Identification And Characterisation Of Genes Required For Cardiac Morphogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,706.00
Summary
The heart is the first organ to become functional as an embryo forms, reflecting its critical role in sustaining life. Mistakes that occur as the heart develops have devastating consequences for an individualÍs survival and health. We have identified two zebrafish mutants with heart defects and, using sophisticated imaging and genetic studies, will investigate these defects and identify the genes responsible. This research will improve our understanding of correct and diseased heart formation.
Identifying The Critical Pathways Which Regulate Vertebrate Craniofacial Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,131.00
Summary
Understanding the genes which underlie human birth defects is of immense clinical importance. Our laboratory is a world-leader investigating a gene responsible for facial skeleton development, Grhl2. With our wide range of models, we will discover how Grhl2 works to ensure the face and skull develop properly during birth.
A Novel Gene Family Implicated In Neural Crest And Craniofacial Malformation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$695,016.00
Summary
We have identified a new type of receptor that when defective causes facial clefting in animal models. We are using our unique laboratory and clinical resources to understand how these birth defects occur and to investigate the molecular signalling events that are controlled by this olfactory receptor. These studies will pave the way to designing pharmaceuticals that may eventually ameliorate or even stop this major group of birth defects.
Recent Changes In IVF Clinical Practice: Data Linkage To Investigate Their Impact On Fetal Growth And Birth Defects.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$219,076.00
Summary
In Australia 1 in 25 births are conceived from IVF treatment and this is increasing with the continuing trend towards later childbearing. This study will use linked population data to assess fetal growth and birth defects in IVF-conceived children following major changes to IVF practice in the last decade. There are limited data internationally on health outcomes following the use of more recent IVF techniques and insufficient data to allow for adequate pre-treatment counselling.
Gene Identification In Familial Orofacial Clefts By Genomic Technologies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,181.00
Summary
Cleft lip/palate (CL/P) is among the most common malformation disorders but the causes of this condition are largely unknown. We do know that gene mutations cause CL/P in some people. We have also shown that the p63 gene may influence the activity level of genes involved in CL/P by attaching to regulatory elements near these genes. Changes in as yet unidentified genes controlled by p63 are strong possibilities for the cause of CL/P. We will test these by next generation sequencing, a technique t ....Cleft lip/palate (CL/P) is among the most common malformation disorders but the causes of this condition are largely unknown. We do know that gene mutations cause CL/P in some people. We have also shown that the p63 gene may influence the activity level of genes involved in CL/P by attaching to regulatory elements near these genes. Changes in as yet unidentified genes controlled by p63 are strong possibilities for the cause of CL/P. We will test these by next generation sequencing, a technique that analyses all human genes.Read moreRead less
Local Cardiac Sex Steroids - New Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,994.00
Summary
The sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone, are implicated in susceptibility to heart diseases - the timing and type of disease development is different for women and men. The mechanisms for this are unknown. In this project we investigate the synthesis and breakdown of these hormones in the heart and determine how local hormone levels may affect heart muscle cell survival and function. The aim is to find ways of adjusting hormone balance to optimize protection when the heart is under stress.
Molecular Imaging And Therapy Of Cardiac Fibrosis In Atrial Fibrillation And Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,021,656.00
Summary
Cardiac fibrosis is a serious medical condition which can lead to an irregular heart beat and heart failure. We will develop novel diagnostic agents which are more sensitive and able to detect fibrosis of the heart at an earlier time point. This would allow timely initiation of therapy. In addition, we will investigate novel targeted anti-fibrotic agents to treat this devastating disease condition more effectively and with less adverse effects.
Kidney Function And The Effectiveness And Safety Of Direct Oral Anticoagulants In Atrial Fibrillation: The KODIAK-AF Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,730.00
Summary
The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a relatively new type of drug that are used to prevent the onset of stroke among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). While these drugs have been demonstrated to be safe and effective among AF patients, in those AF patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is uncertainty as to whether these drugs are similarly safe. This program of research will study the safety profile of DOACs in patients with AF and CKD.
Quantifying The Burden Of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact Of Existing And New Treatments And The Potential For Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$398,395.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes considerable morbidity and burden to the Australian economy. We will quantify the prevalent burden and costs of hospitalised AF, ascertain the risk of major events associated with AF and the impact of existing treatments, and determine the population-attributable risk for AF due to emerging risk factors. Our data will inform clinicians and health policy makers regarding the most effective allocation of expensive health care resources to minimise the burden of AF.
Shannon Entropy Mapping - AF Ablation From First Principles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,589.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in humans, and a rapidly growing epidemic in Australia. AF occurs because electrical circuits called rotors take over the top chambers of the heart. Until now, ablation procedures to target AF have not been able to specifically target rotors, which has meant operations are often long and arduous. This project uses new mathematical techniques we have developed to localise rotors driving AF, aiming to develop a faster safer and more ....Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in humans, and a rapidly growing epidemic in Australia. AF occurs because electrical circuits called rotors take over the top chambers of the heart. Until now, ablation procedures to target AF have not been able to specifically target rotors, which has meant operations are often long and arduous. This project uses new mathematical techniques we have developed to localise rotors driving AF, aiming to develop a faster safer and more effective AF ablation.Read moreRead less