Research Trial:
Researchers at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton in collaboration with the World Health Organisation are trialing a new male contraceptive method. We need healthy couples living in a stable relationship and not planning pregnancy for two years.
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Sex Hormone Biology Group

short CV [pdf]

The focus of this Group is on the role of oestrogen in the physiology and pathophysiology of both males and females, but particularly in the development of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.


A major goal of this research group is to understand the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that give rise to the growth and development of breast tumours. Formation of estrogens from C19 steroids is catalysed by aromatase cytochrome P450, the product of the Cyp19 gene. Understanding the mechanisms regulating estrogen biosynthesis in the breast will, it is anticipated, lead to the development of novel therapies for the prevention and management of breast cancer based on the use of drugs which specifically inhibit expression of aromatase.

By targeted disruption of the murine cyp19 gene, we generated a ‘knockout mouse’ (the ArKO mouse) in which aromatase is no longer produced (Fisher et al 1998 PNAS 95: 6965-6970). Characterisation of the phenotype of the ArKO mouse is providing us with novel insights into the many diverse and interconnected roles played by estrogen.