Novel Approaches To Risk Stratification In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,838.00
Summary
75% of the mortality in adults with Type 2 diabetes is due to a cardiac event. Early detection and treatment of cardiac disease is paramount in improving health outcomes. An echocardiogram is an accurate and non-invasive identification of cardiac dysfunction. We will assess the prognostic value of echocardiography and novel plasma markers in patients with diabetes. Our results may lead to new management and screening guidelines for heart disease in diabetes.
Does Maladaptive Remodelling Of The Heart And Vasculature In Response To Preterm Birth Lead To Long-term Cardiovascular Risk?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,086.00
Summary
Being born prematurely is linked to the development of high blood pressure (a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease) later in life. In this project we will examine whether injury to the cells lining the cardiovascular system and/or structural changes in the wall of the arteries and the heart, as a result of being born early, lead to an elevation in blood pressure and heart dysfunction in adulthood.
Reducing Morbidities In Preterm Growth Restricted Neonates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,214.00
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious complication of pregnancy and occurs when fetal growth is abnormal, resulting in a fetus that is smaller than it should be for its given gestational age. IUGR babies are at much greater risk of many short and long-term adverse outcomes. This study investigates the role that adverse cardiovascular development plays in the progression of lung, heart and brain disease in preterm IUGR newborns.
Being Born Small Is Not Good For The Heart:early Detection Of Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,757.00
Summary
Intra uterine growth restriction(IUGR) is linked to adult onset of cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) which underlie this link or which babies are most at risk. This study aims to assess cardiovascular function in infants and children who were growth restricted. Early identification of cardiovascular dysfunction may aid in new opportunities for monitoring and therapeutic targets to ultimately reduce later onset of cardiovascular morbidity in this population.
People With HIV Still Die Young – Preventing Non-AIDS-associated Comorbidity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
There are over 36 million people in the world infected with HIV. While people with HIV can now live an almost normal life through the use of medication, they have a very high risk of heart problems, cancer and other common illnesses. It is important to find ways of reducing the cost of treating these common illnesses and to make sure that people with HIV can live a long, happy life. This project aims to find the best ways to stop people with HIV getting heart trouble or dying from liver cancer.
The human genome project was a major advance, allowing for molecular foothold towards an understanding of human diseases. The question now is “what do these genes do, and how do they participate in human disease?” In my lab we are focused on this issue. We use whole genome, functional in vivo screening in the fruit fly to identify novel conserved disease genes, then we use human genetics data to focus on medically relevant candidates, finally we use knockout mice to functionally validate these n ....The human genome project was a major advance, allowing for molecular foothold towards an understanding of human diseases. The question now is “what do these genes do, and how do they participate in human disease?” In my lab we are focused on this issue. We use whole genome, functional in vivo screening in the fruit fly to identify novel conserved disease genes, then we use human genetics data to focus on medically relevant candidates, finally we use knockout mice to functionally validate these new genesRead moreRead less
Drug-induced Immune Thrombocytopenia: Understanding The Disease Mechanisms Is The Key To Better Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,550.00
Summary
Many very commonly used medications cause an allergic reaction in a small number of patients that receive them. The allergic reaction results in platelets being destroyed and puts the patients at risk of bleeding. The patient recovers slowly if the drug is stopped but there is no other treatment and no way to reverse the effect quickly if the patient starts to bleed. This project will try to understand the mechanism of the condition and test a potential treatment.
Is Sympathetic Activation Beneficial Or Detrimental In Septic Shock?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,755.00
Summary
Septic shock is a major cause of death in intensive care units. It is associated with large increases in sympathetic nerve activity to the heart and kidneys, which have both beneficial and harmful effects. This project will determine the responses to the increased sympathetic activity in septic shock, the causes of it and whether blocking this activation has an overall beneficial effect. This knowledge is essential before drugs that block sympathetic activation are examined in clinical studies.
Regulator Of G Protein Signalling-5 Loss And Gain Of Function In Vivo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,428.00
Summary
Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are amongst the largest causes of morbidity and mortality in Western populations. We have identified a molecule, called Regulator of G protein signalling 5 (RGS5), which is involved in vessel remodelling in both diseases. This molecule is a prime candidate for drug development. We will study the precise role of RGS5 in sophisticated preclinical models which will create future opportunities for urgent therapy.
I am an Immunologist interested in the role of B-lymphocytes, their survival and expression of a novel chemoreceptor in Autoimmunity. I also study the important role of Neuropeptide Y in modulating key immune functions.