Dr Liza O’donnell
Research Scientist
Centre for Reproductive Health
Hudson Institute of Medical Research
Australia
Biography
Dr Liza O’Donnell joined the Prince Henry’s Institute (now Hudson Institute of Medical Research) in 1991 after completing an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at RMIT Melbourne. She completed her PhD studies in 1996. Her PhD studies investigated the regulation of spermatid development (spermiogenesis) by androgens. Her postdoctoral studies have included studying the hormonal regulation of the 5alpha-reductase isoenzymes and their roles in spermatogenesis, the cellular interactions between spermatids and Sertoli cells and the phenotype of the male aromatase knockout mouse.
Research Interest
Dr O’Donnell’s area of interest is in the regulation of sperm production (spermatogenesis) and the role of hormones in this process. Her studies aim to identify the molecules involved in regulating sperm production to aid in the discovery of new, more targeted and effective contraceptives and to better understand conditions of infertility. The research uses stereological and histological assessments of spermatogenic cell populations in testes to understand at which sites hormones, particularly FSH and androgens, act to control spermatogenesis.
Publications
-
Smith LB, Walker WH, O’Donnell L 2015. Hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis through Sertoli cells by androgens and estrogens. In: Sertoli Cell Biology 2nd Edn. Griswold M, ed. Elsevier Inc. pp.175-200.
-
O’Donnell L, Stanton PG 2017 Spermiation. In: Encyclopedia of Reproduction 2nd Edn, Volume 1, Male Reproduction. Jegou B, et al., eds. In press
-
O’Donnell L, Stanton PG, De Kretser DM 2017 Endocrinology of the male reproductive system and spermatogenesis, in www.Endotext.org January 11th 2017, Section Editor: McLachlan RI, published by MDText.com, Inc, S. Dartmouth, MA.
