Professor Christopher Barratt

Our work over the last several years has focused on a detailed understanding of the physiological changes that take place in the sperm cell prior to interaction with an egg. We have made several important discoveries in the field including documenting the mechanisms involved in the mobilization of calcium by the sperm cell and the role of external vs. internal stimulation.

On a clinical level we developed the worlds first over the counter fertility test kit Fertell

We are also involved in recruiting patients to donate blastocyst for embryo research and embryonic stem cell generation.

1. Published 160 original scientific articles (excluding reviews) in peer reviewed journals [Barratt C in Pub Med].
2. Edited seven research books and written 16 chapters in research/textbooks.
3. Currently hold (with colleagues) MRC, Wellcome Trust and commercial funding.

4. Developed worlds first over the counter at home fertility kit (Fertell).

Christopher L.R. Barratt, The human sperm proteome: the potential for new biomarkers of male fertility and a transformation in our understanding of the spermatozoon as a machine Hum. Reprod. Advance Access published online on February 27, 2008

Bowdin S Allen C Kirby G , Brueton L , Afnan M Barratt C, Kirkman-Brown J , Harrison R , Maher ER , Reardon W(2007 ) A survey of assisted reproductive technology births and imprinting disorders .Human Reproduction 22,3237-3240

Publicover S, Harper CV, Barratt C (2007). [Ca2+](i) signalling in sperm - making the most of what you've got .Nature Cell Biology 9,3,235-242

Ellis PJI, Furlong RA, Conner SJKirkman-Brown J (Kirkman-Brown, Jackson), Afnan M , Barratt C , Griffin DK , Affara NA (2007) Coordinated transcriptional regulation patterns associated with infertility phenotypes in men .Jounal of Medical Genetics,44,8,498-508