Lay summary
Ovulation failure is a major cause of infertility, often associated with maternal aging and obesity, and diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). International data suggests that PCOS rates in Pacific women are high. Coupled with the general trend of increased aging-related infertility, ovulation failure likely accounts for a proportion of the cases of infertility in Pacific women in Āotearoa, NZ. The theca cell layer of the ovarian follicle plays a key role during the development and ensuing release of a mature egg (ovulation). This research will test the hypothesis that exposure of stroma-based progenitors to paracrine stressors affects differentiated theca cell functions, including ovulation. This Fellowship will support an emerging, Pacific biomedical scientist's transition into research leadership and enable the development of her research programme which will support the training of future cohorts of Pacific biomedical scientists.