
Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries$15,000
Funding body: Harness Racing Australia Incorporated
Funding body | Harness Racing Australia Incorporated |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Dr Christopher Grupen, Dr Lee Morris, Dr Jennifer Clulow, Mr Ross Harricks, Dr Parviz Gharagozloo, Dr Derek Field, Mr Andrew Kelly, Clulow, Jennifer, Field, Derek, Gharagozloo, Parviz, Grupen, Christopher, Harricks, Ross, Morris, Lee, Dr Dickson Varner, Varner, Dickson |
Scheme | Linkage Projects Partner Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1501362 |
Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
Category | 3100 |
UON | Y |
Priming grant to establish a collaboration with the University of Newcastle and Equiception BV - Utrecht Netherlands$7,000
Funding body: ATSE (Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering)
Funding body | ATSE (Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Global Connections Fund: Priming Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1601073 |
Type Of Funding | C2200 - Aust Commonwealth – Other |
Category | 2200 |
UON | Y |
20152 grants / $129,797
Research Connections Project$120,000
Funding body: Department of Industry
Funding body | Department of Industry |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1500086 |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | Y |
Influence of sperm proteome and metabolic activity in the epidemiology of early embryonic death in the horse$9,797
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Associate Professor Mark Baker |
Scheme | Linkage Pilot Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | G1501198 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20141 grants / $10,000
Stallion Research Program$10,000
Funding body: Scone Race Club
Funding body | Scone Race Club |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Donation |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1400536 |
Type Of Funding | Donation - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFD |
UON | Y |
20131 grants / $14,000
NucleoCounter SP100$14,000
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Professor Brett Nixon, Doctor Shaun Roman, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Associate Professor Geoffry De Iuliis, Doctor Lisa Mitchell, Doctor Matthew Jobling, Doctor Zamira Gibb, Mr Nenad Naumovski |
Scheme | Equipment Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2013 |
Funding Finish | 2013 |
GNo | G1201175 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Commonwealth |
Category | 2OPC |
UON | Y |
20123 grants / $870,785
Enhancing the efficiency of equine reproduction: relevant to the Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries. $450,785
Funding body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
Funding body | ARC (Australian Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Linkage Projects |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1100533 |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | Y |
Enhancing the efficiency of equine reproduction: relevant to the Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries$210,000
Funding body: Harness Racing Australia Incorporated
Funding body | Harness Racing Australia Incorporated |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Linkage Projects Partner Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1100724 |
Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
Category | 3100 |
UON | Y |
Enhancing the efficiency of equine reproduction: relevant to the Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries$210,000
Funding body: Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre Limited
Funding body | Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre Limited |
---|---|
Project Team | Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, Doctor Zamira Gibb |
Scheme | Linkage Projects Partner Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1100725 |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | Understanding the Role of Hyaluronidases in Equine Post-Breeding Endometritis | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2023 | PhD | Ambient Heat Stress in the Stallion and its Effects on Spermatogenesis, Endocrinology and Systemic Oxidative Stress | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2022 | Masters | An Investigation into the Effects of Oxidative DNA Damage on Stallion Fertility and Subsequent Progeny Performance. | M Philosophy (Biological Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2021 | PhD | Developing a Novel Diagnostic Test for Early Pregnancy of the Mare and Find out the Embryo Endometrial Interaction | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Selection and Function in the Equine Germ Line | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2019 | PhD |
Stallion sperm quality and its relation to the intestinal microbiome: administration of a synbiotic supplement to improve sperm parameters and potentially enhance stallion fertility <span style="color:#333333;font-family:Apercu, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;background-color:#ffffff;">The aim of this research project is to explore the connection between subfertility and the equine gastrointestinal microbiome and metabolome in stallions. This will be assessed by characterising the influence of the equine intestinal microbiome on systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are hypothesised to be detrimental to spermatogenesis and adversely affect fertility. A cohort of commercial thoroughbred stallions with elevated levels of systemic inflammation and concurrent subfertility will be identified and an intervention trial will be developed to supplement the feed of these stallions with a prebiotic and probiotic supplement over a breeding season. The intervention will test the hypothesis that improving the composition of the microbiome and associated biomarkers of inflammation will correlate with an improvement in sperm quality and subsequent fertility.</span> |
General Medicine, The University of Sydney | Co-Supervisor |
2019 | PhD | Investigations of Early Pregnancy in the Mare using novel in vitro modeling techniques | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | Factors affecting oocyte quality and early embryo development in the mare | Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | PhD | Development of a Novel Medium for Storing Bull Spermatozoa at Room Temperature | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2023 | PhD | An Investigation into the Equine Peri-Conception Period: Utilising emerging biotechnologies to investigate the mechanisms of reproduction and early pregnancy in the mare | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2021 | PhD | Molecular Mechanisms Governing Fertility Maintenance in Thoroughbred Stallions | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | Investigation of Equine Fertility Mechanisms through Proteomic Analysis of Stallion Spermatozoa, Early Equine Embryos and Pregnant Mare Uterine Fluid | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | Towards Non-Surgical Sterilisation of Feral Horses: Biomarkers of Folliculogenesis and Covalent Modification of Proteins Using Electrophilic Aldehydes | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
News
News • 20 Sep 2022
Solving the nation’s challenges: $3million in ARC funding
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has announced its latest rounds of funding for the Future Fellowships and DECRA schemes, with four University of Newcastle projects attracting funding of more than $3 million for projects of national importance.
News • 27 Feb 2019
Sperm extender the recipe for fertility success
A world-first sperm extender is set to more than double the effectiveness of artificial insemination rates in horses and may also have implications for humans.
Dr Zamira Gibb
Position
ARC Research Fellow
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Contact Details
zamira.gibb@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 5637 |
Office
Room | LS445 |
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Building | Life Sciences. |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |