Physiological genomic analysis of Lvm-1 - a genetic locus that determines left ventricular mass

Funded Activity Summary

As many as one in ten healthy individuals have big hearts. Careful scientific investigation has revealed that the bigger one's heart, the greater the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. This is true even in the absence of known causes of heart disease. Unlike high blood pressure or cholesterol, the size of the heart is not easily measured and enlargement often goes undetected. We were among the first internationally to discover genetic clues to enlarged hearts. We identified regions on rat chromosomes that harbour the gene or genes that influence heart size. The aim of these studies is to identify the exact gene responsible and to understand how that gene produces its effects. The experiments involve testing DNA samples already obtained from many hundreds of rats and breeding animals to study the consequences of the genetic abnormality in greater detail. The experiments are critical steps towards the prevention of big hearts and their complications in humans. In time, genetic tests will offer earlier detection and facilitate targeted and tailored treatments.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2002

End Date: 01-01-2004

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $356,540.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Quantitative Genetics

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

cardiac hypertrophy | cardiovascular health | congenic strains | genetic linkage | genetic susceptibility | heart | mutation detection

Related Links