Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – A Regenerative Medicine Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$480,406.00
Summary
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a major leading cause of morbidity and mortality in premature babies. There is no cure. We have previously shown that amnion epithelial cells can reduce the extent of lung damage during early stages of lung development. We aim to understand how amnion cells can promote repair by interacting with existing cell types in order to restore normal lung structure and function. The outcomes from this study will help design clinical trials and develop new therapies.
Second Trimester Intra-amniotic Treatment For Early Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,420.00
Summary
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death and disability in Australia today, with those born before 32 weeks' completed gestation at the highest risk. Preventing these early preterm births requires treatment of the causative uterine infection. This proposal is to conduct the first study of direct intraamniotic antibiotic treatment of uterine Ureaplasma infection in a clinically relevant, large animal model of second trimester pregnancy.
Understanding The Biology Of Pregnancy To Prevent Morbidity And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,746.00
Summary
Progress in the care of the unborn baby, and thus optimisation of life-long health, will only come with a greater understanding of the fundamental processes that underlie pregnancy. My research is aimed at saving babies lives and reducing the long-term burdens (health, emotional and economic) of major perinatal conditions. I am uniquely placed to carry out this research, using the research tools I have developed to deliver real outcomes that will change clinical practice
Protecting Newborn Brains Via Innovative Monitoring Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,460.00
Summary
This project aims to develop innovative brain monitoring technology which could help minimise brain damage in newborn babies with brain injuries, thereby delivering a healthier start to life. Such novel technology may automatically analyse babies’ brain activity and deliver instant detection of critical abnormalities, which could enable more effective treatment of brain injuries. Babies with reduced oxygen or blood supply to the brain and premature babies could benefit from such innovations.
This project will test if the ratio of the two different estrogens found in the blood of pregnant women is the critical factor in determining the onset of contractions in the uterus at labour. The studies will also determine the role of a newly discovered receptor for estrogens in allowing powerful contractions at labour. Results will allow development of new treatments to prevent premature birth that block the actions of estrogen at this new receptor or change the ratio of the two estrogens.
Regulation Of Progesterone Action In Human Parturition.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,983.00
Summary
Premature birth is the leading cause of neonatal death and sickness, and numbers are increasing due to our ignorance of the biology of labour. Progesterone maintains pregnancy and its withdrawal results in birth, but how this is achieved in humans is unknown. This project will determine the molecular mechanisms by which progesterone action is regulated during the transition from pregnancy to birth. This data will guide new strategies to prevent premature birth.
Improving The Long-term Quality Of Life For Preterm Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
My vision is to improve the long-term quality of life of preterm children (<37 weeks’ gestation), with a specific focus on those born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks’ gestation). To achieve this goal my research has two broad and related aims: 1) Determine the neurological and socio-environmental mechanisms leading to impairments in preterm children; and 2) Develop and assess the efficacy of perinatal and early intervention programs for preterm children.
Novel Methods For Early Bedside Detection And Prognosis Of Preterm Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,880.00
Summary
Quick and robust assessments of preterm brain activity are critical for identifying early markers of brain injuries. We need to predict poor outcomes before they develop in order to give clinicians the best chance of helping sick infants. This project will develop and validate new non-invasive methods for assessing early brain activity in preterm infants at risk of developing poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Each year approximately 24,000 Australian children are born too early. A new international study led by Western Australian researchers is studying the role that genetics play in preterm birth. This study will evaluate the genomes of 10,000 women of which 2,000 come from Western Australia. It is anticipated that this study will advance our knowledge about the genetic basis of preterm birth and assist in providing customised clinical care to those at highest risk.
We aim to predict neurodevelopmental disability in babies born very preterm, earlier and more accurately than currently possible, by identifying structural and functional connectivity features that correlate with clinical measures of motor and neurodevelopmental functions. To do this we will use brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dense array electroencephalography (EEG) and structured clinical neurodevelopmental assessments to provide a cutting edge view of the state of brain development.