Decourt Laboratory, Research, Centre for Neuroendocrinology

Principal Investigator

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

Katie Rochelle Heads, Honours student
Investigating the role of kisspeptin in miscarriage
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

Visit Our people for an alphabetical list of all Centre for Neuroendocrinology staff.

Research funders

Health Research Council of New Zealand

Publications

Sawyer, I. L., Evans, M. C., Mamgain, A., Decourt, C., Iremonger, K. J., & Anderson, G. M. (2024). Chemogenetic activation of RFRP neurons reduces LH pulse frequency in female but not male mice. Journal of the Endocrine Society. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvae159/7759651 Journal - Research Article

Camon, C., Prescott, M., Neyt, C., Decourt, C., Stout, M. B., Campbell, R. E., & Garratt, M. (2024). Systemic metabolic benefits of 17α-estradiol are not exclusively mediated by ERα in glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons. GeroScience. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s11357-024-01192-2 Journal - Research Article

Kerbus, R. I., Decourt, C., Inglis, M. A., Campbell, R. E., & Anderson, G. M. (2024). Androgen receptor actions on AgRP neurons are not a major cause of reproductive and metabolic impairments in peripubertally androgenized mice. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 36, e13370. doi: 10.1111/jne.13370 Journal - Research Article

Yadhav, S., Decourt, C., Anderson, R. J., Li, B., Beltramo, M., Aucagne, V., & Anderson, G. M. (2023). A cytotoxic cell-targeting approach to induce sterility in mammalian predator species of Aotearoa. In T. Milne, M. Anwar, L. Burga, H. Harcombe, M. Garelja, A. Middleton, D. C. Ribeiro, N. Fleming, K. Ogbuehi & A. Bahn (Eds.), Proceedings of the 268th Otago Medical School Research Society (OMSRS) Meeting: Masters/Honours/Postgraduate Diploma Student Speaker Awards. Dunedin, New Zealand: OMSRS. Retrieved from https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/handle/10523/12839 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Anderson, G. M., Decourt, C., Quennell, J. H., Zuure, W. A., Egan, O. K., & Evans, M. C. (2023, August-September). Multiple metabolic cues for fine-tuning puberty onset. Verbal presentation at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Hypothalamic Neuroscience & Neuroendocrinology Australasia (HNNA) Satellite, Queenstown, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

2024

Journal - Research Article

2023

Journal - Research Article

Decourt, C., Watanabe, Y., Evans, M. C., Inglis, M. A., Fisher, L. C., Jasoni, C. L., Campbell, R. E., & Anderson, G. M. (2023). Deletion of androgen receptors from kisspeptin neurons prevents PCOS features in a letrozole mouse model. Endocrinology, 164(6), bqad077. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqad077

Decourt, C., Evans, M. C., Inglis, M. A., & Anderson, G. M. (2023). Central irisin signaling is required for normal timing of puberty in female mice. Endocrinology, 164(2). doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqac208

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Sword-Tua, Z. V., Anderson, G. M., Anderson, R. J., Li, B., & Decourt, C. (2023, August). Developing a permanent sterilization strategy for mammalian pest species using a cell-targeting approach. Poster session presented at the 17th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

Yadhav, S. Y., Decourt, C., Anderson, R. J., Li, B., Beltramo, M., Aucagne, V., & Anderson, G. M. (2023, August). A cytotoxic cell-targeting approach to induce sterility in predator species of Aotearoa. Poster session presented at the 17th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

Stevenson, K. A., Anderson, G. M., Campbell, R. E., & Decourt, C. (2023, August). Spironolactone modulation of hyperandrogenism: A potential treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome. Poster session presented at the 17th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Decourt, C., Kerbus, R., & Anderson, G. M. (2023, August). Polycystic ovarian syndrome: When female brains listen too much to testosterone. Verbal presentation at the 17th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

2022

Journal - Research Article

Decourt, C., Connolly, G. A. D. P., Ancel, C., Inglis, M. A., & Anderson, G. M. (2022). Agouti-related peptide neuronal silencing overcomes delayed puberty in neonatally underfed male mice. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 34, e13190. doi: 10.1111/jne.13190

Salzano, G., Robert, V., Lomet, D., Decourt, C., Hommet, E., Derouin-Tochon, F., … Beltramo, M. (2022). A customized long acting formulation of the kisspeptin analog C6 triggers ovulation in anestrus ewe. Journal of Endocrinology, 34, e13121. doi: 10.1111/jne.13121

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Decourt, C., Inglis, M., & Anderson, G. M. (2022). Deletion of androgen receptors from kisspeptin neurons can prevent polycystic ovary syndrome features in a letrozole mouse model. In L. Wilson, H. Harcombe, P. Jayakaran, L. Burga, J. Antony, K. Morgaine, M. Garelja, A. Middleton, M. Anwar & T. Milne (Eds.), Proceedings of the 262nd Otago Medical School Research Society (OMSRS) Meeting: Research Staff Speaker Awards. Dunedin, New Zealand: OMSRS. Retrieved from https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/handle/10523/12839

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Decourt, C. (2022, August-September). Development of long-lasting kisspeptin agonists for ovulation induction. Verbal presentation at the 16th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

2020

Journal - Research Article

Beltramo, M., Robert, V., & Decourt, C. (2020). The kisspeptin system in domestic animals: What we know and what we still need to understand of its role in reproduction. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 73, 106466. doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106466

2019

Chapter in Book - Research

Duittoz, A., Cognié, J., Decourt, C., Derouin, F., Forestier, A., Lecompte, F., … Reigner, F. (2019). The horse: An unexpected animal model for (unexpected) neoroendocrinology. In M. Ludwig & G. Levkowitz (Eds.), Model animals in neuroendocrinology: From worm to mouse to man. (pp. 361-381). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Journal - Research Article

Decourt, C., Robert, V., Lomet, D., Anger, K., Georgelin, M., Poissenot, K., … Beltramo, M. (2019). The kisspeptin analog C6 is a possible alternative to PMSG (pregnant mare serum gonadotropin) for triggering synchronized and fertile ovulations in the Alpine goat. PLoS ONE, 14(3), e0214424. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214424

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Decourt, C., & Anderson, G. (2019). Deconstructing the role of AgRP neurons in reproduction using DREADDs technology in mice. Brain & Neuroscience Advances, 3, PT092. doi: 10.1177/2398212819855490

Decourt, C., & Anderson, G. (2019). Galanin-like peptide neurons are required for correctly-timed puberty onset in mice. Journal of the Endocrine Society, 3(Suppl. 1), SAT-422. doi: 10.1210/js.2019-SAT-422

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Clark, C. J., Decourt, C., Inglis, M. A., & Anderson, G. M. (2019, September). Role of GALP neurons in conveying leptin signals for reproductions. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

2018

Journal - Research Article

Dufourny, L., Delmas, O., Teixeira-Gomes, A.-P., Decourt, C., & Sliwowska, J. H. (2018). Neuroanatomical connections between kisspeptin neurones and somatostatin neurones in the female and male rat hypothalamus: A possible involvement of SSTR1 in kisspeptin release. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 30(5), e12593. doi: 10.1111/jne.12593

Journal - Research Other

Beltramo, M., & Decourt, C. (2018). Towards new strategies to manage livestock reproduction using kisspeptin analogs. Theriogenology, 112, 2-10. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.08.026

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Decourt, C., & Beltramo, M. (2018). New insights on the neuroendocrine control of puberty and seasonal breeding in femail sheep. Animal Reproduction, 15(Suppl. 1), (pp. 856-867). doi: 10.21451/1984-3143-AR2018-0047

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Beltramo, M., Decourt, C., Robert, V., Lomet, D., & Aucagne, V. (2018). In non-breeding ewes the kisspeptin analog C triggers ovulation without progestogen priming. Proceedings of the 9th International Congress of Neuroendocrinology (ICN). (pp. 119). Retrieved from http://www.icn2018.org/

Ancel, C., Plate, M., Decourt, C., Inglis, M. A., & Anderson, G. M. (2018). Using genetic manipulations to understand the role of RFRP-3 in the regulation of reproduction. Proceedings of the 9th International Congress of Neuroendocrinology (ICN). (pp. 247-248). Retrieved from http://www.icn2018.org/

Decourt, C., Connolly, G. A., Inglis, M. A., & Anderson, G. M. (2018). Delay in puberty onset after neonatal underfeeding can be reversed by silencing AgRP neurons. Proceedings of the 9th International Congress of Neuroendocrinology (ICN). (pp. 129-130). Retrieved from http://www.icn2018.org/

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Decourt, C., Connolly, G. A. D. P., Inglis, M. A., & Anderson, G. M. (2018, August). Delay in puberty onset after neonatal underfeeding can be reversed by silencing AgRP neurons in male mice. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

Ancel, C., Plate, M., Decourt, C., Inglis, M., Sawyer, I., & Anderson, G. (2018, August). Using genetic manipulations to understand the sex-specific role of RFRP-3 in the regulation of reproduction. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Nunn, R. M., Decourt, C., & Anderson, G. M. (2018, August). Preoptic neurons are sufficient to mediate at least some of leptin's effects on fertility. Verbal presentation at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

2016

Journal - Research Article

Decourt, C., Robert, V., Anger, K., Galibert, M., Madinier, J.-B., Liu, X., … Herbison, A. E., Anderson, G. M., … Beltramo, M. (2016). A synthetic kisspeptin analog that triggers ovulation and advances puberty. Scientific Reports, 6, 26908. doi: 10.1038/srep26908

Decourt, C., Anger, K., Robert, V., Lomet, D., Bartzen-Sprauer, J., Caraty, A., … Anderson, G., & Beltramo, M. (2016). No evidence that RFamide-related peptide 3 directly modulates LH secretion in the ewe. Endocrinology, 157(4), 1566-1575. doi: 10.1210/en.2015-1854

Journal - Research Other

Dardente, H., Lomet, D., Robert, V., Decourt, C., Beltramo, M., & Pellicer-Rubio, M.-T. (2016). Seasonal breeding in mammals: From basic science to applications and back. Theriogenology, 86(1), 324-332. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.045

2015

Journal - Research Article

Beltramo, M., Robert, V., Galibert, M., Madinier, J.-B., Marceau, P., Dardente, H., Decourt, C., … Aucagne, V. (2015). Rational design of triazololipopeptides analogs of kisspeptin inducing a long-lasting increase of gonadotropins. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 58(8), 3459-3470. doi: 10.1021/jm5019675

2014

Journal - Research Article

Decourt, C., Caraty, A., Briant, C., Guillaume, D., Lomet, D., Chesneau, D., … Dardente, H. (2014). Acute injection and chronic perfusion of kisspeptin elicit gonadotropins release but fail to trigger ovulation in the mare. Biology of Reproduction, 90(2), 36. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.114157

2013

Journal - Research Article

Schauer, S. N., Guillaume, D., Decourt, C., Watson, E. D., Briant, C., & Donadeu, F. X. (2013). Effect of luteinizing hormone overstimulation on equine follicle maturation. Theriogenology, 79(3), 409-416. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.08.017

2012

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Caraty, A., Decourt, C., Briant, C., & Beltramo, M. (2012). Kisspeptins and the reproductive axis: Potential applications to manage reproduction in farm animals. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 43(2), (pp. 95-102). doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2012.03.002

2011

Journal - Research Article

Schauer, S. N., Briant, C., Ottogalli, M., Decourt, C., Handel, I. G., & Donadeu, F. X. (2011). Supplementation of equine early spring transitional follicles with luteinizing hormone stimulates follicle growth but does not restore steroidogenic activity. Theriogenology, 75(6), 1076-1084. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.11.016

2008

Journal - Research Article

Decourt, C., Tillet, Y., Caraty, A., Franceschini, I., & Briant, C. (2008). Kisspeptin immunoreactive neurons in the equine hypothalamus: Interactions with GnRH neuronal system. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, 36(3-4), 131-137. doi: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2008.07.008