Dr John Schjenken
Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Career Summary
Biography
Biography
I studied a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) at the University Of Newcastle, Australia. Following completion of this degree in 2004, I began work in the field of reproductive biology (2005-current) where my research has focused on both male and female reproductive biology. This research has ranged from cytochrome P450 enzymes and their expression in mouse male germ cells during spermatogenesis (Honours – Reproductive Science Group – Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science – Supervisor: Dr Shaun Roman) to understanding the potential immunological role of human endogenous retroviral envelope proteins that are expressed in the placenta and secreted in small nanovesicles called exosomes (PhD – Mothers and Babies Research Centre – Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science – Supervisors: Prof Roger Smith and Prof Vicki Clifton). In 2010, I had the opportunity to begin post-doctoral studies at the Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide. Here I joined the lab of Professor Sarah Robertson and was responsible for research projects that contribute to the understanding of the physiological importance of the female immune response to conception, and the significance of the male ejaculate (seminal fluid) in the reproductive process.
In May 2019, I had the exciting opportunity to return to the Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science at the University of Newcastle. Here I have established my own independent research program which is focused on defining key events at conception, with particular emphasis on investigating the composition and function of the male ejaculate (seminal fluid). Here, my research interests focus on expanding our understanding of male factors that contribute to infertility and the development of disorders of pregnancy. To achieve this, I utilise multiomic approaches, combining transcriptomics, proteomics and bioinformatics to expand knowledge on male and female reproductive physiology.
My current areas of research interest include:
- Examining the impact of environmental exposures on seminal fluid immune regulatory factor synthesis.
- Building knowledge of the significance of seminal fluid extracellular vesicles in female immune regulatory function.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Immunology
- Male reproductive tract
- Reproductive Biology
- Seminal vesicle
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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321503 | Reproduction | 70 |
310199 | Biochemistry and cell biology not elsewhere classified | 30 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle College of Engineering, Science and Environment Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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29/4/2019 - | Visiting Fellow, Women’s and Children’s Health. | University of Adelaide Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School Australia |
10/5/2010 - 26/4/2019 |
Research Associate |
The University of Adelaide Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
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2017 |
Epigenetics Consortium of South Australia Incorporated (EpiCSA) - Robinson Research Institute Award for Best Epigenetic Oral Presentation in Reproduction Epigenetics Consortium of South Australia Incorporated (EpiCSA) |
2016 |
Robinson Research Institute Symposium 2016 - Best Early Career Researcher Poster presentation The University of Adelaide |
2016 |
Epigenetics Consortium of South Australia Incorporated (EpiCSA) - Best Early Career Researcher Oral, Best RRI Speaker, People's Choice Award Epigenetics Consortium of South Australia Incorporated (EpiCSA) |
2015 |
Robinson Research Institute Symposium 2015 - Best ECR oral The University of Adelaide |
2014 |
Society for the Study of Reproduction 2014 - International Best Abstract Award representing Australia. Society for the Study of Reproduction |
2014 |
Society for Reproductive Biology ECR Collaborative Award. Australian Society for Reproductive Biology |
2013 |
Robinson Institute Symposium - Best ECR Poster Award The University of Adelaide |
Distinction
Year | Award |
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2021 |
Society for the Study of Reproduction - Awarded Rising Star in Reproductive Biology Society for the Study of Reproduction |
2019 |
Society for Reproductive Biology 2019 - Finalist in SRB Newcastle Reproduction Emerging Research Leader Award Society for Reproductive Biology |
Invitations
Speaker
Year | Title / Rationale |
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2023 | Sperm modulate the maternal immune environment to support pregnancy success. |
2022 | Characterising the Impact of Paternal Environmental Drivers on Seminal Plasma Composition. |
2021 | Paternal environment and seminal fluid composition and function. |
2019 | Obesity Alters Seminal Vesicle Fluid Composition and Signaling Capacity in Mice |
2018 | What’s the man got to do with it? |
2017 | Paternal environment and male: female seminal fluid signalling. |
2017 | Paternal environment and male: female seminal fluid signalling. |
2017 | miRNA-155 is required to induce competent regulatory T cells and to protect against inflammation-induced fetal loss in mice. |
2016 | Sperm signalling in the female reproductive tract of mammals: Implications for Reproductive Success |
2016 | Seminal Fluid Signalling and the Trajectory for Healthy Pregnancy |
2016 | Seminal fluid regulation of microRNAs in the peri-conception immune environment and role in pregnancy success |
2015 | Novel mechanisms for Seminal Fluid Signalling in Reproduction |
2015 | miRNA regulation of immune responses at conception |
2014 | Regulation of the female tract response to seminal fluid by miRNA-223 |
2013 | Sperm Mediated Signalling in the Female Reproductive Tract of the Mouse |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
HLTH SC 1005 |
HLTH SC 1005 - Principles of Human Health and Disease The University of Adelaide |
Guest lecture | 7/11/2018 - 8/11/2018 |
BIOL2002 |
BIOL2002 Laboratory Skills in Biological Systems Faculty of Science and Information Technology The University of Newcastle |
Lecturer and demonstrator | 26/8/2019 - 18/9/2019 |
OB&GYNAE3100 |
Research Project in Reproductive Health The University of Adelaide |
Guest lecture | 5/8/2015 - 15/8/2017 |
OB&GYNAE3000 |
OB&GYNAE 3000 - Human Reproductive Health III The University of Adelaide |
Guest lecturer | 1/1/2014 - 31/12/2018 |
BIOL3001 |
BIOL3001 Advanced Laboratory Skills in Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Information Technology The University of Newcastle |
Lecturer and demonstrator | 13/5/2019 - 30/6/2020 |
BTEC3251 |
Biotechnology Placement College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle |
Course coordinator – BTEC3251 Biotechnology Placement | 1/10/2021 - 20/2/2022 |
3BH066 |
Honours Degree of Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences The University of Adelaide |
Honours Program Committee | 1/1/2016 - 27/4/2019 |
BTEC3200 |
Cellular Biotechnology Faculty of Science and Information Technology The University of Newcastle |
Guest lecture | 9/9/2019 - 10/9/2019 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Chapter (6 outputs)
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2018 |
Schjenken JE, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, 'Seminal vesicle Secretion', Encyclopaedia of Reproduction Second Edition, Elsevier, Oxford, UK 349-353 (2018)
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2016 |
Fullston T, Shehadeh H, Schjenken JE, McPherson NO, Robertson SA, Zander-Fox D, Lane M, 'Paternal Obesity and Programming of Offspring Health', Parental Obesity: Intergenerational Programming and Consequences, Springer, New York 105-131 (2016)
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2015 |
Robertson SA, Chin P-Y, Schjenken JE, Thompson JG, 'Female Tract Cytokines and Developmental Programming in Embryos', CELL SIGNALING DURING MAMMALIAN EARLY EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT, SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN 173-213 (2015)
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2012 |
Schjenken JE, Tolosa Gonzalez JM, Paul JW, Clifton VL, Smith R, 'Mechanisms of maternal immune tolerance during pregnancy', Recent Advances in Research on the Human Placenta, InTech, Rijeka, Croatia 211-242 (2012) [B1]
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Journal article (38 outputs)
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2024 |
Mulhall JE, Trigg NA, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Murray HC, Sipilä P, et al., 'Immortalized mouse caput epididymal epithelial (mECap18) cell line recapitulates the in-vivo environment.', Proteomics, 24 e2300253 (2024) [C1]
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2023 |
Chan HY, Tran HM, Breen J, Schjenken JE, Robertson SA, 'The endometrial transcriptome transition preceding receptivity to embryo implantation in mice.', BMC Genomics, 24 590 (2023) [C1]
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2023 |
Nixon B, Schjenken JE, Burke ND, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Hart HM, De Iuliis GN, et al., 'New horizons in human sperm selection for assisted reproduction', Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14 (2023) [C1] Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive techno... [more] Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive technologies. Upon clinical presentation, such males are commonly subjected to conventional diagnostic andrological practices that rely on descriptive criteria to define their fertility based on the number of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa encountered within their ejaculate. Despite the virtual ubiquitous adoption of such diagnostic practices, they are not without their limitations and accordingly, there is now increasing awareness of the importance of assessing sperm quality in order to more accurately predict a male¿s fertility status. This realization raises the important question of which characteristics signify a high-quality, fertilization competent sperm cell. In this review, we reflect on recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of sperm biology and function, which are contributing to a growing armory of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat male infertility. In particular we review progress toward the implementation of precision medicine; the robust clinical adoption of which in the setting of fertility, currently lags well behind that of other fields of medicine. Despite this, research shows that the application of advanced technology platforms such as whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses hold considerable promise in optimizing outcomes for the management of male infertility by uncovering and expanding our inventory of candidate infertility biomarkers, as well as those associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Similarly, the development of advanced imaging technologies in tandem with machine learning artificial intelligence are poised to disrupt the fertility care paradigm by advancing our understanding of the molecular and biological causes of infertility to provide novel avenues for future diagnostics and treatments.
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2023 |
Germon ZP, Sillar JR, Mannan A, Duchatel RJ, Staudt D, Murray HC, et al., 'Blockade of ROS production inhibits oncogenic signaling in acute myeloid leukemia and amplifies response to precision therapies.', Sci Signal, 16 eabp9586 (2023) [C1]
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2022 |
Smyth SP, Nixon B, Anderson AL, Murray HC, Martin JH, MacDougall LA, et al., 'Elucidation of the protein composition of mouse seminal vesicle fluid.', Proteomics, 22 e2100227 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Burke ND, Nixon B, Roman SD, Schjenken JE, Walters JLH, Aitken RJ, Bromfield EG, 'Male infertility and somatic health - insights into lipid damage as a mechanistic link', NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY, 19 727-750 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Anderson AL, Bromfield EG, Bernstein IR, Mulhall JE, Schjenken JE, et al., 'Global profiling of the proteomic changes associated with the post-testicular maturation of mouse spermatozoa', Cell Reports, 41 (2022) [C1] Spermatozoa acquire fertilization potential during passage through a highly specialized region of the extratesticular ductal system known as the epididymis. In the absence of de n... [more] Spermatozoa acquire fertilization potential during passage through a highly specialized region of the extratesticular ductal system known as the epididymis. In the absence of de novo gene transcription or protein translation, this functional transformation is extrinsically driven via the exchange of varied macromolecular cargo between spermatozoa and the surrounding luminal plasma. Key among these changes is a substantive remodeling of the sperm proteomic architecture, the scale of which has yet to be fully resolved. Here, we have exploited quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to define the extent of changes associated with the maturation of mouse spermatozoa; reporting the identity of >6,000 proteins, encompassing the selective loss and gain of several hundred proteins. Further, we demonstrate epididymal-driven activation of RHOA-mediated signaling pathways is an important component of sperm maturation. These data contribute molecular insights into the complexity of proteomic changes associated with epididymal sperm maturation.
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2021 |
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Trigg NA, Bromfield EG, Dun MD, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, et al., 'Proteomic dissection of the impact of environmental exposures on mouse seminal vesicle function', Molecular and Cellular Proteomics, 20 (2021) [C1] Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support ga... [more] Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support gamete function and promote reproductive success, with emerging evidence suggesting these secretions are influenced by our environment. Despite their significance, the biology of seminal vesicles remains poorly defined. Here, we complete the first proteomic assessment of mouse seminal vesicles and assess the impact of the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue. A total of 5013 proteins were identified in the seminal vesicle proteome with bioinformatic analyses identifying cell proliferation, protein synthesis, cellular death, and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Secreted proteins were among the most abundant, and several proteins are linked with seminal vesicle phenotypes. Analysis of the effect of acrylamide on the seminal vesicle proteome revealed 311 differentially regulated (FC ± 1.5, p = 0.05, 205 up-regulated, 106 downregulated) proteins, orthogonally validated via immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pathways that initiate protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent among the dysregulated pathways, and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR, p = 6.69E-07) was a top-ranked upstream driver. Oxidative stress was implicated as contributing to protein changes, with acrylamide causing an increase in 8-OHdG in seminal vesicle epithelial cells (fivefold increase, p = 0.016) and the surrounding smooth muscle layer (twofold increase, p = 0.043). Additionally, acrylamide treatment caused a reduction in seminal vesicle secretion weight (36% reduction, p = 0.009) and total protein content (25% reduction, p = 0.017). Together these findings support the interpretation that toxicant exposure influences male accessory gland physiology and highlights the need to consider the response of all male reproductive tract tissues when interpreting the impact of environmental stressors on male reproductive function.
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2021 |
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Nixon B, Bromfield EG, Breen J, Trigg NA, Stanger SJ, et al., 'Transcriptomic analysis of the seminal vesicle response to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide', BMC Genomics, 22 (2021) [C1] Background: The seminal vesicles synthesise bioactive factors that support gamete function, modulate the female reproductive tract to promote implantation, and influence developme... [more] Background: The seminal vesicles synthesise bioactive factors that support gamete function, modulate the female reproductive tract to promote implantation, and influence developmental programming of offspring phenotype. Despite the significance of the seminal vesicles in reproduction, their biology remains poorly defined. Here, to advance understanding of seminal vesicle biology, we analyse the mouse seminal vesicle transcriptome under normal physiological conditions and in response to acute exposure to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or vehicle control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue 72 h following the final injection. Results: A total of 15,304 genes were identified in the seminal vesicles with those encoding secreted proteins amongst the most abundant. In addition to reproductive hormone pathways, functional annotation of the seminal vesicle transcriptome identified cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and cellular death and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Administration of acrylamide elicited 70 differentially regulated (fold-change =1.5 or = 0.67) genes, several of which were orthogonally validated using quantitative PCR. Pathways that initiate gene and protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent amongst the dysregulated pathways. Inflammation was also a key transcriptomic response to acrylamide, with the cytokine, Colony stimulating factor 2 (Csf2) identified as a top-ranked upstream driver and inflammatory mediator associated with recovery of homeostasis. Early growth response (Egr1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (Ccl8), and Collagen, type V, alpha 1 (Col5a1) were also identified amongst the dysregulated genes. Additionally, acrylamide treatment led to subtle changes in the expression of genes that encode proteins secreted by the seminal vesicle, including the complement regulator, Complement factor b (Cfb). Conclusions: These data add to emerging evidence demonstrating that the seminal vesicles, like other male reproductive tract tissues, are sensitive to environmental insults, and respond in a manner with potential to exert impact on fetal development and later offspring health.
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2021 |
Chan HY, Moldenhauer LM, Groome HM, Schjenken JE, Robertson SA, 'Toll-like receptor-4 null mutation causes fetal loss and fetal growth restriction associated with impaired maternal immune tolerance in mice', SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, 11 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Schjenken JE, Sharkey DJ, Green ES, Chan HY, Matias RA, Moldenhauer LM, Robertson SA, 'Sperm modulate uterine immune parameters relevant to embryo implantation and reproductive success in mice', Communications Biology, 4 (2021) [C1] Seminal fluid factors modulate the female immune response at conception to facilitate embryo implantation and reproductive success. Whether sperm affect this response has not been... [more] Seminal fluid factors modulate the female immune response at conception to facilitate embryo implantation and reproductive success. Whether sperm affect this response has not been clear. We evaluated global gene expression by microarray in the mouse uterus after mating with intact or vasectomized males. Intact males induced greater changes in gene transcription, prominently affecting pro-inflammatory cytokine and immune regulatory genes, with TLR4 signaling identified as a top-ranked upstream driver. Recruitment of neutrophils and expansion of peripheral regulatory T cells were elevated by seminal fluid of intact males. In vitro, epididymal sperm induced IL6, CXCL2, and CSF3 in uterine epithelial cells of wild-type, but not Tlr4 null females. Collectively these experiments show that sperm assist in promoting female immune tolerance by eliciting uterine cytokine expression through TLR4-dependent signaling. The findings indicate a biological role for sperm beyond oocyte fertilization, in modulating immune mechanisms involved in female control of reproductive investment.
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2021 |
Schjenken JE, Green ES, Overduin TS, Mah CY, Russell DL, Robertson SA, 'Endocrine Disruptor Compounds A Cause of Impaired Immune Tolerance Driving Inflammatory Disorders of Pregnancy?', Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12 (2021) [C1] Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are prevalent and ubiquitous in our environment and have substantial potential to compromise human and animal health. Amongst the chronic hea... [more] Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are prevalent and ubiquitous in our environment and have substantial potential to compromise human and animal health. Amongst the chronic health conditions associated with EDC exposure, dysregulation of reproductive function in both females and males is prominent. Human epidemiological studies demonstrate links between EDC exposure and infertility, as well as gestational disorders including miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Animal experiments show EDCs administered during gestation, or to either parent prior to conception, can interfere with gamete quality, embryo implantation, and placental and fetal development, with consequences for offspring viability and health. It has been presumed that EDCs operate principally through disrupting hormone-regulated events in reproduction and fetal development, but EDC effects on maternal immune receptivity to pregnancy are also implicated. EDCs can modulate both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, to alter inflammatory responses, and interfere with generation of regulatory T (Treg) cells that are critical for pregnancy tolerance. Effects of EDCs on immune cells are complex and likely exerted by both steroid hormone-dependent and hormone-independent pathways. Thus, to better understand how EDCs impact reproduction and pregnancy, it is imperative to consider how immune-mediated mechanisms are affected by EDCs. This review will describe evidence that several EDCs modify elements of the immune response relevant to pregnancy, and will discuss the potential for EDCs to disrupt immune tolerance required for robust placentation and optimal fetal development.
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2021 |
Schjenken JE, Moldenhauer LM, Sharkey DJ, Chan HY, Chin PY, Fullston T, et al., 'High-fat Diet Alters Male Seminal Plasma Composition to Impair Female Immune Adaptation for Pregnancy in Mice', Endocrinology (United States), 162 (2021) [C1] Paternal experiences and exposures before conception can influence fetal development and offspring phenotype. The composition of seminal plasma contributes to paternal programming... [more] Paternal experiences and exposures before conception can influence fetal development and offspring phenotype. The composition of seminal plasma contributes to paternal programming effects through modulating the female reproductive tract immune response after mating. To investigate whether paternal obesity affects seminal plasma immune-regulatory activity, C57Bl/6 male mice were fed an obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD) for 14 weeks. Although HFD consumption caused only minor changes to parameters of sperm quality, the volume of seminal vesicle fluid secretions was increased by 65%, and the concentrations and total content of immune-regulatory TGF-ß isoforms were decreased by 75% to 80% and 43% to 55%, respectively. Mating with BALB/c females revealed differences in the strength and properties of the postmating immune response elicited. Transcriptional analysis showed >300 inflammatory genes were similarly regulated in the uterine endometrium by mating independently of paternal diet, and 13 were dysregulated by HFD-fed compared with CD-fed males. Seminal vesicle fluid factors reduced in HFD-fed males, including TGF-ß1, IL-10, and TNF, were among the predicted upstream regulators of differentially regulated genes. Additionally, the T-cell response induced by mating with CD-fed males was blunted after mating with HFD-fed males, with 27% fewer CD4+ T cells, 26% fewer FOXP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, and 19% fewer CTLA4+ Treg cells, particularly within the NRP1+ thymic Treg cell population. These findings demonstrate that an obesogenic HFD alters the composition of seminal vesicle fluid and impairs seminal plasma capacity to elicit a favorable pro-tolerogenic immune response in females at conception.
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2020 |
McCarron A, Cmielewski P, Reyne N, McIntyre C, Finnie J, Craig F, et al., 'Phenotypic Characterization and Comparison of Cystic Fibrosis Rat Models Generated Using CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, 190 977-993 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Schjenken JE, Robertson SA, 'THE FEMALE RESPONSE TO SEMINAL FLUID', PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS, 100 1077-1117 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Schjenken JE, Moldenhauer LM, Zhang B, Care AS, Groome HM, Chan H-Y, et al., 'MicroRNA miR-155 is required for expansion of regulatory T cells to mediate robust pregnancy tolerance in mice', MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY, 13 609-625 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Tamessar CT, Trigg NA, Nixon B, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, et al., 'Roles of male reproductive tract extracellular vesicles in reproduction', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, 85 (2020) [C1]
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2019 |
Kedzior SGE, Bianco-Miotto T, Breen J, Diener KR, Donnelley M, Dunning KR, et al., 'It takes a community to conceive: an analysis of the scope, nature and accuracy of online sources of health information for couples trying to conceive', Reproductive Biomedicine and Society Online, 9 48-63 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Moldenhauer LM, Schjenken JE, Hope CM, Green ES, Zhang B, Eldi P, et al., 'Thymus-Derived Regulatory T Cells Exhibit Foxp3 Epigenetic Modification and Phenotype Attenuation after Mating in Mice', JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, 203 647-657 (2019) [C1]
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2018 |
Sharkey DJ, Glynn DJ, Schjenken JE, Tremellen KP, Robertson SA, 'Interferon-gamma inhibits seminal plasma induction of colony-stimulating factor 2 in mouse and human reproductive tract epithelial cells', BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION, 99 514-526 (2018) [C1]
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2018 |
Panir K, Schjenken JE, Robertson SA, Hull ML, 'Non-coding RNAs in endometriosis: a narrative review', HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE, 24 497-515 [C1]
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2018 |
Sadlon T, Brown CY, Bandara V, Hope CM, Schjenken JE, Pederson SM, et al., 'Unravelling the molecular basis for regulatory T-cell plasticity and loss of function in disease', CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY, 7 (2018) [C1]
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2017 |
Robertson SA, Zhang B, Chan H, Sharkey DJ, Barry SC, Fullston T, Schjenken JE, 'MicroRNA regulation of immune events at conception', MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, 84 914-925 (2017) [C1]
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2016 |
Schjenken JE, Zhang B, Chan HY, Sharkey DJ, Fullston T, Robertson SA, 'miRNA Regulation of Immune Tolerance in Early Pregnancy', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, 75 272-280 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Dickinson H, Moss TJ, Gatford KL, Moritz KM, Akison L, Fullston T, et al., 'A review of fundamental principles for animal models of DOHaD research: an Australian perspective', JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE, 7 449-472 (2016) [C1]
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2015 |
Schjenken JE, Robertson SA, 'Seminal Fluid Signalling in the Female Reproductive Tract: Implications for Reproductive Success and Offspring Health', MALE ROLE IN PREGNANCY LOSS AND EMBRYO IMPLANTATION FAILURE, 868 127-158 (2015)
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2015 |
Schjenken JE, Glynn DJ, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, 'TLR4 Signaling Is a Major Mediator of the Female Tract Response to Seminal Fluid in Mice', BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION, 93 (2015)
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2015 |
Prins JR, Zhang B, Schjenken JE, Guerin LR, Barry SC, Robertson SA, 'Unstable Foxp3(+) Regulatory T Cells and Altered Dendritic Cells Are Associated with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Fetal Loss in Pregnant Interleukin 10-Deficient Mice', BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION, 93 (2015)
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2015 |
Sharkey DJ, Schjenken JE, Mottershead DG, Robertson SA, 'Seminal fluid factors regulate activin A and follistatin synthesis in female cervical epithelial cells', MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY, 417 178-190 (2015)
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2014 |
Nixon BJ, Katen AL, Stanger SJ, Schjenken JE, Nixon B, Roman SD, 'Mouse spermatocytes express CYP2E1 and respond to acrylamide exposure', PLoS ONE, 9 (2014) [C1] Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450s (encoded by the CYP genes) often leads to bio-activation, producing reactive metabolites that interfere with cellular processes and c... [more] Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450s (encoded by the CYP genes) often leads to bio-activation, producing reactive metabolites that interfere with cellular processes and cause DNA damage. In the testes, DNA damage induced by xenobiotics has been associated with impaired spermatogenesis and adverse effects on reproductive health. We previously reported that chronic exposure to the reproductive toxicant, acrylamide, produced high levels of DNA damage in spermatocytes of Swiss mice. CYP2E1 metabolises acrylamide to glycidamide, which, unlike acrylamide, readily forms adducts with DNA. Thus, to investigate the mechanisms of acrylamide toxicity in mouse male germ cells, we examined the expression of the CYP, CYP2E1, which metabolises acrylamide. Using Q-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we establish that CYP2E1 is expressed in germ cells, in particular in spermatocytes. Additionally, CYP2E1 gene expression was upregulated in these cells following in vitro acrylamide exposure (1 µM, 18 h). Spermatocytes were isolated and treated with 1 µM acrylamide or 0.5 µM glycidamide for 18 hours and the presence of DNA-adducts was investigated using the comet assay, modified to detect DNA-adducts. Both compounds produced significant levels of DNA damage in spermatocytes, with a greater response observed following glycidamide exposure. A modified comet assay indicated that direct adduction of DNA by glycidamide was a major source of DNA damage. Oxidative stress played a small role in eliciting this damage, as a relatively modest effect was found in a comet assay modified to detect oxidative adducts following glycidamide exposure, and glutathione levels remained unchanged following treatment with either compound. Our results indicate that the male germ line has the capacity to respond to xenobiotic exposure by inducing detoxifying enzymes, and the DNA damage elicited by acrylamide in male germ cells is likely due to the formation of glycidamide adducts. © 2014 Nixon et al.
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2014 |
Bromfield JJ, Schjenken JE, Chin PY, Care AS, Jasper MJ, Robertson SA, 'Maternal tract factors contribute to paternal seminal fluid impact on metabolic phenotype in offspring', PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 111 2200-2205 (2014)
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2014 |
Schjenken JE, Robertson SA, 'Seminal Fluid and Immune Adaptation for Pregnancy - Comparative Biology in Mammalian Species', REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, 49 27-36 (2014)
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2013 |
Fung KY, Mangan NE, Cumming H, Horvat JC, Mayall JR, Stifter SA, et al., 'Interferon-epsilon Protects the Female Reproductive Tract from Viral and Bacterial Infection', SCIENCE, 339 1088-1092 (2013) [C1]
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2012 |
Tolosa Gonzalez JM, Schjenken JE, Clifton VL, Vargas A, Barbeau B, Lowry P, et al., 'The endogenous retroviral envelope protein syncytin-1 inhibits LPS/PHA-stimulated cytokine responses in human blood and is sorted into placental exosomes', Placenta, 33 933-941 (2012) [C1]
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2007 |
Tolosa Gonzalez JM, Schjenken JE, Civiti TD, Clifton VL, Smith R, 'Column-based method to simultaneously extract DNA, RNA, and proteins from the same sample', Biotechniques, 43 799-804 (2007) [C1]
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Show 35 more journal articles |
Conference (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2019 |
Arthurs A, Lumbers E, de Meaultsart CC, Robertson S, Schjenken J, Pringle K, 'MIR-155 REGULATES PLACENTAL DEVELOPMENT AND FETAL GROWTH, PROBABLY BY INHIBITING THE EXPRESSION OF ANGIOTENSIN II TYPE 1 RECEPTOR (AT(1)R)', PLACENTA, Tokyo, JAPAN (2019)
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2015 |
Schjenken J, Hewson L, Zhang B, Robertson S, 'THE ROLE OF MICRORNA MIR223 IN IMMUNE ADAPTATION FOR PREGNANCY AND FETAL-PLACENTAL DEVELOPMENT', PLACENTA (2015)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 23 |
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Total funding | $2,297,881 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20234 grants / $973,628
Novel determinants of male fertility carried by seminal fluid extracellular vesicles$914,495
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor John Schjenken, Dr David Sharkey, Dr David Sharkey, Dr Elizabeth Torres Arce |
Scheme | Ideas Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2026 |
GNo | G2200315 |
Type Of Funding | C1100 - Aust Competitive - NHMRC |
Category | 1100 |
UON | Y |
Demonstrating the effectiveness of a simple intervention in preventing diet-induced compromise to male fertility$37,500
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor John Schjenken, Doctor Raffaele Teperino |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G2301015 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
BeadBlaster 24R refrigerated microtube homogeniser 240V - ProSciTech$11,633
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor John Schjenken |
Scheme | Equipment Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2301079 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
External collaboration_International_Schjenken$10,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor John Schjenken |
Scheme | External Collaboration Grant Scheme - International |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2300422 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20225 grants / $416,008
MRSP funding - HMRI Infertility and Reproduction Research Program$185,612
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Prof Brett Nixon, A/Prof Mark Baker, Dr Zamira Gibb, Dr John Schjenken, Dr Tessa Lord, Dr David Skerrett-Byrne, Dr Anne-Louise Gannon |
Scheme | MRSP Transition Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Luminex 200 purchase$120,000
Funding body: College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Funding body | College of Engineering, Science and Environment |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Geoffry De Iuliis, Dr Diane Rebourcet, Dr Zamira Gibb, Dr John Schjenken |
Scheme | CAPEX funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Not Known |
Category | UNKN |
UON | N |
HMRI Researcher Bridging Fund 2022$94,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor John Schjenken |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G2200026 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
Molecular characterization of the dynamic response of the male reproductive tract to an obesogenic environment.$10,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr John Schjenken, Dr Raffaele Teperino |
Scheme | Hunter Medical Research Institute Infertility and Reproduction Research Program ECR/MCR Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | N |
Quantitative System Metabolism for Mouse seminal vesicles$6,396
Funding body: Doppleganger Bio
Funding body | Doppleganger Bio |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr John Schjenken |
Scheme | Doppleganger Bio |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3400 – International For Profit |
Category | 3400 |
UON | N |
20211 grants / $2,440
University of Newcastle College of Engineering, Science and Environment CESE Lockdown Support Scheme$2,440
Funding body: College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle
Funding body | College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | John E Schjenken |
Scheme | University of Newcastle College of Engineering, Science and Environment CESE Lockdown Support Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20201 grants / $2,000
Faculty of Science 2020 Output Accelerator Initiative$2,000
Funding body: The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Science and Information Technology
Funding body | The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Science and Information Technology |
---|---|
Project Team | John Schjenken, Brett Nixon, Tessa Lord, Diane Rebourcet |
Scheme | Faculty of Science 2020 Output Accelerator Initiative |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Not Known |
Category | UNKN |
UON | N |
20192 grants / $435,000
Vevo 3100 ultrasound biomicroscope for the Adelaide Biomed city precinct$360,000
Funding body: Ian Potter Foundation
Funding body | Ian Potter Foundation |
---|---|
Scheme | Ian Potter Foundation |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Not Known |
Category | UNKN |
UON | N |
Deletion of a noncoding region regulating SATB1 cause infertility in mice: A novel model of unexplained infertility in women$75,000
Funding body: Women's and Children's Hospital Foundation
Funding body | Women's and Children's Hospital Foundation |
---|---|
Project Team | Prof Simon Barry, Dr Tim Sadlon, Prof Sarah Robertson and Dr John Schjenken |
Scheme | WCH Foundation - Project Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3112 - Aust Not for profit |
Category | 3112 |
UON | N |
20182 grants / $98,445
Impact of Phthalate exposure in fathers on programming of offspring neurological phenotype$73,445
Funding body: Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation of South Australia
Funding body | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation of South Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Prof Sarah Robertson, Dr John Schjenken, Dr Lachlan Moldenhauer, Dr David Sharkey, Prof Emilie Rissman |
Scheme | Project Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Not Known |
Category | UNKN |
UON | N |
Regulatory T cells and impaired uterine artery blood supply in women with preeclampsia.$25,000
Funding body: Robinson Research Institute
Funding body | Robinson Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Alison Care, David Sharkey, Lachlan Moldenhauer, John Schjenken |
Scheme | Robinson Research Institute Seed Funding Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Not Known |
Category | UNKN |
UON | N |
20172 grants / $261,360
Boosting Treg cells with novel immune-regulatory agents for pregnancy success $210,000
Funding body: Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Funding body | Ferring Pharmaceuticals |
---|---|
Project Team | Prof Sarah Robertson, Dr David Sharkey, Dr Lachlan Moldenhauer |
Scheme | Ferring Pharmaceuticals |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3400 – International For Profit |
Category | 3400 |
UON | N |
Impact of Phthalate exposures on paternal programming of offspring neurological phenotype $51,360
Funding body: CHHE Pilot Project Program (supported in part by NIEHS under award number P30ES025128)
Funding body | CHHE Pilot Project Program (supported in part by NIEHS under award number P30ES025128) |
---|---|
Project Team | Prof Emilie Rissman, Dr John Schjenken and Prof Sarah Robertson |
Scheme | CHHE Pilot Project Program (supported in part by NIEHS under award number P30ES025128) |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3231 - International Govt - Own Purpose |
Category | 3231 |
UON | N |
20162 grants / $50,000
The conception of a preconception resource-#rightmessage #rightaudience #righttime #conceptionhealthmatters.$25,000
Funding body: Robinson Research Institute
Funding body | Robinson Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Sophie G.E. Kedzior, Tina Bianco-Miotto, James Breen, Kerrilyn R. Diener, Martin Donnelley, Kylie R. Dunning, Megan A.S. Penno, John E. Schjenken, David J. Sharkey, Nicolette A. Hodyl, Tod Fullston, Maria Gardiner, Hannah M. Brown, Alice R. Rumbold |
Scheme | Robinson Research Institute Engaging Opportunities Program |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
In vivo functional validation of a disease linked super enhancer in IBD$25,000
Funding body: Robinson Research Institute
Funding body | Robinson Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Tim Sadlon and Dr John Schjenken |
Scheme | Robinson Research Institute Seed Funding Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20151 grants / $30,000
Perturbation of Seminal Fluid Signalling in the Female Reproductive Tract in a Mouse Model of Paternal Obesity$30,000
Funding body: Robinson Research Institute
Funding body | Robinson Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr John Schjenken and Dr Tod Fullston |
Scheme | Robinson Research Institute Seed Funding Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20142 grants / $26,500
The role of distal regulatory elements in setting SATB1 expression levels in Tregs: implications in autoimmune disease and maternal immune tolerance to the fetus$25,000
Funding body: Robinson Research Institute
Funding body | Robinson Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Tim Sadlon and Dr John Schjenken |
Scheme | Robinson Research Institute Seed Funding Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Evolution of Seminal Fluid Signalling Mechanisms in Mammals$1,500
Funding body: Australian Society for Reproductive Biology
Funding body | Australian Society for Reproductive Biology |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr John Schjenken and Dr Brandon Menzies |
Scheme | Early Career Researcher Collaborative Research Travel Award |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3112 - Aust Not for profit |
Category | 3112 |
UON | N |
20081 grants / $2,500
Research into finding a cure for type 1 diabetes$2,500
Funding body: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
Funding body | Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) |
---|---|
Project Team | John Schjenken |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2008 |
Funding Finish | 2008 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
Category | 3200 |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | The Role of Mitochondria in Placental Development and Fetal Growth Restriction | PhD (Medical Biochemistry), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2023 | PhD | Novel Determinants of Male Fertility Carried by Seminal Fluid Extracellular Vesicles | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2022 | Honours | The role of RNA binding proteins in regulating short non-coding RNA integrity in the male reproductive tract. | Biological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Exploring ALOX15 as a Molecular Conduit between Infertility and Systemic Ill Health in Men | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Novel Roles for Seminal Fluid Extracellular Vesicles | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal 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 | Co-Supervisor |
2019 | PhD | Investigating the impact of deleting a disease linked super-enhancer on SATB1 expression and function in the T cell compartment | Paediatrics, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Honours | The impact of paternal heat stress on the seminal vesicle and its secretions | Biological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2020 | Honours | The impact of paternal heat stress on the seminal vesicle and its secretions | Biological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Impact of Seminal Fluid on Peri-Conception Cytokine Expression and Postnatal Development | Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
2019 | Honours | The impact of paternal phthalate exposure on reproductive and offspring health | Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide | Principal Supervisor |
2019 | PhD | The contribution of immune regulatory MicroRNAs in endometriosis | Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
2019 | Masters | Using RNA-Seq to Investigate the Contribution of miRNA-223 & miRNA-155 to Endometriosis Lesion Development | Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
2018 | Honours | The role of seminal fluid beta-defensin 22 in induction of maternal fetal immune tolerance | Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
2018 | Honours | Does the SATBI superenhancer prevent autoimmunity in mice? | Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
2018 | Honours | The effect of miR-223 in a syngeneic mouse model of endometriosis | Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | T Regulatory Cells in Early Pregnancy in Mice | Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
2014 | Honours | The role of miR-146a in the peri-conceptional period of early pregnancy | Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
2012 | Honours | The Impact of Seminal Fluid and miRNA on the Immune Cell Pool During Early Pregnancy | Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide | Co-Supervisor |
News
News • 15 Dec 2022
Spinal cord pain to PTSD: $5.2m in NHMRC grants to target pressing medical conditions
Both the body and the mind will be a key focus for innovative researchers from the University of Newcastle, who were successful in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grants.
Dr John Schjenken
Position
Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment