Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal death and cerebral palsy. This grant will provide proof-of-concept that a computer program can be developed to predict a pregnant woman�s risk of preterm birth. There is a large market (4M US and 8M Europe), there are no competing technologies. This is a unique collaboration between Biomedical Engineering and an Australian centre with an international reputation in preterm birth, assisted by a pathology company.
Mechanisms Of Escape From Progesterone-induced Suppression: Role In Normal And Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,970.00
Summary
Prematurity caused by preterm birth is the leading cause of death and disease among newborns in Australia. Here we will define how the length of pregnancy is determined by the opposing actions of progesterone, which maintains pregnancy, and prostaglandins, which induce labour. We will demonstrate the mechanism by which the actions of the two hormones are balanced in normal pregnancy and disrupted in preterm labour. We will show that preterm birth can be prevented by correcting the disorder.
Role of Musashi in the regulation of cell cycle proteins. We have identified a protein family that directs cell fate and maintains male fertility. This project will provide new avenues for generation of contraceptives in male animals and to regulate stem cells for production of specialised cell types in biotechnological applications.