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Principal Investigator

Caroline Decourt imageDr Caroline Decourt

Email caroline.decourt@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 556 5641
Department of Anatomy website

Research interests

I am a research fellow specialising in the neuropeptide kisspeptin, and working in collaboration with the Anderson lab. My research group currently investigates the role of kisspeptin in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and explores its potential for therapeutic intervention to alleviate PCOS symptoms. Additionally, we are investigating the involvement of kisspeptin in miscarriage, aiming to develop treatments that can prevent miscarriage in women at risk or those experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss.

Beyond our research in reproductive health, we are passionate about advancing pest control methodologies, focusing on cell-targeted approaches to sterilise pests, offering a sustainable and effective alternative to harmful chemicals like 1080. Our interdisciplinary efforts seek to improve human health and provide environmental sustainability through cutting-edge scientific solutions, using different mouse models as a proof of principle.

Clinical conditions

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Miscarriage

Decourt Laboratory students

Zsaleya Sword-Tua imageZsaleya Sword-Tua, PhD student (co-supervised by Greg Anderson)
Manipulating specific neuronal populations to alleviate PCOS symptoms
Email swozs211@student.otago.ac.nz

Katie Rochelle Heads, MSc student
Email heaka022@student.otago.ac.nz

Kennedy Stevenson, MSc student
Evaluating the effects of spironolactone on reducing LH pulsatility and reversing the PCOS phenotype using a mouse model
Email steke218@student.otago.ac.nz

Research funders

Health Research Council of New Zealand

Publications

Evans, M. C., Stowe, S. M., Sawyer, I. L., Decourt, C., Lee, F., Kauffman, A. S., & Anderson, G. M. (2025). RFRP neurons are required for acute stress-induced suppression of the estrogen-stimulated LH surge in female mice. Endocrinology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqaf106 Journal - Research Article

Heads, K. R., Anderson, G., & Decourt, C. (2024, August). Exploring the effects of kisspeptin modulation with miscarriage. Verbal presentation at the BMS Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Yadhav, S. S., Decourt, C., Anderson, R. J., Li, B., Beltramo, M., Aucagne, V., & Anderson, G. M. (2024, August-September). Combating mammalian predator species of Aotearoa using cytotoxic cell-targeting approach to induce sterility. Poster session presented at the 18th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Stevenson, K. A., Anderson, G. M., Campbell, R. E., & Decourt, C. (2024, August-September). Spironolactone modulation of hyperandrogenism: A potential treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome. Poster session presented at the 18th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Heads, K. R., Anderson, G. M., & Decourt, C. (2024, August-September). Exploring the effects of kisspeptin modulation in miscarriage. Poster session presented at the 18th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

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