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Endometriosis affects up to 10% of reproductive aged women causing a range of debilitating symptoms including pelvic pain and infertility. Our team has discovered that small nerve fibres can be found in the endometrium of women with endometriosis that are not present in women without the condition. We will investigate how these nerve fibres grow and the mechanisms of pain generation. This will potentially allow the development of more targeted and effective treatment modalities.
Most pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth, stem from poor development of the placenta early in pregnancy. Restricted fetal growth in the uterus increases the babies risk of cardiovascular and other disorders in later life. This research will investigate whether Corin, an enzyme discovered in the heart, helps the mothers uterus prepare for pregnancy. Disruptions in Corin production during early pregnancy is likely to be involved in ....Most pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth, stem from poor development of the placenta early in pregnancy. Restricted fetal growth in the uterus increases the babies risk of cardiovascular and other disorders in later life. This research will investigate whether Corin, an enzyme discovered in the heart, helps the mothers uterus prepare for pregnancy. Disruptions in Corin production during early pregnancy is likely to be involved in major pregnancy complications and loss.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Myometrial Transition At Term And Preterm Labour To Guide Tocolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$808,447.00
Summary
This grant seeks to understand how the muscle cells of the uterus transform at the time of labour. We propose that this transformation is organised by enzymes that modify the histones around key genes. We will test if a similar pathway operates in cases of preterm labour. The results will guide the development of new ways of treating premature labour that will use targeted nanoparticles to deliver siRNA directly to the muscle cells of the uterus.
Soluble Endoglin In The Pathogenesis Of Preeclampsia: Investigation Of Mechanisms And The Development Of Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,733.00
Summary
Preeclampsia is a severe disease of pregnancy. As the pathogenesis is poorly understood, the only treatment is for clinicians to deliver babies irrespective of gestation. We have identified MMP-14 as the molecular scissors that release soluble endoglin from placenta, a toxin centrally responsible for severe preeclampsia. In this project we aim to further investigate the mechanisms governing soluble endoglin release and to begin developing a potential therapeutic for use in the clinic.
Towards Clinical Translation Of A Cell-based Therapy For Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,100,689.00
Summary
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a hidden burden affecting 50% of all women. POP is the herniation of the uterus, bladder and/or bowel into the vagina causing incontinence and sexual dysfunction. POP results from injury to pelvic tissues during childbirth. Reconstructive surgery used to treat POP often fails. We aim to develop an innovative cell-based therapy using a woman’s own mesenchymal stem cells combined with novel scaffold materials that will regenerate the damaged pelvic tissues.
Developing Diagnostics And Therapeutics For Preeclampsia: Targeting A Novel Placental Specific SFlt-1 Variant
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$722,283.00
Summary
Preeclampsia is a dreaded disease of pregnancy, globally responsible for thousands of deaths of mothers and babies. It is caused by a protein called sFlt-1 leaking out of the placenta and attacking the mothers organs. Recently, a new sflt-1 subtype was discovered that is specific to the placenta. It may be the key disease causing toxin in preeclampsia. We will target this placental specific sFlt-1 to generate diagnostics to predict preeclampsia, and explore novel ways to block the toxic effects ....Preeclampsia is a dreaded disease of pregnancy, globally responsible for thousands of deaths of mothers and babies. It is caused by a protein called sFlt-1 leaking out of the placenta and attacking the mothers organs. Recently, a new sflt-1 subtype was discovered that is specific to the placenta. It may be the key disease causing toxin in preeclampsia. We will target this placental specific sFlt-1 to generate diagnostics to predict preeclampsia, and explore novel ways to block the toxic effects of sFlt-1 as a strategy to develop drugs.Read moreRead less
Systematic Screening Approach To Identify New Therapeutics For Preeclampsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,529.00
Summary
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication where factors are released from the placenta into the mum's bloodstream, causing widespread blood vessel and organ damage. Sadly, there is no treatment. Our laboratory has a set up a system to test whether drugs might be useful as a treatment for preeclampsia. We test whether the drugs decrease the release of these factors and protect blood vessels. In this grant, we propose testing three exciting drug treatments for preeclampsia.
ADding Negative PRESSure To Improve HealING (the DRESSING Trial)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,380,446.00
Summary
The aim of this 5-year randomised comtrolled trial is to test the clinical and cost effectiveness of vacuum dressings in reducing the incidence of surgical site infection in obese women undergoing elective and semi-urgent caesarian section. The trial will be conducted at 4 hospitals in south east Queensland. 2,100 women undergoing caesarian section will either receive a vacuum or standard surgical dressing and will be followed for 1 month after surgery.
BIRTHPLACE IN AUSTRALIA: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$834,782.00
Summary
There is considerable debate about the safety of maternity services in Australia. This has been increased by the National Maternity Services Review and the National Maternity Plan with particular concerns about homebirth and birth centres. This study aims to examine the safety of place of birth for healthy women. This national study will include women across the country. It is the first time such a study has been undertaken in Australia and will provide much needed evidence as to the safety of p ....There is considerable debate about the safety of maternity services in Australia. This has been increased by the National Maternity Services Review and the National Maternity Plan with particular concerns about homebirth and birth centres. This study aims to examine the safety of place of birth for healthy women. This national study will include women across the country. It is the first time such a study has been undertaken in Australia and will provide much needed evidence as to the safety of place of birth.Read moreRead less
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY VS EXPECTANT CARE IN WOMEN WITH PRETERM PRELABOUR RUPTURE OF THE MEMBRANES CLOSE TO TERM- A RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL (PPROMT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$862,888.00
Summary
Preterm premature rupture of the membranes complicates 1-2% of all pregnancies. When it occurs there is a dilemma. Should the labour be induced to protect the baby from a risk of infection or is it best to wait in the hope that the baby will be more mature and the mother more likely to have a normal birth? This study proposal is for the world's largest clinical trial that addresses this important clinical question.Completion of the trial will inform doctors, midwives, mothers and their families ....Preterm premature rupture of the membranes complicates 1-2% of all pregnancies. When it occurs there is a dilemma. Should the labour be induced to protect the baby from a risk of infection or is it best to wait in the hope that the baby will be more mature and the mother more likely to have a normal birth? This study proposal is for the world's largest clinical trial that addresses this important clinical question.Completion of the trial will inform doctors, midwives, mothers and their families what is the best management of this condition.Read moreRead less