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
Clinical Approaches To Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disease burden globally. While many new treatments have been discovered in the last few decades to prevent CVD, surveys show many people do not receive these treatments. Dr. Chow is committed to using her skills as a cardiologist and a researcher to bridge this gap. Her program aims to identify novel, simple and scalable approaches to decrease the gap in preventative care and reduce the burden of CVD in Australia and beyond.
Improving Prevention Of Cardiovascualr Disease In High Risk Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Heart attack and stroke are the leading causes of death and disease burden globally. While there are highly effective treatments to prevent cardiovascular disease, surveys in Australia and other parts of the world indicate they are not being taken up. This program of research aims to improve prevention in individuals at high risk of heart attack and stroke by developing and testing strategies to increase the use of effective evidence-based treatment therapies.
Central Blood Pressure And Cardiovascular Risk In Children Within The General Population And After Repair Of Congenital Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
With an exceptional research standing internationally, and as the leader of a Cardiovascular Bioengineering team, I am developing a new method for assessing central blood pressure in children that will provide better information about early risk of cardiovascular disease than arm blood pressure. This will be applied (1) in a large health study of Australian children and (2) to identify risks and causes of adult-type cardiovascular disease in children with repaired congenital heart disease.
Implementation Of Innovative Strategies For CVD Secondary Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disease globally. The resulting social and economic burden is of growing concern and the demand for efficient care is intensifying. My research aims to implement innovative, scalable and efficient strategies to improve outcomes for people living with heart disease. Specifically, my research will evaluate how text messaging and mobile apps can strengthen patient-level behaviour change and how data can be used to strengthen health service delivery.
Central Blood Pressure: Physiology And Clinical Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
Current methods used by doctors to measure blood pressure (BP) have many limitations that could result in incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of high BP (hypertension). This research program will determine the clinical usefulness of new methods to diagnose and treat people with high BP. The underlying mechanisms contributing to high BP will also be examined. The findings will lead to improved ways to identify and more effectively manage people with high BP.
Novel Single-chain Antibody-targeted Nanoparticles For Diagnosis Of Vascular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop targeted imaging agents that seek out specific markers for various states of cardiovascular disease. These agents would provide a method for detecting the presence and level of atherosclerosis, fatty tissue build up in the vessel wall. The nanoparticles may provide a unique opportunity to detect very early plaques, the vulnerability of existing plaques and difficult-to-diagnose vessel blockages such as clots in lung vessels (pulmonary embolism).