Who determines gestation length - mother or fetus? This project will extend our knowledge of a key biological process - pregnancy. Variation of gestation length by 10% is generally deleterious to the offspring, and smaller babies have been shown to be more susceptible to later life diseases. Therefore, extension of the information gained from this project will likely impact researchers in species conservation, pest control, and the livestock industries, as well as human, obstetric care and pract ....Who determines gestation length - mother or fetus? This project will extend our knowledge of a key biological process - pregnancy. Variation of gestation length by 10% is generally deleterious to the offspring, and smaller babies have been shown to be more susceptible to later life diseases. Therefore, extension of the information gained from this project will likely impact researchers in species conservation, pest control, and the livestock industries, as well as human, obstetric care and practice. Specifically, knowledge gained from this project may lead to means of limiting (pest control) as well as enhancing (endangered species) species survival.Read moreRead less
Shaping the heart in early development - new insights into cellular modelling processes. Heart health is an important contributor to quality of life and longevity. This research will provide new insights into the way hormonal influences early in development shape a healthy heart. The project builds on the application of recently patented, sophisticated cell imaging techniques. Research students and trainees recruited to this project will benefit from their involvement with this leading edge tech ....Shaping the heart in early development - new insights into cellular modelling processes. Heart health is an important contributor to quality of life and longevity. This research will provide new insights into the way hormonal influences early in development shape a healthy heart. The project builds on the application of recently patented, sophisticated cell imaging techniques. Research students and trainees recruited to this project will benefit from their involvement with this leading edge technology. These studies are important in providing a basis for developing optimal management strategies for congenital heart conditions and preterm infants. Improved knowledge of the cardiac effects of fetal and neonatal exposure to steroids (to assist with lung maturation in prematurity or to control maternal asthma) will be gained.Read moreRead less
A role for Cited2, Transforming Growth Factor-beta and matrix metaloproteinases in trophoblast invasion and placenta formation. The placenta is essential for the growth and development of the fetus, and if it fails to form correctly during pregnancy, it can have dramatic effects that can result death in utero, or adult onset diseases. Our research aims to understand how one protein functions in placenta formation. We will also investigate how this protein works at the molecular level in a proces ....A role for Cited2, Transforming Growth Factor-beta and matrix metaloproteinases in trophoblast invasion and placenta formation. The placenta is essential for the growth and development of the fetus, and if it fails to form correctly during pregnancy, it can have dramatic effects that can result death in utero, or adult onset diseases. Our research aims to understand how one protein functions in placenta formation. We will also investigate how this protein works at the molecular level in a process that enables single cells to respond to molecules sent from a distance by other cells (TGF-beta signalling). This process is also very important for a host of other biological processes relevant to human health, including cancer.Read moreRead less