Jeremy Thompson

Jeremy Thompson

School of Biomedicine

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.


My overall research interest is the impact of the micro-environment surrounding oocytes and embryos, especially nutritional factors, within both the in vivo (follicular/oviduct/uterine) and in vitro environment. This encompasses the following research:

Hypoxia, Hypoxia inducible factors and their role in reproduction

My laboratory has had a long standing interest in the role of oxygen concentration in regulating events within the female reproductive tract. This is primarily because both oocytes (within follicles) and pre-implantation stage embryos (especially within the uterus) develop in what is normally considered low oxygen concentration environments. We have focussed on the role of the transcription factor, Hypoxia Inducible Factor, in regulating a number of transitional events, such as follicle antrum formation, corpus luteum formation, early embryo development and implantation.

Glucose concentration, the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway and oocyte competence.

My laboratory has been investigating the less well-recognized pathway of glucose metabolism, the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway and its relationship between oocyte and early embryo competence. My laboratory has found that in both oocytes and embryos are sensitive to increased hyperglycemia through the O-linked-β-glycosylation of intracellular proteins. This has relevance to the negative impact that diabetes is known to have on reproductive health.

Oocyte secreted factors and oocyte competence.

With my collaborators, my laboratory has been studying cumulus cell – oocyte interactions and the role of oocyte secreted factors (OSFs). This has led to the discovery that the addition of native OSFs or the addition of recombinant specific factors, growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) or bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) to in vitro maturation of cattle or mouse oocytes significantly increases subsequent embryo yield by 50% and improves quality of resultant embryos and increases implantation rates post-transfer. This discovery is now patented and licensed to Cook Medical. We are pursuing this research area further and our aim is to apply this discovery to clinical IVM.

“The Spark of Life”

Within the ARC Centre for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, I lead a theme that examines the application of photonics and fluorescence sensing technologies to early developmental events, in particular oocyte maturation and fertilization. The aim here is to measure critical events in early development in real-time and in situ, and to develop new devices that can be used to measure reproductive health within one's own home.

  • Appointments

    Date Position Institution name
    2019 - ongoing Co-founder Fertilis Pty Ltd
    2018 - ongoing Founder ART Lab Solutions Pty Ltd
    2009 - ongoing General Manager IVF Vet Solutions
    2008 - ongoing General Manager, IVF Vet Solutions University of Adelaide
    2005 - ongoing NHMRC Senior Research Fellow The University of Adelaide
    2002 - ongoing Group Leader, Early Development Group University of Adelaide
  • Awards and Achievements

    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2018 Award ARC Centre for Nanoscale BioPhotonics Director's Award 2019 ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics Australia -
    2016 Distinction 2016 Society for Reproductive Biology Founders Lecture Society for Reproductive Biology Australia -
    2016 Award Society Reproductive Biology Founder’s Lecturer - - -
    2014 Award Robinson Research Institute (University of Adelaide) Service Award - - -
    2013 Achievement Made a Fellow of the Society for Reproductive Biology - - -
    2012 Award Mentorship Award - - -
    2007 Award Mentorship Award - - -
    2000 Award New Zealand Society of Animal Production Animal Science Award - - -
    1998 Award New Zealand Society of Animal Production Animal Science Award - - -
    1993 Award Recipient Prince and Princess of Wales Science Award - - -
    1993 Award McLaughlin Trust Award - - -
    1993 Fellowship AgResearch Travel Fellowship - - -
    1989 Award New Zealand Society of Animal Production’s Young Members Award - - -
  • Education

    Date Institution name Country Title
    1986 The University of Queensland Australia PhD
    1981 University of Adelaide Australia B.Sc. (Hons)
    1980 University of Adelaide Australia B.Sc
  • Postgraduate Training

    Date Title Institution Country
    1985 - 1987 AWC Post-doctoral fellow Murdoch University Australia
  • Research Interests

Major Grants
2016

“Development of a new embryo production medium storage system”

JG Thompson, K Holata

Commercial Accelerator Scheme (competitive), The University of Adelaide

$38,800
2015 - 2017

“Inflammatory cytokines as causal agents in peri-conception programming of offspring health”

SA Robertson, JG Thompson, H Brown

NHMRC Project Grant ID 1079150

$585,276
2015 - 2019

“New insights into oocyte and embryo health”

JG Thompson

NHMRC Snr Research Fellowship ID 1077694

$750,810
2014 - 2020

“Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics”

T Monro, J Piper, A Abell, N Packer, E Goldys, A Greentree, D Jin, B Gibson, M Hutchinson, J Thompson.

ARC Centre of Excellence CE140100003

$39M
2014 - 2016

“Integration of IVM technologies for hormone-free infertility treatment”

RB Gilchrist, J Smitz, JG Thompson, D Mottershead

NHMRC Development Grant ID 1076004

$552,000
2014 - 2016

“The obesity prone egg: causes, consequences, treatments”

RL Robker, DR Russell, JG Thompson, J Carroll

NHMRC Project ID1061819

$499,169
2014 - 2016

“EGF peptide signalling improves oocyte maturation and quality”

RB Gilchrist, J Smitz, JG Thompson, D Mottershead

NHMRC Project ID1062762

$567,562
2012 - 2013

“Improving fertility of high performance Holstein cows during early lactation.”

JG Thompson, RL Robker, M Sutton-McDowall, R Yelland

Gardiner Foundation INN-12-041

$60,000
2011-2013

“Nanosampling Sensors for Real-Time Embryo Monitoring”

T Monro, J Thompson, R Gilchrist, A Abell

ARC Linkage LP110200736

$640,000

2011 - 2013

“Oocyte secreted factors and cumulus cell function”

JG Thompson, RB Gilchrist, M Sutton-McDowall, DK Gardner

NHMRC Project ID1008137

$438,000
2010 - 2014

JG Thompson

NHMRC Snr Research Fellowship ID627007

$694,000
2009 - 2010

“Improved Maturation of Oocytes for use in Animal Assisted Reproduction Technologies”

RB Gilchrist, JG Thompson

Commercial Accelerator Grant, Adelaide Research and Innovation

$210,000
2007 - 2011  

“Periconceptual Foundations for a Healthy Start to Life.”

RJ Norman, RJ Rodgers, G Dekker, JG Thompson, SA Robertson, M Davies, M Lane.

NHMRC Program ID453556

$10.4 million
2005 - 2009    

“The legacy of the peri-conception environment on subsequent development and health”

JG Thompson

NHMRC Snr Research Fellowship ID349446          

$560,000
2008 - 2010

“Regulation of oocyte quality”

RB Gilchrist, DR Russell, JG Thompson

NHMRC Project Grant 519235         

$555,375
2003 - 2007     

 

“How do oocytes and embryos cope with adverse environments?”

JG Thompson, LJ Edwards, RB Gilchrist, PL Kaye, KL Kind, M Pantaleon, CT Roberts, SA Robertson. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Project ID 1U01 HD044664-01

US$1.35million
2005 - 2008

“Improving the efficiency of bovine oocyte maturation in vitro”

RB Gilchrist, JG Thompson

ARC – Linkage Project ID LP0562536

$473,445
2003 - 2006

“Reproductive Health and Disease in Women”

RJ Norman, R Rodgers, DT Armstrong, JG Thompson, SA Robertson

NHMRC Program ID 250306

$6.7M

2002 - 2005

“GM-CSF and Human Embryo Development”

SA Robertson, JG Thompson

NHMRC Development ID 250388

$481,980.00

2001 - 2004   

“Rational development of an improved method for oocyte maturation in cows”

JG Thompson Sole Investigator         

ARC-SPIRT Project ID C00107702

$244,000
2001 - 2004

“Oxygen, oxidative phosphorylation and regulation of embryo development”

JG Thompson New Investigator

NHMRC Project Grant 157941

$205,000

 



 

Postgraduate and Undergraduate Teaching

Past and present Post-doctoral researchers
2014 Dr Nelida Osario-Rodrigues (visiting from Colombia)
2012 - present Dr. Hannah Brown
2008 - present Dr. Melanie Sutton McDowall
2010 – 2011 Dr. Deanne Feil
2003 – 2006 Dr. Lisa Edwards
2000 – 2008 Dr. Karen Kind
Past Ph.D. Students
1992 – 1998 - Debbie Berg

Co-supervisor with Dr. G. Asher, enrolled in PhD through the University of Minnesota

Reproductive technologies in the Fallow deer, Dama dama

AgResearch Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND

Current Position: Research Scientist, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, New Zealand.

1998 – 2000 - Bianca Gasparrinni

Co-supervisor with Prof. L. Zicarelli, University of Naples

“The effect of OXPHOS inhibitors on bovine embryo development” (in Italian)

AgResearch Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND

Current Position: Research Scientist at The University of Naples, Italy.

2000 – 2004 - Alexandra Harvey

Primary Supervisor

Oxygen regulated gene expression during bovine embryo development

The University of Adelaide, SA

Awards:

2001:

  • Junior Scientist Award Finalist, Society for Reproductive Biology Conference
  • Finalist, North Western Adelaide Health Services Research Day

2003:

  • 1st Place International Embryo Transfer Society Conference Student Research Competition, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Investigator Award Finalist, Society for Reproductive Biology Conference

Current Position: Post-Doctoral Researcher, Stem Cell Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria

2001 – 2004 - Melanie Sutton-McDowell

Primary Supervisor

“Influence of media composition and metabolism of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes on oocyte maturation in vitro”

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current position: Post-Doctoral fellow, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide.

Awards: 2002 - Finalist, North Western Adelaide Health Services Research Day

Awards: 2006 SA “Tall Poppy”

2003 – 2006 - Tamer Hussein

Co-supervisor with Dr. Robert Gilchrist

Influence of oocyte-secreted factors on apoptosis of bovine cumulus cells

Awards: 2004 SRB Meat and Livestock Australia Young Scientist

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Clinical Embryologist, California USA

2003 – 2007 - Michael Boden

Co-supervisor with A/Prof. David Kennaway

“Circadian Rhythms in the Reproductive Tract”

The University of Adelaide, SA

Awards:

2005:

  • Young Investigator Award for the best oral presentation at the Australasian Chronobiology Society, Adelaide, SA.
  • Ross Wishart Young Investigator Award, Australian Society Medical Research SA meeting.

Current Position: Post-doctoral Fellow, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW.

2004 – 2009 - Kelly Banwell

Primary Supervisor

Oxygen concentration and oocyte developmental competence

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Administration officer, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA.

2004 – 2012 - Cheryl Schelbach

Primary supervisor

"The effect of glucosamine on oocyte developmental competence and fertility"

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Teacher, Adelaide, SA.

2005 – 2009 - Deirdre Zander

Co-supervisor with Dr. Michelle Lane

Programming of embryos in culture

The University of Adelaide, SA

Awards: 2006 – Queen Elizabeth Hospital Research Day – Higher Degree Award

Current Position: Research Scientist, Repromed, Adelaide, SA

2005 – 2009 - Deanne Feil

Co-supervisor with Dr. Michelle Lane and Dr. Darryl Russell

Viability assays in human IVF

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Unknown

2005 – 2009 - Ozlem Tunc

Co-supervisor with Dr. Kelton Tremellen

DNA damage in sperm

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Unknown

2005 – 2009 - Christine Yeo

Co-supervisor with Dr. Michelle Lane

Assessment of developmental competence of oocytes’

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Unknown

2007 – 2011 - Firas Albuz

Co-Supervisor with A/Prof. Robert Gilchrist

“cAMP regulation of oocyte maturation and developmental competence”

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Clinical IVF Laboratory Head, Saudi Arabia.

2006 – 2011 -Kimberley Tam

Primary supervisor

“Role of Hypoxia inducible factors during ovarian function”

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Researcher, Singapore.

2008 – 2012 - Laura Frank

Primary Supervisor

“Hexosamine pathway activity and O-linked glycosylation as determinants of oocyte developmental competence”

The University of Adelaide, SA

Awards: 2011

  •  Society for Reproductive Biology – Oozoa Award (Best young scientist presentation in gamete biology).
  •  SA Young Scientist Semi-Finalist

Current Position: Medical Student and P/T Clinical embryologist, Fertility SA, Adelaide, SA.

2010 – 2014 - Jacqueline Sudiman

Co-Supervisor with A/Prof. Robert Gilchrist

“Optimisation of oocyte in vitro maturation using oocyte secreted factors”

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Clinical embryologist, Indonesia

2010 – 2014 - Dulama Richani

Co-Supervisor with A/Prof. Robert Gilchrist

“Impact of EGF-like peptides on oocyte developmental competence”

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Post-doctoral Research Fellow, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW.

2009 – 2014 – Peck Yin Chin

Co-supervisor with A/Prof Sarah Robertson

Inflammatory cytokine regulation of preimplantation embryo development in mice”.

The University of Adelaide, SA

Current Position: Post-doctoral researcher, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA.

 

Present Ph.D. Students
2011- Current – Ryan Rose

Primary supervisor

 “Effect of natiuretic peptides during oocyte maturation”

The University of Adelaide, SA

2015- Current – Hanna McLennan

Co-supervisor with Dr Melanie McDowall

“Ion signalling mechanisms during bovine fertilisation”

The University of Adelaide, SA

2016- Current – Megan Lim

Co-supervisor with Dr Hannah Brown

Haemoglobin in ovarian tissues – regulation and functions

The University of Adelaide, SA

2016- Current – Avi Saini

Primary supervisor with Drs Hannah Brown, Melanie McDowall and Ms Lesley Ritter

Non-reproductive applications of the zona pellucida

The University of Adelaide, SA

 

Past BSc and B Health Sc (Hons) Students
1990 - Stephen Payne

Primary Supervisor

The effect of antioxidants on the culture of 1-cell mouse embryos

The University of Waikato, NEW ZEALAND

1996 - Anita Sherman

Primary Supervisor

Protein determination of preimplantation bovine embryos

The University of Waikato, NEW ZEALAND

2003 - Deanne Feil

Co-supervisor with Dr Karen Kind

The effect of oxygen concentration during mouse development on development on the regulation of Hypoxia Inducible Factors and subsequent fetal outcomes

Awards: 2004 – Fertility Society of Australia, Young Scientist & ESHRE Exchange Lecture

University of Adelaide, SA

Awarded 1st Class

2005 - Hassan Bakos

Co-Supervisor with Dr. Michelle Lane

“The role of sperm DNA damage in embryo development – clinical trial”

University of Adelaide, SA

Awarded 1st Class

2006 - Johan Haris

Co-Supervisor with Dr. Robert Gilchrist

“How exogenous oocyte-secreted factors affect the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex”

University of Adelaide, SA

2006 - Firas Albuz – Masters Qualifying leading to a M.Sc.

Co-Supervisor with Dr. Robert Gilchrist

“AMPK as a novel regulator of oocyte maturation and developmental competence”

University of Adelaide, SA

2012 – Luisa Cavaiuolo

Co-supervisor with Dr. Melanie Sutton McDowall

“Role of O-linked glycosylation during the peri-conception period on reproductive outcomes”

University of Adelaide, SA

2012 - Siew Wong

Co-supervisor with Dr. Melanie Sutton McDowall

“Interaction between lipotoxicity and hyperglycemia on endoplasmic reticulum stress”

University of Adelaide, SA

Awarded 1st Class

2015 – Megan Lim

Primary supervisor

“Determining the presence and function of haemoglobin in the pre-implantation mouse embryo”

University of Adelaide, SA

Awarded 1st Class

2015 – Emma Tregoweth

Co-supervisor with Dr. Hannah Brown

“Investigating the incidence and impact of blastomere cellular metabolic heterogeneity”

University of Adelaide, SA

Past MSc/MmedSc/B Health Sci

1991 - Stephen Payne

Primary Supervisor

The effect of antioxidants during mouse embryo development in vitro

University of Waikato, NEW ZEALAND

 

Undergraduate Teaching Involvement
2000 – 2016

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,

University of Adelaide

Adelaide, SA, Australia         

Lectures on “Reproductive Biology” and “Reproductive Technologies” (3rd year) (1 h each)

Course: Human Health Science

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2016 Principal Supervisor Non-reproductive uses of Zonae Pellucida Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Avishkar Saini
  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2019 - 2020 Principal Supervisor Bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP): assessment of two new approaches to improve the efficiency of embryo production Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Miss Madeline Batsiokis
    2016 - 2020 Principal Supervisor The Role of Haemoglobin in Healthy Oocyte Development Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Megan Lim
    2015 - 2020 Principal Supervisor Detecting In Vitro Signals from the Cumulus-Oocyte-Complex and Spermatozoon as Diagnostic Tools: An Examination of Specific Fluorophores and Functionalised Optical Fibres Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Hanna Julie McLennan
    2012 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Peptide Signalling and Oocyte In Vitro Maturation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Dulama Richani
    2011 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Novel Functions of Natriuretic Peptides in Mammalian Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Ryan David Rose
    2010 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Optimisation of Oocyte In Vitro Maturation using Oocyte Secreted Factors Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Jaqueline Sudiman
    2009 - 2012 Principal Supervisor The Role of the Hexosamine Biosynthesis Pathway and Beta-O-Linked Glycosylation in Determining Oocyte Developmental Competence Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Laura Frank
    2009 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Cytokines and programming the pre-implantation embryo Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Loretta Chin
    2008 - 2010 Co-Supervisor Induced IVM: A New Approach to Oocyte Maturation in vitro Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Firas Albuz
    2008 - 2010 Co-Supervisor The Effect of Paternal Obesity on Sperm Function, Embryo Development and Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Hassan Bakos
    2007 - 2010 Principal Supervisor The Role of Hypoxia Inducible Factors in Regulating Ovarian Function Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Kimberley Tam
    2007 - 2010 Co-Supervisor Importance of Oocyte to Cumulus Bi-Directional Signalling on Oocyte and Subsequent Embryo and Foetal Development and Viability Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Miss Christine Yeo
    2007 - 2011 Co-Supervisor Investigation of the Role of Oxidative Stress in Male Infertility Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Ozlem Tunc
    2006 - 2010 Co-Supervisor The Impact of In-Vitro Stress of Pre-Implantation Embryo Development, Viability and Mitochondrial Homeostasis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time APrf Deirdre Zander
    2006 - 2009 Principal Supervisor Oxygen Concentration during Oocyte Maturation in the Mouse Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Kelly Banwell
    2006 - 2010 Co-Supervisor Determination of Non-Invasive Viability Markers for Human Embryos in In Vitro Fertilization Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Deanne Kate Inglis
    2006 - 2012 Principal Supervisor An Investigation into the Effect of Glucosamine on Reproductive Outcomes in the Mouse Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Cheryl Schelbach
    2005 - 2006 Co-Supervisor Role of Oocyte-Secreted Factors in Prevention of Cumulus Cell Apoptosis and Enhancement of Oocyte Developmental Competence Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Tamer Hussein
    2005 - 2009 Co-Supervisor Mathematical Modelling and Experimental Investigation of Nutrient Supply to the Mammalian Oocyte Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Alys Clark
    2004 - 2008 Co-Supervisor The Role of Circadian Rhythms in Reproduction: Development and Fertility in the bmal1 Null Mouse Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Michael Boden
    2002 - 2004 Principal Supervisor The Rational Development of Improved In Vitro Maturation of Bovine Oocytes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Melanie McDowall
    2000 - 2004 Principal Supervisor EXPRESSION OF HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTORS DURING BOVINE PREIMPLANTATION EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Alexandra Harvey
  • Committee Memberships

    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2014 - ongoing Member Society for Reproductive Biology (Australasian) - -
    2012 - 2015 Treasurer Society for Reproductive Biology (Australasian) - -
    2000 - ongoing President International Embryo Transfer Society - -
    2000 - 2002 Chair Scientists in Reproductive Medicine (Australian – associated with Fertility Society of Australia) - -
    1999 - ongoing Vice-President International Embryo Transfer Society - -
    1998 - 2002 Board Member International Embryo Transfer Society - -
    1996 - 1999 Member Australian Association of Animal Artificial Breeders - -
    1996 - 1999 Secretary Australian Society of Reproductive Biology - -
    1992 - 1994 Chair Australasian Association of Animal Artificial Breeders - -
  • Memberships

    Date Role Membership Country
    2014 - ongoing - Developmental Origins of Health and Adult Disease (DOHAD) -
    2004 - ongoing - Society for the Study of Reproduction -
    2003 - 2005 - Developmental Origins of Health and Adult Disease (DOHAD) -
    2000 - 2008 - Alpha (Scientists in Reproductive Medicine) -
    2000 - 2005 - Fertility Society of Australia -
    2000 - 2005 - Scientists in Reproductive Medicine (sub group of the Fertility Society of Australia) -
    1994 - ongoing - International Embryo Transfer Society -
    1989 - 2002 - New Zealand Society for Animal Production -
    1989 - 1992 - Society for the Study of Fertility -
    1982 - ongoing - (Australian) Society for Reproductive Biology -
  • Consulting/Advisories

    Date Institution Department Organisation Type Country
    1994 - ongoing Cook Medical LLC - Business and professional United States
  • Editorial Boards

    Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
    2013 - ongoing Member Human Reproduction (Associate Editor, IF= 4.63) - -
    2013 - ongoing Member Biology of Reproduction (IF = 4.03) - -
    2012 - ongoing Member Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics (IF = 1.82) - -
    2012 - ongoing Associate Editor Human Reproduction - -
    2004 - ongoing Member Human Fertility – International Advisory Board (No IF) - -
    2002 - 2008 Member Reproduction, Fertility and Development (IF = 2.80) - -
    1997 - 2010 Member Reproduction (formally Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, IF = 2.97) - -
    1996 - 2006 Member Animal Reproduction Science (IF = 1.74) - -

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