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I am a molecular cardiologist whose primary focus is identifying the genetic basis of heart disease, specifically in the young. Understanding the genetic causes of heart disease will likely allow for earlier diagnosis of disease, and therefore greater op
Linkage And Sequence Analysis Of A Locus On The X Chromosome That Contributes To Population Variation In Blood Pressure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,080.00
Summary
High blood pressure is a prominent risk factor for heart attack and stroke which kill over 30,000 Australians each year. Blood pressure is determined by the combination of inherited predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet. Understanding these combinations offers new opportunities for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. We have discovered recently that genes on the sex chromosome known as chromosome X appear to be linked with high blood pressure. Building on this basic obs ....High blood pressure is a prominent risk factor for heart attack and stroke which kill over 30,000 Australians each year. Blood pressure is determined by the combination of inherited predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet. Understanding these combinations offers new opportunities for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. We have discovered recently that genes on the sex chromosome known as chromosome X appear to be linked with high blood pressure. Building on this basic observation, we shall extend our studies to place the findings beyond reasonable doubt. We shall investigate the gene sequences in this region of the X chromosome to discover what changes in the DNA code might lead to high blood pressure and how this might happen. Our studies capitalise on the recent release of the draft sequence of the entire human genome. These investigations in almost 800 healthy volunteer families have the potential to provide new opportunities for prevention and treatment of cardovascular disease.Read moreRead less
Linkage And Association Analyses Of A Locus On Chromosome 4 That Contributes To Population Variation In HDL Cholesterol
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,562.00
Summary
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol becuase it helps remove cholesterol from the body. Many studies have shown that the higher one's HDL cholesterol, the less likely is the development of hardening of the arteries and heart attack. The important questions are what controls HDL cholesterol levels and how could we make them higher? We know that lifestyle and genetics are important. Smoking and lack of exercise are known to reduce HDL cholesterol, while mode ....High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol becuase it helps remove cholesterol from the body. Many studies have shown that the higher one's HDL cholesterol, the less likely is the development of hardening of the arteries and heart attack. The important questions are what controls HDL cholesterol levels and how could we make them higher? We know that lifestyle and genetics are important. Smoking and lack of exercise are known to reduce HDL cholesterol, while moderate alcohol intake increases HDL cholesterol. However, genetic factors are very important determinants, but have remained obscure. Through our recent discovery in the Victorian Family Heart Study (VFHS), we located a region on chromosome 4 that influences plasma level of HDL cholesterol. Further testing has confirmed and refined our genetic target - a gene somewhere in this region that controls HDL cholesterol levels. The next step is to find the culprit gene and the DNA sequences that explain why some people have high and others low HDL cholesterol levels. We have the advantage of a large and well characterised group of volunteers and the very latest molecular techniques to track down the gene. Few other groups internationally have our resources or are as advanced in their research. This study will have significant implications for the development of effective and targeted strategies for detection, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less
Biomarkers And Genetic Determinants Of Cardiovascular Risk In Diabetes: The FIELD Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,961,718.00
Summary
The patient characteristics and blood factors determining the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney and eye disease in people suffering from diabetes are not well understood. The FIELD Study, by analysing these characteristics and many blood factors hopes to shed light on ways to prevent these complications for future patients. The project proposes to measure factors on blood samples collected on more than 9000 patients with diabetes and analyse these over the next three years. It hopes to help d ....The patient characteristics and blood factors determining the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney and eye disease in people suffering from diabetes are not well understood. The FIELD Study, by analysing these characteristics and many blood factors hopes to shed light on ways to prevent these complications for future patients. The project proposes to measure factors on blood samples collected on more than 9000 patients with diabetes and analyse these over the next three years. It hopes to help doctors identify patients who are at particular risk of complications for special attention and early treatment.Read moreRead less