Targeting The NLRP3 Inflammasome And Interleukin-18 In Hypertensive Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,241,115.00
Summary
Heart failure is a common complication of hypertension and a major cause of death and disability worldwide. This project will characterise a newly identified inflammatory pathway that we believe to be a major cause of the enlargement and scarring of the heart that accompanies hypertension. We will also trial drugs that block this inflammatory pathway to determine their suitability as future therapies for this devastating disease.
Influenza A Viral Infection And Pregnancy Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,346,858.00
Summary
Pregnant women who contract influenza are 5 times more likely to be hospitalised than the general population. Babies of mothers with influenza are also associated with increased perinatal mortality rates. We hypothesise that influenza infection in pregnancy significantly impairs the maternal vascular system resulting in maternal and foetal morbidity. Outcomes from this research may change current treatment modalities to improve maternal and foetal outcomes complicated by influenza infection.
Genetic testing of IVF embryos promises to improve success but shows no effect of live-birth rates. Many embryos are mosaic: containing cells with correct and incorrect chromosome numbers. Current testing is an invasive biopsy which fails to diagnose how many cells are abnormal in the cells that develop into the baby. Here we will use imaging to determine the ratio of abnormal:normal cells resulting in a non-invasive diagnostic that will improve IVF success.
Mitochondrial donation in fertilised eggs is a possible therapy for avoiding mitochondrial DNA disease, but there are major safety concerns, such as mutant mitochondrial carryover. To address these concerns, we will develop two new methods to eliminate carryover risk, then translate our findings to human eggs. Also, we will determine if the mitochondrial donation procedure affects offspring health. Our findings will serve as a guide for adopting the technology.
UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF METAPHASE II SPINDLE TRANSFER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,629,373.00
Summary
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases are transmitted from a mother's eggs to her children. However, the levels of affected mtDNA differ amongst her eggs. Consequently, a carrier would not know if the newborn child were to suffer from these diseases. Mitochondrial Donation offers couples the potential to have an unaffected child. We will undertake the most comprehensive study of mitochondrial donation using one of its associated approaches to determine if it produces healthy embryos and offspring.